Religious Affiliations, Beliefs and Bible Preferences

There were several questions in your poll that I had difficulty answering, because either way, it would give an erroneous impression of my beliefs:

"Do you believe in? "

I didn't really understand this question. First of all, while I am not Catholic (I'm Quaker), I immediately noticed the lack of any mention of Purgatory. Mostly, I found the question difficult to answer because I more or less consider it irrelevant to what we should be thinking about (how we should be living our lives). I ended up picking "Universal Reconciliation," only because that looked like the best option of the three.

"Do you believe in the trustworthiness of the Bible as containing a revelation from God?"

I ended up answering "No," even though that isn't entirely correct. I believe that the Bible is trustworthy, in the sense that it is not lies and it contains truth.

However, if I had answered Yes, this would have incorrectly placed me in the category of "person who believes the Bible is infallible and was dictated by God," when in fact I believe that the Bible is fallible, and written by people, about God.

"Do you believe in the spiritual authority and leadership of His Son Jesus Christ?"

Oh boy. Another loaded question, to which I cringingly answered "Yes." This is actually four separate questions:

1) Do you believe Jesus Christ is His Son (Implied: His only Son, who is holy, not a part of humanity, and divine, while humanity is not)? 2) Do you believe Jesus Christ has spiritual leadership over humanity in the sense that one should follow in His footsteps? 3) Do you believe Jesus Christ has spiritual authority, in the sense that His teachings are wise and should be attended? 4) Do you believe Jesus Christ has spiritual authority and leadership, in the sense that one should accept him into his heart as their Lord and Savior (are you Fundamentalist)?

My answer to #1 is "I'm not sure." My answer to #2 is "Most likely." My answer to #3 is "Most definitely." My answer to #4 is "Most definitely NOT."

"Do you believe in the certainty of just retribution for sin?"

I believe that it is wrong to want just retribution for others' sins, and it is wrong for us to sin, regardless of possible retribution -- so therefore this question is irrelevant.

========== In Reply To ========== There were several questions in your poll that I had difficulty answering, because either way, it would give an erroneous impression of my beliefs:

"Do you believe in? "

I didn't really understand this question. First of all, while I am not Catholic (I'm Quaker), I immediately noticed the lack of any mention of Purgatory. Mostly, I found the question difficult to answer because I more or less consider it irrelevant to what we should be thinking about (how we should be living our lives). I ended up picking "Universal Reconciliation," only because that looked like the best option of the three.

"Do you believe in the trustworthiness of the Bible as containing a revelation from God?"

I ended up answering "No," even though that isn't entirely correct. I believe that the Bible is trustworthy, in the sense that it is not lies and it contains truth.

However, if I had answered Yes, this would have incorrectly placed me in the category of "person who believes the Bible is infallible and was dictated by God," when in fact I believe that the Bible is fallible, and written by people, about God.

"Do you believe in the spiritual authority and leadership of His Son Jesus Christ?"

Oh boy. Another loaded question, to which I cringingly answered "Yes." This is actually four separate questions:

1) Do you believe Jesus Christ is His Son (Implied: His only Son, who is holy, not a part of humanity, and divine, while humanity is not)? 2) Do you believe Jesus Christ has spiritual leadership over humanity in the sense that one should follow in His footsteps? 3) Do you believe Jesus Christ has spiritual authority, in the sense that His teachings are wise and should be attended? 4) Do you believe Jesus Christ has spiritual authority and leadership, in the sense that one should accept him into his heart as their Lord and Savior (are you Fundamentalist)?

My answer to #1 is "I'm not sure." My answer to #2 is "Most likely." My answer to #3 is "Most definitely." My answer to #4 is "Most definitely NOT."

"Do you believe in the certainty of just retribution for sin?"

I believe that it is wrong to want just retribution for others' sins, and it is wrong for us to sin, regardless of possible retribution -- so therefore this question is irrelevant.

In reponse I would like to know if the Quakers or you specifically, read and follow the bible?

Do you accept the bible as the truth or do you pick and choose?

Your response, especially your last one sub part 4, a definate no, confuses me IF you accept the bible.

If you wish to explain Quaker beliefs and fundamentals to a non-denominational (but pentacostal prone) believer, please respond to jperry@knology.net. Thanks and God Bless.

JPerry