Who decides what are the essentials of the faith? Who decides?
Two of the largest denominations in the United States are the Southern Baptists and Lutherans. Yet each of these condemns the other's position on the most basic of Christian essentials, that of baptism. Here are these denomination's positions on baptism:
Lutheran doctrine: "This is the simplest way to put it: the power, effect, benefit, fruit, and purpose of baptism is that it saves. For no one is baptized in order to become a prince, but as the words say, ‘to be saved.’ To be saved, as everyone knows, is nothing else than to be delivered from sin, death and the devil, to enter into Christ’s kingdom, and to live with him forever." (Martin Luther, Large Catechism)
Southern Baptist doctrine: "Baptism doesn't make you a believer - it shows that you already believe. Baptism does not "save" you, only your faith in Christ does that. Baptism is like a wedding ring - it's the outward symbol of the commitment you make in your heart." (SBC, How to Become a Christian, Baptism)
---> How do you know which one is heretical? Who decides?