ChatGPT on Other Gospels

WARNING: ChatGPT is not always factual, but the answers it gives here are basically representative of the vast training data it uses.

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

Are there any secular groups or messages that derive from the Bible but exclude God (Example: Alcoholics Anonymous)?

ChatGPT

Yes, there are secular groups, principles, or ideas that have been influenced by the Bible or biblical principles but don't necessarily center their practices around a belief in God or might allow a more generalized concept of a "higher power" rather than a specifically theistic belief. Here are a few examples:

    Alcoholics Anonymous (AA): As you mentioned, AA and its 12-step program for addiction recovery emphasize the role of a "higher power." However, this higher power is open to interpretation. It can be God, the AA group itself, nature, the universe, or any other entity the member believes in. The foundation of AA is heavily influenced by the Oxford Group, a Christian organization, but AA has since taken a more secular approach.

    Moralistic Therapeutic Deism: A term coined by sociologists Christian Smith and Melinda Lundquist Denton, it describes a belief system among American youth that is influenced by Christian ideas but is largely devoid of traditional religious teachings or practices. It emphasizes being good and moral and believes in a God who exists and created the world but is no longer directly involved.

    The Serenity Prayer: Often associated with AA and other 12-step programs, this prayer asks for serenity, courage, and wisdom. Its origin is attributed to the theologian Reinhold Niebuhr. While it is a prayer, its appeal and usage extend to secular settings due to its universally applicable message.

    Certain Humanitarian or Human Rights Principles: Many humanitarian principles, especially in Western cultures, have roots in Judeo-Christian values, such as the inherent worth and dignity of every individual. While many secular organizations might not directly reference the Bible, the underlying principles they champion can often trace back to biblical teachings.

    Secular Ethics and Golden Rule: "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you" (Matthew 7:12) is a biblical principle that is also found in many other religious and philosophical traditions. Many secular ethical frameworks uphold this principle without attributing it to a religious source.

    Universal Unitarianism: Although it emerged from a Christian background, Unitarian Universalism has evolved into a pluralistic belief system that draws wisdom from various religious, philosophical, and humanistic traditions. Some congregations might still use the Bible as one of many spiritual texts, but it's not the central or sole authority.

    Jefferson Bible: Thomas Jefferson created "The Life and Morals of Jesus of Nazareth," commonly referred to as the Jefferson Bible, by extracting the moral teachings of Jesus and excluding supernatural elements. He considered it a distilled version of Jesus' teachings without the theological claims.

While these groups or concepts may draw from biblical ideas or have been influenced by them, they have adapted them to fit a more secular or broadly spiritual context.

~~
Are there any others?
~~

Certainly. There are other secular movements, organizations, or ideas influenced by the Bible or biblical teachings, either historically or in terms of their guiding principles, while not explicitly emphasizing God:

    Positive Psychology and Gratitude Journals: While not a direct extraction from the Bible, the emphasis on gratitude in positive psychology can be reminiscent of numerous biblical passages urging thankfulness. Gratitude journals, popular in self-help and well-being circles, align with this emphasis.

    Civil Rights Movement: Leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. were undoubtedly influenced by Christian teachings, and while the Civil Rights Movement was deeply rooted in the churches of the American South, its message of justice, equality, and love resonated with a broad audience, including many secular supporters.

    Quaker Oats: The Quakers, or the Religious Society of Friends, is a Christian movement. The image and name were chosen for the oatmeal brand because Quakers represented honesty, integrity, and purity. It's a commercial use of a religious influence but in a secular context.

    "Good Samaritan" Laws: Many countries have laws or acts named after the parable of the Good Samaritan from the Bible. These laws typically protect from liability those who choose to aid people who are injured or ill.

    Social Justice Movements: Many movements advocating for the poor, for refugees, or for the oppressed draw upon principles that can be found in the Bible, especially in the teachings of Jesus and the prophets. While these movements might not explicitly reference the Bible, their emphasis on compassion, justice, and mercy aligns with biblical values.

    Literature and Art: Over the centuries, countless works of literature, art, and music have drawn themes and motifs from the Bible. Even when these works are intended for secular audiences or from secular perspectives, the influence of biblical stories and principles is undeniable.

    Pacifist Movements: While pacifism has roots in various religions and philosophies, Christian teachings about turning the other cheek and loving one's enemies have influenced secular pacifist movements.

    Cultural Sayings: Phrases like "going the extra mile" or "the blind leading the blind" have origins in the Bible but are used in secular contexts without direct religious connotations.

