What defines a primary issue:

Within the Christian religion can be found many varying denominations. The beliefs held by a Baptist-Christian will be slightly different than an Evangelical-Christian, and different again from a Lutheran-Christian. The beliefs of a protestant denomination will be different than a catholic denomination and both will be different than an orthodox denomination.

Between these differing denomination are heated arguments and fervent disagreements. Placing a protestant apologist in the same room as a catholic apologist will result in a debate of Biblical proportions (no pun intended). However, despite their differences, all of these denominations view each other as fellow Christians. They agree upon a core system of beliefs. These beliefs are called primary issues and constitute the basic and essential beliefs that define the Christian religion.

While a protestant may believe the Catholics are mistaken in their beliefs regarding penance, saints, purgatory, and the authority of the Pope, protestants agree that the Catholics are still Christians. However, no denomination of the Christian religion believe Mormons, Jehovah Witnesses, or Oneness Pentecostals are Christian denominations because they disagree on primary issues.

In short, primary issues are beliefs that define the Christian religion. Therefore, anyone who disagrees with a primary issue cannot, by definition, be called a Christian. Whether or not they call themselves “Christian” is irrelevant.

What are the primary issues:

The primary issues (or core beliefs) of Christianity are:

• The divinity of Christ.
• Absolute salvation from and only from acceptance of the death of Jesus Christ.
• The existence of God.
• The Trinity – as one God expressed in three distinct personalities.
• The bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ.
• The need to repent of sin.
• The eminent return of Christ.

You may notice certain beliefs are not considered primary issues such as: believing the Bible is the word of God, creationism, the necessity of baptism, attending Church. These issues are called secondary issues and are not necessary to being a Christian. As long as one agrees with the primary issues, that person can be called a Christian.