Unitarian Christianity

We do accept other religions, we believe most religions were at one time Islam. for example Christianity and Judaism

Neither do Chrisitians accept other religions...
we believe Christianity is just a continuation from Judaism...that God made the message simplier to understand for his people..what was really required of them...

format_quote Originally Posted by Moss

I don't know which prophecies you are talking about, i'm unaware of prophecies in the bible. Can you share some

Either way we believe all the prophets, including ones before Jesus PBUH were told of the signs of the day of judgement. Some of these have come true, some are yet to be fulfilled. We believe all were told of the coming of the last prophet, prophet Muhammed PBUH, and Jesus PBUH himself prophecises Muhammed in the bible

http://www.islamicity.com/Mosque/Muhammad_Bible.HTM

sure here are a couple of them

Luk 21:29 "Look at the fig tree, and all the trees.
Luk 21:30 As soon as they come out in leaf, you see for yourselves and know that the summer is already near.
Luk 21:31 So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that the kingdom of God is near.

In Luke 21:29-31, Jesus said that when the fig tree blooms again, people will know that the End Times and Kingdom of God is near. Some Christian scholars believe that the fig tree represents the nation of Israel. This passage is sometimes interpreted to mean that the End Times would not begin until sometime after the nation of Israel regains sovereignty. When Jesus delivered this prophecy about 2000 years ago, Israel was ruled over by the Roman Empire. The people of Israel did not have sovereignty over their own land during that era. But, after centuries of exile, the Jews were able to return to Israel and reclaim sovereignty, in 1948.

In Matthew 16:18,
And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.


Jesus told the Apostle Peter (Simon) that he would be the rock or foundation on which Jesus will build His church, and that the church would not be conquered or wiped out by non-believers (as expressed in the phrase "gates of hell" or "gates of Hades"). Within a few decades after the crucifixion of Jesus, Peter was able to see firsthand that the early Christians would endure tremendous persecution. The church endured intense persecution for about three centuries by the Roman Empire. But, the church survived and thrived during that time, even though the Roman Empire itself disintegrated. Although the majority of the world's religions have died out, Christianity flourished and has become the first religion to have spread worldwide.

I understand that Muslims believe to be the gift Jesus was talking about For Christians this is the gift of the Holy Spirit that dwells in all Chrisitians accept the gift...who teaches us things, gives the power of Healing the sick etc...
This Spirit Gods Spirit is still living. We do not accept a person when dead is still living..it goes back to dust.

Long ago, God, with His infinite foresight, knew that this situation would occur. He knew that we would each need the continuing presence of the Holy Spirit, to practice and learn the proper behavior patterns. He knew that a single lesson would be lost on us. He needed to 'install' part of the Holy Spirit in each of us, in order to continuously combat the naturally evil tendencies of our humanness, and in order to continuously teach us proper Christian thoughts and behavior.

http://mb-soft.com/public/holyspir.html

I understand Mohammed gave you the lessons of living a Holy life and teachings etc...but what does he do today for you besides you are able to read, study his words and live according to his words.

The Holy Spirit is really with you and when you have it...you definiatly know it. So we have Jesus' teachings plus a Holy Spirit indwelling in us.

http://www.americanunitarian.org/AUCChristian.htm


1) the belief that human nature in its present condition is neither inherently corrupt nor depraved, but exactly as God created it and intended it to be from the beginning, capable of both good and evil;

2) the conviction that no religion has a monopoly on holy spirit or theological truth;

3) the belief that the Bible, while inspired of God, is written by humans and therefore subject to human error;

4) the rejection of traditional doctrines that malign God’s character or veil the true nature and mission of Jesus, such as the doctrines of predestination, eternal damnation, the Trinity, and the vicarious sacrifice or satisfaction theory of the Atonement.
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The General Convention of the Unitarian Universalists formulated the five principles of the Universalist Faith in 1899.

The Universal Fatherhood of God
The spiritual authority and leadership of His Son Jesus Christ
The trustworthiness of the Bible as containing a revelation from God
The certainty of just retribution for sin
The final harmony of all souls with God
Additional beliefs generally held by Unitarian Universalists are:

Salvation is by grace through faith and not by works in any way.
Jesus became the Son of God at His baptism.
The Holy Spirit is not a person, does not have a will, etc.
There now is and will be rewards and punishments according to one's actions but this does not consist of the traditional doctrine of hell.
Human reason and experience should be the final authority in determining spiritual truth.

http://www.carm.org/uni/unitarianism.htm


I've found these to link about their belief system...are they correct...I found it very interesting


I'd like to ask about... what kind of works does the Holy Spirits do today within the Unitarian church...and for it's believers.
Are they the same kind of works that where performed thoughout the Bible in the NT..and the same has into todays Christian church. e.g. healing, speaking in tongues,revelations etc?

