Are there essential principles of Christian doctrine to which all Christians can agree?
All Christians can agree on essential principles of Christian doctrine. Though the Christian church is more divided than ever, certain teachings bind them together. This is what distinguishes them as followers of Christ. One doctrine which all Christians accept is the Holy Trinity which states God is one in three persons: the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. The word “trinity” does not occur in the Bible but it was established by the Council of Nicea in 325 AD. Other doctrines which all Christians accept are that there is a heaven and a hell, the Bible is the holy word of God, Jesus Christ suffered on the cross and was resurrected, and Jesus Christ will come again to judge the living and the dead. Belief in heaven and hell ensures Christians that if justice is not served in this world, it is in the next. Though the wicked on earth often escape punishment, Christians believe that God punishes them after death. At the same time, those who are righteous yet suffer while on earth are rewarded
