Denominations: Doctrinal/Theological Differences

[Isaiah J]

I've been a Christian for six years and I really don't know what denomination I belong to, if any. I attend an Assembly of God church currently, which I know is a Pentecostal organization, but I really don't know what makes Pentecostals different from, say, Baptists, or Methodists, or Lutherans, or Protestants... etc. On the one hand, Paul clearly steered people away from divisions within the body of Christ, in 1 Corinthians 1, and elsewhere. On the other hand, it's almost unavoidable these days... which, I'm tempted to say shouldn't matter, because God's Word doesn't change along with our society. But with so many denominations out there, let's face it: best case scenario, only one of those enormous organizations is teaching the Bible correctly. Finding the right one should be a priority, to ensure we're receiving the truth. The thing is, if we don't even know the differences between them, how can we find the right church?

Surely there exists somewhere an accurate guide to the theological and doctrinal differences of the various "major" Christian denominations. Can anyone point me toward a reliable resource on the matter? Really hoping the solution isn't researching every denomination individually...

Frankly, this brings me to my next point, which can be found here.

 

[Albion]

I've been a Christian for six years and I really don't know what denomination I belong to, if any. I attend an Assembly of God church currently, which I know is a Pentecostal organization, but I really don't know what makes Pentecostals different from, say, Baptists, or Methodists, or Lutherans, or Protestants... etc. On the one hand, Paul clearly steered people away from divisions within the body of Christ, in 1 Corinthians 1, and elsewhere. On the other hand, it's almost unavoidable these days... which, I'm tempted to say shouldn't matter, because God's Word doesn't change along with our society. But with so many denominations out there, let's face it: best case scenario, only one of those enormous organizations is teaching the Bible correctly. Finding the right one should be a priority, to ensure we're receiving the truth. The thing is, if we don't even know the differences between them, how can we find the right church?

Surely there exists somewhere an accurate guide to the theological and doctrinal differences of the various "major" Christian denominations. Can anyone point me toward a reliable resource on the matter? Really hoping the solution isn't researching every denomination individually...

Hi. Frankly, there are a lot of online guides to the differences between the denominations, and they've been mentioned just about as often as someone posts that he'd like some help in this area. Most of them are weak or superficial, unfortunately. But they could be a start for you.

And if you would care to outline for us a list of worship style and doctrinal "likes" that you would want in the right denomination, we could help narrow the field, I'm sure. By the way, we take your point seriously that this isn't a matter of "like," but of seeking to find the truth and avoid false teaching, but that's the way the search is often worded for convenience sake. From your experience as a worshipper in a well-known denomination, you must have developed some areas of concern as well as worry or doubt about some other teachings or etc., no?

 

[Job8]

I've been a Christian for six years and I really don't know what denomination I belong to, if any. I attend an Assembly of God church currently, which I know is a Pentecostal organization, but I really don't know what makes Pentecostals different from, say, Baptists, or Methodists, or Lutherans, or Protestants... etc.

1. If you want to know what Roman Catholics believe study The Catechism of the Catholic Church (available online).

2. If you want to know what Reformed Protestants believe study The Westminster Confession of Faith (also online).

3. If you want to know what other evangelical and fundamentalist Christians (including Baptists and Pentecostals) believe, study their Statements of Faith.

4. If you just want straight Bible doctrine, study the Word of God -- the Holy Bible.

After that you will have a pretty good idea as to where to look for sound Bible doctrine.

 

[GillDouglas]

I've been a Christian for six years and I really don't know what denomination I belong to, if any. I attend an Assembly of God church currently, which I know is a Pentecostal organization, but I really don't know what makes Pentecostals different from, say, Baptists, or Methodists, or Lutherans, or Protestants... etc. On the one hand, Paul clearly steered people away from divisions within the body of Christ, in 1 Corinthians 1, and elsewhere. On the other hand, it's almost unavoidable these days... which, I'm tempted to say shouldn't matter, because God's Word doesn't change along with our society. But with so many denominations out there, let's face it: best case scenario, only one of those enormous organizations is teaching the Bible correctly. Finding the right one should be a priority, to ensure we're receiving the truth. The thing is, if we don't even know the differences between them, how can we find the right church?

Surely there exists somewhere an accurate guide to the theological and doctrinal differences of the various "major" Christian denominations. Can anyone point me toward a reliable resource on the matter? Really hoping the solution isn't researching every denomination individually...