I'd like to learn more

format_quote Originally Posted by izmi

Renak

I think you should confine yourself to explaining Unitarianism to us and stop saying nonsense about the different Christian faiths.

I do not believe that I'm "spreading nonsense". I feel that I have a pretty good grasp on a lot of the Christian faiths. I'm unsure why you claim that I'm spreading nonsense?????

format_quote Originally Posted by Nicola

http://www.americanunitarian.org/AUCChristian.htm


1) the belief that human nature in its present condition is neither inherently corrupt nor depraved, but exactly as God created it and intended it to be from the beginning, capable of both good and evil;

2) the conviction that no religion has a monopoly on holy spirit or theological truth;

3) the belief that the Bible, while inspired of God, is written by humans and therefore subject to human error;

4) the rejection of traditional doctrines that malign God’s character or veil the true nature and mission of Jesus, such as the doctrines of predestination, eternal damnation, the Trinity, and the vicarious sacrifice or satisfaction theory of the Atonement.
----------------------
The General Convention of the Unitarian Universalists formulated the five principles of the Universalist Faith in 1899.

The Universal Fatherhood of God
The spiritual authority and leadership of His Son Jesus Christ
The trustworthiness of the Bible as containing a revelation from God
The certainty of just retribution for sin
The final harmony of all souls with God
Additional beliefs generally held by Unitarian Universalists are:

Salvation is by grace through faith and not by works in any way.
Jesus became the Son of God at His baptism.
The Holy Spirit is not a person, does not have a will, etc.
There now is and will be rewards and punishments according to one's actions but this does not consist of the traditional doctrine of hell.
Human reason and experience should be the final authority in determining spiritual truth.

http://www.carm.org/uni/unitarianism.htm


I've found these to link about their belief system...are they correct...I found it very interesting


I'd like to ask about... what kind of works does the Holy Spirits do today within the Unitarian church...and for it's believers.
Are they the same kind of works that where performed thoughout the Bible in the NT..and the same has into todays Christian church. e.g. healing, speaking in tongues,revelations etc?

I'd like to learn more

I believe that most Unitarians would state that the holy spirit was the "essence of God". The holy spirit is not separate from God. I think an easy way to explain the holy spirit is too view it as the guidance God gives us. I suppose that speaking in tongues, revelations, and healings could be contributed to the holy spirit. The denomination doesn't have an official viewpoint on these actions.

The information you found concerning Unitarians sounds pretty accurate. Of course being that it is an extremely liberal religion, members are welcome to accept or reject any belief they find untrue. I think the increased liberalism of the Unitarians has made me exam Islam, Christianity, and other religions in more detail. I personally believe that the Unitarian denomination is becoming more of a "social group", and less of a religious denomination.

This thread is truly insightful. Thank you all for sharing your opinions. I learned alot tonight. This kind of dialogue makes me smile.

format_quote Originally Posted by renak

I was taught that he was a messenger (prophet), like Mohammed. The term "son of God" is often taken out of context. I would have to say that most of the Christians that I know (various protestant sects) were taught that Jesus and God were separate entities. The trinity is mostly a Catholic belief. Most protestants do not understand, or fully accept the trinity. Therefore, they ignore the whole trinity issue. To the protestant sects I would have to argue that the humanity of Jesus is stressed. When someone refers to Jesus as the "son of God", they are normally meaning that Jesus was a son of God just as I am a daughter of god, or any male is a son of god. God made Jesus, he also made me, and you, etc...We are his "children".

The beliefs of Catholics and Protestants are completely opposite of one another. It's also worth mentioning that in the United States, there's more than twice as many Protestants, opposed to Catholics. I would even venture to say (and some may not agree) that Protestants in general have more in common with Islam than they do Christian Catholics. However, most Protestants do not realize this, due to lack of understanding toward Islam.

wow.... i love you!!!....

format_quote Originally Posted by izmi

Renak

Explain what a Protestant who believes in the Trinity, otherwise he wouldn't be a Protestant, has in common with the Islamic concept of God.

Thank you for answering.

I believe that I've shared in my prior posts that not all Protestants actually believe in the trinity. You are refusing to acknowlege my point of view. In reference to what Protestants may have in common with the Islamic concept of God, let me state the following:

These are often refered to as the Five Principles of Protestantism:

1. The Pope has no authority: There is not an appointed religious leader for all of Protestants. To seek communication with God through a religious leader is not allowed. Communication with God is the direct responsibility of each individual.