These examples illustrate the deep and pervasive influence of the Bible on various facets of culture, institutions, and movements, even those that operate outside of a religious framework. The Bible's impact on ethics, culture, and societal norms in many countries, especially in the West, is profound, and its teachings have often been adapted or adopted in secular contexts.

~~
Name some organizations like this.
~~

Certainly, there are several organizations that have roots in or have been influenced by biblical or Christian principles, but which operate in a secular or broadly spiritual context, or simply apply the values in broader ways:

    The YMCA (Young Men's Christian Association): Originally founded to provide Christian guidance to young men seeking refuge from the streets of London, the modern YMCA has evolved into a broad community organization that, while maintaining some Christian undertones, operates mainly as a secular institution focusing on community service, fitness, and youth programs.

    The YWCA (Young Women's Christian Association): Similar to the YMCA, the YWCA started with Christian roots but now primarily emphasizes women's empowerment, racial justice, and various community programs.

    Habitat for Humanity: This organization, which builds homes for those in need, was founded on Christian principles. However, it operates with a broader humanitarian mission today, working with volunteers of all (or no) religious backgrounds.

    The Salvation Army: Founded as a Christian church and evangelical organization, it's now widely recognized for its widespread charitable and humanitarian work, including thrift shops, shelters, and disaster relief efforts. While it maintains its Christian identity, many people interact with its secular charitable operations without engaging with its religious aspects.

    Oxfam: While not explicitly Christian today, Oxfam was founded in Oxford, UK, by a group of social activists, some of whom were Quakers. It has since evolved into a global movement of people working together against the injustice of poverty.

    The Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement: Henry Dunant, who inspired the creation of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), was influenced by his Calvinist faith. However, the organization operates on strictly secular and neutral principles, as indicated in its mission and vision.

    The Boys' Brigade and Girls' Brigade: Founded with Christian principles in mind, these organizations have, in many areas, evolved into more broad-based youth organizations, though they still retain some Christian elements in certain regions.

    The Children's Defense Fund (CDF): Founded by Marian Wright Edelman, who was influenced by her Christian faith, the CDF is a child advocacy organization that operates largely on secular principles but has been influenced by biblically-inspired concepts of justice and care for the marginalized.

    Goodwill Industries: Founded by Methodist minister Edgar J. Helms, Goodwill has Christian roots but is now primarily known as a nonprofit chain of thrift stores and as an employment-placement and job-training agency.

These organizations highlight how biblical or Christian values can inspire broader humanitarian efforts that reach beyond religious boundaries. While some have retained more overt religious affiliations, all operate with a wider audience or beneficiary base in mind.

~~
Name some more.
~~

Certainly! Here are more organizations that, while either rooted in or influenced by Christian or biblical principles, operate in wider contexts or serve broader communities beyond just the religious:

    World Vision: Originally established as a Christian organization, World Vision now functions as one of the largest relief and development organizations globally. It emphasizes helping children and families to tackle poverty and injustice, regardless of religion, race, ethnicity, or gender.

    Compassion International: This child-advocacy ministry pairs compassionate people with children living in extreme poverty. While it operates on Christian principles, it serves and supports children of all backgrounds.

    St. Jude Children's Research Hospital: Founded by entertainer Danny Thomas, in collaboration with the Syrian-Lebanese-American community, the hospital's mission is to treat and defeat pediatric catastrophic diseases. Its name and some of its founding inspirations have Christian origins, but it serves all children regardless of religious backgrounds.

    Samaritan's Purse: A Christian humanitarian aid organization that provides aid to people in need due to natural disasters, war, disease, and famine. While it's overtly Christian, its operations and outreach efforts span across various cultures and religions.

    CARE (Cooperative for Assistance and Relief Everywhere): Originally named the Cooperative for American Remittances to Europe, CARE was founded after World War II to send food relief to Europe, where many were starving. Some of its founding members included various faith-based organizations, and while it isn't overtly religious now, it operates on universal humanitarian principles.

    Christian Aid: Though named "Christian Aid," the organization serves people of all religious and non-religious backgrounds, focusing on eradicating poverty and providing disaster relief.

    Feed the Children: It started with a Christian ethos but has grown into a secular charity that delivers food, medicine, and clothing to children and families in need in the U.S. and around the world.

    The Leprosy Mission: Originated with a Christian impetus, this organization focuses on providing care and treatment for people suffering from leprosy, irrespective of their faith or background.

