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Imperial Library
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Index
Preface
Part 1: Ten Things Christians Don’t Need to Believe
1. God Causes Cancer, Car Wrecks, and Other Catastrophes
Although God can and does bring good results out of tragedy, God does not cause tragic events to occur .
2. Good Christians Don’t Doubt
Doubt is not the enemy of faith but part of authentic Christianity .
3. True Christians Can’t Believe in Evolution
Science and faith are fully compatible, and theistic evolution is a perfectly acceptable Christian belief .
4. Women Can’t Be Preachers and Must Submit to Men
Women are fully equal with men in marriage, in church, and in society .
5. God Cares about Saving Souls but Not about Saving Trees
God cares about personal salvation and social justice, and so should God’s church .
6. Bad People Will Be “Left Behind” and Then Fry in Hell
Left-behind rapture theology is neither a biblical nor a historical Christian belief and should be left behind by mainline and moderate evangelical Christians .
7. Jews Won’t Make It to Heaven
The ultimate destiny of non-Christians is in God’s hands, and God can be trusted to do what’s right .
8. Everything in the Bible Should Be Taken Literally
Although we must always take the Bible seriously, we don’t always have to take it literally .
9. God Loves Straight People but Not Gay People
All persons, including homosexual persons, are welcome in God’s church. Beyond that, however, mainline and moderate churches are not of one mind on this issue. For now, “welcoming but not affirming” best describes most mainline churches, and the discussion goes on .
10. It’s OK for Christians to Be Judgmental and Obnoxious
True Christians leave judgment to God .
Part 2: Ten Things Christians Do Need to Believe
11. Jesus’ Identity: Who Is Jesus?
Jesus “the Christ, the Son of the living God,” is the heart of Christianity .
12. Jesus’ Priority: What Matters Most?
Relationships—with God and others—matter most .
13. Jesus’ Grace: Am I Accepted?
Even with our flaws, Jesus loves and accepts us as beloved children of God .
14. Jesus’ Work: Where Is God?
Although God is not limited to working through people, God primarily works through human instruments .
15. Jesus’ Example: What Brings Fulfillment?
True fulfillment comes from serving others .
16. Jesus’ Death: What about Suffering?
Although God does not prevent suffering, the crucified God fully enters human suffering and works to redeem that suffering .
17. Jesus’ Resurrection: Is There Hope?
Jesus Christ’s resurrection gives us hope for life and even hope for death .
18. Jesus’ Legacy: Is the Church Still Relevant?
In spite of its flaws, the church is still God’s primary vehicle for doing God’s work in the world, and every Christian needs to belong to one .
19. Jesus’ Promise: Who Is the Holy Spirit?
The Holy Spirit is God’s empowering presence in our lives, in the life of the church, and in the world .
20. Jesus’ Vision: What Is God’s Dream for the World?
The kingdom of God is God’s dream for the world, and we are called to help make that dream a reality, both in our personal lives and in society .
21. A Final Question: Do Mainline Christians Believe in Getting Saved?
Mainline Christians do believe in getting saved. But that raises the question, what does it mean to be saved?
Conclusion
Studying This Book in Your Church
A Message to Pastors
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