Church

Savoonga Presbyterian Church

Presbyterian: a neutral profile of what this congregation describes about its beliefs.

Compare with my beliefs Compare with anything else

Where to find them

Public details for this congregation.

No public contact details yetKnow this congregation's address or website? Point us to it.Suggest details

63.6956° N, 170.4763° WOpen map →

TraditionPresbyterianAbout →

Sourcing statusTradition default

Beliefs on file942 positions

Statement of faithNot on file

Where they stand

Each position below is labelled by how it was sourced, so you can weigh it for yourself.

VerifiedConfirmed by the church

From their statement of faithEstimated, not verified

Tradition defaultEstimated, not verified

God & the Trinity

Analogical LanguageAffirmsTradition defaultHuman language about God is analogical: true but never capturing God univocally as it captures creatures.Estimated, not verified
Apophatic PriorityAffirmsTradition defaultWhat God is in himself is ultimately beyond human comprehension, so negative ("God is not...") statements are more reliable than positive ones.Estimated, not verified
Arian Son First CreatureStrongly rejectsTradition defaultThe Son is the first and highest created being, brought into existence by the Father before all else, and therefore had a beginning.Estimated, not verified
AseityStrongly affirmsTradition defaultGod exists from himself (a se), depending on nothing outside himself for his being or his perfections.Estimated, not verified

Show 55 more in God & the Trinity

BinitarianismStrongly rejectsTradition defaultThe Godhead consists of two divine persons (Father and Son), with the Holy Spirit not being a distinct third person.Estimated, not verified
Classical Theism PackageStrongly affirmsTradition defaultGod is best described as the simple, immutable, impassible, timeless, pure-act being of classical theism.Estimated, not verified
ConcurrenceStrongly affirmsTradition defaultEvery creaturely act is simultaneously fully the creature's own act and fully caused by God concurring as primary cause through the creature as secondary cause.Estimated, not verified
DeismStrongly rejectsTradition defaultGod created the world with its laws and now largely refrains from intervening; the world runs on its own.Estimated, not verified
Divine Freedom To CreateStrongly affirmsTradition defaultGod was entirely free to create or not create; creation adds nothing to and is not necessary for God's perfection or happiness.Estimated, not verified
Divine Goodness Grounds MoralityStrongly affirmsTradition defaultMoral goodness is ultimately grounded in God's own nature, so the good is not independent of God nor merely arbitrary divine command.Estimated, not verified
Divine SimplicityStrongly affirmsTradition defaultGod is metaphysically simple: without parts, and identical with his own attributes (God does not "have" goodness, God IS goodness).Estimated, not verified
Eternal Generation SonStrongly affirmsTradition defaultThe Son is eternally begotten of the Father: a timeless, necessary relation, not an event in time.Estimated, not verified
Exhaustive Foreknowledge FutureStrongly affirmsTradition defaultGod infallibly and exhaustively knows the entire future, including all future free choices, as settled certainties.Estimated, not verified
FilioqueStrongly affirmsTradition defaultThe Holy Spirit proceeds eternally from the Father AND the Son (the Filioque).Estimated, not verified
Foreknowledge Grounds ElectionStrongly rejectsTradition defaultGod's knowledge of the future is logically dependent on / responsive to what creatures will do (he foreknows because it will happen), rather than the future being settled by his decree.Estimated, not verified
General Providence OnlyStrongly rejectsTradition defaultGod governs the world in a general way and grants creatures genuine self-determination, so many specific outcomes are not directly willed by him.Estimated, not verified
God Authors Or Allows SufferingStrongly affirmsTradition defaultSpecific instances of suffering and natural disaster are part of God's purposeful plan, not merely permitted byproducts of a free or fallen world.Estimated, not verified
God ExistsStrongly affirmsTradition defaultA personal God who is the creator and sustainer of all things truly exists, independent of human belief.Estimated, not verified
God Immaterial SpiritStrongly affirmsTradition defaultGod is an immaterial spirit, without a physical body of any kind.Estimated, not verified
God Is Love EssentiallyStrongly affirmsTradition defaultLove is essential to who God is in himself, grounded in the eternal love among the persons of the Trinity, not merely something God does toward creatures.Estimated, not verified
God Knowable By ReasonAffirmsTradition defaultGod's existence and some of his attributes can be known with confidence by unaided human reason apart from special revelation.Estimated, not verified
God Knows By His EssenceStrongly affirmsTradition defaultGod knows all things by knowing his own essence (as the cause and exemplar of all), not by observing the world.Estimated, not verified
God Permits Vs Causes EvilStrongly affirmsTradition defaultGod merely permits moral evil (does not cause or render it certain), allowing creatures to act against his will.Estimated, not verified
God Pure ActAffirmsTradition defaultGod is pure actuality with no unrealized potential: never moving from potential to actual.Estimated, not verified
God Responds To PrayerStrongly affirmsTradition defaultGod genuinely hears and responds to petitionary prayer, sometimes acting differently than he otherwise would have.Estimated, not verified
God Was Once A ManStrongly rejectsTradition defaultThe Father is an exalted being who once lived a mortal life and progressed to godhood, and humans can likewise progress toward divinity.Estimated, not verified
God Will Decretive PermissiveStrongly affirmsTradition defaultIt is right to distinguish God's decretive will (what he sovereignly brings to pass) from his preceptive will (what he commands), and to speak of God "permitting" evils he does not approve.Estimated, not verified
Holiness Central AttributeStrongly affirmsTradition defaultGod's holiness (his transcendent moral purity and otherness) is the controlling attribute that orders all the others.Estimated, not verified
HomoousiosStrongly affirmsTradition defaultThe Son is of the very same essence (consubstantial) as the Father, not merely of a similar essence.Estimated, not verified
ImmutabilityStrongly affirmsTradition defaultGod's essential nature, character, and purposes never change.Estimated, not verified
ImpassibilityAffirmsTradition defaultGod does not suffer or experience emotional change caused by creatures; his "emotions" in Scripture are analogical, not literal passions.Estimated, not verified
Inseparable OperationsStrongly affirmsTradition defaultThe external works of God (creation, providence, salvation) are works of the whole Trinity acting inseparably, distinguished only by appropriation to a person.Estimated, not verified
Meticulous ProvidenceStrongly affirmsTradition defaultGod sovereignly ordains and governs every event that occurs, down to the smallest detail, so that nothing happens outside his specific will.Estimated, not verified
Middle KnowledgeRejectsTradition defaultGod knows, prior to his creative decree, what any free creature WOULD freely do in any possible circumstance (counterfactuals of creaturely freedom).Estimated, not verified
Numerical Unity Of EssenceStrongly affirmsTradition defaultThe divine essence shared by the three persons is one numerically identical essence, not three instances of a common kind.Estimated, not verified
OmnipotenceStrongly affirmsTradition defaultGod is omnipotent: able to do anything that is logically possible and consistent with his nature.Estimated, not verified
OmnipresenceStrongly affirmsTradition defaultGod is fully present everywhere in his being, not merely in knowledge or power.Estimated, not verified
OmniscienceStrongly affirmsTradition defaultGod knows all true propositions, including all of the actual past and present, exhaustively.Estimated, not verified
One God NumericallyStrongly affirmsTradition defaultThere is exactly one God, numerically a single divine being.Estimated, not verified
Oneness ModalismStrongly rejectsTradition default"Father," "Son," and "Holy Spirit" name three successive or simultaneous manifestations of one indivisible divine person, not three persons.Estimated, not verified
Ontological SubordinationismStrongly rejectsTradition defaultThe Son is genuinely lesser than the Father in being or rank, not merely in origin or role.Estimated, not verified
PanentheismStrongly rejectsTradition defaultThe world exists within God (all is "in God"), so God includes and transcends the world rather than being wholly separate from it.Estimated, not verified
PantheismStrongly rejectsTradition defaultGod and the totality of the universe are identical; "God" is just another name for the whole of reality.Estimated, not verified
PerichoresisStrongly affirmsTradition defaultThe three persons mutually indwell and interpenetrate one another (perichoresis/circumincession) so fully that each is in the others.Estimated, not verified
Persons Not ModesStrongly affirmsTradition defaultFather, Son, and Spirit are genuinely distinct persons, not merely three modes, masks, or roles of a single person.Estimated, not verified
Plurality Of Gods HenotheismStrongly rejectsTradition defaultThere exist or may exist other true gods, even if humans worship and are accountable to one God (a plurality/henotheism).Estimated, not verified
Primary Secondary CausationStrongly affirmsTradition defaultGod ordinarily works through real secondary causes (natural laws, human agency) rather than acting directly, without those secondary causes being mere illusions.Estimated, not verified
Process TheismStrongly rejectsTradition defaultGod and the world are mutually dependent and evolving together; God has a changing "consequent" nature shaped by the world and works by persuasion, not coercion.Estimated, not verified
Sacred Name RequiredStrongly rejectsTradition defaultUsing the correct Hebrew form of the divine name (and of the Son's name) is important or required for proper worship and right relationship with God.Estimated, not verified
Spirit Is Impersonal ForceStrongly rejectsTradition defaultThe Holy Spirit is God's active power or influence, not a distinct divine person.Estimated, not verified
Spirit Through The SonAffirmsTradition defaultThe Holy Spirit proceeds from the Father THROUGH the Son (per Filium), a formula distinct from both "and the Son" and "from the Father alone."Estimated, not verified
Strong Immutability No Real RelationsStrongly affirmsTradition defaultGod undergoes no real change whatsoever, even in his relation to the world; what changes is the creature, not God.Estimated, not verified
Three Persons One Essence BalanceStrongly affirmsTradition defaultThe three persons are fully equal in deity, power, and glory, with no person greater or lesser than another in being.Estimated, not verified
Timeless EternityAffirmsTradition defaultGod exists wholly outside of time, in a timeless "eternal now," with no before or after in his own being.Estimated, not verified
The TrinityStrongly TrinitarianTradition defaultEstimated, not verified
Trinity Three PersonsStrongly affirmsTradition defaultThe one God exists eternally as three distinct persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.Estimated, not verified
TritheismStrongly rejectsTradition defaultFather, Son, and Spirit are best understood as three distinct divine beings or gods who are united in will and love.Estimated, not verified
Unitarian Single PersonStrongly rejectsTradition defaultGod is a single divine person (the Father), and the Son and Spirit are not coequal divine persons of the one God.Estimated, not verified
Wrath Intrinsic To GodStrongly affirmsTradition defaultGod's wrath against sin is a real and proper disposition of his holy character, not merely a metaphor or an absence of relationship.Estimated, not verified

Christ

Assumed Fallen Human NatureStrongly rejectsTradition defaultChrist assumed a fully fallen human nature (subject to the effects of the Fall) in order to heal it from within.Estimated, not verified
Assumed Unfallen Human NatureStrongly affirmsTradition defaultChrist assumed an unfallen, sinless human nature, untouched by original sin/corruption.Estimated, not verified
Attributes Communicated Between NaturesStrongly rejectsTradition defaultDivine attributes (e.g. omnipresence) are genuinely communicated to Christ's human nature itself, not merely to his person.Estimated, not verified
Begotten Means CreatedStrongly rejectsTradition default"Only-begotten" (monogenēs) means the Son was brought into existence/created.Estimated, not verified

Show 65 more in Christ

Bodily Resurrection Same BodyStrongly affirmsTradition defaultJesus rose bodily in the same (transformed) body that was crucified.Estimated, not verified
Christ Human Mind Limited KnowledgeAffirmsTradition defaultIn his human nature Christ had genuinely limited knowledge and could grow in understanding.Estimated, not verified
Christ Human Soul Beatific VisionRejectsTradition defaultEven during his earthly life Christ's human soul enjoyed the beatific vision / immediate knowledge of God.Estimated, not verified
Christ One Of Many IncarnationsStrongly rejectsTradition defaultThe divine takes flesh in many figures across history; Jesus is one such manifestation among others.Estimated, not verified
Christ One Of Two Beings GnosticStrongly rejectsTradition defaultThe heavenly "Christ"/divine power descended on the man Jesus temporarily (e.g. at baptism) and departed before the crucifixion.Estimated, not verified
Christ Only Ideal Pre ExistenceStrongly rejectsTradition defaultChrist "pre-existed" only in God's plan/idea, not as an actual personal being before his birth.Estimated, not verified
Christ Present In Eucharist PersonallyAffirmsTradition defaultChrist is personally and really present in the Eucharist (however explained), not merely symbolically.Estimated, not verified
Christ Retains Humanity ForeverStrongly affirmsTradition defaultThe Son remains permanently incarnate: he retains a glorified human nature forever.Estimated, not verified
Christ Unable To Sin ImpeccableStrongly affirmsTradition defaultChrist was not able to sin (impeccable): sinning was metaphysically impossible for him.Estimated, not verified
Christ Walked By FaithAffirmsTradition defaultDuring his earthly life Christ lived by faith and trust, not by constant possession of comprehensive divine knowledge.Estimated, not verified
Christ Was SinlessStrongly affirmsTradition defaultJesus committed no sin during his life.Estimated, not verified
Communicatio Idiomatum RealStrongly affirmsTradition defaultThe properties of each nature may be truly predicated of the one person (e.g. "God suffered," "the man is omnipresent in his person").Estimated, not verified
Cosmic Christ Distinct From JesusStrongly rejectsTradition defaultThe "Christ" is a cosmic principle or consciousness distinct from the historical man Jesus.Estimated, not verified
Descended To The DeadStrongly affirmsTradition defaultAfter his death Christ "descended" to the realm of the dead (Hades/Sheol), as the creed affirms.Estimated, not verified
Descent Meant Suffering HellAffirmsTradition default"Descended into hell" means Christ endured the torments of hell / the Father's wrath (whether on the cross or in the grave).Estimated, not verified
Descent Proclaimed VictoryStrongly affirmsTradition defaultIn the descent Christ proclaimed victory / liberated the righteous dead (the "harrowing of hell").Estimated, not verified
Divine Immutable In IncarnationStrongly affirmsTradition defaultThe divine nature underwent no change or loss in the incarnation; God remained fully himself.Estimated, not verified
Divine Replaced Human MindStrongly rejectsTradition defaultIn Christ the divine Word took the place of a human rational mind/spirit.Estimated, not verified
Eternal Generation Of SonStrongly affirmsTradition defaultThe Son is eternally "begotten" of the Father: eternally generated, without beginning.Estimated, not verified
Eternal SonshipStrongly affirmsTradition defaultThe second person is eternally the Son: his Sonship is not merely acquired at the incarnation.Estimated, not verified
Extra CalvinisticumStrongly affirmsTradition defaultThe eternal Son, even while incarnate, continues to exist and act also beyond the limits of his human body ("the Word is not confined to the flesh").Estimated, not verified
Faith In Christ Alone RequiredStrongly affirmsTradition defaultRight relationship with God comes specifically through Jesus Christ and not through any other name/mediator.Estimated, not verified
Father Greater Economically OnlyStrongly affirmsTradition defaultWhen Scripture says "the Father is greater than I," this refers only to Christ's incarnate/economic state, not his divine nature.Estimated, not verified
Father Son Spirit One Person ModesStrongly rejectsTradition defaultFather, Son, and Spirit are one single person manifesting in three modes or roles.Estimated, not verified
Flesh Was Evil MaterialStrongly rejectsTradition defaultMaterial flesh is inherently corrupt, so a truly divine Christ could not assume real flesh.Estimated, not verified
Fully Experienced Human LimitsStrongly affirmsTradition defaultJesus genuinely experienced human limitation: hunger, fatigue, suffering, growth.Estimated, not verified
Fully Human Real BodyStrongly affirmsTradition defaultJesus had a complete, real human body of flesh.Estimated, not verified
Had Rational Human SoulStrongly affirmsTradition defaultJesus possessed a complete human soul/mind, not merely a human body animated by the divine Word.Estimated, not verified
Human Body Only AppearedStrongly rejectsTradition defaultChrist's body only seemed physical; he did not truly have material flesh.Estimated, not verified
Human Nature Absorbed By DivineStrongly rejectsTradition defaultChrist's humanity was absorbed into or swallowed up by his divinity, so the human nature does not fully persist.Estimated, not verified
Human Will Subject To DivineStrongly affirmsTradition defaultChrist's human will freely and always submitted to his divine will, never opposing it.Estimated, not verified
Hypostatic Union One PersonStrongly affirmsTradition defaultDeity and humanity are united in one single person (hypostasis) in Christ.Estimated, not verified
Jesus Adopted As SonStrongly rejectsTradition defaultJesus was a man who became/was adopted as God's Son (e.g. at baptism, resurrection, or exaltation) rather than being the Son by eternal nature.Estimated, not verified
Jesus Called God DirectlyStrongly affirmsTradition defaultThe New Testament directly identifies Jesus as "God" (e.g. John 1:1; 20:28; Titus 2:13).Estimated, not verified
Jesus Exalted To Divine StatusStrongly rejectsTradition defaultWhatever divine status Jesus has was conferred/exalted by the Father after his earthly life, not possessed eternally.Estimated, not verified
Jesus Is YhwhStrongly affirmsTradition defaultJesus Christ is identified with the LORD (YHWH) of Israel.Estimated, not verified
Jesus Merely Supreme ProphetStrongly rejectsTradition defaultJesus is best understood as the supreme prophet/teacher and moral exemplar, not as God incarnate.Estimated, not verified
Jesus Not CrucifiedStrongly rejectsTradition defaultJesus was not actually crucified and killed; another was substituted or he was taken up beforehand.Estimated, not verified
Kenosis Gave Up Divine AttributesStrongly rejectsTradition defaultIn the incarnation the Son actually surrendered or set aside divine attributes (e.g. omniscience, omnipotence).Estimated, not verified
Kenosis Laid Aside Glory UseAffirmsTradition defaultIn becoming human the Son "emptied himself" by veiling or not independently using certain divine prerogatives, while remaining fully God.Estimated, not verified
Mary Christotokos OnlyRejectsTradition defaultMary should be called "Christ-bearer" (Christotokos) but not "God-bearer," since she bore the man united to God.Estimated, not verified
Mary TheotokosAffirmsTradition defaultMary may rightly be called "Theotokos" (God-bearer / Mother of God) because the one she bore is God.Estimated, not verified
Natures Unmixed UnconfusedStrongly affirmsTradition defaultIn the union the two natures are joined without mixture, confusion, or blending into a third kind of thing.Estimated, not verified
One Acting Subject ThroughoutStrongly affirmsTradition defaultEverything Christ did and suffered is attributable to the one divine person of the Son as the single acting subject.Estimated, not verified
One Incarnate Nature MiaphysiteStrongly rejectsTradition defaultAfter the union there is one incarnate nature of the Word, in which divinity and humanity are united without separation, confusion, or change.Estimated, not verified
One Will MonotheliteStrongly rejectsTradition defaultChrist has only a single will.Estimated, not verified
Resurrection Spiritual Not PhysicalStrongly rejectsTradition defaultChrist's resurrection was spiritual (a spirit being / changed essence) rather than a raising of his physical body.Estimated, not verified
Son A Created BeingStrongly rejectsTradition defaultThe Son was created/originated by God and is therefore a creature, however exalted.Estimated, not verified
Son Agent Of CreationStrongly affirmsTradition defaultAll things were created through the Son (he is the agent of creation).Estimated, not verified
Son Distinct Person From FatherStrongly affirmsTradition defaultThe Son is a distinct divine person from the Father (not merely a mode or role of one person).Estimated, not verified
Son Homoiousios SimilarStrongly rejectsTradition defaultThe Son is of a similar but not identical essence to the Father.Estimated, not verified
Son Homoousios With FatherStrongly affirmsTradition defaultThe Son is "of the same essence" (homoousios) as the Father, not merely of a similar essence.Estimated, not verified
Son Is Fully GodStrongly affirmsTradition defaultJesus Christ is fully and truly God, sharing the one divine essence with the Father.Estimated, not verified
Son Personally Pre ExistentStrongly affirmsTradition defaultThe Son existed as a divine person before his human birth, prior to and apart from creation.Estimated, not verified
Son Proper Object Of WorshipStrongly affirmsTradition defaultJesus is rightly given the worship due to God.Estimated, not verified
Son Subordinate In EssenceStrongly rejectsTradition defaultThe Son is essentially/ontologically subordinate to the Father (lesser in being, not merely in role).Estimated, not verified
There Was When Son Was NotStrongly rejectsTradition defaultThere was a state or "time" in which the Son did not exist.Estimated, not verified
Titles Lord Son Of God Imply DeityStrongly affirmsTradition defaultThe titles given to Jesus ("Lord," "Son of God," "Word") connote true deity, not merely a high human office.Estimated, not verified
Two Hypostases One Prosopon East SyriacStrongly rejectsTradition defaultChrist has two natures and two hypostases (qnome) united in one prosopon/parsopa, without becoming two separate persons.Estimated, not verified
Two Natures After UnionStrongly affirmsTradition defaultAfter the incarnation Christ exists "in two natures," divine and human, each retaining its own properties.Estimated, not verified
Two Persons Two Subjects NestorianStrongly rejectsTradition defaultIn Christ there are two distinct persons/subjects (the divine Son and the human Jesus) conjoined in will and honor.Estimated, not verified
Two Wills DyotheliteStrongly affirmsTradition defaultChrist has two wills (a divine will and a human will) corresponding to his two natures.Estimated, not verified
Ubiquity Of Christs BodyStrongly rejectsTradition defaultChrist's human body can be present everywhere (ubiquitous), grounding his bodily presence in the Lord's Supper.Estimated, not verified
Union At Conception Not LaterStrongly affirmsTradition defaultThe union of divine and human in Christ occurred at the moment of conception, not at a later point such as baptism.Estimated, not verified
Virgin ConceptionStrongly affirmsTradition defaultJesus was conceived by the Holy Spirit in the Virgin Mary, without a human father.Estimated, not verified

