What are Christian Principles? Do they really exist?

[Hung_Mung]

That’s why there are a thousand different flavors of Christianity. EVERYone’s got a different take on how things should be done.

[lekatt]

@Liberal

Has there ever been a philosophically bonded group of people in which all agreed as to the particulars of every principle, or even the interpretations of the shared philosophy? Atheism’s own underpinning philosophy, existentialism, can be interpreted forty ways from Sunday. Even scientific disciplines, like quantum mechanics, have multiple interpretations. Why would disagreement among Christians cause you to “have to agree”?

What you say is true, I am not sure individuals can agree within themselves what their principles are or should be.

In spiritualism “Christ Consciousness” is used to explain the principles to follow.
This is almost like saying “What would Christ do in this situation”.

Another point, if I say my principles in life are helping others, that does not mean no one else can have the same principle. Any number can.

[Rucksinator]

@JKellyMap

Not sure if it’s relevant, but the Am. Heritage Dictionary includes the following definition for “Christian”:

4. Informal. Neighborly; decent.

When I was growing up in south Georgia, we often used “white” the same way. Such as: “Thank you, it was awfully white of you to open the door for me.” (non sarcastically).

I wonder how many other cultures use an adjective that describes themselves to mean “kind” or “decent” or “normal” or “good” to subtly imply that others aren’t?

[cosmosdan]

@Rucksinator

When I was growing up in south Georgia, we often used “white” the same way. Such as: “Thank you, it was awfully white of you to open the door for me.” (non sarcastically).

I wonder how many other cultures use an adjective that describes themselves to mean “kind” or “decent” or “normal” or “good” to subtly imply that others aren’t?

I always took the term “Thats awfully white of you” to be a sarcastic slam against bigotry, but then I didn’t grow up in the south. Perhaps the fundies will add a new definition to the dictionary, so when we hear someone make a slur against gays or abortion we can say “Hey, thats awfully fundamntalist Christian of you.”

I think the point has been made that large groups in general can’t agree on what their basic principles are. Certainly in all major religions we see a lot of branching off into variations on a theme.

So specifcily to the** Christians** on the SDMB. Do you see anything as uniquely Christian principles? Do you think the term has any real meaning, or is it just used in a general reference to some principles you share in common with the rest of mankind?