Frankly, this brings me to my next point, which can be found here.

@IsaiahJ,

You bring up a fantastic topic that I often find myself discussing with other denominations. Here is my two cents, and I hope they'll help contribute to your OP. All Christians are on different playing fields or different stages in their spiritual growth (for those who do not believe they are without sin or fully sanctified). Also, God doesn't reveal everything about Himself to each individual in the same manner. Just like when Jesus spoke in parables, some understood because God gave them understanding and others did not.

The first major split (after the schism splitting the Catholic church) was the reformation that began with Martin Luther pointing out major flaws in the Catholic theology. Luther didn't want a new church, he wanted to fix the way men were using God's word to their advantage. Eventually a gathering of like minded people, agreeing on certain points of the Bible started their own denomination. So with all of this in mind, it is no surprise that we have SO many denominational sects, and splits within denominations. Even individual churches have slight differences with a specific denomination.

What's the common theme among all churches? Fallible, broken men. There are no perfect people, so there is no perfect church. Not one is doing everything right or has full and perfect understanding of God's word. My suggestion is to study the Bible constantly, and try to 'fit' into a denomination that shares your understanding. You may find that over time your understanding may change, and you'll move to another church.

As long as a church preaches from the Word of God, points all things to Christ, and focuses on the saving works done at the Cross rather than the works of man, you've found a place for spiritual refreshment and fellowship. Pray hard brother, and may He lead you to your spiritual home.

 

[Job8]

There are no perfect people, so there is no perfect church.

This is often used as an excuse to promote or maintain false doctrines and practices. While there are no perfect people, there is a perfect Bible, and there is such as thing as "SOUND BIBLE DOCTRINE" supported solidly with Scripture. If a church maintains sound Bible doctrine, and keeps its practices in line with New Testament teaching, then the issue of "perfection" is moot. "Faithfulness" is the key.

Today many evangelical and even fundamentalist churches are abandoning sound doctrine and practice simply to be popular or bring in the crowds. There is a departure from the faith once delivered to the saints, and there is a "falling away" which must be taken into account.

 

[Albion]

This is often used as an excuse to promote or maintain false doctrines and practices. While there are no perfect people, there is a perfect Bible, and there is such as thing as "SOUND BIBLE DOCTRINE" supported solidly with Scripture. If a church maintains sound Bible doctrine, and keeps its practices in line with New Testament teaching, then the issue of "perfection" is moot. "Faithfulness" is the key.

That sounds very much like you've had to change the subject because you can't defend the idea of a perfect church, although that's supposedly what this post was going to do.

 

[ObamaWoodHollyWood]

I dont notice the differences. Christians are Christian.

 

[Albion]

I dont notice the differences. Christians are Christian.

Perfection is not Faithfulness. Get it now...or is that too theological?

 

[ObamaWoodHollyWood]

Perfection is not Faithfulness. Get it now...or is that too theological?

God cooks.

 

[SinnerInTheHands]

1. If you want to know what Roman Catholics believe study The Catechism of the Catholic Church (available online).

2. If you want to know what Reformed Protestants believe study The Westminster Confession of Faith (also online).

3. If you want to know what other evangelical and fundamentalist Christians (including Baptists and Pentecostals) believe, study their Statements of Faith.

4. If you just want straight Bible doctrine, study the Word of God -- the Holy Bible.

After that you will have a pretty good idea as to where to look for sound Bible doctrine.

5. If you want to know what Non-Denominational Christians believe, study Baptist theology.

 

[bbbbbbb]

5. If you want to know what Non-Denominational Christians believe, study Baptist theology.

Interesting. I assume you mean the 1689 Baptist Confession of Faith, which, of course, differs very little from the Westminster Confession of Faith.

 

[Theodore A. Jones]

I've been a Christian for six years and I really don't know what denomination I belong to, if any. I attend an Assembly of God church currently, which I know is a Pentecostal organization, but I really don't know what makes Pentecostals different from, say, Baptists, or Methodists, or Lutherans, or Protestants... etc. On the one hand, Paul clearly steered people away from divisions within the body of Christ, in 1 Corinthians 1, and elsewhere. On the other hand, it's almost unavoidable these days... which, I'm tempted to say shouldn't matter, because God's Word doesn't change along with our society. But with so many denominations out there, let's face it: best case scenario, only one of those enormous organizations is teaching the Bible correctly. Finding the right one should be a priority, to ensure we're receiving the truth. The thing is, if we don't even know the differences between them, how can we find the right church?