Sin & the fall

Adams Sin Brought Physical DeathStrongly affirmsTradition defaultPhysical death entered the human race as a consequence of Adam's sin; humans were not originally subject to death.Estimated, not verified
All Sin Deserves Death EquallyStrongly affirmsTradition defaultEvery sin, however small, deserves God's condemnation/death: there is no class of sin that does not by nature merit it.Estimated, not verified
All Sins Equal Before GodStrongly rejectsTradition defaultBefore God all sins are fundamentally equal: there are no greater or lesser sins.Estimated, not verified
All Unregenerate Works Are SinAffirmsTradition defaultApart from grace, even the apparent virtues of the unregenerate are, before God, sinful ("splendid vices").Estimated, not verified

Show 57 more in Sin & the fall

Believer Cannot Commit Unpardonable SinStrongly affirmsTradition defaultA regenerate believer cannot commit the unpardonable sin (it is reserved for the finally hardened/reprobate).Estimated, not verified
Believer Remains Sinner And RighteousStrongly affirmsTradition defaultThe justified believer is at once righteous (in Christ) and still a sinner (in himself): simul iustus et peccator.Estimated, not verified
Concupiscence Is Itself SinStrongly affirmsTradition defaultConcupiscence (the inclination/desire to sin) is itself truly sin, even when not consented to.Estimated, not verified
Concupiscence Remains After BaptismStrongly affirmsTradition defaultDisordered desire (concupiscence) remains in the baptized/regenerate even after original sin's guilt is removed.Estimated, not verified
Conscience Universally Witnesses LawStrongly affirmsTradition defaultAll people have an innate moral conscience/knowledge of God's law (written on the heart), so none sin in total ignorance.Estimated, not verified
Cosmic Fall Creation AffectedStrongly affirmsTradition defaultAdam's sin disordered not only humanity but the wider created order (a "cosmic fall" affecting nature itself).Estimated, not verified
Elect Infants Dying Are SavedStrongly affirmsTradition defaultInfants who die are (at least the elect among them) certainly saved by Christ apart from any work or profession of their own.Estimated, not verified
Entire Sanctification AttainableStrongly rejectsTradition defaultBelievers can, by grace, reach a state in this life in which they are freed from all willful/known sin (Christian perfection / entire sanctification).Estimated, not verified
Evil Arises From Creaturely FreedomRejectsTradition defaultMoral evil arises necessarily from the gift of genuine creaturely free will, which God could not give without the possibility of its misuse.Estimated, not verified
Evil Is Coeternal Principle DualismStrongly rejectsTradition defaultEvil is a real, independent principle or power, in some sense co-eternal with or independent of the good God.Estimated, not verified
Evil Is Illusion Or UnrealityStrongly rejectsTradition defaultEvil and sin have no genuine reality; they are errors of perception or illusion to be dispelled by truth.Estimated, not verified
Evil Is Privation Of GoodAffirmsTradition defaultEvil has no positive substance of its own; it is a privation or corruption of good (evil = the lack of a due good).Estimated, not verified
Evil Originated In Angelic FallStrongly affirmsTradition defaultMoral evil entered creation first through the prideful fall of angels (Satan/the devil) prior to humanity's fall.Estimated, not verified
Fall Affected Human Sexuality SpecificallyRejectsTradition defaultThe transmission and locus of original sin is especially bound up with sexual concupiscence/generation (sin is propagated through the disordered act of generation).Estimated, not verified
Fall Historical EventStrongly affirmsTradition defaultThere was a real, primeval historical event ("the Fall") in which the first humans disobeyed God and lost an original state of integrity.Estimated, not verified
Fall Symbolic Of Human ConditionStrongly rejectsTradition defaultThe Genesis Fall narrative is best read as a symbolic or mythic depiction of the universal human condition, not a report of a singular past event.Estimated, not verified
Fall Was Fortunate Felix CulpaAffirmsTradition defaultThe Fall, though evil, was a "happy fault" because it occasioned a greater good (the incarnation and redemption) than would otherwise have been.Estimated, not verified
Fall Was Upward IrenaeanStrongly rejectsTradition defaultHumanity was created immature and the "Fall" was part of a developmental ascent toward maturity rather than a catastrophic loss.Estimated, not verified
Fallen Can Do Civic GoodAffirmsTradition defaultEven without saving grace, the unregenerate can perform genuine civic/external good (justice, kindness) that is truly good on its own level.Estimated, not verified
Federal Representative ImputationStrongly affirmsTradition defaultAdam was the appointed representative (federal head) of humanity, so his sin is imputed to us by covenant/representation, apart from our seminal presence in him.Estimated, not verified
God Not Author Of SinStrongly affirmsTradition defaultGod is in no way the author or cause of sin, even while sovereign over all things.Estimated, not verified
God Ordains Permits The FallStrongly affirmsTradition defaultThe Fall and the entrance of sin fell within God's eternal decree/permission (God ordained to permit it for greater ends).Estimated, not verified
Historical Adam EveStrongly affirmsTradition defaultAdam and Eve were real, historical individuals from whom humanity descends.Estimated, not verified
Humans Naturally Good OptimismStrongly rejectsTradition defaultHuman beings are by nature fundamentally good, and wrongdoing is chiefly the result of ignorance, environment, or unmet needs rather than an inner corruption.Estimated, not verified
Image Of God Retained After FallStrongly affirmsTradition defaultThe image of God in humanity, though damaged by sin, is genuinely retained and is the basis of human dignity and capacity for relationship with God.Estimated, not verified
Infants Born With Original SinStrongly affirmsTradition defaultInfants are born already in a state of original sin (corruption and/or guilt), not in moral neutrality.Estimated, not verified
Inherit Corruption Not GuiltStrongly rejectsTradition defaultFrom Adam we inherit a corrupted, death-bound nature and a tendency to sin, but not personal guilt for his act.Estimated, not verified
Inherited Guilt For Adams SinStrongly affirmsTradition defaultAll humans bear actual guilt for Adam's sin: they are culpable before God on account of it, prior to any personal act.Estimated, not verified
Mary Preserved From Original SinStrongly rejectsTradition defaultThe Virgin Mary was, by special grace, preserved free from original sin from the moment of her conception (Immaculate Conception).Estimated, not verified
Mortal Venial DistinctionRejectsTradition defaultSome sins are "mortal" (gravely severing the soul from grace/eternal life) while others are "venial" (wounding but not destroying the relationship with God).Estimated, not verified
No Special Grace Needed PelagianStrongly rejectsTradition defaultHumans can live righteously and attain salvation by free will and effort without a special interior grace beyond creation, law, and example.Estimated, not verified
Original Sin Damns Apart From Actual SinAffirmsTradition defaultOriginal sin alone, apart from any actual personal sin, is sufficient to condemn a person.Estimated, not verified
Original Sin Is PrivationRejectsTradition defaultOriginal sin consists essentially in the loss/privation of original righteousness (a lack), rather than a positively infused evil.Estimated, not verified
Original Sin Only Corrupts Will Not ReasonStrongly rejectsTradition defaultThe Fall corrupted the will and affections most deeply, while the intellect/reason retained substantial soundness.Estimated, not verified
Original Sin RealStrongly affirmsTradition defaultAdam's first sin has real, inherited consequences for all his descendants (an "original sin"), not merely a bad example.Estimated, not verified
Original Sin Transmitted By PropagationStrongly affirmsTradition defaultOriginal sin is transmitted to each person through natural generation (by being descended from Adam), not by imitation.Estimated, not verified
Partial Depravity Residual GoodStrongly rejectsTradition defaultHuman nature is wounded by sin but retains a substantial capacity to choose and do genuine good, including toward God.Estimated, not verified
Pre Fall Original RighteousnessStrongly affirmsTradition defaultBefore the Fall, humanity possessed an original righteousness / supernatural endowment of grace and integrity that was subsequently lost.Estimated, not verified
Presumptuous Vs Weakness SinsStrongly affirmsTradition defaultSins committed deliberately/high-handedly are more culpable than sins of weakness, ignorance, or passion.Estimated, not verified
Realist Seminal SolidarityLeans toward rejectingTradition defaultWe were really, seminally present "in Adam" and so truly participated in his sin (realist/seminal solidarity).Estimated, not verified
Satan Real Personal AgentStrongly affirmsTradition defaultSatan is a real, personal spiritual being who tempts and opposes God, not merely a symbol or personification of evil.Estimated, not verified
Sin Became Human Substance FlacianStrongly rejectsTradition defaultAfter the Fall sin is so deep that it has become the very substance/essence of fallen human nature.Estimated, not verified
Sin Is Disease Or Missing MarkRejectsTradition defaultSin is best understood primarily as a sickness/disorder of the soul or a "missing of the mark" to be healed, more than a legal offense to be punished.Estimated, not verified
Sin Is Primarily Relational BreachLeans toward rejectingTradition defaultSin is most fundamentally a rupture of relationship/covenant with God and neighbor, more than law-breaking or substance-corruption.Estimated, not verified
Sin Is Transgression Of LawStrongly affirmsTradition defaultSin is fundamentally the transgression of God's law/command (an offense against a divine standard).Estimated, not verified
Sin Is Ultimately Self Idolatry PrideAffirmsTradition defaultThe root of all sin is pride / inordinate self-love (turning from God to self).Estimated, not verified
Sin Requires Voluntary ActStrongly rejectsTradition defaultProperly speaking, something counts as sin only if it is voluntary (chosen knowingly and willingly).Estimated, not verified
Sin Total In Degree Perfectionism DeniedStrongly affirmsTradition defaultNo one in this life (apart from special exception) is wholly free from sin; the regenerate continue to sin.Estimated, not verified
Sins Differ In Gravity And GuiltStrongly affirmsTradition defaultSins genuinely differ in heinousness and in the degree of guilt and punishment they incur.Estimated, not verified
Soul Created Directly By GodAffirmsTradition defaultEach human soul is created immediately by God at conception, not propagated from the parents.Estimated, not verified
Total Depravity Every FacultyStrongly affirmsTradition defaultSin has corrupted every part of human nature (mind, will, affections, body) so that no faculty is left untouched ("total" in extent, not necessarily in degree).Estimated, not verified
Total Inability Cannot Choose GodStrongly affirmsTradition defaultIn the fallen state, a person is unable to turn to God or do saving good without a prior, enabling work of divine grace.Estimated, not verified
Unaided Will Can Take First Step SemipelagianStrongly rejectsTradition defaultA person can take the first step toward God (the initial desire or seeking of faith) by free will, with grace then assisting thereafter.Estimated, not verified
Unbaptized Infants Lose BeatitudeRejectsTradition defaultInfants who die unbaptized are, because of original sin, deprived of the beatific vision (whatever their further state).Estimated, not verified
Unbelief Is The Root SinStrongly affirmsTradition defaultThe fundamental sin is unbelief (failure to trust God's word) from which other sins flow.Estimated, not verified
Unforgivable Sin ExistsStrongly affirmsTradition defaultThere is a sin (blasphemy against the Holy Spirit) that will not be forgiven, in this age or the next.Estimated, not verified
Unforgivable Sin Is Final ImpenitenceAffirmsTradition defaultThe "unforgivable sin" is best understood as persistent, final impenitence/rejection of grace until death, not a single past utterance.Estimated, not verified

Salvation

Active Obedience ImputedStrongly affirmsTradition defaultChrist's lifelong law-keeping (his "active obedience"), not only his death, is imputed to the believer as their positive righteousness.Estimated, not verified
Annihilationism Conditional ImmortalityStrongly rejectsTradition defaultThe finally lost are ultimately destroyed/cease to exist rather than suffering everlasting conscious torment (annihilationism / conditional immortality).Estimated, not verified
Assurance Grounded In Christ AloneStrongly affirmsTradition defaultAssurance rests on Christ's finished work and God's promise, not on the believer's own works or sacramental performance.Estimated, not verified
Assurance Of Salvation PossibleStrongly affirmsTradition defaultA believer can have a settled present assurance that they are saved.Estimated, not verified

Show 69 more in Salvation

Atonement Heals Human Nature TheosisRejectsTradition defaultThe atonement's deepest purpose is to heal and divinize human nature (joining humanity to God), more than to settle a legal account.Estimated, not verified
Atonement Is Limited DefiniteStrongly affirmsTradition defaultChrist died to actually secure the salvation of the elect specifically (limited/definite/particular atonement), not equally for all persons.Estimated, not verified
Atonement Is Unlimited UniversalStrongly rejectsTradition defaultChrist died for all people without exception, making salvation available to everyone (unlimited/general atonement).Estimated, not verified
Baptism Is Symbolic OnlyRejectsTradition defaultBaptism is a symbol/ordinance that publicly signifies a salvation already received by faith and does not itself convey saving grace.Estimated, not verified
Baptism RegeneratesRejectsTradition defaultBaptism itself effects regeneration / the washing away of sin, conferring saving grace through the act.Estimated, not verified
Believer Remains Sinner SimulStrongly affirmsTradition defaultThe justified believer remains, throughout life, simultaneously righteous and a sinner (simul justus et peccator).Estimated, not verified
Believers Baptism OnlyStrongly rejectsTradition defaultBaptism is valid only when received by a person old enough to personally profess faith.Estimated, not verified
Believers Works Truly MeritoriousStrongly rejectsTradition defaultThe good works a believer does in grace genuinely merit an increase of grace and eternal reward before God.Estimated, not verified
Calling Is Effectual IrresistibleStrongly affirmsTradition defaultThose whom God calls to salvation are infallibly drawn so that the call cannot finally fail (effectual calling).Estimated, not verified
Christus VictorAffirmsTradition defaultThe atonement is principally Christ's victory over sin, death, and the powers of evil, liberating humanity from bondage.Estimated, not verified
Decisional RegenerationRejectsTradition defaultSalvation is received by making a deliberate personal decision for Christ (e.g. praying to receive him / answering an altar call).Estimated, not verified
Double PredestinationAffirmsTradition defaultGod actively predestines some to salvation and others to damnation (double predestination).Estimated, not verified
Election Based On Foreseen FaithStrongly rejectsTradition defaultGod elected to salvation those whom he foreknew would believe (election conditioned on foreseen faith).Estimated, not verified
Election Is UnconditionalStrongly affirmsTradition defaultGod's choice of whom to save rests solely on his own will/good pleasure, not conditioned on any foreseen faith, merit, or response in the person.Estimated, not verified
Election Unknowable In This LifeRejectsTradition defaultWho is among the elect cannot be known with certainty in this life.Estimated, not verified
Entire Sanctification PerfectionStrongly rejectsTradition defaultBelievers can attain, in this life, a state of entire sanctification / Christian perfection in which the heart is cleansed of inbred sin.Estimated, not verified
Eternal Conscious TormentStrongly affirmsTradition defaultThe finally unsaved suffer conscious punishment in hell that never ends.Estimated, not verified
Eternal Security Once SavedAffirmsTradition defaultA person who is genuinely saved can never lose their salvation ("once saved, always saved").Estimated, not verified
Eucharist Conveys GraceAffirmsTradition defaultThe Lord's Supper / Eucharist conveys real saving or sustaining grace to the worthy recipient, not merely a memorial.Estimated, not verified
Expiation Not PropitiationStrongly rejectsTradition defaultThe cross cleanses/cancels sin (expiation) but does not appease divine wrath (propitiation), because God needs no appeasement.Estimated, not verified
Faith Plus Works RequiredStrongly rejectsTradition defaultBoth faith and good works (cooperating with grace) are jointly necessary as the means by which one is finally justified before God.Estimated, not verified
Faith Precedes RegenerationStrongly rejectsTradition defaultA person must first believe, and regeneration follows upon faith.Estimated, not verified
Final Justification By Whole LifeStrongly rejectsTradition defaultA future/final justification will be rendered "according to" the whole life lived in the Spirit, not on the basis of present faith alone.Estimated, not verified
God Predestines IndividualsStrongly affirmsTradition defaultBefore creation, God predestined particular individuals to salvation.Estimated, not verified
God Wills All To Be SavedRejectsTradition defaultGod genuinely desires the salvation of every single person without exception.Estimated, not verified
Good Works Necessary For Final SalvationStrongly rejectsTradition defaultGood works/holiness are necessary not merely as evidence but as a real condition of final salvation.Estimated, not verified
Governmental TheoryStrongly rejectsTradition defaultChrist's death is a public display upholding God's moral government (a token demonstration of justice that allows God to forgive) rather than the exact penalty owed by sinners.Estimated, not verified
Grace Is Infused HabitualRejectsTradition defaultSaving grace is a created, habitual quality infused into the soul that elevates and heals it.Estimated, not verified
Grace Is IrresistibleStrongly affirmsTradition defaultWhen God gives saving grace to the elect, it cannot ultimately be resisted and infallibly accomplishes its purpose.Estimated, not verified
Grace Is ResistibleStrongly rejectsTradition defaultGod's saving grace genuinely offered to a person can be resisted and rejected by that person's free will.Estimated, not verified
Humans Can Choose God UnaidedStrongly rejectsTradition defaultHuman beings retain, even after the fall, a natural ability to take the first step toward God or to choose salvation without prior special grace.Estimated, not verified
Infant Baptism ProperStrongly affirmsTradition defaultIt is right to baptize the infants/children of believers (or of the faithful community).Estimated, not verified
Justification Can IncreaseStrongly rejectsTradition defaultJustification admits of degrees and can increase through subsequent works and the sacraments.Estimated, not verified
Justification Is ForensicStrongly affirmsTradition defaultJustification is a forensic, declarative act in which God legally pronounces the sinner righteous, distinct from the inner process of being made holy.Estimated, not verified
Justification Is Once For AllStrongly affirmsTradition defaultJustification is a single, completed, non-repeatable act at the point of faith, not a status that is repeatedly gained and lost.Estimated, not verified
Justification Is TransformativeStrongly rejectsTradition defaultJustification is fundamentally a real inner transformation (the infusing of righteousness that actually makes a person righteous) not just a verdict.Estimated, not verified
Justified By Faith AloneStrongly affirmsTradition defaultA person is justified by faith alone (sola fide), apart from any contribution of their works to the ground of justification.Estimated, not verified
Lordship SalvationStrongly affirmsTradition defaultSaving faith necessarily includes submission to Christ as Lord and a commitment to repent/obey, not mere intellectual assent.Estimated, not verified
Lost Salvation Can Be RegainedStrongly affirmsTradition defaultSomeone who has fallen from grace can repent and be restored to salvation.Estimated, not verified
No Human Merit At AllStrongly affirmsTradition defaultNo human work has any merit before God; salvation and reward are entirely of grace.Estimated, not verified
Penal SubstitutionStrongly affirmsTradition defaultOn the cross Christ bore the penalty/punishment that sinners deserved, satisfying God's justice in their place (penal substitution).Estimated, not verified
Perseverance Of The SaintsStrongly affirmsTradition defaultThe truly elect will certainly persevere in faith to the end because God preserves them, and any who fall away permanently were never truly regenerate.Estimated, not verified
Postmortem Purification OrthodoxStrongly rejectsTradition defaultThere is some real cleansing, growth, or change in the soul's condition after death (apart from a juridical "purgatory").Estimated, not verified
Prayers For Dead Affect SalvationStrongly rejectsTradition defaultPrayers, Masses, or almsgiving by the living can benefit the salvific state of the dead.Estimated, not verified
Prevenient GraceRejectsTradition defaultBefore any human response, God gives a preceding ("prevenient") grace to all that restores enough ability to freely accept or reject salvation.Estimated, not verified
Purgatory ExistsStrongly rejectsTradition defaultAfter death, many of the saved undergo a purifying state ("purgatory") before entering full glory.Estimated, not verified
RecapitulationAffirmsTradition defaultChrist saves by "recapitulating": living out and reversing in himself every stage of human life that Adam corrupted, healing human nature from within.Estimated, not verified
Regeneration Precedes FaithStrongly affirmsTradition defaultGod regenerates (gives new spiritual life) before and so as to enable a person's first act of faith.Estimated, not verified
Repentance Required For SalvationStrongly affirmsTradition defaultRepentance (a real turning from sin) is required for salvation.Estimated, not verified
Righteousness Imparted InfusedStrongly rejectsTradition defaultThe righteousness of justification is infused into and becomes intrinsic to the believer, growing as they cooperate with grace.Estimated, not verified
Righteousness ImputedStrongly affirmsTradition defaultThe righteousness by which a believer is justified is Christ's own righteousness credited/imputed to them, external to and not produced by the believer.Estimated, not verified
Sacraments Are Means Of GraceStrongly affirmsTradition defaultGod ordinarily dispenses saving grace through material sacraments/mysteries as effective channels.Estimated, not verified
Sacraments Work Ex Opere OperatoStrongly rejectsTradition defaultA rightly performed sacrament conveys its grace by the very fact of being performed (ex opere operato), not depending on the worthiness of the minister or recipient's merit.Estimated, not verified
Salvation By Membership In True ChurchStrongly rejectsTradition defaultSalvation is ordinarily found only within the one true visible Church; to be saved one must belong to it.Estimated, not verified
Salvation Can Be LostStrongly rejectsTradition defaultA genuine believer can fall away and forfeit salvation (apostasy / conditional security).Estimated, not verified
Salvation Is Lifelong ProcessRejectsTradition defaultSalvation is fundamentally a lifelong process of being saved rather than a single completed event.Estimated, not verified
Salvation Is MonergisticStrongly affirmsTradition defaultSalvation is accomplished by God alone working in the person (monergism); the human will does not cooperate in the new birth.Estimated, not verified
Salvation Is SynergisticStrongly rejectsTradition defaultSalvation involves a genuine cooperation between God's grace and the human will (synergism).Estimated, not verified
Sanctification Is ProgressiveStrongly affirmsTradition defaultAfter conversion the believer grows in holiness gradually over a lifetime (progressive sanctification).Estimated, not verified
Satisfaction AnselmianAffirmsTradition defaultChrist's death rendered satisfaction to God's offended honor/justice for the debt of sin (Anselmian satisfaction).Estimated, not verified
Semi Pelagian First StepStrongly rejectsTradition defaultThe human can make the first move toward God (e.g. an initial desire or assent), after which God supplies the grace to complete salvation.Estimated, not verified
Sinless Perfection AttainableStrongly rejectsTradition defaultA believer can reach a state of being free from all actual sin in this life.Estimated, not verified
Spirit Baptism Tongues EvidenceStrongly rejectsTradition defaultBaptism in the Holy Spirit is a distinct experience subsequent to conversion, evidenced by speaking in tongues.Estimated, not verified
Total Depravity InabilityStrongly affirmsTradition defaultFallen humans are so corrupted that, apart from grace, they are entirely unable to turn to God or choose saving good (total inability).Estimated, not verified
Treasury Of Merit IndulgencesStrongly rejectsTradition defaultThe Church can apply the superabundant merits of Christ and the saints (the "treasury of merit") to remit temporal punishment, e.g. through indulgences.Estimated, not verified
Union With Christ Is CentralAffirmsTradition defaultSalvation is best understood as participation/union with Christ, from which both justification and sanctification flow, rather than as a primarily legal transaction.Estimated, not verified
Universal ReconciliationStrongly rejectsTradition defaultIn the end God will reconcile and save all people (and possibly all creatures), so that none are finally lost.Estimated, not verified
Word Is Chief Means Of GraceStrongly affirmsTradition defaultThe preached/read Word of God is the primary means by which saving grace is given, with sacraments subordinate or secondary.Estimated, not verified
Works Are Fruit Not GroundStrongly affirmsTradition defaultGood works are the necessary fruit and evidence of saving faith but contribute nothing to the ground of one's justification.Estimated, not verified

