Religion can sometimes have beliefs that feel a bit “out there” to those who don’t share the same faith. Like any other religion, Christianity has its fair share of doctrines and teachings that might seem unconventional or hard to grasp. These beliefs can spark curiosity and debate, especially when they challenge our everyday ways of thinking.
In this article, we’re looking at 15 Christian beliefs that might seem particularly surprising or unusual from an outsider’s perspective.
The Trinity

The Trinity is a core belief in Christianity that can be quite puzzling. It’s the idea that there is one God who exists in three distinct persons: the Father, the Son (Jesus), and the Holy Spirit. While the term “Trinity” itself doesn’t appear in the Bible, Christians see this as a foundational truth that goes beyond our full understanding. It’s more about embracing a profound mystery rather than something we need to grasp completely.
Jesus’ Death Atoning Our Sins

The belief in Jesus’ death as an atonement for sins is deeply rooted in Christian theology. However, many people point out that this sacrifice is illogical or does not make sense. Furthermore, the idea of God requiring the suffering and death of Jesus to forgive humanity’s sins is immoral, according to critics like Richard Dawkins.
Virgin Birth of Jesus

The belief that Jesus was born of the Virgin Mary, who conceived Him through the Holy Spirit, is one that Christians hold dear. However, when scientific understanding comes into play, many people find this event implausible, viewing it as a myth rather than a historical fact.
Jesus’ Resurrection

Christians believe that Jesus came back to life three days after His death. This event, seen as a miracle, can be hard for people who aren’t Christians to accept literally, and even some within the faith find it challenging due to its defiance of natural laws.
Eternal Damnation in Hell

A significant and controversial belief within Christianity is the concept of eternal damnation in hell. This belief surrounds the idea that those who do not accept Christ would face unending punishment. Many people view this as harsh and unjust, sparking debates centered on justice and mercy.
Creationism

The very first passage in the Bible is often the most debated belief among Christians and non-Christians alike. It discusses the creation, which asserts that God created the universe and all life within a six-day period. This view clashes with scientific explanations about the universe’s origin and evolution.
Error-Free Scripture

Christians believe that the Bible is entirely error-free. However, due to historical and scientific inconsistencies, this belief faces different issues and concerns. Despite this, many still uphold the Bible’s reliability as a guiding document.
Miracles

Turning water to wine, raising the dead—these are just a couple of miracles in the Bible that Christians believe. Other people, especially those who are not of the same faith, often view these supernatural events skeptically.
Divine Healing

With the emergence of modern science, the belief that God can miraculously heal physical ailments is met with skepticism. Many view divine healing as an outdated notion. Despite this, believers maintain faith and prayer can lead to miraculous recoveries.
The Existence of Angels and Demons

In Christianity, angels and demons are believed to be real and actively influence our lives. Angels are seen as messengers and helpers sent by God, while demons are thought to be malevolent forces opposing divine purposes. For many outside the faith, these supernatural beings can seem like characters from a fantasy story rather than real entities with tangible impacts. This belief in unseen forces shaping our world can be hard to grasp or accept from a non-Christian perspective.
Predestination and Free Will

These two may be conflicting ideas, but are both accepted by Christians. The debate centers on whether God preordains our lives or if we have the freedom to make our own choices. Despite being conflicting ideas, Christians often embrace both concepts in their faith, raising the eyebrows of many non-believers.
The Authority of Church Tradition

Some Christians place significant authority on church traditions and teachings, sometimes even above or alongside Scripture. This can be controversial, particularly among those who emphasize sola Scriptura (Scripture alone).
The Original Sin

Another concept that is central to Christian theology is the belief that all humans inherit a sinful nature from Adam and Eve. With many non-believers questioning the historical existence of Adam and Eve, this idea is often seen as problematic. It raises debates about the nature of human sin and responsibility.
The Second Coming

Eschatology, the part of theology concerned with death, judgement, and the final destiny of the soul, includes the belief in the Second Coming of Christ. Christians anticipate that Jesus will return to Earth to judge the living and the dead and establish God’s kingdom. However, this belief is often seen as mere speculation, with varying interpretations about how and when these events will unfold.
The Real Presence in the Eucharist

The doctrine of transubstantiation, central to many Christian traditions, holds that during the Eucharist (or Communion), the bread and wine are transformed into the actual body and blood of Christ. While it appears to remain bread and wine, the belief is that it becomes Christ’s real presence. For those unfamiliar with this teaching, it can be quite perplexing and even hard to wrap their minds around, as it goes beyond what one might expect from a symbolic ritual, asserting a profound and mystical reality that challenges straightforward understanding.
In Short: Respect Other’s Beliefs

It’s important to approach these beliefs with an open mind and engage in respectful dialogue, even if you disagree. Understanding differing perspectives can lead to meaningful conversations and greater mutual respect.
These beliefs are key to Christianity because they shape its core teachings and influence how followers view life, morality, and the afterlife. However, these ideas can seem strange or hard to grasp for those outside the faith. The supernatural aspects and inconsistency in scientific evidence make them appear “out there” or unusual. Despite this, they hold deep significance for believers and are central to their spiritual journey.
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Vidivir is a dedicated high school teacher and a loving mother of three. With over a decade of experience as a blogger and article writer, she has honed her craft in storytelling. As a devoted church lector and servant of God, she combines her passion for writing with her faith, aiming to inspire others through her words.