Denomination threads?

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HillsboroMom

Active member
Jan 3, 2021
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#61
And yet, I wonder, if when Jesus came to us, if He said, "hey, i'm going to teach some of u one thing... and I'll teach others another thing?"
What is a denomination? Perhaps we should ask ourselves that first?
For me, most of the denominational difference are less about theological differences and more about differences in worship tastes.

I don't think Jesus cares about whether you use contemporary praise songs or traditional hymns or Gregorian chant in your worship. For some people, the first is the most "spiritual" and how they feel closest to God and able to worship, for others, the second or third. The Bible says we need to worship "in Spirit and Truth." It doesn't say anything about denominational differences. I think Jesus would be glad that we have a variety of choices, so that we can meet people where they are and bring them to Him.
 

HillsboroMom

Active member
Jan 3, 2021
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#62
Extra baggage can make it harder to get on a flight...and even disqualify you. Or as Jesus put it, its harder for a rich man to enter heaven than a camel to go through the eye of a needle.

And if the baggage is covid-19, nobody really wants that spreading around.

Make of that what you will.
That is a valid point. Maybe the extra baggage does exclude them from being Christian.

But you still haven't said how. You have listed things you think Catholics do that is "extra," but you haven't said how that necessarily bans them from heaven.

So I ask again, what, exactly, is necessary for a person to be a Christian. Is it necessary for a person to be a member of a church that meets your particular approval? Is it necessary that a person refrain from certain behaviors that you deem unnecessary? If you think those things ban someone from "Christianity" and/or salvation, please provide Scripture or some other reasoning why you think those behaviors or beliefs exclude a person.
 

Magenta

Senior Member
Jul 3, 2015
55,885
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#63
Catholicism is an appetizer, while a true non denomination relationship with Jesus Christ is a full course meal.
It is an appetizer many spit out due to its legalism, and too many cling to despite her many heresies.
 
Nov 11, 2018
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#64
For me, most of the denominational difference are less about theological differences and more about differences in worship tastes.

I don't think Jesus cares about whether you use contemporary praise songs or traditional hymns or Gregorian chant in your worship. For some people, the first is the most "spiritual" and how they feel closest to God and able to worship, for others, the second or third. The Bible says we need to worship "in Spirit and Truth." It doesn't say anything about denominational differences. I think Jesus would be glad that we have a variety of choices, so that we can meet people where they are and bring them to Him.
Ehh. I like part of what you said... about being close to God. However I feel it should just be through scripture. And I wonder how many denominations it takes to understand scripture. Should it not be finding the basis of scripture, rather than, finding a million ways to define it. Scripture is really quite simple it seems to me. I mean, if you name one... can't we all find a way to understand it together. Where does it go awry into so many denominations? Did man find ways to "add to" or "take away" from scripture? For doesn't "Revelation" make it clear that we shouldn't do that? It confuses me sometimes. What are your thoughts, humbly asking? And this has to ignore chants and poems and only sticking with scripture. If we had left it to scripture as what was prescribed... would we not all be on the same page?
 

tourist

Senior Member
Mar 13, 2014
41,313
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Tennessee
#65
Extra baggage can make it harder to get on a flight...and even disqualify you. Or as Jesus put it, its harder for a rich man to enter heaven than a camel to go through the eye of a needle.

And if the baggage is covid-19, nobody really wants that spreading around.

Make of that what you will.
Probably should wear a mask.
 

GiveThanks

God Will Make A Way
Dec 6, 2020
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#66
It doesn't say anything about denominational differences. I think Jesus would be glad that we have a variety of choices,
Philippians 2:2 fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.

Do you know what it means to be one accord, one mind? This is what Jesus intended from the start. However we all have gone astray, and to say Jesus is happy over our disobedience is just...

But thank God, i know He will separate His children from wherever they have wondered, because many christians are having a hard time fiding a true place to worship.
 
Nov 11, 2018
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#67
For me, most of the denominational difference are less about theological differences and more about differences in worship tastes.

