Statement of Faith

Historic Christianity

ReThink315 affirms the historic Christian faith as revealed in the Holy Scriptures and affirmed by the (Big C) church.

We believe in one God, the Father Almighty, creator of heaven and earth.

We believe in Jesus Christ, the eternal Son of God, fully divine and fully human, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, lived a sinless life, died for our sins, rose bodily from the dead, and will return to judge the living and the dead.

We believe in the Holy Spirit, who gives life, leads people to faith in Christ, and forms the Church as the community of God’s people.

We believe that salvation is the gracious gift of God made possible through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ and received through faith.

We affirm the Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments as inspired by God and the trustworthy witness to God’s revelation.

Essentials, Non-Essentials, and Debatable Matters

“In essentials, unity; in non-essentials, liberty; in all things, charity.”
— Attributed to Rupertus Meldenius

ReThink315 is a denominationally neutral Christian ministry focused on apologetics, evangelism, and thoughtful dialogue about the Christian faith.

Our board, staff, and speakers represent a variety of Christian traditions. While we come from different denominational backgrounds, we are united in affirming the core doctrines of the historic Christian faith. At the same time, we recognize that faithful Christians have long held differing views on a number of secondary theological questions. In those areas we seek to encourage respectful dialogue without unnecessary division.

When questions related to non-essential doctrines arise at a ReThink315 event, we often present a range of perspectives—usually through panel discussions—and encourage thoughtful but not divisive conversation.

As one student described it:

“ReThink315 is different in that they have so many speakers and panelists who are experts and, as smart as they are, they’re not judgmental of different ideas. I like that they all share the same principles and the main doctrines of Christianity, but they leave space for disagreement on the small things. They keep the main ideas the main ideas and don’t divide over the small stuff.”

Essential Christian Beliefs (Unity)

These are central doctrines of the historic Christian faith affirmed by the vast majority of Christian traditions as well as our board, staff, speakers, and volunteers.

The Trinity

One God eternally existing as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

The Person of Christ

Jesus Christ is fully God and fully man, the eternal Son of God who took on human flesh.

The Virgin Birth

Jesus was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary.

The Sinless Life of Christ

Jesus lived a perfect and sinless life.

The Atoning Work of Christ

Through His death on the cross, Jesus accomplished the redemption of humanity and reconciliation with God.

The Bodily Resurrection of Christ

Jesus rose physically from the dead on the third day.

Salvation by Grace

Salvation is the gracious gift of God made possible through the work of Christ and received through faith.

The Authority of Scripture

The Holy Scriptures are inspired by God and serve as the authoritative guide for Christian faith and teaching.

The Importance of The Sacraments and Ordinances

Jesus himself instituted sacred practices that are meaningful acts to be performed and received with reverence.

The Return of Christ

Jesus will return personally and visibly to judge the living and the dead.

Final Judgment and Eternal Life

God will bring history to its fulfillment in the final judgment and the restoration of all things.

Christian Moral Teaching

Believers are called to pursue lives of holiness and to grow in Christlikeness through the work of the Holy Spirit.

Marriage and Human Sexuality

Marriage is a covenantal union between one man and one woman, and sexual intimacy is intended by God for marriage.

The Mission of the Church

Christians are called to bear witness to the gospel and make disciples of all nations.

Non-Essential Beliefs (Liberty)

Faithful Christians hold a variety of views on important theological topics that are not central to the gospel. ReThink315 welcomes respectful dialogue about these differences.

Examples include but are not limited to:

Creation and origin specifics
Church governance
Spiritual gifts and miracles
Predestination and human freedom
Women in ministry
End times specifics
Etc.

Debatable Matters (Charity)

Christians may also disagree on many personal, practical, and cultural questions while remaining united in Christ.