The Holy Spirit

Assurance Is Normal For BelieversStrongly affirmsTradition defaultSettled assurance of salvation is normal and to be expected for genuine believers in this life.Estimated, not verified
Blasphemy Against Spirit UnforgivableStrongly affirmsTradition defaultThere is a specific sin against the Holy Spirit that is unforgivable.Estimated, not verified
Cessation Tied To Apostolic OfficeAffirmsTradition defaultThe sign gifts were tied uniquely to the apostles' authenticating ministry and ceased when that office ended.Estimated, not verified
Filioque Double ProcessionStrongly affirmsTradition defaultThe Holy Spirit eternally proceeds from the Father AND the Son (filioque).Estimated, not verified

Show 44 more in The Holy Spirit

Filling Is Repeatable CommandAffirmsTradition defaultBeing "filled with the Spirit" is a repeatable, commanded experience distinct from the one-time indwelling.Estimated, not verified
Fruit More Than Gifts Is The EvidenceStrongly affirmsTradition defaultThe fruit of the Spirit (love, joy, peace, etc.) is the truest evidence of the Spirit's presence, more than the spectacular gifts.Estimated, not verified
Inner Light AuthoritativeStrongly rejectsTradition defaultThe Spirit's direct inner light within each person is a primary and sufficient source of religious truth and direction.Estimated, not verified
Lack Of Healing Implies Lack Of FaithRejectsTradition defaultWhen prayed-for healing does not occur, the usual explanation is insufficient faith on the part of those involved.Estimated, not verified
Miraculous Gifts CeasedStrongly affirmsTradition defaultThe miraculous/sign gifts (prophecy, tongues, healings, miracles) ceased with the apostolic age and are not normative today.Estimated, not verified
Modern Prophets Speak With Scripture AuthorityStrongly rejectsTradition defaultRecognized prophets today can speak with binding, Scripture-level authority over the church.Estimated, not verified
Office Of Apostle Prophet RestoredStrongly rejectsTradition defaultThe governing offices of apostle and prophet have been restored and should lead the church today.Estimated, not verified
Oneness One Person Three ManifestationsStrongly rejectsTradition defaultGod is one indivisible person who manifests successively or simultaneously as Father, Son, and Spirit, rather than three eternally distinct persons.Estimated, not verified
Public Tongues Require InterpretationStrongly affirmsTradition defaultPublic tongues-speaking in the gathered assembly must be accompanied by interpretation or remain silent.Estimated, not verified
Regeneration Monergistic By SpiritStrongly affirmsTradition defaultRegeneration is monergistic: the Spirit gives new life before and apart from any cooperating act of the human will.Estimated, not verified
Sanctification Is Spirit Empowered CooperationStrongly affirmsTradition defaultSanctification is the Spirit's ongoing work in which the believer actively cooperates ("walk by the Spirit").Estimated, not verified
Sinless Perfection AttainableStrongly rejectsTradition defaultBy the Spirit, a believer may reach a state of entire freedom from conscious/willful sin in this life.Estimated, not verified
Spirit Active In CreationStrongly affirmsTradition defaultThe Holy Spirit was personally active in the creation of the world.Estimated, not verified
Spirit Baptism At ConversionStrongly affirmsTradition defaultBaptism in/with the Holy Spirit happens at conversion and is identical with becoming a Christian: not a separate later event.Estimated, not verified
Spirit Baptism For Empowerment Not SalvationRejectsTradition defaultSpirit-baptism is primarily for power/empowerment for witness and service, distinct from the saving work that makes one a believer.Estimated, not verified
Spirit Can Be Lost By ApostasyStrongly rejectsTradition defaultA person genuinely indwelt by the Spirit can lose that indwelling through apostasy or grave sin.Estimated, not verified
Spirit Distinct HypostasisStrongly affirmsTradition defaultThe Spirit is a distinct hypostasis/person, genuinely other than the Father and the Son, not merely a mode or aspect of the one God.Estimated, not verified
Spirit Effects RegenerationStrongly affirmsTradition defaultThe new birth (regeneration) is a work the Holy Spirit accomplishes in the believer.Estimated, not verified
Spirit Empowers All Believers PriesthoodStrongly affirmsTradition defaultThe Spirit gifts and empowers every believer for ministry (priesthood of all believers), not a clerical class alone.Estimated, not verified
Spirit Eternal And UncreatedStrongly affirmsTradition defaultThe Holy Spirit is eternal, without beginning, and shares the one uncreated divine nature.Estimated, not verified
Spirit From Father Through SonAffirmsTradition defaultThe Spirit proceeds from the Father THROUGH the Son (per Filium), not from the Son as a co-cause.Estimated, not verified
Spirit Gives Gifts Sovereignly Not By SeekingAffirmsTradition defaultThe Spirit distributes gifts sovereignly as He wills, so believers cannot simply claim or work up a particular gift.Estimated, not verified
Spirit Gives Inner AssuranceStrongly affirmsTradition defaultThe Spirit gives believers a direct inner witness assuring them they are God's children.Estimated, not verified
Spirit Grace Irresistible In ElectStrongly affirmsTradition defaultThe Spirit's saving, regenerating grace is ultimately irresistible in those God has chosen.Estimated, not verified
Spirit Grieved And ResistibleRejectsTradition defaultThe Spirit can be resisted, grieved, and quenched by human beings.Estimated, not verified
Spirit Guarantees Church InfallibilityStrongly rejectsTradition defaultThe Spirit so guides the Church's official teaching that it can be preserved from error (infallibility) on matters of faith.Estimated, not verified
Spirit Guidance Subordinate To ScriptureStrongly affirmsTradition defaultAny present-day prompting attributed to the Spirit must be tested by and remain subordinate to the written Scripture.Estimated, not verified
Spirit Homoousios With Father SonStrongly affirmsTradition defaultThe Spirit is of the same essence (homoousios) as the Father and the Son.Estimated, not verified
Spirit Illumines ReaderStrongly affirmsTradition defaultThe Spirit must internally illumine a reader for Scripture to be rightly understood and received as God's word.Estimated, not verified
Spirit Impersonal Divine EnergyStrongly rejectsTradition defaultWhat Scripture calls "the Holy Spirit" is best understood as God's impersonal power or presence-in-action rather than a third "who."Estimated, not verified
Spirit Indwells Every BelieverStrongly affirmsTradition defaultEvery true believer is permanently indwelt by the Holy Spirit from the moment of conversion.Estimated, not verified
Spirit Inspired ScriptureStrongly affirmsTradition defaultThe Holy Spirit is the divine author who inspired the writers of Scripture.Estimated, not verified
Spirit Is Created BeingStrongly rejectsTradition defaultThe Holy Spirit is a created being or the highest creature, not eternal and uncreated.Estimated, not verified
Spirit Is Fully GodStrongly affirmsTradition defaultThe Holy Spirit is fully and truly God, equal in divine essence to the Father and the Son.Estimated, not verified
Spirit Is Personal AgentStrongly affirmsTradition defaultThe Holy Spirit is a distinct personal agent (who can be grieved, speaks, wills, and intercedes), not merely an impersonal force or energy.Estimated, not verified
Spirit Is World Soul Or ImmanentStrongly rejectsTradition defaultThe Holy Spirit is essentially the immanent divine presence pervading nature and the cosmos (a world-indwelling Spirit) more than a transcendent personal third.Estimated, not verified
Spirit Proceeds From FatherStrongly affirmsTradition defaultThe Holy Spirit eternally proceeds from the Father.Estimated, not verified
Spirit Seals Believer PermanentlyStrongly affirmsTradition defaultThe Spirit "seals" the believer as a permanent guarantee of final salvation that cannot be undone.Estimated, not verified
Spirit Speaks New Revelation TodayStrongly rejectsTradition defaultThe Spirit continues to give new authoritative revelation today, beyond the closed canon of Scripture.Estimated, not verified
Spirit Subordinate In RankStrongly rejectsTradition defaultThe Spirit is genuinely subordinate to the Father and the Son in rank or authority, not merely distinct in role.Estimated, not verified
Spirit Works Savingly Outside Visible ChurchRejectsTradition defaultThe Spirit works savingly in people who are outside the visible institutional church, including beyond explicit Christian profession.Estimated, not verified
Spirit Worthy Of WorshipStrongly affirmsTradition defaultThe Holy Spirit is rightly worshiped and glorified together with the Father and the Son.Estimated, not verified
Spiritual Gifts For Corporate EdificationStrongly affirmsTradition defaultSpiritual gifts exist primarily to build up the gathered body, not for individual display or status.Estimated, not verified
Tongues Are Known Human LanguagesRejectsTradition defaultWhen exercised genuinely, tongues are real, existing human languages (xenoglossy), not unintelligible utterance.Estimated, not verified

The Church

Apostolicity Is Doctrinal Not SuccessionalStrongly affirmsTradition defaultApostolicity consists primarily in fidelity to apostolic DOCTRINE, not in an unbroken chain of ordinations from the apostles.Estimated, not verified
Baptism Is The Entry Into The ChurchStrongly affirmsTradition defaultBaptism is the rite of entry/incorporation into the visible church.Estimated, not verified
Bishop Of Rome Has Universal PrimacyStrongly rejectsTradition defaultThe bishop of Rome (the pope) holds a divinely instituted primacy of jurisdiction over the whole church.Estimated, not verified
Children Of Believers Are Church MembersStrongly affirmsTradition defaultThe baptized children of believers are already members of the visible church/covenant community, not outsiders awaiting conversion.Estimated, not verified

Show 50 more in The Church

Church Discipline Should Be PracticedStrongly affirmsTradition defaultThe church should formally practice corrective discipline, up to exclusion, against unrepentant serious sin among members.Estimated, not verified
Church Is ApostolicStrongly affirmsTradition defaultThe church is apostolic: it must stand in genuine continuity with the apostles' teaching and mission.Estimated, not verified
Church Is Body Of ChristStrongly affirmsTradition defaultThe church is the mystical Body of Christ, organically united to him as its head.Estimated, not verified
Church Is Catholic UniversalStrongly affirmsTradition defaultThe church is catholic (universal): the whole company of Christ's people across all times and places, not confined to one nation, culture, or congregation.Estimated, not verified
Church Is Divinely InstitutedStrongly affirmsTradition defaultThe church is a divine institution founded by Christ, not merely a voluntary human association of like-minded believers.Estimated, not verified
Church Is HolyStrongly affirmsTradition defaultThe church is holy (set apart and sanctified by Christ) even though its members remain sinners.Estimated, not verified
Church Is Mixed BodyStrongly affirmsTradition defaultIn this age the visible church is a mixed body containing both genuine believers and the unregenerate (wheat and tares, sheep and goats together until the end).Estimated, not verified
Church Is New Or True IsraelStrongly affirmsTradition defaultThe church is the continuation/fulfillment of Israel: the people of God now redefined around Christ (the "Israel of God").Estimated, not verified
Church Is OneStrongly affirmsTradition defaultThe true church is essentially ONE (a single body) despite outward divisions.Estimated, not verified
Church Is Provisional Until KingdomAffirmsTradition defaultThe institutional church is a provisional, this-age reality that will give way to the consummated Kingdom, rather than itself being the final goal.Estimated, not verified
Church Should Withdraw From Worldly SocietyRejectsTradition defaultThe faithful church should remain a distinct, separated community withdrawn from the institutions and entanglements of worldly society.Estimated, not verified
Church Was Hidden Mystery Not In Old TestamentStrongly rejectsTradition defaultThe church is a "mystery" not foreseen in the Old Testament: a distinct parenthesis begun at Pentecost.Estimated, not verified
Clergy Celibacy RequiredStrongly rejectsTradition defaultThose in the (higher) ordained ministry should be unmarried/celibate.Estimated, not verified
Congregational Polity Local Church AutonomousStrongly rejectsTradition defaultEach local congregation is self-governing and autonomous under Christ, answerable to no higher ecclesiastical authority.Estimated, not verified
Connectional Polity Above LocalStrongly affirmsTradition defaultLocal churches are properly bound together under a wider connectional structure (conference, synod, communion) with real authority over them.Estimated, not verified
Councils Subordinate To ScriptureStrongly affirmsTradition defaultChurch councils and creeds have real authority but may err and remain subordinate to Scripture.Estimated, not verified
Discipline Aims At RestorationStrongly affirmsTradition defaultThe goal of church discipline is the restoration of the offender, not merely punishment or protecting the church's purity.Estimated, not verified
Ecumenical Councils Are InfallibleStrongly rejectsTradition defaultThe decisions of genuine ecumenical councils are infallible and irreformable for the whole church.Estimated, not verified
Efficacy Independent Of Ministers WorthinessStrongly affirmsTradition defaultThe validity/efficacy of sacraments does not depend on the personal holiness of the minister (against Donatism).Estimated, not verified
Episcopal Polity Is Divinely RequiredStrongly rejectsTradition defaultGovernment by bishops in apostolic succession is the divinely intended and necessary form of church order (jure divino episcopacy).Estimated, not verified
Exclusive Organization Is Gods Only ChannelStrongly rejectsTradition defaultGod works and dispenses truth/salvation today through ONE specific visible organization, and being rightly related to it is essential.Estimated, not verified
Excommunication Has Spiritual ConsequencesStrongly affirmsTradition defaultLawful excommunication actually binds in heaven: it carries real spiritual consequences, not merely social ones.Estimated, not verified
Formal Membership Should Be RequiredStrongly affirmsTradition defaultThe church should have a defined, formal membership that one joins by a deliberate covenant or profession.Estimated, not verified
Invisible Church Is PrimaryStrongly affirmsTradition defaultThe "real" church is the invisible company of all the elect/truly regenerate, known certainly only to God, of which any visible body is an imperfect expression.Estimated, not verified
Israel And Church Remain Distinct PeoplesStrongly rejectsTradition defaultNational/ethnic Israel and the church are two distinct peoples of God with distinct promises; the church has not replaced Israel.Estimated, not verified
Living Magisterium Authoritatively InterpretsStrongly rejectsTradition defaultA living teaching office (magisterium) authoritatively and bindingly interprets Scripture and Tradition for the whole church.Estimated, not verified
Local Church Fully Is The ChurchStrongly affirmsTradition defaultEach rightly-gathered local church is fully and not merely partially "the church": the whole church is present where the people gather with the Word and sacraments (or, for some, the Eucharist with the bishop).Estimated, not verified
Membership In Visible Church NecessaryStrongly affirmsTradition defaultBelonging to the visible, organized church is normally necessary for the Christian life, not an optional add-on to private faith.Estimated, not verified
Ministry Is Sacrificing PriesthoodStrongly rejectsTradition defaultThe ordained minister functions as a priest who offers a sacrifice (the Eucharist) on behalf of the people.Estimated, not verified
Mission Is Primarily Evangelism And Disciple MakingStrongly affirmsTradition defaultThe church's central mission is to proclaim the gospel and make disciples (the Great Commission as its defining task).Estimated, not verified
No Clergy Laity DistinctionRejectsTradition defaultThere should be no distinct ordained clergy class; all believers minister equally without a separate office of pastor/priest.Estimated, not verified
No Creed But The BibleStrongly rejectsTradition defaultThe church should bind consciences to no creed, confession, or council: "no creed but Christ / the Bible alone."Estimated, not verified
No Outward Sacraments Needed For The ChurchStrongly rejectsTradition defaultA true church need not practice outward water-baptism or the Lord's Supper at all; the inward reality suffices.Estimated, not verified
Ordained Ministry Still Distinct OfficeStrongly affirmsTradition defaultEven granting the priesthood of all believers, an ordained ministry remains a distinct, divinely warranted office, not merely a functional convenience.Estimated, not verified
Papacy Is Illegitimate CorruptionStrongly affirmsTradition defaultThe papacy is a later, illegitimate human development: a corruption rather than Christ's design.Estimated, not verified
Parity Of Presbyters Bishop Equals ElderStrongly affirmsTradition defaultIn the New Testament "bishop" (episkopos) and "elder" (presbyteros) name the same office; there is no separate higher order of bishop.Estimated, not verified
Petrine Office Perpetual In PopesStrongly rejectsTradition defaultChrist's commission to Peter ("upon this rock") established a perpetual office continued in the bishops of Rome.Estimated, not verified
Pope Is InfallibleStrongly rejectsTradition defaultThe pope, under defined conditions (ex cathedra, on faith and morals), teaches infallibly.Estimated, not verified
Presbyterian Polity Governance By Elders CourtsStrongly affirmsTradition defaultThe church should be governed by presbyters (elders) acting collectively through graded courts (session, presbytery, synod, assembly).Estimated, not verified
Priesthood Of All BelieversStrongly affirmsTradition defaultEvery believer is a priest with direct access to God, with no need for a mediating human priest.Estimated, not verified
Rightly Administered Sacraments Are A Mark Of The ChurchStrongly affirmsTradition defaultThe true church is identified by the right administration of the sacraments (alongside the right preaching of the Word).Estimated, not verified
Scripture Is Sole Final AuthorityStrongly affirmsTradition defaultScripture is the sole final authority for the church's faith and practice (sola scriptura); all other authorities are subordinate and fallible.Estimated, not verified
Shunning Of Excommunicated RequiredRejectsTradition defaultMembers must socially shun/avoid those placed under the ban, including in ordinary daily relations.Estimated, not verified
Theocratic Or Charismatic GovernanceStrongly rejectsTradition defaultThe church should be led directly by Spirit-anointed apostles/prophets whose governance carries divine authority over the congregation.Estimated, not verified
Threefold Order Bishop Priest DeaconRejectsTradition defaultThe ministry is rightly ordered in three distinct orders (bishop, presbyter/priest, and deacon) as the apostolic pattern.Estimated, not verified
Tradition Is Coequal AuthorityStrongly rejectsTradition defaultSacred Tradition stands alongside Scripture as a co-equal source of binding revelation.Estimated, not verified
True Church Existed Unbroken Through HistoryStrongly affirmsTradition defaultChrist's true church has existed continuously and visibly in every age since Pentecost, never wholly apostatizing.Estimated, not verified
Unity Is Visible InstitutionalRejectsTradition defaultThe church's God-willed unity must be a VISIBLE, institutional, communion-and-sacramental unity, not merely a spiritual bond among believers.Estimated, not verified
Women Excluded From Eldership Teaching MenStrongly affirmsTradition defaultThe offices of elder/pastor and the authoritative teaching of men in the gathered church are reserved to qualified men.Estimated, not verified
Women May Be Ordained Pastors PriestsStrongly rejectsTradition defaultWomen may be ordained to the pastoral/priestly office on the same basis as men.Estimated, not verified

