Denominations

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What denomination are you?

  • Non-denominational (I attend a church which is not affiliated with any national network)

    Votes: 7 30.4%
  • Mainline Protestant (indicate which, like Methodist, Lutheran, Episcopalian, Presbyterian, etc.)

    Votes: 6 26.1%
  • Baptist (indicate a specific church, like "Southern Baptist" or "American Baptist")

    Votes: 2 8.7%
  • Catholic (Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, etc.)

    Votes: 4 17.4%
  • Other evangelical (indicate what denomination)

    Votes: 0 0.0%
  • I'm Christian, but I don't attend a church or belong to any organized religion

    Votes: 3 13.0%
  • I'm not Christian (indicate Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist, Hindu, Pagan, etc.)

    Votes: 0 0.0%
  • I'm agnostic or atheist.

    Votes: 1 4.3%

  • Total voters
    23
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TheGrungeDiva

Guest
#1
In a few other threads on several of the boards, questions about different denominations have come up. I thought it might be interesting to talk about that here. Starting with a poll to see what's represented here, and then maybe some discussion (again, let's keep it respectful, I'll try on my end not to be insulting to others).

As I've said elsewhere, I think it's wonderful that there are a lot of different denominations. A thousand years ago, there was only "one game in town" (for Christians), and if anyone tried to challenge the doctrines of that One Church, they would get killed. I'm glad we don't have that any more!

I think God appreciates that there are different ways to worship Him. I like to think of it like a radio station. He doesn't listen to country-n-western all day. Sometimes he likes to hear the pop station, or hip-hop, or classical, or whatever. As long as we're all praising God, I think that's what's important.

That is not to say that I think we're all right, and "right doctrine" doesn't really matter. Of course I think it does matter, or I wouldn't be so ... erm, how should I say ... vocal about what I believe is right doctrine. It matters, but I think we can take it too far, if we let those differences divide us too much. Sometimes we have to put down the gloves and say, "Yes, I think you're wrong, but I love you, and you and I are both worshiping the same God. Let us do so in unity."

Does that make sense?
 
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rauleetoe

Guest
#2
I have had a more pentecostal/charismatic background..but am breaking away from that and heading to a more Arminian/holiness kind of church..checked out the Wesleyan church and i must say, i really enjoyed it.

Think ill revisit for sure..
 
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Philos

Guest
#3
It doesn't. The Lord gave us only one way to worship God.

But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.

Not in flesh and error, Spirit and Truth. If a Church is not abiding in Spirit and Truth, are they the Church of God? But then again, why would a Church abiding in Spirit and Truth denominate itself?
 

Nautilus

Senior Member
Jun 29, 2012
6,488
53
48
#4
Well then which one would be right? And non-denominational is basically a denomination unto itself so that doesnt really count as an answer
 
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Philos

Guest
#5
Would any be?
 
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TheGrungeDiva

Guest
#6
Not in flesh and error, Spirit and Truth.
Are you saying, then, that only one denomination and/or type of worship is "in Spirit and Truth?" If so, which one, and by whose authority do you say that?

I have worshiped in the most traditional Catholic worship, and the most evangelical / pentecostal praise-band holy-rollers worship. I have to say both are, in their own way, spirit-filled and truthful. And why not?
 

tribesman

Senior Member
Oct 13, 2011
4,612
274
83
#7
They can't all be the "one true church" with contradicting beliefs and doctrines. ;)
 
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Philos

Guest
#8
Lol Tribesman says it truly. The Scriptures says there is one Spirit and one Doctrine of Christ.
 
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TheGrungeDiva

Guest
#9
Well then which one would be right?
That's not for me to decide. I will leave that decision to God. If you want to try to take that job from him, that's between you and him. I'm perfectly happy letting him handle the big stuff.

And non-denominational is basically a denomination unto itself so that doesnt really count as an answer
LOL, I've always thought so, too. The big difference, however, is they don't answer to anyone. To me, that is an important distinction.
 
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Siberian_Khatru

Guest
#10
*points to signature below post, by Ravi Zacharias*.
 
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rauleetoe

Guest
#11
They can't all be the "one true church" with contradicting beliefs and doctrines. ;)
define contradicting..
if it is an essentially christian and biblically based church then the minor details can be ignored..
Jesus isn't baptist,presbyterian,methodist,lutheran,catholic,etc..

If we have the basics, then we can base off of that and not be so nitpicky about the minor issues.
As the devil loves that, and we christians are famous/known for eating/devouring our own.
 

tribesman

Senior Member
Oct 13, 2011
4,612
274
83
#13
Well then which one would be right? And non-denominational is basically a denomination unto itself so that doesnt really count as an answer
The main problem with most of non-denominationalism (exceptions there be, but they are rare) is that is has no obligations to anyone for what it teaches and believes. Often being creedless they would not stress doctrinal unity among its members. Being normally congregationalist to that it means an open door for one or a few "strong leaders" to teach whatever they feel for (and change their teachings accordingly).

