Good thoughts, Des. The drive to KISS (keep it simple, stupid) is a strong one in a culture where everything is so complicated. OTOH, Christianity has always sought to distill its beliefs down to a common creed or a common confession.
To me, that brings up an interesting point. What does it mean to be "Christian" (including the "plain ol' Christian")?
On one hand, the conservatives support that being a Christian means adhering to a creed or a doctrinal list. In that sense, the definition of "Christian" means a set of beliefs that we hold to that may (or may not) influence how we act. I suppose this sort of Christianity is more Pauline in nature and theology.
OTOH, the liberals support that being a Christian means doing what Jesus did, having Him as our example of compassion. In that sense, the definition of "Christian" is not necessarily a common set of beliefs that we acknowledge with our heads, but, rather, actions which flow from a changed heart. I suspect this sort of Christianity is more Christocentric in nature and theology.
So, is being a Christian more about what one believes or about what one does?
Is there a difference? Should there be?
(BTW, these are the questions that I am try to sort through in my own journey at this point. I still call myself a Christian though the title is a big turnoff for most of the people that I interface with day after day. They see "being a Christian" as being a conservative, bible-believing, turn-or-burn, evangelical, fundamentalist. I have been that. But I no longer wish to be. If I had to choose between being more Pauline or Christ-centered, I'd go with Jesus. OTOH, I hope to find a way of reconciling the two. )
To play the other side, it would be interesting to attempt to come up with a list of "What Do All Christians Do?" But, there again, we would probably see as many differences and similarities as we have with what Christians believe.
Any thoughts?
-Bill