    Christian Children's Fund (now ChildFund): Despite its original Christian-focused name, ChildFund now operates in a more secular manner, aiming to assist children in need around the world, irrespective of their religious beliefs.

    Save the Children: Founded by Eglantyne Jebb and her sister Dorothy Buxton in the aftermath of World War I, its origin was influenced by Jebb's Christian beliefs. Today, Save the Children works globally to improve the lives of children through better education, health care, and economic opportunities.

While some of these organizations still have "Christian" in their name or maintain some of their Christian practices or ethos, they often serve a wider audience and are recognized for their humanitarian efforts rather than strictly religious endeavors.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Are there any missions organizations that preach salvation doctrine (believe 1 Corinthains 15:3b-8 and do Romans 10:9-13 to be saved) as a priority?

Yes, there are numerous mission organizations worldwide that emphasize the salvation doctrine rooted in passages like 1 Corinthians 15:3b-8 and Romans 10:9-13. These organizations typically prioritize evangelism and disciple-making based on a belief in the salvific work of Jesus Christ. Here are some notable ones:

    The Navigators: Founded in the 1930s, The Navigators focus on evangelism and discipleship, aiming to help people navigate through life guided by the teachings and salvation message of Jesus.

    Campus Crusade for Christ (Cru in the U.S.): Founded by Bill and Vonette Bright in 1951, Cru is one of the world's largest evangelistic organizations. They prioritize sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ and emphasize the importance of personal conversion.

    Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA): Founded by the renowned evangelist Billy Graham, this organization has held crusades globally for decades, focusing on the message of salvation through Jesus Christ.

    Operation Mobilization (OM): With a presence in many countries, OM focuses on evangelism, discipleship, and church planting. Their mission is to see "vibrant communities of Jesus followers" in every nation.

    Wycliffe Bible Translators: While their primary mission is translating the Bible into every language, the ultimate goal is to provide people access to Scripture so they can understand the message of salvation.

    Youth With A Mission (YWAM): A global movement of Christians, YWAM focuses on evangelism, training, and mercy ministries. Their core belief is centered on knowing God and making Him known, which includes sharing the message of salvation.

    Samaritan's Purse: While known for their humanitarian aid, they also prioritize evangelistic outreach, often pairing physical relief with spiritual guidance centered on the salvation message.

    Gospel for Asia: Founded by K.P. Yohannan, this organization emphasizes church planting, evangelism, and humanitarian work in various Asian countries, all rooted in the message of salvation through Christ.

    New Tribes Mission (now Ethnos360): With a focus on unreached people groups, their goal is to bring the message of salvation to those who have never heard it, often in remote areas.

    Evangelism Explosion: Founded by D. James Kennedy, it's a method of evangelism that equips believers to share their faith and the message of salvation effectively.

These organizations emphasize the doctrine of salvation and often use passages like 1 Corinthians 15:3b-8 and Romans 10:9-13 as foundational Scriptures in their evangelistic efforts. They believe in the importance of personal conversion and a relationship with Jesus Christ for eternal salvation.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Billy Graham seemed like he we promoting salvation, but he didn't regularly say we must believe and confess in that way, and he held a life-long belief that if you've never heard of Jesus you can be saved by your own religion. The Roman Catholic Church expresses that as well. Are any such organizations using the concept of salvation by Christ as a euphemism for something other than the promotion of salvation through believe and confessing in accordance with those passages?

ChatGPT

It's a complex question, and the relationship between evangelical Protestant beliefs, ecumenical views, and the nuances of belief within the Roman Catholic Church or other organizations can be intricate. Let's address Billy Graham first and then discuss the broader question:

Billy Graham: While it's true that Billy Graham emphasized the necessity of a personal relationship with Jesus Christ for salvation, he did express more inclusive views in his later years, suggesting that there might be salvation for those who have never heard the Gospel. This view isn't unique to Graham and is a subject of debate within Christian theology. The question of the "anonymous Christian" or the fate of those who've never heard of Jesus has been debated for centuries.

Roman Catholic Church: The Catholic Church does believe that salvation is through Jesus Christ. However, they also believe in the concept of "invincible ignorance", meaning that those who have never had the opportunity to hear the Gospel might still be saved by God's mercy. The Vatican II document "Lumen Gentium" states, "Those who, through no fault of their own, do not know the Gospel of Christ or his Church, but who nevertheless seek God with a sincere heart, and, moved by grace, try in their actions to do his will as they know it through the dictates of their conscience—those too may achieve eternal salvation."

