Brothers in Faith
Being a Christian means discussions not only with skeptics of your faith, but others within the faith as well. The more devout and committed to the faith you become the more of these types of questions you will have. Ive had some particularly intense ones myself. One topic that I have thought a lot about is how people love drawing in and outgroups of the faith.
It sometimes feels like many Christians are more ready to have an opponent of the faith than a brother.
It is without a doubt important to hold true to your beliefs and know what constitutes your faith. Making distinctions between commitment to the faith can help clear up a lot about what you really believe. But many draw very exclusive lines with no tolerance for nuance. Meaning, they are not welcome to people on the other side of the line, even if they are right at it.
Expecting the faith of others to look exactly like yours is unrealistic. I have seen very devout communities, and even they have members with their own opinions. And they coexist fine. I think knowing what lines you draw and what they mean is important.
For example, there are core tenets of Christianity. I think most actual Christians around the world would agree to them, especially knowledgeable ones. But sometimes, agreement on these issues isnt the main worry of many churches when it comes to other beliefs. Churches will foam at the mouth and thrash with all their might against another church that has some differences in doctrine.
You don't have to say you believe the same things or even say you are the same religion. But I wouldn't start saying others are not brothers in the faith when their beliefs make them so. I keep it simple, if they truly believe in Jesus, according to the bible, they are Christian. The Nicene creed gives a summary of what that means.
But I have met people who will add and take away from that. I'm sure the Nicene creed is perfect. But I have seen people draw very hard and strict lines according to their own logic. We cant know another persons experience, so saying they dont believe in Christ for them is assuming a lot. Further, they are putting words in mouths and making statements that they dont have the ability or right to make.
Stand up for your beliefs and dont compromise, do not let people dictate what you believe. But just be sure not to reach in order to draw lines. Especially those that are of a much higher order than you have a say in. Such as making statements on the belief of mind/ faith of other people. Be warm to your brothers in the faith or those interested in it, you can do so without compromising your own beliefs. People are much more complex than that.