Christian Identity & British Israelism and the varied doctrine

[Ekklesia]

(06-30-2011 12:57 AM)Mary Wrote:  Hi Ekklesia, Thank you for clearly stating where your beliefs lie. I would like to urge readers to research for themselves the beliefs of the "Christian Identity movement" . The same beliefs are found under Armstrongism, and the United Church of God. Ekklesia is promising a civil discussion, but I feel confident in saying that these will be difficult discussions. We will need to keep our eyes on Jesus, and keep each other in prayer. The bible is our standard. We will be taken down many rabbit trails of doubtful disputings about language and word meanings. There will be much confusion.

Hello Mary. Nice to meet you.

I agree, that everyone should research the 'Christian Identity Movement'. In doing so, I would point out that much of the research out there is done by people who have 'an axe to grind'.

So, to be objective, research both sides. There are good books (by ernest Christians) that fairly represent the beliefs on the 'pro' side, such as:
>>>>>>[links deleted as per forum rules---newbies cannot post links >>>Vic]>>>>>It should be noted too that anything read on either side of the debate 'pro' or 'anti' should never be taking on its own. Any biblical claim SHOULD ALWAYS be compared directly to the bible.

Another note I'd add, is that many judge identity Christianity (I'm not keen on labels), by judging Herbert W Armstrong. Although Herbert W Armstrong subscribed to Christianity Identity beliefs his beliefs were his own and not entirely represenative. (Like everything in life, there are always good and bad apples in everything)

He also subscribed to Seventh Day Adventism and his work "United States and Britain in Prophecy" was not original (it was actually a rewrite of J.H. Allens work Judah's Sceptre and Joseph's Birthright, which is actually worth the read)

Finally, and in response to Mary's comment about rabbit trails, I couldn't agree more, but I'd add that doing the research yourself (with bible in hand) may also expose the rabbit trails we've already erroneously gone down.

Thanks for your comments Mary.

---

In my post above, I meant to extend in invitation for people to dialogue with me directly (via these forums). I realised after posting that I didn't do that, so let me do that here.

If you want to know what A Calvinist thinks; ask them.
If you want to know what Calvinism is; read Calvinists (as opposed to asking Arminians, who won't give give you an objective view).

Likewise, if you want to know what an 'identity Christian' thinks .... feel free to ask. Why (what are the ground rules)?

I am a Christian, committed to Christ, as the only means by which anyone can be saved, however I am also committed to the entire truth as recorded in scripture. Just because someone believes in Christ however (as the only means to salvation), does not mean all of their 'theology' is true. That applies both to me and those who disagree with me.

I believe the bible is 100% TRUE. I believe everything. I do not believe any human is infallible, including me, so I am open to the possibility/probability I may be wrong in my beliefs. Likewise, there are many 'mainstream' Christian's who hold erroneous beliefs. (I would also say that there are many main stream Christian traditions that are unbiblical).

Therefore, I welcome articulate, well presented counter-arguments. If there controversy / disagreement during dialogue, - there is always an objective third party to arbitrate, namely the Bible in its original language with its original meaning). As long as those who engage in dialogue are also committed to what the bible says, and means, as the standard of truth, and are respectful that indeed I am a Christian committed to Christ, there is always room for discussion.

(incidentally, simply spamming me with bible passages is not nearly as productive as engaging me with what the passages say. If the passages are merely cited, I will read them {all} for myself.)