Euphemistic Use of Salvation Concepts: Many mission organizations and denominations genuinely prioritize the salvation message based on belief and confession. However, with the growth of interfaith dialogue and ecumenical movements, some organizations or denominational branches might emphasize common ground with other religions or prioritize humanitarian work. The emphasis on belief and confession, as stated in Romans 10:9-13 and 1 Corinthians 15:3b-8, may vary in intensity and expression.

Some Factors to Consider:

    Broadening Theological Views: Some organizations might have founders or leading figures who hold to a strict interpretation of the salvation doctrine, while over time, the organizational stance may become more inclusive or broad.

    Humanitarian vs. Evangelistic Focus: Some organizations, while rooted in Christian principles, might shift focus over time from direct evangelism to humanitarian work, emphasizing "living out the Gospel" more than direct proclamation.

    Interfaith and Ecumenical Movements: Engagement in interfaith or ecumenical dialogues might soften the rhetoric of some organizations, emphasizing shared beliefs or values with other religions rather than focusing strictly on doctrinal distinctives.

    Cultural Sensitivities: In areas where evangelism might be met with hostility, some organizations prioritize community development, education, or medical work, seeing these as openings for eventual evangelism or as expressions of Christian love.

In summary, while many organizations sincerely emphasize a belief-and-confession-based salvation message, others might prioritize different aspects of the Christian mission or interpret the nature of salvation more broadly. For those concerned with the specific theological stances of organizations, direct research into each organization's statements of faith, mission statements, and practical work is advised.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

How has the concept of "living out the Gospel" obscured the purpose of the Church in it's goal of spreading the the believe-and-confess salvation doctrine?
ChatGPT

The concept of "living out the Gospel" emphasizes that Christian belief should lead to transformed behavior, reflecting the teachings of Jesus in everyday life. This transformative lifestyle is seen in acts of love, service, and justice, as well as ethical and moral uprightness. However, some argue that an overemphasis on "living out the Gospel" at the expense of direct evangelism can obscure the Church's purpose of spreading the believe-and-confess salvation doctrine. Here are some of the ways this can happen:

    Moralism Over Gospel Proclamation: There's a risk of emphasizing moral and ethical behavior to such a degree that the foundational message of salvation through faith in Christ becomes secondary. This can lead to a form of "moralism" where good deeds and right living overshadow the need for personal conversion and faith in Christ.

    Social Activism Over Evangelism: In contexts where social justice, poverty alleviation, or other societal concerns are pressing, the Church might prioritize these needs. While these are essential and consistent with the teachings of Jesus, there's a danger of seeing the Church as just another NGO or social organization if the message of salvation isn't concurrently emphasized.

    Relational Over Proclamational Evangelism: Some advocate for relational evangelism, which prioritizes building genuine relationships with people as a precursor to sharing the Gospel. While relationships are critical, an overemphasis on this approach can sometimes lead to hesitancy in sharing the believe-and-confess message explicitly.

    Fear of Offense: In pluralistic societies, there might be a reluctance to share a message that claims exclusivity, such as the believe-and-confess salvation doctrine. Out of fear of offending others, there might be a more significant emphasis on "showing" the Gospel through actions rather than "telling" it through words.

    Theological Shifts: Some branches of Christianity might experience shifts in theology, leaning towards universalism or inclusivism, thereby reducing the urgency of evangelism. If all are ultimately saved or if there are many paths to God, then the specific message of salvation through Jesus becomes one option among many.

    Cultural Assimilation: In efforts to be culturally relevant or to assimilate into a given society, the Church might de-emphasize elements of the Gospel that might be countercultural or challenging to prevailing societal norms.

    Misunderstanding the Holistic Nature of the Gospel: The Gospel message isn't just about individual salvation but also about the redemption of all creation. However, striking a balance is essential. While social action and caring for creation are integral to Christian discipleship, they aren't replacements for the message of personal salvation.

In summary, while "living out the Gospel" is a vital aspect of Christian discipleship, it should be a complement to, not a replacement for, the proclamation of the believe-and-confess salvation doctrine. Both word and deed together offer a holistic expression of the Gospel message.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

What denominations among Protestants, Roman Catholicism, and Greek Orthodox churches are known for these kinds of theological shifts?
ChatGPT

Theological shifts, especially concerning understandings of salvation, the nature of the Gospel, and engagement with culture, have been evident in various streams of Christianity. It's worth noting that within these broad categories, there can be significant variation among individual congregations or even among members of the same church. However, at a general level, some of these shifts can be identified within particular groups or movements:

    Mainline Protestant Denominations: Several mainline Protestant denominations have experienced theological shifts, especially in the 20th and 21st centuries. Some of these shifts concern issues like biblical authority, human sexuality, and the nature of salvation. Denominations in this category might include:
        The United Methodist Church (though it's worth noting there's a significant conservative evangelical presence within the UMC, especially in Africa).
        The Episcopal Church in the USA (and other parts of the Anglican Communion).
        The Presbyterian Church (USA).
        The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA).
        The United Church of Christ.
        The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).

