How would you answer a friend who said, "I am not a biblical literalist and not a sin-focused or original sin believer."?
Her full quote: I am not a biblical literalist and not a sin-focused or original sin believer. I think we all are made in the image and likeness of God, and that grace and love are the eternal essence of God, not our supposed separation from God and “his” supposed wrath." UPDATE ON HER ANSWER after she read the 2 answers, 7/21/21: "Jack, ...No need to “try” to save me anymore and get me to agree with your religious views; Jesus has been my best bud since I was 2 1/2 years old and could first hear the story and see my mom and her mom’s example. Our theology and biblical understanding may be different but there is room for both of us in the many mansions in heaven where the trinity has prepared a place for each of us, (and others you may think don’t qualify). Good plan to stay open-hearted and humble. “You will know we are Christians by our love” and when we leave any supposedly righteous judging to a higher power and wisdom. “Love God with all your heart, mind, soul and strength, and your neighbor as yourself. All the law and all the prophets fall under those two commandments”. Amen."
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Asked July 04 2020
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Jack Gutknecht
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Tim Maas
I would ask whether the individual has ever encountered the Christian writings of C. S. Lewis (a former atheist who became one of the most influential Christian apologists of the twentieth century), and, in particular, his book Mere Christianity, which is fully readable for free online at https://www.truthaccordingtoscripture.com/documents/apologetics/mere-christianity/Mere-Christianity.pdf In Book II of "Mere Christianity" (titled "What Christians Believe") on pages 23 and 24 of the website version of the text given above, he addresses this very viewpoint (which he calls "Christianity-and-water"). I would recommend that your friend read not only this particular passage, but the entirety of this short book. Aside from the Bible itself, Mere Christianity has been for me personally the single most influential Christian commentary that I have ever read.
Shirley H
This is a tough question to answer without using quotes from scripture. So here goes... Remember that Job in the Bible was a very good man. He was blameless before all His friends. But he had a flaw that did not escape God. God can see into the heart. Job was full of himself, his own goodness. There isn't anyone who is perfect, except Jesus Christ. Pride threw Lucifer out of heaven. Have you heard it said, I'm pretty good, you're good, we are all good! As humans, comparing ourselves to others we say, I'm not like that, I'm not so bad.. but ask your self how do I measure up against Jesus? The next word you hear might be "Good-bye." God knows our innermost thoughts and motives. Each one of us is an open book!
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