2. The Bible Alone: The old and new testaments are the authority for all religious practices and beliefs

3. Free Interpretation of the Bible: Every person has the right to interpret the Bible according to his/her own conscience

4. Salvation is by faith alone: simply in believing in the bible, God, and Jesus, one will receive salvation from God.

5. The Priesthood of all Believers: each person is their own "priest". Protestants have pastors, which serve only to give their views and guidance. People do not have to accept the authority of the pastors.

Being that I am not muslim, and only studying Islam, my source of reference is limited to the articles I've read and conversations I've had with other muslims. I am in no way stating that my interpretation of Islam is correct. My comparisons are mostly subject to what I hear and observe from muslim friends. The comparisons I have between Islam and Protestantism are as follows:

1. Both seem to have a direct relationship with God. Both seem to confess their sins and speak directly God, opposed to a religious leader. Also, neither pray through saints (that I'm aware of).

2. While Protestants rely on the old testament and new testament alone, Muslims have the old testament, Quran, Sunnah, and Hadith. However, it appears to me that both allow for differences in interpretations (hence Sunni and Shia sects).

3. Neither seem to place emphasis on religious idols and icons

Thus I see the similarities between Islam and Protestantism as basically being a direct relationship with God/Allah, absent from worship of church created saints and icons.

format_quote Originally Posted by izmi

Renak


What are the "completely opposite" beliefs of Protestants and Catholics on the Trinity ?

Thank you for answering.

The "completely opposite" beliefs of Protestants and Catholics on the trinity is simply that to be a Protestant, one does not have to believe in the trinity. One cornerstone of Protestantism is that every individual is supposed to interpret the bible according to his/her conscience. Many Protestants choose not to believe in the trinity. However, this is not an option with Catholics. To be a Roman Catholic, you must believe in the trinity.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trinity...t_distinctions

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Protestant

format_quote Originally Posted by izmi

Renak

It is the first time in my life that I hear such a ridiculous thing as Protestants do not believe in the Trinity. A Christian by definition is someone who believes in the Trinity and Protestants are Christians. Of course Catholics have exactly the same belief.

The main differences between the two is that Protestants do not recognize the Pope as Jesus representative, and they rely strictly on the Scriptures and not on the Tradition (the Catholic Sunna).

In one of the two links you provide is written that Protestants "uphold the Trinitarian Tradition as a biblical doctrine." (Trinity Wikipedia)

If you read the information again, you will see that Protestants are afforded the right to interpret the bible however they choose. I do not recall the article stated that all Protestants hold the Trinitarian Tradition as a biblical doctrine.

Christians are not by definition people who believe in the trinity. They are people who believe in Christ.

How involved have you been in a Protestant denomination? Do you attend their churches on a regular basis? If so, is it just one denomination, or have you allowed yourself the opportunity to visit several?

Hi Renak,

Thanks for the posts - very informative!

format_quote Originally Posted by renak

My Unitarian background taught that Muhammed was a prophet like Jesus.

then that makes you a Muslim

format_quote Originally Posted by itsme01

then that makes you a Muslim

Really, I did not know that. Let me clarify that I was taught to respect Mohammed as a prophet, but never taught information about him. Should I change my status from Christian to Muslim? I was thinking that I needed to learn a bit more about him.

format_quote Originally Posted by renak

Really, I did not know that. Let me clarify that I was taught to respect Mohammed as a prophet, but never taught information about him. Should I change my status from Christian to Muslim? I was thinking that I needed to learn a bit more about him.

lol,
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Defination of a Muslim: One who surrenders to God.
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its upto you, whenever you are ready - change it.

format_quote Originally Posted by izmi

Renak


They can interpret the Bible only by respecting strict rules of adherence to the Scriptures, not "however they choose".


You give only half of the definition.
Christians are people who believe in Christ as the incarnation of God among humans.


I am not a Christian but I live in Alsace, an area where Catholics and Protestants have been around for centuries, where many villages have a Catholic and a Protestant church and even share the same building (it is called a simultaneum).
Christianity, whether you are a believer or an unbeliever, belongs to our culture.

I still stand firm in my explanations.

format_quote Originally Posted by izmi

Itsme



By your definition are Christians, Mormons, Hindus Muslims ? They all submit to God.

unfortunately - the mentioned groups fail to worship one God despite the scriptures telling them to do so.

ps: God not god

format_quote Originally Posted by renak

Really, I did not know that. Let me clarify that I was taught to respect Mohammed as a prophet, but never taught information about him. Should I change my status from Christian to Muslim? I was thinking that I needed to learn a bit more about him.

Looool. Yes, I think you should learn a bit more about him before you do that.