    Roman Catholicism: The Second Vatican Council (1962-1965) brought significant changes to the Catholic Church's engagement with the world. While core doctrines concerning salvation remained, there was a renewed emphasis on ecumenism, recognizing elements of truth in other religions, and the role of conscience in individual believers. However, this doesn't equate to universalism or pluralism, but rather an acknowledgment that God's grace might be at work outside the visible boundaries of the Catholic Church.

    Eastern Orthodox: The Orthodox Church maintains its rich liturgical tradition and hasn't experienced the kind of denominational fragmentation seen in Protestantism. While it holds to its ancient creeds and practices, the Orthodox Church often emphasizes the idea of "theosis" or divinization, highlighting the transformative journey of the Christian more than juridical aspects of salvation. As for shifts akin to mainline Protestantism or Vatican II, they are less pronounced in Orthodoxy.

    Emergent/Emerging Church Movement: Originating within evangelicalism in the late 20th and early 21st centuries, this movement (or network of ideas and leaders) sought to rethink Christian engagement with contemporary culture. Leaders associated with this movement often explored new ways of understanding Scripture, salvation, and church practice. Some figures in this movement embraced more progressive or inclusive theologies, while others remained within orthodox bounds.

    Liberal Theology Movement: Predominantly in the 19th and 20th centuries, this movement, influenced by Enlightenment thought, sought to reconcile Christianity with modern science and ethics. This often led to reinterpreting or rejecting traditional doctrines, including the nature of salvation, miracles, the resurrection, and biblical authority.

It's essential to approach these shifts with nuance. While denominational stances might lean in one direction, individual congregations or members within those denominations might hold a broad spectrum of beliefs. The landscape of Christian theology is diverse and ever-evolving, reflecting both enduring truths and responses to changing cultural and intellectual contexts.

~~
Are there any more?
~~

Certainly, the Christian landscape is vast, and the theological shifts have been both subtle and prominent across various groups and movements over time. Beyond the ones already mentioned:

    Progressive Christianity: This is more of a movement than a specific denomination. Progressive Christians seek to reevaluate traditional or fundamentalist interpretations of the scriptures and doctrines. They often emphasize social justice, inclusivity, and a broader understanding of salvation.

    Quakers (Religious Society of Friends): While Quakerism started with a strong evangelical emphasis in the 17th century, it has branched into various groups. Some modern Quaker groups have a more liberal or universalist theology, while others remain evangelical.

    Pentecostal and Charismatic Movements: While these groups are often associated with conservative theology, some segments, especially within the Charismatic movement, have shown openness to reevaluating traditional doctrines and practices in light of ongoing spiritual experiences.

    Neo-Orthodoxy: This 20th-century theological movement, with figures like Karl Barth and Emil Brunner, sought a middle way between fundamentalism and liberal theology. It emphasized a more dialectical understanding of scripture and revelation.

    Process Theology: Rooted in the philosophies of Alfred North Whitehead and Charles Hartshorne, this theology reimagines the nature of God and His interaction with the world. It has influenced some segments of mainline Protestantism.

    Uniting Church in Australia: Formed in the 1970s by the union of the Methodist, Presbyterian, and Congregational churches, this church has seen theological shifts, especially around issues like human sexuality and interfaith relations.

    Old Catholic Church: Breaking from the Roman Catholic Church in the 19th century over issues like papal infallibility, the Old Catholic Church has since adopted more liberal stances on issues like the ordination of women and LGBTQ+ rights.

    Local Church Movements: In various parts of the world, especially in Asia and Africa, independent church movements have sprung up that blend Christian theology with local customs and beliefs. Their understandings of salvation and other doctrines might differ significantly from traditional Western formulations.

It's also worth noting that within virtually every denomination or movement, there will be a spectrum of beliefs. While official denominational stances might lean in one direction, individual congregations or theologians might hold differing views. The above list offers only a snapshot of the complex tapestry of Christian thought and practice across the globe.