Sacraments & ordinances

Anointing Sick Is A SacramentRejectsTradition defaultAnointing of the sick with oil is a sacrament conveying grace, healing, and forgiveness to the seriously ill.Estimated, not verified
Baptism Aspersion ValidStrongly affirmsTradition defaultBaptism by sprinkling (aspersion) is a fully valid mode.Estimated, not verified
Baptism Covenant SignStrongly affirmsTradition defaultBaptism is the New Covenant sign of membership corresponding to circumcision, hence applied to covenant children.Estimated, not verified
Baptism Mode Immersion RequiredStrongly rejectsTradition defaultValid baptism requires full immersion of the body in water.Estimated, not verified

Show 43 more in Sacraments & ordinances

Baptism Mode IndifferentStrongly affirmsTradition defaultThe mode of baptism (immersion, pouring, or sprinkling) is a matter of indifference and does not affect validity.Estimated, not verified
Baptism Of Desire Or BloodRejectsTradition defaultThose who die unbaptized may still be saved through "baptism of desire" or martyrdom ("baptism of blood").Estimated, not verified
Baptism Sign Seal OnlyStrongly affirmsTradition defaultBaptism is a sign and seal of grace already promised, not the instrument that produces regeneration.Estimated, not verified
Baptism Triple ImmersionRejectsTradition defaultBaptism should be administered by three immersions, one for each person of the Trinity.Estimated, not verified
Baptism Validity Depends On Administering ChurchRejectsTradition defaultBaptism performed outside the one true Church is invalid and must be redone upon entry.Estimated, not verified
Baptismal RegenerationStrongly rejectsTradition defaultIn baptism God regenerates the recipient: the new birth/washing away of sin actually occurs in the rite.Estimated, not verified
Chrismation Immediately After BaptismRejectsTradition defaultChrismation/confirmation should be administered immediately with baptism, even to infants.Estimated, not verified
Communion In Both Kinds For LaityStrongly affirmsTradition defaultThe laity should receive both the bread and the cup (not bread alone).Estimated, not verified
Confession Directly To God SufficientStrongly affirmsTradition defaultConfession of sin directly to God is fully sufficient for forgiveness; no human mediator is needed.Estimated, not verified
Confirmation Imparts Holy Spirit SealStrongly rejectsTradition defaultThrough anointing with chrism the recipient receives the seal/gift of the Holy Spirit not given in water baptism alone.Estimated, not verified
Confirmation Is A SacramentStrongly rejectsTradition defaultConfirmation (chrismation) is a distinct sacrament that completes baptismal initiation and imparts the Holy Spirit.Estimated, not verified
Confirmation Rite Of Personal ProfessionStrongly affirmsTradition defaultConfirmation is properly an occasion for a baptized person to profess for themselves the faith into which they were baptized.Estimated, not verified
Efficacy Requires Faith RecipientStrongly affirmsTradition defaultA sacrament benefits the recipient only when received with faith; without faith it conveys no grace (or conveys judgment).Estimated, not verified
Eucharistic Adoration ProperStrongly rejectsTradition defaultThe consecrated host may rightly be adored and worshiped as Christ himself.Estimated, not verified
Ex Opere OperatoStrongly rejectsTradition defaultA validly performed sacrament conveys grace by virtue of the act itself (ex opere operato), independent of the worthiness of the minister.Estimated, not verified
Exactly Two OrdinancesStrongly affirmsTradition defaultThere are exactly two ordinances/sacraments instituted by Christ: baptism and the Lord's Supper.Estimated, not verified
Fencing The Table By ExaminationStrongly affirmsTradition defaultCommunicants must examine themselves (and/or be examined by elders) before partaking, lest they eat to judgment.Estimated, not verified
Grace Conferred To Unbeliever For JudgmentStrongly rejectsTradition defaultAn unworthy or unbelieving recipient still truly receives the sacramental substance, but to their own judgment.Estimated, not verified
Household Baptism WarrantStrongly affirmsTradition defaultApostolic "household" baptisms warrant baptizing the whole family, including its children, on the faith of the head.Estimated, not verified
Indulgences Remit Temporal PunishmentStrongly rejectsTradition defaultIndulgences can remit the temporal punishment due to forgiven sins, drawing on the Church's treasury of merit.Estimated, not verified
Infant Baptism ProperStrongly affirmsTradition defaultInfants and young children of believers should be baptized.Estimated, not verified
Intention Of Minister RequiredRejectsTradition defaultFor a sacrament to be valid the minister must intend "to do what the Church does."Estimated, not verified
Marriage Holy But Not SacramentStrongly affirmsTradition defaultMarriage is a sacred, God-ordained covenant, but it is not a sacrament that conveys grace.Estimated, not verified
Mass Is Propitiatory SacrificeStrongly rejectsTradition defaultThe Eucharist is a true and propitiatory sacrifice offered for the living and the dead.Estimated, not verified
Matrimony Is A SacramentStrongly rejectsTradition defaultMarriage between two baptized Christians is a sacrament conveying grace.Estimated, not verified
Memorialism Symbol OnlyRejectsTradition defaultThe Supper is purely a memorial; the bread and wine remain only symbols that prompt remembrance, with no presence or reception of Christ.Estimated, not verified
Minister Worthiness Affects ValidityStrongly rejectsTradition defaultThe personal sin or unbelief of the minister invalidates the sacrament he administers.Estimated, not verified
No Outward SacramentsStrongly rejectsTradition defaultNo outward physical rites are necessary; the only true baptism and communion are inward and spiritual.Estimated, not verified
Ordinance Obedience OnlyRejectsTradition defaultBaptism and the Supper are primarily acts of human obedience and public testimony rather than channels of divine grace.Estimated, not verified
Ordination Confers Indelible CharacterStrongly rejectsTradition defaultOrdination imprints an indelible character on the ordained that cannot be lost.Estimated, not verified
PaedocommunionStrongly rejectsTradition defaultBaptized infants and young children should receive communion before a profession of faith or first confession.Estimated, not verified
Presence Only In UseStrongly affirmsTradition defaultChrist's presence in the Supper exists only in the act of distribution and reception, not in elements set aside afterward.Estimated, not verified
Real Presence In SupperAffirmsTradition defaultChrist is truly and really present in the bread and wine of the Supper, not merely symbolized.Estimated, not verified
Sacrament Requires Dominical InstitutionStrongly affirmsTradition defaultA true sacrament must have been directly instituted by Christ himself.Estimated, not verified
Sacramental Marriage IndissolubleRejectsTradition defaultA consummated sacramental marriage is absolutely indissoluble; no divorce can break the bond before death.Estimated, not verified
Sacraments Convey GraceStrongly affirmsTradition defaultThe sacraments/ordinances are not merely symbols but are means through which God actually conveys grace.Estimated, not verified
Sacraments Strengthen Seal FaithStrongly affirmsTradition defaultSacraments function chiefly to confirm, seal, and strengthen a faith already given, rather than to originate grace.Estimated, not verified
Satisfaction Works Of PenanceStrongly rejectsTradition defaultThe penitent must perform acts of satisfaction (penance) assigned by the confessor as part of reconciliation.Estimated, not verified
Seven SacramentsStrongly rejectsTradition defaultThere are seven sacraments: baptism, confirmation/chrismation, Eucharist, penance, anointing of the sick, holy orders, and matrimony.Estimated, not verified
Spiritual Pneumatic PresenceStrongly affirmsTradition defaultChrist is truly received in the Supper by faith through the Holy Spirit, but his body is in heaven and not locally present in the elements.Estimated, not verified
TransubstantiationStrongly rejectsTradition defaultIn consecration the bread and wine are changed in substance into the body and blood of Christ, the appearances alone remaining.Estimated, not verified
Trinitarian Formula RequiredStrongly affirmsTradition defaultValid baptism must use the Trinitarian formula "in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit."Estimated, not verified
Valid Orders Require Male OrdinandStrongly affirmsTradition defaultOnly men may be validly ordained to the priesthood/presbyterate.Estimated, not verified

Worship & liturgy

Bowing And ProstrationStrongly rejectsTradition defaultBowing, prostration, or full physical reverence before the altar, icons, or sacrament is fitting in worship.Estimated, not verified
Cessationism No Charismatic GiftsStrongly affirmsTradition defaultThe miraculous sign gifts (tongues, prophecy, healing) ceased with the apostolic age and have no place in worship today.Estimated, not verified
Communion Only SeasonallyStrongly rejectsTradition defaultCommunion seasons (a few solemn observances a year with extensive preparation) are the fitting pattern.Estimated, not verified
Contemporary Worship Music EmbracedLeans toward rejectingTradition defaultContemporary worship music (CCM, praise-and-worship bands, modern choruses) is fitting and desirable for the gathered church.Estimated, not verified

Show 32 more in Worship & liturgy

Exclusive PsalmodyRejectsTradition defaultOnly the inspired Psalms (or canonical biblical songs) may be sung in worship: no uninspired hymns.Estimated, not verified
Feast Days Of Torah ObservedStrongly rejectsTradition defaultThe biblical feasts of the Hebrew calendar (Passover, Pentecost/Shavuot, Tabernacles) should be observed by Christians in worship.Estimated, not verified
Geneva Gown Or Academic DressAffirmsTradition defaultA simple ministerial gown (Geneva gown / academic robe) rather than sacramental vestments is the fitting dress for the preacher.Estimated, not verified
Icons VeneratedStrongly rejectsTradition defaultIcons of Christ and the saints should be venerated (honored with bows, kisses, candles, incense) in worship.Estimated, not verified
Men Uncovered HeadsStrongly affirmsTradition defaultMen should worship with heads uncovered as a matter of reverence and biblical instruction.Estimated, not verified
Normative PrincipleStrongly rejectsTradition defaultWorship may include any element not forbidden by Scripture, leaving wide freedom for forms, ceremonies, and innovations.Estimated, not verified
Only Christological Feasts KeptAffirmsTradition defaultOnly feasts directly commemorating events in Christ's life (Christmas, Easter, Pentecost) are warranted; saints' days are not.Estimated, not verified
Passing The PeaceStrongly affirmsTradition defaultA formal exchange of the peace (greeting one another with a sign of peace) is a fitting liturgical act.Estimated, not verified
Preaching Is The CenterStrongly affirmsTradition defaultThe preaching/exposition of the Word is the central act and high point of corporate worship.Estimated, not verified
Preaching Optional Or MinimalStrongly rejectsTradition defaultA sermon is not an essential element of worship and may be brief or omitted.Estimated, not verified
Psalms Central But Hymns AllowedAffirmsTradition defaultThe Psalms should hold a central, regular place in sung worship, even if uninspired hymns are also permitted.Estimated, not verified
Pulpit Central ArchitectureStrongly affirmsTradition defaultThe worship space should be ordered around a central, elevated pulpit as its focus.Estimated, not verified
Regulative PrincipleStrongly affirmsTradition defaultCorporate worship may include only those elements positively commanded or warranted by Scripture; whatever is not commanded is forbidden.Estimated, not verified
Sabbath Principle AbolishedStrongly rejectsTradition defaultNo particular day is binding under the new covenant; the Sabbath commandment is fulfilled in Christ and not transferred to any weekly day.Estimated, not verified
Sacred Liturgical Language PreferredStrongly rejectsTradition defaultA fixed sacred or traditional liturgical language (Latin, Church Slavonic, Koine Greek, classical Syriac, Ge'ez) is fitting and preferable for worship.Estimated, not verified
Second Commandment Forbids ImagesStrongly affirmsTradition defaultThe second commandment forbids making any image of God or using images in worship.Estimated, not verified
Sermon Central And LengthyStrongly affirmsTradition defaultA substantial, lengthy sermon (30+ minutes) is a normal and expected feature of worship.Estimated, not verified
Sermon Should Be ExpositoryStrongly affirmsTradition defaultThe sermon should be primarily an exposition of a biblical text rather than topical, exhortatory, or homiletic reflection.Estimated, not verified
Singing Is Required ElementAffirmsTradition defaultCongregational singing is a divinely required element of corporate worship.Estimated, not verified
Standing For Prayer And ReadingStrongly affirmsTradition defaultStanding is the fitting posture for prayer and for hearing the Gospel/Scripture read.Estimated, not verified
Statues And Images ProperStrongly rejectsTradition defaultStatues, crucifixes, and religious images are proper aids to devotion in the place of worship.Estimated, not verified
Strict Sabbath RestStrongly affirmsTradition defaultThe Lord's Day requires strict cessation from labor, commerce, and recreation, set apart wholly for worship and rest.Estimated, not verified
The Lords Prayer RecitedStrongly affirmsTradition defaultThe Lord's Prayer should be recited corporately as a regular part of worship.Estimated, not verified
Tithes Offering As Worship ActStrongly affirmsTradition defaultThe collection of tithes and offerings is itself an act of worship within the service.Estimated, not verified
Vernacular WorshipStrongly affirmsTradition defaultWorship should be conducted in the everyday language of the people.Estimated, not verified
Weekly CommunionLeans toward rejectingTradition defaultThe Lord's Supper should be celebrated every Lord's Day.Estimated, not verified
Worship Form IndifferentStrongly rejectsTradition defaultThe outward form and style of worship is largely a matter of indifference (adiaphora) to be decided by culture, pastoral wisdom, or preference.Estimated, not verified
Worship Governed By TraditionStrongly rejectsTradition defaultThe received liturgical tradition of the church carries binding authority over the form of worship alongside (or beyond) explicit Scripture.Estimated, not verified
Worship In Homes Or Small SettingsAffirmsTradition defaultWorship is fittingly conducted in homes or simple gatherings without a dedicated sacred building.Estimated, not verified
Worship Is EvangelisticStrongly affirmsTradition defaultA primary purpose of the worship service is evangelism and calling outsiders to conversion.Estimated, not verified
Worship Must Be Reverent SolemnStrongly affirmsTradition defaultWorship ought to be marked above all by reverence, solemnity, and awe before God's transcendence.Estimated, not verified
Worship Should Be Culturally AccessibleRejectsTradition defaultWorship should be deliberately shaped to feel familiar and accessible to outsiders and the unchurched.Estimated, not verified

Last things

A Literal Mark Of The Beast Is ComingAffirmsTradition defaultA literal future "mark of the beast" will be imposed as a condition of economic participation.Estimated, not verified
Apocalyptic Prophecy Read Literally FuturisticallyRejectsTradition defaultThe prophecies of Daniel and Revelation should be read primarily as literal predictions of still-future events.Estimated, not verified
Beatific Vision Seeing God DirectlyAffirmsTradition defaultThe supreme reward of the redeemed is the direct, face-to-face vision of God himself (the beatific vision).Estimated, not verified
Christ Returns Before The MillenniumRejectsTradition defaultChrist returns bodily before the millennial kingdom and personally inaugurates it on earth.Estimated, not verified

Show 25 more in Last things

Christ Returns Personally BodilyStrongly affirmsTradition defaultJesus Christ will return personally, visibly, and bodily to the earth at a future point in history.Estimated, not verified
Conscious With Christ After DeathStrongly affirmsTradition defaultAt death the believer's soul consciously enters the presence of Christ and remains aware while awaiting the bodily resurrection.Estimated, not verified
Date Or Season Of The End Can Be CalculatedStrongly rejectsTradition defaultIt is possible, by study of prophecy, to calculate or closely estimate the time of the end.Estimated, not verified
Final Judgment Of All HumanityStrongly affirmsTradition defaultThere will be a final judgment at which all people are judged by Christ and assigned their eternal destinies.Estimated, not verified
Final State Is Earthly EmbodiedAffirmsTradition defaultThe eternal destiny of the redeemed is embodied life on a renewed earth, not a disembodied existence in a non-material heaven.Estimated, not verified
Future Bodily Resurrection Of The DeadStrongly affirmsTradition defaultThere will be a future, literal resurrection of the body: the dead raised with transformed physical bodies.Estimated, not verified
Future Seven Year TribulationRejectsTradition defaultA specific future seven-year period of unprecedented tribulation (often tied to Daniel's seventieth week) remains to be fulfilled.Estimated, not verified
Hell Is Eternal Conscious TormentStrongly affirmsTradition defaultThe finally unrepentant suffer conscious punishment in hell that continues without end.Estimated, not verified
Hopeful Universalism Without CertaintyStrongly rejectsTradition defaultWhile not asserting it as doctrine, one may legitimately hope and pray that all may ultimately be saved.Estimated, not verified
Immortality Of Soul Not Bodily ResurrectionStrongly rejectsTradition defaultFinal hope is essentially the immortality of the soul in a spiritual realm, not the raising and transformation of the physical body.Estimated, not verified
Judgment By Works For Believers RewardsAffirmsTradition defaultBelievers will be judged for their works to determine differing degrees of reward (while their salvation itself is secure).Estimated, not verified
Limbo For Unbaptized InfantsStrongly rejectsTradition defaultUnbaptized infants who die occupy a state of natural happiness apart from the beatific vision (the "limbo of infants").Estimated, not verified
Millennium Is Literal Thousand YearsRejectsTradition defaultThe thousand-year reign of Christ (Revelation 20) denotes a literal, future, earthly period of roughly a thousand years.Estimated, not verified
Millennium Is Present Church AgeAffirmsTradition defaultThe "thousand years" is a symbol for the entire present age between Christ's first and second comings, during which he reigns from heaven.Estimated, not verified
No Separate Rapture DoctrineStrongly affirmsTradition defaultThere is no distinct "rapture" doctrine at all; the New Testament describes one return of Christ at which the living and the dead are gathered together.Estimated, not verified
Observable Signs Will Signal The Nearness Of The EndRejectsTradition defaultIdentifiable signs (wars, earthquakes, gospel preached to all nations, rise of deception) will mark the approach of the end and can be discerned.Estimated, not verified
Parousia Accompanied By Cosmic SignsStrongly affirmsTradition defaultChrist's return will be accompanied by literal cosmic upheaval: darkened sun, falling stars, and visible glory seen by all.Estimated, not verified
Purgatory Purifies Before GloryStrongly rejectsTradition defaultMany of the saved undergo a purifying process after death (purgatory) before entering the fullness of heaven.Estimated, not verified
Rapture Distinct From Second ComingStrongly rejectsTradition defaultThere is a "rapture" (a catching-up of living believers to meet Christ) that is a distinct event, separated in time from his visible return to earth.Estimated, not verified
Resurrection Body Is Physical ContinuousStrongly affirmsTradition defaultThe resurrection body is a real, physical body in genuine continuity with the body that died, though glorified and incorruptible.Estimated, not verified
Return Already Occurred Ad70Strongly rejectsTradition defaultThe decisive "coming of the Son of Man" prophesied in the Gospels was fulfilled in the events surrounding the destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70, not a still-future event.Estimated, not verified
Return Is Imminent Any MomentRejectsTradition defaultChrist's return could occur at any moment, with no remaining prophecy that must be fulfilled first.Estimated, not verified
Second Coming Is Symbolic Not EventStrongly rejectsTradition defaultLanguage about Christ's "return" is best understood symbolically (as the ongoing triumph of his cause or spiritual presence) rather than as a single future historical event.Estimated, not verified
We Are Living In The Last Days NowStrongly affirmsTradition defaultWe are currently living in the biblically described "last days."Estimated, not verified
World Worsens Into Apostasy Before ReturnStrongly affirmsTradition defaultThe age will end in increasing apostasy, deception, and tribulation rather than in a Christianized golden age.Estimated, not verified

