(April 2, 2012 at 4:27 am)Sciwoman Wrote: People have fought and died over these supposedly small differences. Families have been torn apart over them. Communities shattered because of them. So how do you decide who is correct? By whoever kills more of the 'heretics?' By which point of view has the most supporters left after the violence? By who has managed to take the reigns of power? By which set of 'scholars' screams the loudest? Are the christians in the West lesser christians than those in Africa because Western christians no longer burn witches? The same book that gave rise to the Quakers also gave rise to the Westboro Baptist Church - and everything in between.
You say 'mainstream christianity' is the correct version. For all time? 'Mainstream christianity' is constantly changing. A 'mainstream christian' from 500 years ago would be appalled at what is called 'mainstream' today. You might as well say that whatever current christian fad has the most followers is the correct version.
Who fought and died? What differences? Be specific so I may know you aren't generalizing. I don't believe 'mainstream Christianity' is constantly changing. In fact, Christians still say the same creeds they did in the 2nd century (such as the Apostles' and Nicene). If you agree 100% with those creeds, you are a Christian. If not, you aren't. I'd like you to tell which issues not addressed in the creeds have caused the civil wars you claim.
