The Common Sense of Christianity

By Cline Calhoun

This book is unlikely to ever appear on retail book shelves. Why? Because it was not written to be politically correct, which seems to be the language of the times. In todays world, writers attempt to phrase everything so as not to offend any particular group of people, instead, bury their thoughts on countless pages of writings with endless ramblings involving meaningless adverbs and adjectives. This book is not meant to compete with religious leaders and scholars who have devoted their lives to advancing their own religious beliefs by interpreting and translating Hebrew and Greek languages in such a way as to support a particular religious group. It is the desire of the author of this book to provide a no-frills, common sense approach to understanding the simple steps required to become a Christian and living a Christian lifestyle as outlined in Gods Holy Word. Without trials in our lives, without stumbling blocks and adversities to overcome, we can never expect to mature and grow. We all face daily battles as we travel this road of life, however, religious confusion does not have to be one of them. From the battles of child abuse, a dysfunctional home life and alcoholism, to the battles of Viet Nam and the never ending struggle to find meaning in life and a relationship with God, Cline has fought them all and has come to understand that only through common sense and the strength of God can we prevail if we only follow His simple guidelines.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Apr 24, 2010
• ISBN: 9781450079884

Book preview

Copyright © 2010 by Cline Calhoun.

Library of Congress Control Number:       2010905956

ISBN:                  Hardcover                          978-1-4500-7987-7

                            Softcover                             978-1-4500-7986-0

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

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Contents

Forward

Chapter 1 Progressive Christianity

Chapter 2 Becoming a Christian

Chapter 3 Search for a True Doctrinal Congregation

Chapter 4 The Holy Spirit

Chapter 5 False Prophets and Teachers

Chapter 6 Church Leaders

Chapter 7 What’s In a Name?

Chapter 8 Judgment Day

Chapter 9 Marriage and Divorce

Chapter 10 Celebrations

Chapter 11 Young Christians

Appendix 1

Appendix 2

FORWARD

The idea for this book began as only a thought about 5 years ago, but only about a year ago did I start putting some of those thoughts on paper.

Let’s consider the title of this writing: The Common Sense of Christianity. Think of other understandings of the word common: average, normal, ordinary. In societies as a whole around the world, who makes up the bulk of the populations? The working classes, people who keep the wheels turning in our average, everyday lives, people who depend on common sense to get them by. The average, everyday person does not need ten dollar words to explain simple thoughts. However, those blessed with higher learning seem to feel the need to impress their fellowman with lengthy explanations for simple situations which only require the application of common sense.

When I use the word man, it is inclusive of both genders, male and female, because God created both in His image: Genesis 1:27 So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. Both carry important responsibilities in this life. Equal, separate, but intertwined.

I have only one title behind my name: Christian. Not Dr., MBA, BS, BA, Reverend, Preacher, Pastor, and no divinity school diploma to hang on my wall. No very impressive? It is not my desire in life to impress anyone, but simply to live the kind of life that I believe pleases my Father in Heaven. I also feel an inward compulsion to share my thoughts on subjects that seems to be a source of confusion to so many; as well as how to become a Christian. I have no doubt some of the thoughts I share in this writing will ruffle some feathers and I will be ostracized by some, but sometimes truth is hard to accept, especially for those who have founded their faith simply upon what they have heard preached, being too complacent to study the scriptures and test the spirits that teach false doctrine.

It is my prayer that something in this book may help someone who has been turned off, or confused, by all the tangled mess commonly referred to as religious institutions.

Unless otherwise noted, in this work I will quote from the New King James version bible which many scholars agree is the most reliable translation available. Any bold print within quoted scriptures is mine. Most translations are in agreement, with the exception of the original version of The Living Bible which was translated by an individual in a thought by thought process rather than a word by word process, a man who admitted having little knowledge of the Hebrew or Greek languages. Unfortunately, hundreds of thousands of these bibles were printed and distributed before focus on it’s errors forced the presses to stop, but by then much damage was done as I explain in Chapter 5. The original King James version is very difficult to understand and contains a major error in translation which has also been disastrous to Christianity and I cover that in Chapter 10.

I once heard a preacher say; If you hear me preach or teach anything you think is contrary to God’s Word, love me enough to correct me. That is my true sentiment about this writing.

Cline Calhoun

• Christian

CHAPTER 1

Progressive Christianity

I recently purchased and read a book written by Glenn Beck entitled Common Sense. I cannot recommend strongly enough the need for every American to read his words of wisdom. Not necessarily wisdom from formal education and degrees, but the natural wisdom that comes with man’s God given common sense, at least for those who choose to use it.

When we think of the word progressive, we automatically think of circumstances that are progressing in a better, positive direction or fashion. Mr. Beck’s book deals with the condition of our great nation, the United States of America, down through the decades since our founding fathers wrote the Constitution which was to guide our country through the years, a government of the people, by the people and for the people. Not worrying about political correctness and in a way only Mr. Beck can, he follows the direction America is going, with its citizens being lead like sheep to slaughter. For anyone willing to open their eyes to the truth, they should see we are not progressing in a better, positive direction or fashion. In the year of our Lord 2009, the leader of this great country proclaimed to the world that America is no longer a Christian nation, and when men are arrested and punished for simply giving thanks to God for their food in a public school facility, (Florida) I am reminded of the times we read in the Old Testament when the Israelites turned away from God and the punishment He exacted upon them as a result. I believe in the not too distant future God will humble this nation, if not crush it completely. God’s wrath can be awesome. This is not a political writing, but the same principles within Mr. Beck’s book apply equally to the progressive direction Christianity has been following long before America was discovered.

When the Son of God, Jesus Christ, overcome death after dying on the cross, He established His church, Jesus being the head of this church. After ascending to His Father in heaven, Jesus