Surely there exists somewhere an accurate guide to the theological and doctrinal differences of the various "major" Christian denominations. Can anyone point me toward a reliable resource on the matter? Really hoping the solution isn't researching every denomination individually...

Frankly, this brings me to my next point, which can be found here.

There is no contemporary church that Jesus Christ is head of.

 

[bbbbbbb]

There is no contemporary church that Jesus Christ is head of.

I suppose then that you believe that the gates of hell have prevailed against the church.

 

[Theodore A. Jones]

I suppose then that you believe that the gates of hell have prevailed against the church.

Friend do you recall what Jesus says about his enemy who clandestinely sneaks into the field and sows bad seed? And his warning about a particular type of falsehood he describes as leaven that can destroy the whole lump?
There is not a single contemporary church that Jesus Christ is head of, but that does no also mean that there are not a few authentic Christians, but very few of them exist. Note Mt. 7:13&14.

 

[Grafted In]

, but that does no also mean that there are not a few authentic Christians, but very few of them exist. Note Mt. 7:13&14.

Just curious as to how you can know that very few exist. You seem confident in your statement, yet I am not aware of an accurate head count. Where did you find it?

 

[SinnerInTheHands]

Interesting. I assume you mean the 1689 Baptist Confession of Faith, which, of course, differs very little from the Westminster Confession of Faith.

No, I mean general Baptist theological perspectives such as credobaptism, a purely symbolic look at the Eucharist, no emphasis on charismatic gifts, &c.

Most of the "non-denominational" churches I've been to have just been Baptist churches unaffiliated with a convention.

 

[bbbbbbb]

No, I mean general Baptist theological perspectives such as credobaptism, a purely symbolic look at the Eucharist, no emphasis on charismatic gifts, &c.

Most of the "non-denominational" churches I've been to have just been Baptist churches unaffiliated with a convention.

That has been my experience, as well, which is why I questioned the link with historic Baptist theology. I would suggest that non-denominational church theology at this point in time is limited, at best, to the musings of popular Christian writers. Lately, there has been the peculiar revival of preterism, which is finding its way into non-denom churches along with peculiar variants of Reformed theology. For example, I once attended an independent Bible church with a self-proclaimed Arminian pastor who touted the theology of R. C. Sproul.

 

[bbbbbbb]

Friend do you recall what Jesus says about his enemy who clandestinely sneaks into the field and sows bad seed? And his warning about a particular type of falsehood he describes as leaven that can destroy the whole lump?
There is not a single contemporary church that Jesus Christ is head of, but that does no also mean that there are not a few authentic Christians, but very few of them exist. Note Mt. 7:13&14.

Friend, are you saying that the body of believers in Jesus Christ does not exist on this earth? When was it destroyed?

 

[Theodore A. Jones]

Friend, are you saying that the body of believers in Jesus Christ does not exist on this earth? When was it destroyed?

"The good tree cannot produce bad fruit" can it? And isn't it a fact that there is not a single religious religious hierarchy at present that has not presented the forensic evidence of sexual malfeasance? According to an FBI report which tracks this phenomena collectively it states that there is not less than twenty five members of the ecclesiastical class which are arrested per week on sexual offenses. So what will you counter that weekly fact with? The good tree produces bad fruit!! for your defense? "For God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts to sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies with one another. They exchanged the truth of God for a lie." What's the lie friend?

 

[bbbbbbb]

"The good tree cannot produce bad fruit" can it? And isn't it a fact that there is not a single religious religious hierarchy at present that has not presented the forensic evidence of sexual malfeasance? According to an FBI report which tracks this phenomena collectively it states that there is not less than twenty five members of the ecclesiastical class which are arrested per week on sexual offenses. So what will you counter that weekly fact with? The good tree produces bad fruit!! for your defense? "For God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts to sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies with one another. They exchanged the truth of God for a lie." What's the lie friend?

Are we talking past each other, friend? It seems that you are focused on a religious bureaucracy and I am focused on the body of believers in Jesus Christ, which is not a religious bureaucracy. Do you believe that there is no body of believer in Jesus Christ on this earth? If so, when do you think it disappeared?