The essentials of Christianity

[McCulloch]

As far as Christians who believe non-essentials that are wrong thinking (i.e. they are the only saved group, prayers to Mary are beneficial, etc.), it doesn't mean they aren't saved. I believe when they get to heaven they'll find out there were things they were wrong about, just as I will.

Question for debate: Just what are the minimum essential beliefs of Christianity? How do you tell the difference between a wrong teaching that is acceptable or tolerable and a wrong teaching or belief that may affect one's salvation?

[Cathar1950]

I think love defined as 'the outpouring of energy' is a valid.

It might be a valid metaphor. But it certainly is not a good definition. Stick your finger into an electrical socket and feel the love.

If Edmond Cohn was talking about humans as conductors for electricity, than I disagree with love as an outpouring of energy.

So, scratch that last comment.

Is that what he meant?

It isn't so much like a "outpouring of energy" as it is a "siphoning" of energy as in draining a battery.

In psychodynamic terms, God is a complex, siphoning libido
from ego-personality, disrupting the balance between progressive and
regressive flow of libido.

[rsvp]

"The most important thing is "loving God with all you have" (as is fleshed out in the Law) and "loving your neighbor as yourself."

"Love covers a multitude of sins..."

"If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.

If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.

If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames,b but have not love, I gain nothing. "

And that is the beauty of using a word like love with many meaning which are often esoteric and subjective. What does love mean? Is it agape which is borrowed from the relationship or contract, sometimes unconditional, between a lord and vassal, mostly the duties of the servant.
Or is it feeling or emotion?
It can and does mean everything and anything to anyone and everyone.
Do you think Muslims and Jews love?

Jesus said if you love me, then keep my commandments. I would say it is an obedient love like a father son relationship.

[Cathar1950]

"The most important thing is "loving God with all you have" (as is fleshed out in the Law) and "loving your neighbor as yourself."

"Love covers a multitude of sins..."

"If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.

If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.

If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames,b but have not love, I gain nothing. "

And that is the beauty of using a word like love with many meaning which are often esoteric and subjective. What does love mean? Is it agape which is borrowed from the relationship or contract, sometimes unconditional, between a lord and vassal, mostly the duties of the servant.
Or is it feeling or emotion?
It can and does mean everything and anything to anyone and everyone.
Do you think Muslims and Jews love?

Jesus said if you love me, then keep my commandments. I would say it is an obedient love like a father son relationship.

I doubt Jesus said that and it is most likly the invention of the unknown author of John (Jn. 14:15).
But that would be between Jesus and the believer, a bride and groom, rather then between a father and son. Still we can see love is obedience here and hardly shows affection. What word for love did the author use?