I will be deliberately simplifying things in this post; I fully realize that the particular teachings mentioned herein are much more nuanced than I will be expressing. I also realize that within the groups ascribing to these particular teachings, there are a myriad of differences and particularities of doctrine; it is not my intention to explain all of that here. Likewise, there may be certain people within a group which disagree with one or more things I am ascribing to that group, and again that is fine. The bottom line is that this post is being written for a friend of mine in an attempt to answer her question, and I am basing my answers largely upon my own personal experience. You’re of course more than welcome to ask questions via the comments and even to debate these subjects at the Hall.
There are many different takes on Christian theology, and it itself is composed of a great many subjects. Some Christians believe Satan was once a cherub named Lucifer who got a bit too big for his britches, so to speak; others believe that Satan & Lucifer are unrelated entities. Many Christians today believe that there is yet a 1,000 year reign of Christ in Earth’s future; others recognize that “Millennial Reign” has being symbolic of the entire church age, no matter how long it goes for.
And then there is the subject of salvation itself, a subject which touches on sin, free will, works, grace, mercy, judgment, sovereignty, and so much more. [click to continue...]