Scripture

Authority Creeds SubordinateStrongly affirmsTradition defaultThe ecumenical creeds and confessions are authoritative only insofar as they faithfully summarize Scripture.Estimated, not verified
Authority Holy Tradition OrthodoxStrongly rejectsTradition defaultScripture is rightly read only within Holy Tradition: the Fathers, councils, liturgy, and consensus of the Church.Estimated, not verified
Authority Magisterium InterpretsStrongly rejectsTradition defaultThe authentic interpretation of Scripture is entrusted to the Church's living teaching office (Magisterium), whose judgments bind the faithful.Estimated, not verified
Authority Ongoing Prophecy SupplementsStrongly rejectsTradition defaultPresent-day prophecy or apostolic revelation can supplement Scripture as a source of binding guidance.Estimated, not verified

Show 58 more in Scripture

Authority Over Conscience IndividualStrongly affirmsTradition defaultAn individual believer may rightly stand on Scripture against the consensus of the Church when conscience so requires.Estimated, not verified
Authority Prima ScripturaStrongly rejectsTradition defaultScripture is the primary authority, but tradition and reason serve as genuine, subordinate authorities under it.Estimated, not verified
Authority Scripture Plus Tradition CoordinateStrongly rejectsTradition defaultScripture and apostolic Tradition together form one deposit of God's Word, both to be received with equal devotion.Estimated, not verified
Authority Sola ScripturaStrongly affirmsTradition defaultScripture is the sole infallible rule of faith and practice for the Church.Estimated, not verified
Canon Church DeterminesStrongly rejectsTradition defaultThe Church, exercising her God-given authority, determined and authoritatively defined which books are canonical.Estimated, not verified
Canon Church Recognized Not ConferredStrongly affirmsTradition defaultThe Church recognized the canon that God had already constituted, rather than creating or conferring canonicity.Estimated, not verified
Canon Closed CompleteStrongly affirmsTradition defaultThe canon of Scripture is permanently closed; no new books can be added.Estimated, not verified
Canon Deuterocanon ScriptureStrongly rejectsTradition defaultThe deuterocanonical/apocryphal books (e.g., Tobit, Wisdom, Sirach, 1-2 Maccabees) are fully canonical Scripture.Estimated, not verified
Canon Ethiopian Enoch JubileesStrongly rejectsTradition defaultBooks such as 1 Enoch and Jubilees belong in the biblical canon.Estimated, not verified
Canon Marcion NarrowStrongly rejectsTradition defaultThe Old Testament should be rejected or radically subordinated because its God differs from the God revealed in Jesus.Estimated, not verified
Canon New Revelation LdsStrongly rejectsTradition defaultScripture includes additional latter-day revealed books beyond the Bible (e.g., the Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, Pearl of Great Price).Estimated, not verified
Canon Old Testament Authority EqualStrongly affirmsTradition defaultThe Old Testament is fully and equally Scripture alongside the New Testament.Estimated, not verified
Canon Open ContinuingStrongly rejectsTradition defaultThe canon of Scripture is open in principle: God may add new authoritative written revelation in the present or future.Estimated, not verified
Canon Orthodox WiderStrongly rejectsTradition defaultBooks beyond the Roman Catholic canon (e.g., 3 Maccabees, Psalm 151, 1 Esdras, and in some churches 4 Maccabees or Enoch) are rightly received as Scripture.Estimated, not verified
Canon Protestant 66Strongly affirmsTradition defaultThe canon of Scripture consists of exactly the 66 books of the Protestant Bible.Estimated, not verified
Canon Self AuthenticatingStrongly affirmsTradition defaultThe canonical books are self-authenticating: believers recognize them as Scripture through the internal witness of the Holy Spirit, not by the Church's decree.Estimated, not verified
Function Norms All DoctrineStrongly affirmsTradition defaultEvery doctrine the Church teaches must be testable by, and answerable to, Scripture.Estimated, not verified
General Revelation SupplementsStrongly affirmsTradition defaultGod's revelation in nature and conscience gives reliable, though limited, knowledge of God independent of Scripture.Estimated, not verified
Herm Allegorical DefaultStrongly rejectsTradition defaultAllegorical and figurative interpretation, rather than the literal-historical, should be the default key to Scripture's deeper meaning.Estimated, not verified
Herm Flat Bible Proof TextStrongly rejectsTradition defaultAny verse may be applied directly as binding doctrine or command regardless of its covenant or redemptive-historical context.Estimated, not verified
Herm Fourfold Spiritual SensesRejectsTradition defaultBeyond the literal sense, Scripture carries genuine spiritual senses (allegorical, moral, anagogical) intended by God.Estimated, not verified
Herm Historical GrammaticalStrongly affirmsTradition defaultThe proper method of interpretation seeks the single intended meaning of the human author in his historical and grammatical context.Estimated, not verified
Herm Literal Sense PrimaryStrongly affirmsTradition defaultThe literal sense (the plain, intended meaning) is the foundation and control for all other senses of Scripture.Estimated, not verified
Herm Literalism DispensationalStrongly rejectsTradition defaultProphetic texts should be read as literally and concretely as possible, including a future literal fulfillment of national/territorial promises to Israel.Estimated, not verified
Herm Redemptive Historical Christ CenterStrongly affirmsTradition defaultAll of Scripture finds its unifying meaning in Christ and the unfolding plan of redemption, and should be read Christocentrically.Estimated, not verified
Herm Scripture Interprets ScriptureStrongly affirmsTradition defaultObscure passages of Scripture should be interpreted in light of clearer passages ("the analogy of Scripture").Estimated, not verified
Herm Typology LegitStrongly affirmsTradition defaultOld Testament persons and events are divinely intended types that prefigure New Testament realities.Estimated, not verified
Inerrancy Full All MattersStrongly affirmsTradition defaultScripture in its original manuscripts is entirely without error in all that it affirms, including matters of history and the natural world, not only faith and morals.Estimated, not verified
Inerrancy Genesis HistoryStrongly affirmsTradition defaultThe early chapters of Genesis (creation, the fall, the flood) are intended as real history rather than primarily theological symbol or ancient myth.Estimated, not verified
Inerrancy Historical Narratives FactualStrongly affirmsTradition defaultThe historical narratives of Scripture (e.g., the exodus, the conquest, the bodily resurrection) record events that actually happened in space and time.Estimated, not verified
Inerrancy Limited To Faith PracticeStrongly rejectsTradition defaultScripture is infallible in matters of faith and salvation but may contain incidental errors in history, science, or geography.Estimated, not verified
Inerrancy Original AutographsStrongly affirmsTradition defaultInerrancy applies strictly to the original autographs, not to any surviving copy or translation.Estimated, not verified
Inerrancy Phenomenological LanguageStrongly affirmsTradition defaultScripture's descriptions of nature (e.g., the sun rising) are ordinary phenomenological language and do not constitute scientific error.Estimated, not verified
Inerrancy Preserved Text TodayRejectsTradition defaultGod has providentially preserved an inerrant text of Scripture that is available to the Church today, not merely in lost originals.Estimated, not verified
Inspiration Barthian Becomes WordStrongly rejectsTradition defaultThe Bible is not in itself the Word of God but becomes the Word of God in the event of God addressing a person through it.Estimated, not verified
Inspiration Concursive Human PersonalityStrongly affirmsTradition defaultGod so worked through the human authors that their own personalities, vocabulary, and circumstances genuinely shaped the text while it remained God's word.Estimated, not verified
Inspiration DegreesStrongly rejectsTradition defaultSome books or passages of Scripture are more fully inspired than others.Estimated, not verified
Inspiration DictationRejectsTradition defaultGod dictated the words of Scripture to the human writers, who functioned essentially as scribes or stenographers.Estimated, not verified
Inspiration Dynamic OnlyStrongly rejectsTradition defaultGod inspired the writers' thoughts and impulses but left the choice of words wholly to human discretion.Estimated, not verified
Inspiration Extends To WordsStrongly affirmsTradition defaultInspiration extends to the actual words of the original text, not only to the general ideas or concepts.Estimated, not verified
Inspiration Holy Spirit AuthorStrongly affirmsTradition defaultThe Holy Spirit is properly called the divine author of Scripture.Estimated, not verified
Inspiration Illumination OnlyStrongly rejectsTradition default"Inspiration" refers only to the heightened spiritual insight of gifted human authors, comparable in kind (if not degree) to other great religious writing.Estimated, not verified
Inspiration Ongoing In ChurchStrongly rejectsTradition defaultThe same inspiration that produced Scripture continues to operate in the Church, potentially producing new authoritative texts today.Estimated, not verified
Inspiration Plenary WholeStrongly affirmsTradition defaultAll parts of Scripture are equally inspired, not merely the doctrinally central or "religious" portions.Estimated, not verified
Inspiration Redletter PriorityStrongly rejectsTradition defaultThe recorded words of Jesus carry greater authority than other portions of Scripture.Estimated, not verified
Inspiration Supernatural OriginStrongly affirmsTradition defaultThe Christian Scriptures originated through a genuine act of God, not merely human religious reflection.Estimated, not verified
Inspiration Witness To RevelationStrongly rejectsTradition defaultScripture is best understood as a fallible human witness pointing to revelation, rather than as revelation itself.Estimated, not verified
Interpretation Private Judgment LegitStrongly affirmsTradition defaultIndividual believers, illumined by the Spirit, are competent to interpret Scripture for themselves.Estimated, not verified
Necessity Scripture For Knowledge Of GodStrongly affirmsTradition defaultScripture is necessary for a saving and reliable knowledge of God that nature alone cannot provide.Estimated, not verified
Perspicuity ClarityStrongly affirmsTradition defaultThe essential teachings of Scripture, especially the way of salvation, are clear enough that ordinary believers can understand them without a specialized interpreter.Estimated, not verified
Perspicuity Requires ChurchStrongly rejectsTradition defaultScripture is sufficiently obscure that private readers will go astray without the Church's authoritative guidance.Estimated, not verified
Scripture Efficacious Means Of GraceStrongly affirmsTradition defaultThe Word of God is a means of grace that effectively works faith and salvation, not merely conveys information.Estimated, not verified
Scripture Layperson Should ReadStrongly affirmsTradition defaultEvery believer should read the Scriptures directly in their own language.Estimated, not verified
Scripture Living Voice TodayStrongly affirmsTradition defaultThrough the Holy Spirit, Scripture speaks directly and personally to the believer today, not merely as an ancient record.Estimated, not verified
Scripture Unique Above Other Sacred TextsStrongly affirmsTradition defaultThe Christian Scriptures are uniquely God's word in a way that the sacred texts of other religions are not.Estimated, not verified
Sufficiency Regulative WorshipStrongly affirmsTradition defaultOnly what Scripture positively commands or warrants may be included in the Church's worship and government.Estimated, not verified
Sufficiency ScriptureStrongly affirmsTradition defaultScripture contains all things necessary for salvation and for the faith and life of the Church; nothing essential is lacking.Estimated, not verified
Text Formal EquivalenceAffirmsTradition defaultBible translation should follow the original wording and structure as closely as possible (formal/word-for-word equivalence).Estimated, not verified

Revelation, creation & science

Adam Special Creation From DustStrongly affirmsTradition defaultThe first human was specially and directly created by God from the dust, not biologically descended from earlier hominins.Estimated, not verified
Angels Created BeingsStrongly affirmsTradition defaultAngels and other spiritual beings are part of God's created order, made by God.Estimated, not verified
Barth No Natural TheologyRejectsTradition defaultThere is no genuine knowledge of God available through nature or human reason apart from God's revelation in Jesus Christ.Estimated, not verified
Charismatic Gifts CeasedStrongly affirmsTradition defaultThe miraculous and revelatory gifts (prophecy, tongues, healing) ceased with the apostolic age and are not normative today.Estimated, not verified

Show 30 more in Revelation, creation & science

Creation Continuous Creatio ContinuaRejectsTradition defaultGod is best understood as creating continuously and in cooperation with an evolving, partly self-creating world (creatio continua), rather than as having finished creation.Estimated, not verified
Creation Ex NihiloStrongly affirmsTradition defaultGod created the universe out of nothing (ex nihilo), not from pre-existing matter.Estimated, not verified
Creation Ongoing ProvidenceStrongly affirmsTradition defaultGod continually sustains the universe in being; creation is not merely a past event but an ongoing dependence on God.Estimated, not verified
Creation Purposeful TeleologyStrongly affirmsTradition defaultCreation has a real divine purpose and direction (telos), not merely the appearance of order arising from undirected processes.Estimated, not verified
Day Age InterpretationStrongly rejectsTradition defaultThe "days" of Genesis 1 represent long ages or epochs, allowing for an old earth while keeping the sequence broadly historical.Estimated, not verified
Deism No Special RevelationStrongly rejectsTradition defaultGod created the world and established its laws but does not intervene with miracles or verbal revelation; he is known through reason and nature alone.Estimated, not verified
Environmental Stewardship Creation CareStrongly affirmsTradition defaultCaring for the created order (environmental stewardship) is a genuine theological duty flowing from the doctrine of creation.Estimated, not verified
Evolution Unguided No GodStrongly rejectsTradition defaultBiological evolution is an entirely unguided, purposeless process requiring no divine involvement of any kind.Estimated, not verified
Fine Tuning Design EvidenceStrongly affirmsTradition defaultThe fine-tuning of the universe's physical constants is real evidence of intelligent design or a divine designer.Estimated, not verified
General Revelation ConscienceStrongly affirmsTradition defaultThe human conscience and moral sense are a form of God's revelation, giving real knowledge of right and wrong written on the heart.Estimated, not verified
General Revelation RealStrongly affirmsTradition defaultGod genuinely reveals something of himself through the natural world and the created order, apart from Scripture.Estimated, not verified
Genesis Intended As HistoryStrongly affirmsTradition defaultGenesis 1-3 is intended as an account of actual historical events, not primarily as theological symbol, poetry, or myth.Estimated, not verified
God Sole CreatorStrongly affirmsTradition defaultThe one triune God is the sole creator of everything that exists, including all spiritual and material reality.Estimated, not verified
Historical Adam EveStrongly affirmsTradition defaultAdam and Eve were real, historical individuals, the literal first human beings.Estimated, not verified
Historical Fall EventStrongly affirmsTradition defaultThe fall of humanity into sin was a real historical event by the first humans, not merely a symbol of the universal human condition.Estimated, not verified
Humanity MonogenismStrongly affirmsTradition defaultAll human beings descend from a single original couple (monogenism).Estimated, not verified
Image Of God SpecialStrongly affirmsTradition defaultHumans bear the image of God in a way that sets them qualitatively apart from all other animals, by a special divine act or endowment.Estimated, not verified
Intelligent Design DetectableAffirmsTradition defaultCertain features of biology exhibit "irreducible" or "specified" complexity that is best explained by intelligent design and could not arise by unguided evolution.Estimated, not verified
Material Creation GoodStrongly affirmsTradition defaultThe material, physical world is intrinsically good as God made it, not evil, illusory, or a prison for the soul.Estimated, not verified
Miracles Continue TodayRejectsTradition defaultGod still performs miracles today (healings, signs, answered prayer beyond natural explanation) as he did in biblical times.Estimated, not verified
Miracles Possible In PrincipleStrongly affirmsTradition defaultGod can and does act in the world in ways that supersede or suspend ordinary natural causes (genuine miracles are possible).Estimated, not verified
Natural Knowledge Of God Saving InsufficientStrongly affirmsTradition defaultWhatever knowledge of God nature provides is insufficient for salvation; saving knowledge requires special revelation in Christ and Scripture.Estimated, not verified
Natural Theology Proofs ValidLeans toward rejectingTradition defaultRational arguments (e.g., cosmological, teleological, moral) can validly demonstrate, or strongly support, the existence of God from observable reality.Estimated, not verified
Physical Death Human Consequence Of SinStrongly affirmsTradition defaultHuman physical death is a consequence of sin; humans were created to be immortal in body and would not have died apart from the fall.Estimated, not verified
Presuppositional ApologeticsAffirmsTradition defaultOne cannot reason to God from religiously neutral premises; all knowledge must start by presupposing the triune God revealed in Scripture.Estimated, not verified
Providence Through Natural LawStrongly affirmsTradition defaultGod ordinarily acts through natural laws and secondary causes, which are themselves his ongoing governance, rather than by frequent direct intervention.Estimated, not verified
Resurrection Bodily HistoricalStrongly affirmsTradition defaultThe resurrection of Jesus was a real, bodily, historical event, not merely a symbol of hope or the disciples' inner experience.Estimated, not verified
Science Faith ConcordismAffirmsTradition defaultProperly interpreted Scripture and properly conducted science will agree, and apparent conflicts arise from misreading one or the other.Estimated, not verified
Special Revelation NecessaryStrongly affirmsTradition defaultA clear and reliable knowledge of God and his saving purposes requires God's special, verbal self-revelation, not merely general revelation.Estimated, not verified
Universe Eternal No BeginningStrongly rejectsTradition defaultThe universe (or some physical reality) is eternal and had no absolute beginning.Estimated, not verified

Life & bioethics

Abortion Gravely Wrong In PrincipleStrongly affirmsTradition defaultDeliberately ending a pregnancy by killing the unborn is in itself a grave moral wrong.Estimated, not verified
Abortion Permitted To Save Mothers LifeAffirmsTradition defaultAbortion is morally permissible when continuing the pregnancy would directly threaten the mother's life.Estimated, not verified
Abortion Prohibited No ExceptionsLeans toward rejectingTradition defaultAbortion is impermissible in all circumstances, including rape, incest, fetal anomaly, and threat to the mother's life.Estimated, not verified
Adult Ipsc Stem Cells PreferableStrongly affirmsTradition defaultAdult and induced-pluripotent stem cells (which do not require destroying embryos) are the morally preferable avenue for stem-cell medicine.Estimated, not verified