Without a good creed and church polity the church easily becomes target of cultic and divisive teachings/practices.
 
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rauleetoe

Guest
#14
The main problem with most of non-denominationalism (exceptions there be, but they are rare) is that is has no obligations to anyone for what it teaches and believes. Often being creedless they would not stress doctrinal unity among its members. Being normally congregationalist to that it means an open door for one or a few "strong leaders" to teach whatever they feel for (and change their teachings accordingly).

Without a good creed and church polity the church easily becomes target of cultic and divisive teachings/practices.
i know some false teachings creep in..but thats why we must read the word for ourselves and bring our bible to church each time we go there..
 
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rauleetoe

Guest
#15
the creed should be..we believe the bible...what other creed is needed?
I have issues when i hear things like 'creeds' the nycian creed..or the westminster 'confession of faith'..what ever happened to, hey..i take the bible as the literal word of God..end of story..
that should be the only creed that matters..
because even denominations miss it...pastors miss it..any 'institution' that is set up by a man can be prone to error in all honesty.
 
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Beloved57

Guest
#16
I didn't see Anabaptist up here, as I believe they have the understanding of the Law of Liberty (James 1:25; 2:12: Galatians 5:1;13-!4). But I would have to go with them.
 
Mar 1, 2012
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#17
I'd go for Independant Baptist. But there might be mixtures from other denominations as well. But mainly Baptist.
 
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rainacorn

Guest
#18
I attend a Southern Baptist Church. I'm just a regular ol' Christian though...thinkin my thoughts...lovin my God.
 
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TheGrungeDiva

Guest
#19
the creed should be..we believe the bible...what other creed is needed?
There are two big reasons why this is not a "creed" that unites us.

First, two people who both claim to take the Bible literally can have very different beliefs or doctrines about any particular issue therein. Take the rapture: I have heard excellent arguments with Scripture to back them up for both pre-trib and post-trib. They can't both be right. One or the other (or both) must be wrong, but devout, spirit-filled believers on both sides of the issue will insist that their view is the only one supported by the Bible. You can see this pattern on almost any theological issue. "We believe the Bible" doesn't cover it all.

Secondly, "Biblical literalism" is not a universal Christian doctrine. It is a doctrine among many churches today, but a lot of churches do not hold it, and just 200 years ago, no Christian Church held that view. I'm not sure why you would want a religion that's 2,000 years old to pick a creed that is less than 200 years old, thereby eliminating all history from its ranks.

You do have a good point, though: There are many denominations that have split not over doctrinal differences but over "cosmetic" differences. Both could be correct in all the ways that matter, but unwilling or unable to unite due to these minor differences of opinion. One example of this might be whether you serve wine or grape juice at communion. I personally prefer wine, because that is what Jesus commanded we use, but I understand the arguments to use grape juice instead, so I wouldn't say using grape juice was "heresy." Just not my preference. I'm sure you can think of dozens of other examples.
 
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shekaniah

Guest
#20
This is what my church has on it's internet cover page...

Welcome to Living Word where its all about “Loving God and Loving People!”

Whether you’re looking for a church home or just in town for a visit, you’ll be welcomed and loved from the moment you walk in the door. Jesus summarized the entire bible in just two commands: 1) “Love the Lord your God with all your heart” and 2) “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Living Word is made up of ordinary people whose lives have been changed an extraordinary God and we make it our mission to fulfill those two commands.

We are a family oriented church with a fully staffed nursery and age-appropriate ministry for children of all ages. Our worship is an upbeat expression of our love for God and the pastor’s message is relevant to daily life.

Whether you’re just checking out the Christian faith or you’re a long-time follower of Christ, you’re sure to be inspired, encouraged, and challenged to live the abundant life Jesus came to give to those who follow Him.

We also have..."Joseph's Storehouse"
Where people can come and get food, prayer, fellowship, clothing
And sometimes furniture too.
About once a month a DSHS volunteer is present to answer questions and to provide guidance regarding benefits.

I know God sent me to this church, I have been here for over 3yrs.
The statement above is true...
I feel the love of Jesus in our church family.
I think we're denomination Jesus? lol

Living Word is part of a worldwide association of churches called “The Assemblies of God.” Every Assemblies of God church is unique with its own “personality,” worship style, areas of emphasis, etc.. However, all Assemblies of God churches agree on several points of doctrine, or teaching, from the Scriptures, the Bible. We refer to these points of doctrine as “The Statement of Fundamental Truths.”