I don't think Jesus cares about whether you use contemporary praise songs or traditional hymns or Gregorian chant in your worship. For some people, the first is the most "spiritual" and how they feel closest to God and able to worship, for others, the second or third. The Bible says we need to worship "in Spirit and Truth." It doesn't say anything about denominational differences. I think Jesus would be glad that we have a variety of choices, so that we can meet people where they are and bring them to Him.
Philippians 2:2 fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.

Do you know what it means to be one accord, one mind? This is what Jesus intended from the start. However we all have gone astray, and to say Jesus is happy over our disobedience is just...

But thank God, i know He will separate His children from wherever they have wondered, because many christians are having a hard time finding a true place to worship.
I agree with you a lot. And I have to say, the more I read the msg from HillsboroMom, the more I have to say about it. However, we shall not let anyone go... easily... whether we agree or not... and that is the brotherly love I think. It seems Hillsboro is simply trying to bring peace. And scripture says the peacemakers shall be called sons of God as I recall. (I may need to look that up to be sure... I doubt my memory sometimes as I get old, lol). But "taste" is not what Jesus called for either as I recall. I don't recall Jesus saying, "hey think about it and whatever u feel like is cool." Jesus gave us simple ideas... even in parables... and we can accept them... or defy them. I prefer to accept them. Nor did God say, "hey, I'm gonna give you the laws... but accept any variety that you choose." However, we do need to meet people, and if they are willing, bring them to Him. And in that I love HollsboroMom's words, for it seems she is looking to save where she can. But we must beware as "GiveThanks" seems to be saying, that we do it... in accordance with scripture. Still, as a hopeful peacemaker, I appreciate both of you... speaking so kindly... and doing good works :) God be with you.
 

HillsboroMom

Active member
Jan 3, 2021
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#68
Scripture is really quite simple it seems to me.
It isn't. If it were, there would be no disagreement. There is significant disagreement. Therefore, it is not "quite simple."

If we had left it to scripture as what was prescribed... would we not all be on the same page?
We would, if what was on the page were simple and straight-forward.
 
Nov 11, 2018
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#69
It isn't. If it were, there would be no disagreement. There is significant disagreement. Therefore, it is not "quite simple."


We would, if what was on the page were simple and straight-forward.
Then tell us what confuses you? You may say, "so much." But if you start somewhere... anywhere... perhaps then.... others can help.
 

HillsboroMom

Active member
Jan 3, 2021
287
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#70
It's not so much that anything "confuses" me, but that I get a different understanding from someone else. I read a passage, and it's "clear, obvious" message to me is something very different than it's "clear, obvious" message to someone else. Sometimes my "clear, obvious" understanding will be what some people also see, but completely opposite of what other people see. Sometimes my "clear, obvious" understanding will be what everyone else sees. Sometimes my "clear, obvious" understanding will be unique and something no one else has ever seen. Sometimes other people will say, "Wow, I never thought of that, but now that you say that it makes sense." Sometimes other people will say, "No, you're wrong, that's completely off-base."

If Scripture were so simple and straight-forward, that wouldn't happen. As Bright-Breezy would say, we would all be on the same page.

I think part of its beauty and marvel -- part of the reason that I think makes it clear that it IS divinely inspired and not just an ancient text that is useless today -- is this very thing, that it means different things to different people.

Forcing everyone to accept just one interpretation doesn't seem to me to be the way to a god who is beyond human understanding. I think if God is, as Scripture says, unknowable and unknown, the more different ways we find to tap into that divinity, the better.
 

calibob

Sinner saved by grace
May 29, 2018
8,268
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Anaheim, Cali.
#71
It's not so much that anything "confuses" me, but that I get a different understanding from someone else. I read a passage, and it's "clear, obvious" message to me is something very different than it's "clear, obvious" message to someone else. Sometimes my "clear, obvious" understanding will be what some people also see, but completely opposite of what other people see. Sometimes my "clear, obvious" understanding will be what everyone else sees. Sometimes my "clear, obvious" understanding will be unique and something no one else has ever seen. Sometimes other people will say, "Wow, I never thought of that, but now that you say that it makes sense." Sometimes other people will say, "No, you're wrong, that's completely off-base."