Show 54 more in Life & bioethics

Advance Directives Should Be FollowedStrongly affirmsTradition defaultA competent person's advance directive refusing future treatment should be respected.Estimated, not verified
Birth Confers StatusStrongly rejectsTradition defaultFull moral status and the protections of personhood begin only at birth.Estimated, not verified
Bodily Autonomy SupremeStrongly rejectsTradition defaultA competent adult's autonomy over their own body is the decisive moral consideration in life-and-death medical choices.Estimated, not verified
Brain Death Is True DeathAffirmsTradition defaultIrreversible loss of all brain function (brain death) constitutes the genuine death of the person.Estimated, not verified
Capital Punishment Legitimate In PrincipleStrongly affirmsTradition defaultThe state may, in principle, justly impose the death penalty for the gravest crimes.Estimated, not verified
Chimera Human Animal Research WrongStrongly affirmsTradition defaultCreating human-animal hybrids or chimeras for research is morally wrong.Estimated, not verified
Cloning Humans WrongStrongly affirmsTradition defaultReproductive cloning of a human being is morally wrong.Estimated, not verified
Commercial Surrogacy Specifically WrongAffirmsTradition defaultPaying a woman to gestate a child (commercial surrogacy) is specifically wrong as commodification, even if altruistic surrogacy might be tolerated.Estimated, not verified
Continuous Deep Sedation AcceptableAffirmsTradition defaultSedating a dying patient into unconsciousness to relieve otherwise intractable suffering (palliative/terminal sedation) is morally acceptable when death is not the intended aim.Estimated, not verified
Creating Surplus Embryos WrongStrongly affirmsTradition defaultCreating more embryos than will be transferred to the womb is morally wrong.Estimated, not verified
Crispr Designer Babies WrongStrongly affirmsTradition defaultEngineering "designer babies" by selecting or editing for desired non-medical traits is morally wrong.Estimated, not verified
Dead Donor Rule Must HoldAffirmsTradition defaultVital organs may be taken only after the donor is truly dead (the "dead donor rule" must not be relaxed).Estimated, not verified
Delayed Ensoulment HistoricRejectsTradition defaultThe rational soul is infused only after the body has reached a sufficient stage of formation (delayed hominization), not at fertilization.Estimated, not verified
Dnr Orders Morally AcceptableAffirmsTradition defaultDo-not-resuscitate orders are morally acceptable when resuscitation would be futile or excessively burdensome.Estimated, not verified
Double Effect LegitimateAffirmsTradition defaultAn action with both a good and a foreseen-but-unintended bad effect can be permissible if the bad effect is not the means to the good and the goods are proportionate (the principle of double effect).Estimated, not verified
Embryo Adoption PraiseworthyStrongly affirmsTradition defaultAdopting and gestating abandoned frozen embryos ("embryo adoption" / snowflake adoption) is a praiseworthy way to rescue them.Estimated, not verified
Euthanasia Always WrongStrongly affirmsTradition defaultDeliberately ending a patient's life to relieve suffering (active euthanasia) is always morally wrong.Estimated, not verified
Euthanasia For Non Terminal SufferingStrongly rejectsTradition defaultAssisted dying may be appropriate for unbearable suffering even when the condition is not terminal (chronic illness, psychiatric suffering, disability).Estimated, not verified
Extraordinary Means Not ObligatoryStrongly affirmsTradition defaultOne is not morally required to use extraordinary/disproportionate means (burdensome, futile, or excessively costly treatment) to prolong life.Estimated, not verified
Freezing Embryos Morally ProblematicAffirmsTradition defaultCryopreserving human embryos is morally problematic because it suspends and endangers human lives.Estimated, not verified
Genetic Enhancement WrongAffirmsTradition defaultUsing genetic technology to enhance traits beyond the treatment of disease (intelligence, appearance, ability) is morally wrong.Estimated, not verified
Genetic Tech Is Playing GodAffirmsTradition defaultSubstantially redesigning human biology through technology usurps a prerogative belonging to God ("playing God").Estimated, not verified
Germline Editing WrongAffirmsTradition defaultEditing the human germline (heritable changes passed to descendants) is morally wrong.Estimated, not verified
Healthcare Workers May Refuse AbortionStrongly affirmsTradition defaultMedical professionals have a moral right to conscientiously refuse to perform or refer for abortions.Estimated, not verified
Image Of God Grounds LifeStrongly affirmsTradition defaultHuman life possesses a special, inviolable dignity because human beings are made in the image of God.Estimated, not verified
Immediate Ensoulment At ConceptionAffirmsTradition defaultThe rational soul is infused by God at the moment of conception.Estimated, not verified
Intentional Killing Innocent Always WrongStrongly affirmsTradition defaultThe direct, intentional killing of an innocent human being is always gravely wrong, with no exceptions.Estimated, not verified
Ivf Acceptable Within MarriageStrongly affirmsTradition defaultIVF using a married couple's own gametes is morally acceptable as a remedy for infertility.Estimated, not verified
Ivf Intrinsically IllicitRejectsTradition defaultIn vitro fertilization is intrinsically morally illicit because it separates procreation from the marital act.Estimated, not verified
Late Term Abortion Specially WrongAffirmsTradition defaultLate-term abortion (third trimester) is gravely wrong even where earlier abortion might be tolerated.Estimated, not verified
Legalize Assisted DyingStrongly rejectsTradition defaultAssisted dying / euthanasia should be legally available with appropriate safeguards.Estimated, not verified
Lethal Force Ever JustifiedStrongly affirmsTradition defaultTaking human life can be morally justified in some circumstances (just war, defense of the innocent, lawful execution).Estimated, not verified
Life Belongs To God StewardshipStrongly affirmsTradition defaultHuman life is a gift over which we are stewards, not owners; we may not dispose of it (our own or another's) at will.Estimated, not verified
Life Of Mother Only Via Double EffectRejectsTradition defaultWhen the mother's life is at risk, only procedures that do not directly target the unborn (e.g., removing a diseased organ with foreseen fetal death) are licit: not a direct abortion.Estimated, not verified
Living Organ Donation AcceptableAffirmsTradition defaultDonating a non-vital organ (e.g., a kidney) while alive, out of charity, is morally acceptable.Estimated, not verified
Ordinary Contraception Morally AcceptableStrongly affirmsTradition defaultNon-abortifacient contraception (barrier/hormonal methods that prevent fertilization) is morally acceptable for married couples.Estimated, not verified
Ordinary Means ObligatoryStrongly affirmsTradition defaultThere is a moral obligation to use ordinary/proportionate means to preserve life (basic care, ordinarily-beneficial treatment).Estimated, not verified
Organ Donation After Death PraiseworthyAffirmsTradition defaultDonating one's organs after death is a morally good and praiseworthy act of charity.Estimated, not verified
Pain Relief Acceptable Even If Hastens DeathAffirmsTradition defaultGiving pain relief sufficient to control suffering is acceptable even if it foreseeably (but unintentionally) shortens life.Estimated, not verified
Personhood From ConceptionStrongly affirmsTradition defaultA distinct human person, bearing full moral status, exists from the moment of conception/fertilization.Estimated, not verified
Personhood Requires Developed CapacitiesStrongly rejectsTradition defaultFull moral status (personhood) depends on actualized capacities such as consciousness, sentience, or rationality, which the early embryo lacks.Estimated, not verified
Physician Assisted Suicide PermissibleStrongly rejectsTradition defaultA physician may permissibly help a competent, terminally ill patient end their own life at the patient's request.Estimated, not verified
Post Birth Termination PermissibleStrongly rejectsTradition defaultIn some cases (e.g., severe anomaly), ending the life of a newborn could be ethically comparable to late abortion.Estimated, not verified
Quality Of Life Can OverrideRejectsTradition defaultWhen a life involves sufficient suffering or loss of function, considerations of "quality of life" can outweigh the duty to preserve it.Estimated, not verified
Saviour Sibling WrongAffirmsTradition defaultConceiving and selecting a child specifically to be a tissue/organ donor for an existing sibling ("saviour sibling") treats the child as a means and is wrong.Estimated, not verified
Selective Reduction WrongStrongly affirmsTradition defaultReducing a multiple pregnancy by aborting one or more fetuses ("selective reduction") is morally wrong.Estimated, not verified
Self Defense Killing PermissibleStrongly affirmsTradition defaultUsing lethal force to defend oneself or others from a deadly attacker is morally permissible.Estimated, not verified
Selling Organs WrongStrongly affirmsTradition defaultBuying or selling human organs is morally wrong (commodification of the body).Estimated, not verified
Somatic Gene Therapy AcceptableAffirmsTradition defaultGenetic modification of a patient's body cells to treat disease (somatic gene therapy) is morally acceptable.Estimated, not verified
State Bears Sword Romans 13Strongly affirmsTradition defaultScripture grants the civil authority a God-given right to wield lethal force ("the sword") against grave wrongdoing.Estimated, not verified
Suicide Is Morally WrongStrongly affirmsTradition defaultSuicide (taking one's own life) is morally wrong.Estimated, not verified
Vitalism Preserve Life At All CostsRejectsTradition defaultHuman life must be preserved by every available medical means for as long as possible, regardless of burden or prognosis.Estimated, not verified
Voluntary Active Vs Passive DistinctionStrongly affirmsTradition defaultThere is a morally significant difference between actively killing a patient and allowing them to die by withholding/withdrawing treatment.Estimated, not verified
Withdrawing Treatment Can Be LicitAffirmsTradition defaultWithdrawing or withholding life-sustaining treatment can be morally licit when it is futile or excessively burdensome.Estimated, not verified

Sexuality & marriage

Abortifacient Contraception WrongStrongly affirmsTradition defaultContraceptive methods that may act after fertilization (potential abortifacients) are morally wrong even if other contraception is permitted.Estimated, not verified
Annulment Recognizes Invalid MarriageRejectsTradition defaultSome unions that appeared to be marriages were never valid marriages, and the church can rightly declare them null (annulment).Estimated, not verified
Artificial Contraception Is WrongRejectsTradition defaultArtificial contraception (barrier, hormonal, sterilization) is intrinsically morally wrong.Estimated, not verified
Celibacy Is A Higher CallingStrongly rejectsTradition defaultConsecrated celibacy/virginity is a higher or more excellent state than marriage.Estimated, not verified

Show 46 more in Sexuality & marriage

Chastity Is A Positive VirtueStrongly affirmsTradition defaultChastity (rightly ordered sexuality according to one's state in life) is a positive virtue to be actively cultivated, not merely abstinence.Estimated, not verified
Church Should Bless Same Sex UnionsStrongly rejectsTradition defaultThe church should liturgically bless and solemnize same-sex unions.Estimated, not verified
Civil Marriage Is Valid MarriageStrongly affirmsTradition defaultA marriage contracted before the state (civil marriage) is a fully valid marriage in God's sight.Estimated, not verified
Clergy Should Be CelibateStrongly rejectsTradition defaultThose ordained to the priesthood/ministry should be celibate.Estimated, not verified
Contraception Fully PermissibleStrongly affirmsTradition defaultMarried couples may use contraception freely as a matter of prudent stewardship, with no moral cloud over it.Estimated, not verified
Divorce Permitted For AbandonmentStrongly affirmsTradition defaultDivorce is also permitted when an unbelieving or abusive spouse deserts/abandons the marriage (the "Pauline privilege" / desertion ground).Estimated, not verified
Divorce Permitted For AdulteryStrongly affirmsTradition defaultDivorce is permitted in the case of a spouse's sexual unfaithfulness (the "exception clause").Estimated, not verified
Divorced Remarried Barred From CommunionStrongly rejectsTradition defaultA person divorced and civilly remarried without annulment should be barred from receiving Communion.Estimated, not verified
Every Sex Act Open To ProcreationRejectsTradition defaultEvery marital sexual act must remain open to the possibility of procreation.Estimated, not verified
Experience And Conscience AuthoritativeStrongly rejectsTradition defaultThe lived experience and conscience of faithful believers (including LGBTQ Christians) is a legitimate source that can correct inherited sexual teaching.Estimated, not verified
Gay Christians Called To CelibacyStrongly affirmsTradition defaultChristians who experience exclusive same-sex attraction are called to lifelong celibacy or to a mixed-orientation marriage with the opposite sex.Estimated, not verified
Historical Polygamy Was Divinely ToleratedRejectsTradition defaultOld Testament polygamy was genuinely permitted/tolerated by God for that era, not merely recorded as sin.Estimated, not verified
Husband Is Head Of WifeStrongly affirmsTradition defaultThe husband is the divinely appointed head of the wife, who is called to submit to his leadership.Estimated, not verified
Lustful Desire Itself Is SinStrongly affirmsTradition defaultInternal lustful desire/fantasy, even without any outward act, is itself sin.Estimated, not verified
Marital Sex Acts Have Moral LimitsLeans toward rejectingTradition defaultEven within marriage, some sexual acts are morally illicit (not "anything goes" between spouses).Estimated, not verified
Marriage Is A CovenantStrongly affirmsTradition defaultMarriage is essentially a covenant (a binding, God-witnessed promise) more than a contract or a means to ends.Estimated, not verified
Marriage Is A SacramentStrongly rejectsTradition defaultMarriage between the baptized is a sacrament that confers grace.Estimated, not verified
Marriage Is IndissolubleRejectsTradition defaultA valid, consummated marriage is absolutely indissoluble; nothing but death ends it.Estimated, not verified
Marriage Is Lifelong MonogamousStrongly affirmsTradition defaultMarriage is by nature a lifelong, exclusively monogamous union.Estimated, not verified
Marriage Is Male Female By DefinitionStrongly affirmsTradition defaultBy definition and divine design, marriage is the union of one man and one woman.Estimated, not verified
Marriage Requires Proper Form And ConsentRejectsTradition defaultA valid marriage requires proper canonical form, free consent, and openness to its essential ends; defects in these can void it.Estimated, not verified
Masturbation Is SinfulAffirmsTradition defaultMasturbation is morally wrong.Estimated, not verified
Natural Family Planning PermissibleLeans toward rejectingTradition defaultSpacing or limiting births by natural family planning (periodic abstinence) is morally acceptable for serious reasons, where artificial means are not.Estimated, not verified
No Grounds Justify DivorceStrongly rejectsTradition defaultThere are no grounds whatsoever that morally justify divorce for a believer.Estimated, not verified
Orthodox Economia Permits Second MarriageRejectsTradition defaultThe church may, by pastoral mercy ("economia"), permit a second or third marriage with a penitential rite even though it is less than the ideal.Estimated, not verified
Polyamory Can Be EthicalStrongly rejectsTradition defaultConsensual polyamorous or "ethical non-monogamous" relationships can be morally legitimate.Estimated, not verified
Polygamous Converts May Remain MarriedRejectsTradition defaultA man already in a polygamous marriage when he converts may remain married to all his wives rather than being required to divorce.Estimated, not verified
Polygamy Is ImmoralStrongly affirmsTradition defaultPolygamy (one man, multiple wives) is morally wrong for Christians.Estimated, not verified
Pornography Use Is SinfulStrongly affirmsTradition defaultUsing pornography is morally wrong.Estimated, not verified
Premarital Sex Always WrongStrongly affirmsTradition defaultPremarital sex (fornication) is always sinful, even between an engaged or committed couple.Estimated, not verified
Remarriage Permitted For Innocent PartyStrongly affirmsTradition defaultThe innocent party in a biblically justified divorce is free to remarry.Estimated, not verified
Same Sex Acts Always SinfulStrongly affirmsTradition defaultSexual acts between two people of the same sex are always morally wrong.Estimated, not verified
Same Sex Attraction Is DisorderedStrongly affirmsTradition defaultSame-sex sexual attraction is an objective disorder of desire even when not acted upon.Estimated, not verified
Same Sex Marriage Is True MarriageStrongly rejectsTradition defaultA covenanted union between two people of the same sex can be a true marriage in God's sight.Estimated, not verified
Same Sex Orientation Not SinfulRejectsTradition defaultA same-sex orientation or attraction, in itself (apart from acting on it), is not sinful.Estimated, not verified
Scripture Norms Sexual EthicsStrongly affirmsTradition defaultScripture provides binding, authoritative norms for sexual conduct that the church is not free to revise.Estimated, not verified
Sex Is Fixed Binary GivenStrongly affirmsTradition defaultA person's sex is a fixed, binary, God-given reality determined at conception, not something that can be changed.Estimated, not verified
Sex Reserved For MarriageStrongly affirmsTradition defaultSexual intercourse is morally reserved exclusively for marriage.Estimated, not verified
Sexual Ethics Are A Salvation IssueAffirmsTradition defaultOne's stance and conduct on sexual ethics bears on salvation/standing before God, not merely on discipleship maturity.Estimated, not verified
Sexual Pleasure Is A Good In ItselfStrongly affirmsTradition defaultSexual pleasure within marriage is a genuine good to be enjoyed for its own sake, not merely tolerated for procreation.Estimated, not verified
Sexual Sin No Worse Than Other SinRejectsTradition defaultSexual sins are not categorically graver than other sins and should not be singled out for special emphasis or discipline.Estimated, not verified
Singleness Is A Full Equal VocationAffirmsTradition defaultLifelong singleness is a full and equal Christian vocation, not a lesser or transitional state.Estimated, not verified
Tradition Settles Sexual EthicsRejectsTradition defaultThe consistent, unbroken teaching of the historic church on sex and marriage is itself a decisive authority that cannot be overturned.Estimated, not verified
Unitive Companionship Is Primary EndStrongly affirmsTradition defaultThe unitive good (companionship, mutual love, and one-flesh union of the spouses) is at least as central as procreation, if not more so.Estimated, not verified
Vowed Celibacy Is BindingStrongly rejectsTradition defaultA vow of lifelong celibacy (religious life) is genuinely binding before God and should not be dispensed lightly.Estimated, not verified
Women May Be Ordained PastorsStrongly rejectsTradition defaultWomen may be ordained as pastors/priests and hold the church's highest teaching/governing office.Estimated, not verified

Society & politics

Active Nonviolent Resistance ObligatoryAffirmsTradition defaultChristians should actively resist injustice through nonviolent means (protest, civil disobedience, noncooperation), not merely abstain from violence.Estimated, not verified
Capital Punishment LegitimateAffirmsTradition defaultThe civil authority may rightly execute criminals for grave crimes.Estimated, not verified
Capitalism Intrinsically UnjustRejectsTradition defaultCapitalism as a system is intrinsically exploitative and stands under God's judgment; Christian faithfulness requires working to replace it.Estimated, not verified
Christ Lord Over Every Sphere TransformationStrongly affirmsTradition defaultChrist's lordship extends over every sphere of life (politics, economics, art, science) and Christians are called to bring all of them under his rule.Estimated, not verified

Show 41 more in Society & politics

Christians Should Seek Public OfficeAffirmsTradition defaultIt is fitting for Christians to seek and hold civil office in order to govern justly.Estimated, not verified
Christians Should Vote And Engage CivicallyAffirmsTradition defaultActive civic participation (voting, advocacy, holding office) is a positive Christian duty in a free society.Estimated, not verified
Civil Disobedience Justified Against Unjust LawAffirmsTradition defaultChristians may, and sometimes must, disobey civil laws that command sin or are gravely unjust.Estimated, not verified
Civil Government Ordained By GodStrongly affirmsTradition defaultCivil government is divinely instituted, and obedience to lawful authority is a Christian duty (Romans 13).Estimated, not verified
Common Good Is A Governing AimAffirmsTradition defaultPolitical life should be ordered toward a shared "common good" that the state has positive responsibility to promote, not merely the protection of individual rights.Estimated, not verified
Compromise With Opponents Morally PermissibleAffirmsTradition defaultPolitical compromise and coalition with non-Christians or ideological opponents is a legitimate and prudent way to pursue the common good.Estimated, not verified
Consistent Life Ethic Links All KillingRejectsTradition defaultFaithfulness requires a "consistent life ethic" opposing abortion, capital punishment, euthanasia, and unjust war together as a single seamless garment.Estimated, not verified
Death Penalty For Many OffensesRejectsTradition defaultThe civil law should impose the death penalty for a wide range of offenses specified in the Mosaic law (e.g. blasphemy, adultery, idolatry, sabbath-breaking).Estimated, not verified
Democracy Most Consonant With The FaithAffirmsTradition defaultDemocratic, representative government is the political order most consonant with Christian convictions about human dignity and the limits of power.Estimated, not verified
Dominion Means Use Nature For Human BenefitAffirmsTradition defaultThe dominion mandate means the earth's resources are given chiefly for human use and development, and exploiting them for human flourishing is good.Estimated, not verified
Economic Systems Beyond Church CompetenceAffirmsTradition defaultChoosing between economic systems is a prudential, political matter outside the church's proper teaching authority; the church should not endorse capitalism or socialism.Estimated, not verified
Ethnic Or National Identity God Ordained BoundaryStrongly rejectsTradition defaultGod ordains distinct nations/ethnic groups with boundaries that should be preserved, such that ethnic separateness has positive theological warrant.Estimated, not verified
Gospel Is Chiefly Personal Not SocialStrongly affirmsTradition defaultThe gospel is essentially a message of individual reconciliation with God, and social transformation is at most a secondary by-product, not part of its core content.Estimated, not verified
Holy War Or Crusade Can Be RighteousRejectsTradition defaultGod may sanction war as a holy or sacred cause, such that fighting it is itself an act of religious obedience or merit.Estimated, not verified
Just War Criteria BindingAffirmsTradition defaultA war may be just only if it meets defined criteria (just cause, legitimate authority, right intention, last resort, proportionality, reasonable hope, discrimination/non-combatant immunity).Estimated, not verified
Lawful Oaths Are Permitted And ReverentStrongly affirmsTradition defaultTaking a solemn oath before lawful authority, calling God to witness the truth, is a permitted and even reverent act.Estimated, not verified
Lesser Magistrate May Resist TyrannyAffirmsTradition defaultLower civil officials (magistrates) may rightly resist and even depose a tyrannical higher authority, and citizens may follow them.Estimated, not verified
Lethal Violence Ever JustifiedStrongly affirmsTradition defaultIt can be morally legitimate for Christians to use lethal force under some circumstances (e.g. defense of the innocent, just war).Estimated, not verified
Military Service Honorable VocationStrongly affirmsTradition defaultServing in the armed forces is an honorable Christian vocation.Estimated, not verified
Nation Should Be Officially ChristianRejectsTradition defaultA nation should publicly identify as Christian and order its laws, symbols, and institutions around the Christian faith ("Christian nation").Estimated, not verified
Nations Have Right To Control BordersAffirmsTradition defaultA nation has a legitimate, God-permitted right to regulate its borders and limit immigration for the sake of order and the common good.Estimated, not verified
Nonhuman Creation Has Intrinsic ValueAffirmsTradition defaultAnimals and the rest of creation have value to God in themselves, not merely instrumental value for humans.Estimated, not verified
Nonresistance No Force Even In Self DefenseRejectsTradition defaultChristians must not resist evildoers with force even in personal self-defense ("turn the other cheek" taken as a binding command, not counsel).Estimated, not verified
Pacifism Is The Christian NormRejectsTradition defaultNonviolence is the normative Christian way, binding on all believers, not merely a special vocation.Estimated, not verified
Police Force Legitimate Christian CallingAffirmsTradition defaultPolice work, including the use of coercive force to maintain order, is a legitimate Christian calling.Estimated, not verified
Political Outcomes Show Gods FavorRejectsTradition defaultPolitical and material success (electoral wins, national prosperity, victory) can be read as signs of God's blessing on a cause or nation.Estimated, not verified
Principled Pluralism State Protects Many FaithsAffirmsTradition defaultThe state should provide a fair, level public space for diverse religious and worldview communities rather than privileging Christianity or enforcing secularism.Estimated, not verified
Private Property Divinely SanctionedStrongly affirmsTradition defaultPrivate ownership of property is a God-given right that the state and church must respect and protect.Estimated, not verified
Prosperity Material Blessing For FaithStrongly rejectsTradition defaultGod wills material prosperity and physical health for faithful believers, and these can be claimed through faith and giving.Estimated, not verified
Racism Is SinStrongly affirmsTradition defaultRacism (partiality and contempt on the basis of race or ethnicity) is a sin contrary to the gospel.Estimated, not verified
Sanctity Of Life Top Political PriorityAffirmsTradition defaultOpposing abortion and protecting unborn life should be among the highest priorities of Christian political engagement.Estimated, not verified
Scripture Binding Social Political NormsAffirmsTradition defaultScripture provides binding, authoritative norms not only for personal conduct but for the ordering of society, economics, and the state.Estimated, not verified
Separation Of Church And StateStrongly affirmsTradition defaultChurch and state should be institutionally separate, with the state neither establishing a religion nor coercing belief.Estimated, not verified
Solidarity With The Poor ObligatoryAffirmsTradition defaultChristians are bound by a real obligation of solidarity with the poor and oppressed, such that their interests have a privileged claim ("preferential option for the poor").Estimated, not verified
State Should Legislate Christian MoralityRejectsTradition defaultCivil law should reflect and enforce Christian moral standards on public matters (e.g. blasphemy, sabbath, vice), not merely a minimal shared morality.Estimated, not verified
Subsidiarity Lowest Competent LevelAffirmsTradition defaultSocial problems should be addressed at the most local competent level, with higher authorities intervening only when lower ones cannot cope (subsidiarity).Estimated, not verified
Swearing Oaths Forbidden To ChristiansRejectsTradition defaultChristians must not swear oaths at all (taking "swear not at all" as a binding command), affirming with a simple yes or no instead.Estimated, not verified
Theonomy Civil Law Should Follow Mosaic LawRejectsTradition defaultThe civil and judicial laws of the Old Testament (with their penalties) remain the standard for modern civil government.Estimated, not verified
Two Kingdoms Distinct RealmsAffirmsTradition defaultGod governs through two distinct realms: a spiritual kingdom (church, gospel) and a temporal kingdom (state, law) that must not be conflated, with the church staying out of politics as such.Estimated, not verified
Voluntary Poverty A Higher CallingRejectsTradition defaultVoluntary poverty or radical simplicity is a holier and more Christlike way of life, to be honored above the pursuit of wealth.Estimated, not verified
Welcome The Stranger Binding DutyAffirmsTradition defaultScripture's command to welcome the foreigner and care for the sojourner imposes a real Christian duty toward immigrants and refugees today. (This question does not consider any political orientation's specific definition of what constitutes a legitimate "immigrant" or "refugee.")Estimated, not verified

