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The Kernel of the Christian Faith

The theological tradition of orthodox Christianity is imbued with excessive and unnecessary metaphysical baggage. So, I propose that Christians should consider what I call creedal minimalism in their formulations of their statements of faith. It is the view that ecclesiastical or academic Christian institutions should simply require the barest minimum set of theological beliefs for qualifying for membership. I call this set of beliefs the kernel of the Christian faith:

1. God, who created the universe, ultimately revealed God’s love and grace through the religious history of ancient Israel, the life and teachings of Jesus, and the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit in the history of the church.

2. Through God’s mighty acts in history, God is faithfully fulfilling God’s covenant to redeem God’s creation from its bondage to sin, suffering, and death.

3. The Bible, i.e. Old and New Testaments, is the most authoritative written witness to God’s creative, revelatory, and redeeming acts in human history. As critically interpreted within the community of faith, it serves as the primary guide in theological and ethical inquiries.

4. A covenantal relationship with God is possible through acts of faith, such as one’s voluntary acceptance of the calling to follow Jesus and voluntary submission to the leadings of the Holy Spirit.

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