Quote:
Originally Posted by Brett Prince
DAII, Diggin, and Sam:
Just please answer this question:
What does Oneness Pentecostalism have to offer Christendom in terms of doctrine or experience, in your view, that is of any value--other than a more enlightened view of the Godhead, and a more biblical formula for baptism?
(I did not say that your view held any of these as salvational--I am simply under the impression that you do believe in the Oneness of God and that the name of Jesus is the proper name to be used in baptism.)
Please explain.
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In my opinion, oneness pentecostalism, is just a small part of the Body of Christ.
We differ from other groups within Christianity in a couple different ways depending on the oneness organization, local oneness church, or individual preacher.
The largest and most visible group within oneness pentecostalism is the UPC. The UPC is made up of many different ministers and churches. Within the organization you have many fine Christians who genuinely care for people and you have some real abusers and controllers and some real charlatans. I would not say the UPC as an organization is a cult but it has several cultic characteristics and some of the local churches are just cults.
As far as the ministers and people within oneness pentecost we run the gamut of cultists who preach a narrow message incorporating certain doctrines, practices, and rules all the way to others who are more open and accepting of those who do not agree with them on every matter and who accept others as saved and going to heaven even if they are not part of us.
I believe that water baptism should only be for a person who is already saved; that it should be by immersion if practically possible; and the name of Jesus should be a part of it. I believe that the condition of the heart of the person being baptized is far more important than the amount of water and the words spoken during the ritual.
As far as "the godhead" I believe there is one God whom we know as Father, Son, and Holy Ghost and His highest name is Jesus. Beyond that I think it is silly to think that we humans can fully contain, understand, and explain God in a neat theological package.
So, in my opinion, there is really no reason for "oneness pentecost" to be an exclusive group separated from other Christians. I am ordained in a small apostolic pentecostal group which is one of the several divisions of The Church of Jesus Christ which was chartered in 1927. I maintain my license with them because they provide me legal status as a minister in the state of Ohio and I like the name. I'm also ordained (just recently) in my local church which is trinitarian.
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