Angelology Demonology

Angelic Fall Caused By PrideStrongly affirmsTradition defaultThe angels fell primarily through pride: refusing subjection to God / seeking to exalt themselves.Estimated, not verified
Angelic Fall Predates Human FallAffirmsTradition defaultThe angelic rebellion occurred before the fall of humanity, and the serpent's temptation issued from an already-fallen angel.Estimated, not verified
Angelic Fall Via Genesis6 LustStrongly rejectsTradition defaultThe decisive angelic fall (or a major one) occurred when the "sons of God" lusted after and mated with human women (Genesis 6 / the Watchers).Estimated, not verified
Angelic Fall Was A Single Primordial EventStrongly affirmsTradition defaultThe fall of the rebel angels was a single, definitive, irrevocable choice (no second chance, no repentance possible).Estimated, not verified

Show 48 more in Angelology Demonology

Angelic Ranks ExistLeans toward rejectingTradition defaultThere are genuine ranks or orders among angels (a real hierarchy), not merely undifferentiated spirits.Estimated, not verified
Angelology Must Be Strictly BiblicalStrongly affirmsTradition defaultBeliefs about angels and demons should be limited to what Scripture plainly teaches, rejecting speculative hierarchies, named extra-biblical angels, and elaborate demonologies.Estimated, not verified
Angels Are CreatedStrongly affirmsTradition defaultAngels are created beings, made by God, and are not eternal or self-existent.Estimated, not verified
Angels Are GenderlessStrongly affirmsTradition defaultAngels are without sex/gender and do not marry or reproduce.Estimated, not verified
Angels Are InnumerableStrongly affirmsTradition defaultAngels exist in vast, possibly innumerable, multitudes.Estimated, not verified
Angels Are Personal Intelligent AgentsStrongly affirmsTradition defaultAngels possess intellect and will: they know, choose, and act as persons.Estimated, not verified
Angels Are Pure SpiritsStrongly affirmsTradition defaultAngels are purely spiritual (incorporeal) beings without material bodies of their own.Estimated, not verified
Angels Are Symbolic OnlyStrongly rejectsTradition defaultBiblical "angels" are best understood as symbols, personifications, or mythological language for God's action and human experience, not as actually existing spirit-persons.Estimated, not verified
Angels Can Appear In Bodily FormStrongly affirmsTradition defaultAngels can assume visible, bodily appearances to interact with humans.Estimated, not verified
Angels Created Before Material WorldAffirmsTradition defaultAngels were created before (or at the very beginning of) the material cosmos.Estimated, not verified
Angels Have Assigned OfficesAffirmsTradition defaultAngels are assigned specific offices and missions (messengers, guardians, ministers of providence, executors of judgment).Estimated, not verified
Angels Have Subtle BodiesStrongly rejectsTradition defaultAngels possess some kind of refined, ethereal, or subtle body rather than being wholly immaterial.Estimated, not verified
Angels Real Personal BeingsStrongly affirmsTradition defaultAngels are real, personal, created beings who actually exist, not merely literary symbols or pre-scientific imagery.Estimated, not verified
Archangels Named AuthoritativelyRejectsTradition defaultSpecific archangels (e.g., Michael, Gabriel, Raphael) are named and venerated/honored as distinct individuals.Estimated, not verified
Book Of Enoch Authoritative For AngelologyStrongly rejectsTradition default1 Enoch (the Watchers material) carries real authority or reliable insight for understanding angels, the fall, and demons.Estimated, not verified
Contacting Spirits Mediumship ForbiddenStrongly affirmsTradition defaultSeeking contact with spirits/the dead through mediums, séances, channeling, or divination is forbidden and dangerous (opens to the demonic).Estimated, not verified
Demons Are Disembodied Spirits Of NephilimRejectsTradition defaultDemons are specifically the disembodied spirits of the dead nephilim (Watchers' offspring), distinct from the fallen angels themselves.Estimated, not verified
Demons Are Real Personal SpiritsStrongly affirmsTradition defaultDemons are real, personal evil spirits (fallen angels or their kind), not merely symbols of disease, vice, or social evil.Estimated, not verified
Demons Face Eternal Conscious TormentStrongly affirmsTradition defaultThe devil and his angels will suffer eternal, conscious punishment in the lake of fire.Estimated, not verified
Each Person Has A Guardian AngelRejectsTradition defaultEvery individual human being is assigned a personal guardian angel.Estimated, not verified
Evil Is Co Eternal PowerStrongly rejectsTradition defaultEvil is grounded in an eternal, uncreated power or principle opposed to God (cosmic dualism), not merely a corrupted creature.Estimated, not verified
Experience Informs DemonologyStrongly rejectsTradition defaultContemporary experience (deliverance encounters, testimonies, discernment) is a legitimate source for refining our understanding of how demons operate.Estimated, not verified
Fallen Angels Retain Great PowerStrongly affirmsTradition defaultFallen angels retain their natural angelic powers (intelligence, strength, mobility), now turned to evil ends.Estimated, not verified
Fallen Angels Will Be RestoredStrongly rejectsTradition defaultIn the end even Satan and the fallen angels will be reconciled to God (apokatastasis of all rational creatures).Estimated, not verified
Fascination With Demonic To Be AvoidedStrongly affirmsTradition defaultExcessive preoccupation with demons, curses, and the occult is itself spiritually harmful and to be avoided (a sober, Christ-centered focus is preferred).Estimated, not verified
Generational Curses RealStrongly rejectsTradition defaultCurses, bondage, or demonic influence can be transmitted down family lines ("generational curses") and require specific renunciation/breaking.Estimated, not verified
Guardian Angel Can Be InvokedStrongly rejectsTradition defaultIt is proper to address, ask, or pray to one's guardian angel for protection and aid.Estimated, not verified
Guardian Angels Only For BelieversAffirmsTradition defaultGuardian/ministering angels are given to serve believers (the elect/the church), not assigned universally to all persons.Estimated, not verified
Invoking Angels By Name In MagicStrongly rejectsTradition defaultInvoking angels by name in ritual/amuletic/"angelic magic" contexts to obtain power or protection is legitimate Christian practice.Estimated, not verified
Nine Orders DionysianStrongly rejectsTradition defaultThe traditional ninefold scheme of angelic orders (seraphim, cherubim, thrones, dominions, virtues, powers, principalities, archangels, angels) reflects a real heavenly order.Estimated, not verified
Possession Vs Oppression DistinctionAffirmsTradition defaultThere is a meaningful distinction between demonic "possession" (indwelling/control) and lesser "oppression"/influence from without.Estimated, not verified
Satan Active Tempter TodayStrongly affirmsTradition defaultSatan is presently active in tempting, accusing, deceiving, and opposing the church and individuals.Estimated, not verified
Satan Currently BoundAffirmsTradition defaultSatan is presently bound/restrained in a decisive way (the Revelation-20 binding is a current reality limiting his power).Estimated, not verified
Satan Decisively Defeated At CrossStrongly affirmsTradition defaultSatan and the powers were decisively defeated and disarmed at the cross/resurrection (Christus Victor), even if final destruction awaits.Estimated, not verified
Satan Has Real KingdomStrongly affirmsTradition defaultSatan rules a real organized kingdom/domain of darkness with subordinate evil powers.Estimated, not verified
Satan Is A Fallen AngelStrongly affirmsTradition defaultSatan is a fallen angel (a created good being who rebelled) not an independent evil principle or co-eternal power.Estimated, not verified
Satan Is A Personal BeingStrongly affirmsTradition defaultSatan/the devil is a real, personal spirit-being, not merely a symbol or personification of evil.Estimated, not verified
Satan Is Lucifer Isaiah14AffirmsTradition defaultThe "Lucifer"/"Day Star" of Isaiah 14 (and the king of Tyre in Ezekiel 28) refers, at least typologically, to Satan and his fall.Estimated, not verified
Satan Subordinate To GodStrongly affirmsTradition defaultSatan operates only within limits God permits and is wholly subordinate to God's sovereignty (cf. Job).Estimated, not verified
Seven Archangels TraditionStrongly rejectsTradition defaultThere are seven chief angels/archangels who stand before God (the "seven spirits/angels" tradition, including names like Uriel, Selaphiel, etc.).Estimated, not verified
Some Angels FellStrongly affirmsTradition defaultA portion of the angels rebelled against God and fell from their original state.Estimated, not verified
Sons Of God Were Fallen AngelsRejectsTradition defaultThe "sons of God" of Genesis 6 were fallen angels (Watchers) who took human wives.Estimated, not verified
Sons Of God Were SethitesAffirmsTradition defaultThe "sons of God" were the godly line of Seth, and the "daughters of men" the line of Cain: a human intermarriage, not angelic.Estimated, not verified
Spiritual Warfare Is Truth And HolinessStrongly affirmsTradition defaultSpiritual warfare is conducted chiefly through the "armor of God" (truth, faith, prayer, Scripture, and righteous living) rather than through techniques of binding, rebuking, or mapping spirits.Estimated, not verified
Strategic Level Warfare PrayerStrongly rejectsTradition defaultBelievers can and should engage in strategic-level intercession, "spiritual mapping," and direct verbal confrontation/binding of ruling demonic powers over territories.Estimated, not verified
Territorial Spirits Over PlacesStrongly rejectsTradition defaultSpecific high-ranking demonic powers ("territorial spirits") hold dominion over geographic regions, cities, or nations and must be discerned and confronted.Estimated, not verified
Veneration Of Angels PermittedStrongly rejectsTradition defaultAngels (and named archangels) may be venerated and honored (dulia) and asked to intercede, distinct from the worship due to God.Estimated, not verified
Worship Of Angels ForbiddenStrongly affirmsTradition defaultWorship (latria) of angels is forbidden; worship is due to God alone.Estimated, not verified

Anthropology

Body Essential To PersonStrongly affirmsTradition defaultThe body is essential to being a complete human person, not an accidental or dispensable container for the soul.Estimated, not verified
Body GoodStrongly affirmsTradition defaultThe material human body is intrinsically good as created by God.Estimated, not verified
Body Resurrection ContinuityStrongly affirmsTradition defaultThe resurrection body will be materially/physically continuous in some real way with the present body.Estimated, not verified
Celibacy HonoredAffirmsTradition defaultLifelong celibacy is a fully honorable and complete form of Christian human flourishing, not a deficient state.Estimated, not verified

Show 49 more in Anthropology

Concupiscence Is SinStrongly affirmsTradition defaultDisordered desire (concupiscence) that remains in the baptized/regenerate is itself truly sin, not merely a tendency toward sin.Estimated, not verified
Constitution DichotomyStrongly affirmsTradition defaultA human being is constituted of two distinct elements, a material body and an immaterial soul.Estimated, not verified
Constitution TrichotomyRejectsTradition defaultA human being is constituted of three distinct elements: body, soul, and spirit.Estimated, not verified
Cultural MandateStrongly affirmsTradition defaultHumanity is commissioned to develop and steward creation's potential (the "cultural mandate") as part of its God-given purpose.Estimated, not verified
Dignity Independent Of FunctionStrongly affirmsTradition defaultHuman dignity does not depend on possessing or exercising any particular capacity (such as rationality or productivity).Estimated, not verified
Disability Full ImageStrongly affirmsTradition defaultPersons with severe cognitive or physical disabilities bear the full image of God and possess full personhood.Estimated, not verified
Dominion Stewardship Not ExploitStrongly affirmsTradition defaultHuman dominion over creation is a stewardship of care, not a license to exploit.Estimated, not verified
End Of Life Persisting DignityStrongly affirmsTradition defaultA dying, comatose, or severely declined person retains full human dignity and personhood until natural death.Estimated, not verified
Ensoulment At ConceptionStrongly affirmsTradition defaultThe soul is present from the moment of conception (immediate ensoulment).Estimated, not verified
Equality IntrinsicStrongly affirmsTradition defaultAll human beings possess equal intrinsic worth before God regardless of race, sex, ability, or status.Estimated, not verified
Gender Complementarian RolesStrongly affirmsTradition defaultGod assigns men and women distinct and complementary roles in the home and church.Estimated, not verified
Historical AdamStrongly affirmsTradition defaultAdam and Eve were real, historical individuals who are the biological ancestors of all humanity.Estimated, not verified
Human Basically GoodStrongly rejectsTradition defaultHuman beings are at their core basically good, with sin being secondary, environmental, or correctable.Estimated, not verified
Human Distinct In KindStrongly affirmsTradition defaultHumanity differs from other animals in kind, not merely in degree.Estimated, not verified
Humanity MicrocosmAffirmsTradition defaultThe human being is a microcosm uniting the material and spiritual orders, serving as a bridge or priest of creation.Estimated, not verified
Imago ChristologicalAffirmsTradition defaultThe image of God is properly defined by Christ, the true image, with humanity imaging God by conformity to him.Estimated, not verified
Imago Defaced Not ErasedStrongly affirmsTradition defaultThe Fall defaced or marred the image of God without erasing it.Estimated, not verified
Imago Extends AnimalsStrongly affirmsTradition defaultThe image of God belongs uniquely to humans and is not shared by non-human animals.Estimated, not verified
Imago Grounds DignityStrongly affirmsTradition defaultThe image of God is the ground of the inviolable dignity and worth of every human being.Estimated, not verified
Imago Is RealStrongly affirmsTradition defaultHuman beings are created in the image of God.Estimated, not verified
Imago Likeness DistinctionRejectsTradition defaultScripture distinguishes "image" (retained) from "likeness" (lost in the Fall and restored in Christ).Estimated, not verified
Imago RelationalAffirmsTradition defaultThe image of God consists primarily in humanity's capacity for and existence in relationship (with God and others).Estimated, not verified
Imago Substantive ReasonAffirmsTradition defaultThe image of God consists primarily in a substantive human capacity such as reason, intellect, or will.Estimated, not verified
Imago Universal RetainedStrongly affirmsTradition defaultThe image of God remains in every human being after the Fall, however damaged.Estimated, not verified
Individual Soul Supreme ValueStrongly affirmsTradition defaultEach individual human soul has supreme and incommensurable value to God.Estimated, not verified
Inherited GuiltStrongly affirmsTradition defaultHumans bear not only a corrupted nature but also actual guilt for Adam's sin.Estimated, not verified
Intermediate State ConsciousStrongly affirmsTradition defaultBetween death and resurrection the person exists in a conscious intermediate state apart from the body.Estimated, not verified
Nature Grace ContinuityRejectsTradition defaultGrace perfects and elevates a human nature that, though wounded, remains fundamentally oriented toward God.Estimated, not verified
Original RighteousnessStrongly affirmsTradition defaultThe first humans were created in a state of original righteousness or holiness, not in moral neutrality or immaturity.Estimated, not verified
Original Sin InheritedStrongly affirmsTradition defaultHuman beings inherit a corrupted nature (original sin) from Adam, prior to and apart from any actual sins they commit.Estimated, not verified
Person Relational CommunionAffirmsTradition defaultTo be a person is fundamentally to exist in relation and communion, modeled on the Trinity, not as an isolated individual.Estimated, not verified
Race One Human FamilyStrongly affirmsTradition defaultAll ethnic groups descend from a common humanity and share one undivided nature, with no theological basis for racial hierarchy.Estimated, not verified
Rest Sabbath AnthropologyStrongly affirmsTradition defaultRest (Sabbath) is built into the created human design and is essential to human flourishing, not merely a legal requirement.Estimated, not verified
Resurrection CentralStrongly affirmsTradition defaultThe ultimate hope for human persons is bodily resurrection, not merely the survival of a disembodied soul.Estimated, not verified
Sexuality Good GiftStrongly affirmsTradition defaultHuman sexuality is a good gift of God within its proper bounds, not merely a concession to weakness.Estimated, not verified
Soul Naturally ImmortalStrongly affirmsTradition defaultThe human soul is by nature immortal and continues to exist consciously after the death of the body.Estimated, not verified
Soul Pre ExistenceStrongly rejectsTradition defaultHuman souls existed before their embodiment in this earthly life.Estimated, not verified
Soul ReincarnationStrongly rejectsTradition defaultHuman souls pass through multiple successive earthly lives (reincarnation).Estimated, not verified
Soul SleepStrongly rejectsTradition defaultThe dead are unconscious ("asleep") until the resurrection, with no conscious experience in between.Estimated, not verified
Total DepravityStrongly affirmsTradition defaultSin so pervades every faculty of fallen humanity that no part of human nature is untouched by its corruption (total depravity).Estimated, not verified
Vocation All CallingsStrongly affirmsTradition defaultEvery honest occupation can be a genuine divine calling, not only ordained or "sacred" work.Estimated, not verified
Will Bondage UnregenerateStrongly affirmsTradition defaultApart from divine grace, the fallen human will is in bondage and cannot choose saving good on its own.Estimated, not verified
Will CompatibilismStrongly affirmsTradition defaultHuman freedom and responsibility are fully compatible with all our choices being determined (e.g., by God's decree or by prior causes).Estimated, not verified
Will LibertarianStrongly rejectsTradition defaultHuman beings possess libertarian free will: a genuine ability to choose otherwise that is not determined by prior causes or by God.Estimated, not verified
Will Pelagian AbilityStrongly rejectsTradition defaultHuman beings can, by their natural powers and without any special grace, fulfill God's commands and choose the good.Estimated, not verified
Will Prevenient GraceStrongly rejectsTradition defaultGod grants prevenient grace to all, restoring enough freedom for any person to respond to or resist the gospel.Estimated, not verified
Will Semipelagian InitiativeStrongly rejectsTradition defaultThe human person can take the first step toward God, with grace then assisting what the person has begun.Estimated, not verified
Will SynergismStrongly rejectsTradition defaultSalvation involves a genuine cooperation in which the human will actively works together with divine grace (synergism).Estimated, not verified
Work Pre Fall GoodStrongly affirmsTradition defaultWork is part of God's good creational design for humanity, not merely a curse resulting from the Fall.Estimated, not verified