If Scripture were so simple and straight-forward, that wouldn't happen. As Bright-Breezy would say, we would all be on the same page.

I think part of its beauty and marvel -- part of the reason that I think makes it clear that it IS divinely inspired and not just an ancient text that is useless today -- is this very thing, that it means different things to different people.

Forcing everyone to accept just one interpretation doesn't seem to me to be the way to a god who is beyond human understanding. I think if God is, as Scripture says, unknowable and unknown, the more different ways we find to tap into that divinity, the better.
Paul clearly understood the problem you are writing about. He said, and I paraphrase, "To some eating some certain kinds of food are sins while to others it's not. So rather than quarrel about it just don't cause our brothers (and sisters) to sin. Is drinking wine a sin? For alcoholics it is. If we drink in front of or offer a drink to another person, that we know is an alcoholic and it causes the to sin. Do we share the blame with them with them? I do think so. If drinking alcohol in private is not cause them or us to commit sins. Is it a sin anyway?

Why did Jesus turn the ceremonial dish water into the best wine after the guests already had enough? It dosn't say they had too much.
 

Lanolin

Well-known member
Dec 15, 2018
23,460
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#72
That is a valid point. Maybe the extra baggage does exclude them from being Christian.

But you still haven't said how. You have listed things you think Catholics do that is "extra," but you haven't said how that necessarily bans them from heaven.

So I ask again, what, exactly, is necessary for a person to be a Christian. Is it necessary for a person to be a member of a church that meets your particular approval? Is it necessary that a person refrain from certain behaviors that you deem unnecessary? If you think those things ban someone from "Christianity" and/or salvation, please provide Scripture or some other reasoning why you think those behaviors or beliefs exclude a person.
hillsboro
I cant speak for catholics, and I am not catholic. I am also not God!
Its not necessary to belong to a church that meets MY approval
Its not necessary for a person to refrain from certain behaviours that *I* deem unnecessary

why are you asking ME???? These questions are rather strange.

I am just pointing out, that, JESUS deems certain people will find it hard to enter heaven.

As I understand scripture, it does say that we must worship God and not idols. If we wanna worship idols as well as God, its not going to cut it with God.

Now I dont want to generalise about peoples personal beliefs, but, certain religions wanna have their cake and eat it too. It might be worshipping or idolising money, or Mary, or angels.
 

Lanolin

Well-known member
Dec 15, 2018
23,460
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#73
check out John 4:23
 
T

TheIndianGirl

Guest
#75
So I ask again, what, exactly, is necessary for a person to be a Christian.
Christian beliefs are pretty much summed up in the Apostles' Creed. Catholics also believe in the Apostles' Creed so they are Christian, but LDS and JWs don't.
 
T

TheIndianGirl

Guest
#76
This video may help to understand the difference between Protestants and Catholics.

 

Lanolin

Well-known member
Dec 15, 2018
23,460
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#77
Because you were the one to bring it up.
um no, this is your thread.

when you are a believer, you believe in what the Lord Jesus says, not what man says....so you look in the Bible. If that religion doesnt match what you read in scripture, especially if it is contrary to it, its talking about something else, right?
 

Lanolin

Well-known member
Dec 15, 2018
23,460
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#78
apostles creed
thats your starting point, but if you keep on adding lots of clauses like some religions do, it kinda negates them.
with jds and lds...they dont even recognise the apostles creed.
 

GaryA

Truth, Honesty, Love, Courage
Aug 10, 2019
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#79

shittim

Senior Member
Dec 16, 2016
13,628
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#80
A lot of good info there Gary, the "ecclesia" is the body of believers as well, not a building or organization. HB Mom has never posted anything that hits the mark, we are all in a process of growing to be conformed to the image of the son.