Book Review: Common Sense Christianity

Here is a book freely available on the internet on Religion Online. Its a very easy read and help explains why liberal Christians believe the way that they do. I disagreed with some of the book, but I particularly liked how he explained what Christianity is all about.

Ross Christian Belief Rule #1: A belief may be considered Christian (i.e., appropriate for Christians to believe) if it is consistent with the Great Commandment and with the centrality of Jesus of Nazareth to our religious understanding.

Ross Christian Belief Rule #2: A belief may be considered required of Christians only if it is necessarily implied in the life and teachings of the Christ or if it is necessary to accepting his message.

So we have all beliefs that are consistent with the Teaching of Jesus, which is rule #1. They may help explain doctrine and what Jesus was all about. This would include such Adventist distinctives like the Sabbath, State of the Dead, and the Sanctuary Message. However a belief is only required if it complies with rule #2. Some examples would be Love for Others and the Golden Rule.

This book is very interesting and will give you much to think on, but it is a little heretical.