Covenant Law Israel

Abrahamic Covenant Foundational And OngoingStrongly affirmsTradition defaultThe Abrahamic covenant is foundational and its promises remain operative for the people of God today.Estimated, not verified
Baptism Replaces Circumcision Covenant SignStrongly affirmsTradition defaultBaptism is the New Covenant counterpart to circumcision, marking entrance into the covenant community.Estimated, not verified
Believers No Longer Under Laws CondemnationStrongly affirmsTradition defaultBelievers are entirely free from the law's condemning function but remain under its directing function.Estimated, not verified
Ceremonial Law Fulfilled And AbrogatedStrongly affirmsTradition defaultThe ceremonial/cultic laws (sacrifices, dietary rules, festivals, purity codes) are fulfilled in Christ and no longer binding.Estimated, not verified

Show 47 more in Covenant Law Israel

Christians Obligated To Keep DecalogueStrongly affirmsTradition defaultChristians are positively obligated to keep the Ten Commandments as a covenant rule.Estimated, not verified
Church Is True Israel SupersessionAffirmsTradition defaultThe church is the true and continuing Israel, having inherited the covenant promises so that ethnic/national Israel has no distinct remaining covenant role.Estimated, not verified
Civil Government Should Enforce Mosaic LawStrongly rejectsTradition defaultCivil governments today are obligated to enforce the moral and judicial laws of Moses, including their penal sanctions.Estimated, not verified
Civil Judicial Laws Expired With IsraelStrongly affirmsTradition defaultThe civil/judicial laws of Israel expired with the Old Testament nation and do not bind modern states except as their general equity informs justice.Estimated, not verified
Covenant Of Redemption Pactum SalutisStrongly affirmsTradition defaultBefore creation, the persons of the Trinity entered an eternal covenant of redemption (pactum salutis) in which the Son agreed to redeem the elect.Estimated, not verified
Covenant Of Works With AdamStrongly affirmsTradition defaultGod established a pre-fall covenant of works (or "covenant of life") with Adam, conditioned on his obedience, such that Adam acted as a federal representative of humanity.Estimated, not verified
Cultural Transformation Christianize SocietyRejectsTradition defaultThe church's mission includes progressively bringing every sphere of society under the lordship of Christ and biblical law.Estimated, not verified
Davidic Covenant Fulfilled In Christ Reign NowStrongly affirmsTradition defaultThe Davidic covenant is being fulfilled now in Christ's present heavenly reign, not only in a future earthly throne in Jerusalem.Estimated, not verified
Distinct Economies DispensationsStrongly rejectsTradition defaultHistory is divided into distinct dispensations in which God administers His dealings with humanity under different stewardship arrangements.Estimated, not verified
Dual Covenant Jews Saved Apart From ChristStrongly rejectsTradition defaultJewish people remain in a valid saving covenant through the Mosaic/Abrahamic covenant and need not come to faith in Jesus to be saved.Estimated, not verified
Feasts Festivals Still To Be KeptStrongly rejectsTradition defaultThe biblical festivals (Passover, Pentecost, Tabernacles, etc.) should still be observed by believers.Estimated, not verified
Federal Headship Adam ChristStrongly affirmsTradition defaultHumanity is organized under two federal heads, Adam and Christ, whose representative acts are imputed to those they represent.Estimated, not verified
Fourth Commandment Morally PerpetualStrongly affirmsTradition defaultThe Sabbath commandment is part of the perpetual moral law, requiring a weekly day of rest and worship for all believers.Estimated, not verified
Full Torah Observance For BelieversStrongly rejectsTradition defaultFollowers of Jesus, at least those of Jewish background, should continue to observe the full Torah (dietary law, festivals, Sabbath, circumcision).Estimated, not verified
Future Mass Conversion Of Ethnic IsraelStrongly affirmsTradition defaultThere will be a future large-scale turning of ethnic Israel to Christ before the end ("all Israel will be saved").Estimated, not verified
Future Temple With Memorial SacrificesStrongly rejectsTradition defaultA future earthly temple with a (memorial) sacrificial system will be established in a coming kingdom age.Estimated, not verified
Gentile Believers Free From TorahStrongly affirmsTradition defaultGentile believers were never placed under the Mosaic law and are free from its specific obligations.Estimated, not verified
Grace Frees From All Law KeepingStrongly rejectsTradition defaultBecause salvation is entirely by grace, the Christian is under no law and obedience to commands plays no necessary role in the believer's life.Estimated, not verified
Infants Of Believers In The CovenantStrongly affirmsTradition defaultThe children of believers are included in the covenant community and are proper recipients of the covenant sign.Estimated, not verified
Land Promise Literal To Ethnic IsraelStrongly rejectsTradition defaultThe Old Testament land promises will be fulfilled literally to ethnic Israel in a specific territory.Estimated, not verified
Land Promise Typological Fulfilled In ChristStrongly affirmsTradition defaultThe land promises are typological, fulfilled and expanded in Christ and ultimately in the new creation / whole renewed earth, rather than a parcel of Middle Eastern territory.Estimated, not verified
Law And Gospel Both In Both TestamentsStrongly affirmsTradition defaultBoth law and gospel are present throughout both Testaments, not confined to Old (law) and New (gospel) respectively.Estimated, not verified
Law And Grace Are Opposing PrinciplesStrongly rejectsTradition defaultLaw and grace function as fundamentally opposing principles, such that the age of law and the age of grace operate under different governing arrangements.Estimated, not verified
Law Of Christ Replaces Mosaic NormStrongly rejectsTradition defaultThe believer's rule of life is the "law of Christ" (the ethical teaching of Jesus and the apostles), which is the proper standard rather than the Mosaic code.Estimated, not verified
Levitical Sacrifices Permanently EndedStrongly affirmsTradition defaultThe Levitical sacrificial system has been permanently ended and fulfilled by the once-for-all sacrifice of Christ.Estimated, not verified
Moral Law Summarized In Decalogue PerpetualStrongly affirmsTradition defaultThe moral law, summarized in the Ten Commandments, is perpetually binding on all people in all eras.Estimated, not verified
Mosaic Covenant Was Gracious AdministrationStrongly affirmsTradition defaultThe Mosaic covenant was itself a gracious administration of the one covenant of grace, not a covenant of works for life.Estimated, not verified
Mosaic Law As Unit AbrogatedStrongly rejectsTradition defaultThe Mosaic law, taken as a single covenantal package, has been entirely abrogated for Christians, who are not "under the law" in any of its parts as Mosaic legislation.Estimated, not verified
Natural Law Universally BindingStrongly affirmsTradition defaultA natural moral law, knowable by reason and binding on all people, underlies and confirms the moral content of God's revealed law.Estimated, not verified
New Covenant Already InauguratedStrongly affirmsTradition defaultThe New Covenant prophesied by Jeremiah has already been inaugurated by Christ and is in force for the church now.Estimated, not verified
New Covenant Membership Only RegenerateStrongly rejectsTradition defaultMembership in the New Covenant consists only of regenerate, believing persons, with no "mixed" covenant community including unbelieving members.Estimated, not verified
Noahic Covenant Basis For Common GraceStrongly affirmsTradition defaultThe Noahic covenant grounds God's ongoing preservation of creation and a sphere of common grace/common order for all humanity.Estimated, not verified
Obedience Necessary Evidence Of FaithStrongly affirmsTradition defaultOngoing obedience to God's commands is the necessary evidence and fruit of genuine saving faith.Estimated, not verified
One Overarching Covenant Of GraceStrongly affirmsTradition defaultScripture unfolds a single, unified covenant of grace administered differently across redemptive history, so that Old and New Testament believers are saved in fundamentally the same way.Estimated, not verified
One People Of God With RemnantStrongly affirmsTradition defaultThere is one people of God across the ages; believing Israel and believing Gentiles form a single olive tree, with a believing Jewish remnant rather than two separate peoples.Estimated, not verified
Ot God And Nt God Same ContinuityStrongly affirmsTradition defaultThe God and Scriptures of the Old Testament are fully continuous and authoritative for Christians, not a lower or superseded revelation to be set aside.Estimated, not verified
Pedagogical First Use Civic RestraintStrongly affirmsTradition defaultThe law serves a civil/political use to restrain evil and preserve order in society generally, apart from salvation.Estimated, not verified
Permanent Distinction Israel And ChurchStrongly rejectsTradition defaultIsrael and the church are two distinct peoples of God with distinct programs and promises that are never merged.Estimated, not verified
Physical Circumcision Still RequiredStrongly rejectsTradition defaultPhysical circumcision remains a required covenant obligation for the people of God (or at least for Jewish believers).Estimated, not verified
Progressive Unfolding Of One PlanStrongly affirmsTradition defaultThe biblical covenants (Noahic, Abrahamic, Mosaic, Davidic, New) progressively reveal and advance one connected divine plan that culminates in Christ.Estimated, not verified
Restoration Of National Israel KingdomRejectsTradition defaultGod will yet restore national Israel and fulfill the kingdom promises to her in a literal, future earthly form.Estimated, not verified
Sabbath Transferred To Lords Day SundayStrongly affirmsTradition defaultThe Sabbath obligation has been transferred to the first day of the week (the Lord's Day / Sunday) in commemoration of the resurrection.Estimated, not verified
Seven Dispensations SchemeStrongly rejectsTradition defaultA specific multi-dispensation scheme (e.g., Innocence, Conscience, Human Government, Promise, Law, Grace/Church, Kingdom) accurately maps God's historical economies.Estimated, not verified
Strict Sabbath Rest From RecreationAffirmsTradition defaultProper Sabbath/Lord's Day observance forbids ordinary work and worldly recreation, devoting the whole day to worship and rest.Estimated, not verified
Third Use Normative Guide For BelieversStrongly affirmsTradition defaultThe law has a positive "third use" as the normative guide for the grateful obedience of justified believers.Estimated, not verified
Threefold Division Moral Civil CeremonialStrongly affirmsTradition defaultThe Mosaic law is rightly divided into moral, civil (judicial), and ceremonial categories, which have different applicability today.Estimated, not verified
Two Kingdoms Church And Civil DistinctStrongly affirmsTradition defaultGod governs through two distinct kingdoms: the spiritual (church/gospel) and the civil (state/law/reason), which should not be collapsed into one another.Estimated, not verified

Mariology Saints

All Believers Are SaintsStrongly affirmsTradition default"Saints" in the New Testament sense means all believers, not a special canonized class.Estimated, not verified
Altar Relics Required Or ProperStrongly rejectsTradition defaultIt is fitting (or required) that altars contain the relics of saints.Estimated, not verified
Apparition Messages Can Be Doctrinally AuthoritativeStrongly rejectsTradition defaultMessages delivered in apparitions (warnings, devotions, consecrations) carry real doctrinal or devotional authority for the Church.Estimated, not verified
Assumption Is Dogmatically BindingStrongly rejectsTradition defaultBelief in Mary's assumption is a binding article of faith that must be held for full communion.Estimated, not verified

Show 57 more in Mariology Saints

Bodily Assumption Of MaryStrongly rejectsTradition defaultMary was taken up body and soul into heavenly glory at the end of her earthly life.Estimated, not verified
Brothers Are CousinsStrongly rejectsTradition defaultThe "brothers of the Lord" are kinsmen/cousins, not siblings or step-siblings (the Hieronymian view).Estimated, not verified
Canonizations Are InfallibleStrongly rejectsTradition defaultA formal canonization is an infallible declaration that the named person is in heaven.Estimated, not verified
Christ Sole MediatorStrongly affirmsTradition defaultThere is exactly one mediator between God and humanity (Jesus Christ) and no creature shares in that mediating office.Estimated, not verified
Church Approved Apparitions CredibleStrongly rejectsTradition defaultWhen the Church formally approves an apparition (e.g., as "worthy of belief"), the faithful may reasonably trust it.Estimated, not verified
Church Can Canonize SaintsStrongly rejectsTradition defaultThe Church has authority to formally declare particular departed persons to be saints in heaven (canonization).Estimated, not verified
Communion Of Saints Is Living OnlyStrongly affirmsTradition defaultThe "communion of saints" refers to the fellowship of living believers with one another (and with God), not to interaction with the departed.Estimated, not verified
Consecration To MaryStrongly rejectsTradition defaultConsecrating oneself (or one's nation) to Mary / to her Immaculate Heart is a wholesome act of devotion.Estimated, not verified
Cult Of Saints Is Unbiblical AccretionStrongly affirmsTradition defaultThe cult of the saints is a post-biblical accretion that should be removed rather than reformed.Estimated, not verified
Honoring Mary Is Biblically WarrantedAffirmsTradition defaultScripture itself warrants calling Mary "blessed" and honoring her as the favored mother of the Lord.Estimated, not verified
Hyperdulia For MaryStrongly rejectsTradition defaultMary is owed a special degree of veneration (hyperdulia) higher than that given any other saint, yet still infinitely below the worship due God.Estimated, not verified
Iconoclasm Was CorrectStrongly affirmsTradition defaultThe destruction or removal of religious images from worship spaces was a faithful purification, not a sin.Estimated, not verified
Icons Are Windows To HeavenStrongly rejectsTradition defaultIcons are not mere art but genuine "windows" through which the faithful commune with the holy persons depicted.Estimated, not verified
Icons May Be VeneratedStrongly rejectsTradition defaultSacred images and icons of Christ, Mary, and the saints may rightly be venerated (honored with bows, incense, kisses), the honor passing to the prototype.Estimated, not verified
Images And Saints Are Means Of Grace Not IdolsStrongly rejectsTradition defaultMaterial things and holy persons (icons, relics, saints) are legitimate created channels of God's grace, not idols, because the incarnation sanctifies matter.Estimated, not verified
Immaculate ConceptionStrongly rejectsTradition defaultMary was preserved free from the stain of original sin from the very first moment of her own conception.Estimated, not verified
Invocation Of Saints Is ForbiddenStrongly affirmsTradition defaultInvoking or praying to saints/Mary is forbidden: a form of necromancy or misdirected worship.Estimated, not verified
Joseph Prior Marriage ChildrenRejectsTradition defaultThe "brothers of the Lord" are most plausibly Joseph's children from a marriage before Mary (the Epiphanian view).Estimated, not verified
Latria To God AloneStrongly affirmsTradition defaultAdoration/worship (latria) is owed to God alone and may never be offered to any creature, including Mary or the saints.Estimated, not verified
Marian Apparitions Can Be GenuineStrongly rejectsTradition defaultMary has genuinely appeared to people in history (e.g., at recognized sites) and such apparitions can be authentic.Estimated, not verified
Marian Devotion Central To PietyStrongly rejectsTradition defaultDevotion to Mary is a central and indispensable feature of authentic Christian spirituality.Estimated, not verified
Marian Titles Should Be MinimizedStrongly affirmsTradition defaultThe proliferation of Marian titles and devotions should be restrained to keep Christ central.Estimated, not verified
Mary Ark Of Covenant TypeRejectsTradition defaultMary is fittingly typified by the Ark of the Covenant, the Burning Bush, and similar Old-Testament figures.Estimated, not verified
Mary Co RedemptrixStrongly rejectsTradition defaultMary cooperated uniquely and subordinately in the work of redemption such that she may be called "Co-Redemptrix."Estimated, not verified
Mary Died Before AssumptionRejectsTradition defaultMary truly died (fell asleep) before being raised/assumed, rather than being taken up without dying.Estimated, not verified
Mary Free From Actual SinStrongly rejectsTradition defaultMary committed no actual personal sin during her life.Estimated, not verified
Mary Has A Unique Redemptive StatusStrongly rejectsTradition defaultMary occupies a quasi-divine or near-divine status, effectively a fourth person to be adored alongside the Trinity.Estimated, not verified
Mary Immune To ConcupiscenceStrongly rejectsTradition defaultMary was free from concupiscence (the inner inclination to sin), not merely from sinful acts.Estimated, not verified
Mary Mediatrix Of GracesStrongly rejectsTradition defaultAll graces from God are dispensed to humanity through Mary's mediation.Estimated, not verified
Mary Mother Of The ChurchStrongly rejectsTradition defaultMary is rightly honored as "Mother of the Church," the spiritual mother of all believers.Estimated, not verified
Mary Needed A SaviorStrongly affirmsTradition defaultMary herself needed and received salvation through Christ, like every other human being.Estimated, not verified
Mary Queen Of HeavenStrongly rejectsTradition defaultMary now reigns as Queen of Heaven, crowned and exalted above all the angels and saints.Estimated, not verified
Masses For The Dead EfficaciousStrongly rejectsTradition defaultOffering the Mass/Divine Liturgy for a specific deceased person confers real spiritual benefit on that soul.Estimated, not verified
Naming Baptism After SaintsRejectsTradition defaultTaking the name of a saint at baptism/chrismation and looking to that saint as a special protector is a good practice.Estimated, not verified
No Images Of Christ Or GodStrongly affirmsTradition defaultIt is wrong to make any pictorial representation of Christ or God at all (the regulative reading of the Second Commandment).Estimated, not verified
Orthodox Reject Latin PurgatoryRejectsTradition defaultPrayer for the dead is right, but the Latin doctrine of purgatory as a defined place/process of satisfactory punishment should be rejected.Estimated, not verified
Patron Saints For Places And CallingsStrongly rejectsTradition defaultIt is proper to assign patron saints to nations, occupations, and life-situations and to seek their particular patronage.Estimated, not verified
Perpetual Virginity Post PartumStrongly rejectsTradition defaultMary remained a virgin throughout her whole life and never had marital relations or other children after Jesus ("ever-virgin").Estimated, not verified
Prayers Addressed Directly To SaintsStrongly rejectsTradition defaultPrayers may be addressed directly to saints and to Mary (e.g., "Holy Mary, pray for us"), not only to God.Estimated, not verified
Prayers For Dead Affect Their StateStrongly rejectsTradition defaultThe prayers, almsgiving, and Masses of the living can actually benefit and assist the departed.Estimated, not verified
Prayers For The Dead Are ProperStrongly rejectsTradition defaultIt is right and beneficial to pray for the souls of the faithful departed.Estimated, not verified
Private Revelation Not BindingStrongly affirmsTradition defaultEven genuine apparitions and private revelations add nothing to public revelation and bind no one's faith.Estimated, not verified
Purgatory ExistsStrongly rejectsTradition defaultThere is an intermediate state of purification (purgatory) in which the saved are cleansed before entering full glory.Estimated, not verified
Relic Trade And Indulgences AbuseStrongly affirmsTradition defaultThe historic trafficking and multiplication of relics was a corrupting abuse to be rejected.Estimated, not verified
Relics Can Work MiraclesStrongly rejectsTradition defaultGod works miracles, healings, or graces through the relics of saints.Estimated, not verified
Relics May Be VeneratedStrongly rejectsTradition defaultThe physical relics of saints (bones, possessions) may rightly be honored and venerated.Estimated, not verified
Rosary And Marian Prayers DevotionStrongly rejectsTradition defaultRepeated Marian devotions such as the Rosary are a wholesome and recommended form of prayer.Estimated, not verified
Saints Can Grant Or Help DirectlyStrongly rejectsTradition defaultSaints and Mary can themselves grant favors, protection, or healing, not merely relay requests to God.Estimated, not verified
Specialized Saints For Specific NeedsStrongly rejectsTradition defaultParticular saints are especially efficacious for particular needs (e.g., a saint for lost objects, travel, illness).Estimated, not verified
Statues Three Dimensional PermissibleStrongly rejectsTradition defaultThree-dimensional statues of saints and Mary are an acceptable form of sacred art and devotion.Estimated, not verified
Subordinate Intercessory Mediation LegitimateStrongly rejectsTradition defaultCreatures (Mary, the saints) can exercise a real but wholly subordinate, intercessory mediation that does not rival Christ's unique mediation.Estimated, not verified
Theotokos Mother Of GodAffirmsTradition defaultMary may rightly be called "Theotokos" / "Mother of God" (God-bearer) because the one she bore is truly God incarnate.Estimated, not verified
Three Fold Church Militant Suffering TriumphantStrongly rejectsTradition defaultThe Church exists in three states: militant (on earth), suffering (being purified), and triumphant (in glory), in active mutual communion.Estimated, not verified
Veneration In Practice Is IdolatryStrongly affirmsTradition defaultWhatever the theory, the actual veneration of Mary and the saints functions as idolatry and dishonors God.Estimated, not verified
Veneration Obscures ChristStrongly affirmsTradition defaultIn practice, the honors given to Mary and the saints tend to obscure or compete with the unique glory of Christ.Estimated, not verified
Virginal Conception Of JesusStrongly affirmsTradition defaultJesus was conceived by the Holy Spirit while Mary was a virgin, without a human father.Estimated, not verified
We May Ask Saints To PrayStrongly rejectsTradition defaultIt is good and proper to ask the saints in heaven to pray to God on our behalf.Estimated, not verified

Report an inaccuracy Claim this church

Want to study this church's tradition at the source? Bible Gateway Plus or Logos Bible Software pair well with any statement of faith.

Keep exploring

See where the Presbyterian tradition typically lands, or take the quiz to get your % match with every church.

About this tradition Take the quiz