"Non-denominational"??? What does that even mean?

[2PhiloVoid]

Ok. We all see folks these days dancing around in various churches who label themselves as "Non-denominational." But I'm wondering about the meaning and denotation of that term since I see people here on C.F. who, as far as I can tell, are sometimes Christians BUT also sometimes not.

And frankly, I don't trust the term. I feel it is too amorphous and possibly obscurantist to mean anything. If a person wants to claim the label of "Christian," even if he or she is like me and feels somewhat Existentialistic about that identity, why doesn't he or she just accept the term, "Christian."

I guess I feel I have to ask because, frankly, I don't trust the variability involved in the term "non-denominational." And the Analytic Philosopher part of my mind just won't let this ambiguity rest; it bothers me.

What does everyone else think? Am I being too stringent in my semantic expecations here?

 

[Lion IRC]

May I ask what denomination you identify with?

 

[pescador]

The wikipedia definition is "A religious denomination is a subgroup within a religion that operates under a common name, tradition, and identity. The term refers to the various Christian denominations. It is also used to describe the four major branches of Judaism."

I don't agree with this, but the idea is there. My definition of denomination is a group of people that agree on a common doctrine and/or liturgy, thereby implicitly disagreeing with those who hold different doctrines and rituals.

I am non-denominational, meaning that I decide for myself what the Bible says, even if it disagrees with others' interpretations. I have no need to feel accepted by a group of people who think differently, as that often leads to feelings of superiority and intolerance on their part.

 

[2PhiloVoid]

May I ask what denomination you identify with?

Philosophically speaking? ALL of them. However, practically speaking, I will admit at the outset that my formative years have gone through the Presbyterian Church U.S.A., Southern Baptist, and the Christian Church/Instrumental.

So, there you have it, Lion IRC!

Which denomination do you affiliate with, my friend?

 

[Lion IRC]

Since you identify with all of them, it seems you are not specifically denominational. Yes?
As for me, I find the Nicene Creed's use of the word "catholic" quite appropriate.
The Nicene Creed
CF Statement of Faith | Christian Forums

 

[2PhiloVoid]

The wikipedia definition is "A religious denomination is a subgroup within a religion that operates under a common name, tradition, and identity. The term refers to the various Christian denominations. It is also used to describe the four major branches of Judaism."

I don't agree with this, but the idea is there. My definition of denomination is a group of people that agree on a common doctrine and/or liturgy, thereby implicitly disagreeing with those who hold different doctrines and rituals.

I am non-denominational, meaning that I decide for myself what the Bible says, even if it disagrees with others' interpretations. I have no need to feel accepted by a group of people who think differently, as that often leads to feelings of superiority and intolerance on their part.

That's a terrific start and I appreciate that you laid out an initial definition for "religious denomination." This provides us a piece of the analytic pie as we try to determine just what the obverse of it is and as to what "NON-denominational" precisely refers to when someone uses it. This point of discernment may come in handy for us since it can also hide a looser denotation that obscures the fact that a person isn't a Christian, making it difficult to tell how that person means to 'explain' himself or herself.

So, thank you for laying some of this out for us to think about. I'm with you in that I'm resistant against just automatically bowing my head to any religious leader who claims "authority." Yet, at the same time, from what I read in our common Scriptures, we all are accountable to each other on some level at some point.

Do you have any other thoughts developing on the term "non-denominational"? I think it's interesting that even though you consider yourself non-denominational, you've chosen to specify yourself as "Christian" for the sake of your identity here on C.F. (for which I'm grateful)!

 

[Lion IRC]

I find myself guided by Galatians 3:28, Luke 9:49-50, John 3:16.

 

[Dave G.]

It's kind of like this : denomination-non.

 

[2PhiloVoid]

Since you identify with all of them, it seems you are not specifically denominational. Yes?
As for me, I find the Nicene Creed's use of the word "catholic" quite appropriate.
The Nicene Creed
CF Statement of Faith | Christian Forums

Ok. That's fine. I subscribe to the Nicene Creed as well. However, I wouldn't go so far as to say that I would use the term non-denominational on myself since I'm not trying to 'escape' all other denominations, but rather to learn from all of them that are Trinitarian as far as I am able. I guess I also take a hint from the Campbellian Christian Church/Instrumental in that I identify as Christian, but not as the only type of Christian.

So, that still leaves us pondering over what exactly is the usage some people intend to make of the term, "non-denominational."

 

[2PhiloVoid]

It's kind of like this : denomination-non.

Well, sure, Brother Dave! But this term doesn't tell us if someone is indeed a Trinitarian Christian. I kind of just don't like it due to its lack of specificity, tbh.

 

[pescador]

That's a terrific start and I appreciate that you laid out an initial definition for "religious denomination." This provides us a piece of the analytic pie as we try to determine just what the obverse of it is and as to what "NON-denominational" precisely refers to when someone uses it. This point of discernment may may come in handy for us since it can also hide a looser denotation that obscures the fact that a person isn't a Christian, making it difficult to tell how that person means to 'explain' himself or herself.

So, thank you for laying some of this out for us to think about. I'm with you in that I'm resistant against just automatically bowing my head to any religious leader who claims "authority." Yet, at the same time, from what I read in our common Scriptures, we all are accountable to each other on some level at some point.

Do you have any other thoughts developing on the term "non-denominational"? I think it's interesting that even though you consider yourself non-denominational, you've chosen to specify yourself as "Christian" for the sake of your identity here on C.F. (for which I grateful)!

I am 110% Christian, meaning that I have died to the values of "the world" and have been "reborn" into the (entire) Body of Christ. I was an atheist for 34 years until I was saved and healed by the Lord. Since that day I have focused on the Godhead and have tried, as much as possible, to live in Christ according to the will and direction of God as I understand it from the Bible and the leading of the Holy Spirit.

I don't like denominations because if one doesn't agree to their doctrines and act in accordance with their traditions then you're not a "real" Christian. Denominations fracture the Body of Christ!

 

[bèlla]

It doesn’t bother me. I’ve used it in the past. None of the labels fit. ‘Other’ would be better. But that isn’t an option.

Most use the term to express an absence of adherence to denominational doctrines, creeds, and practices. They may be eclectic, non religious, or spiritual. Some abhor formality and tradition too.

Faith is a melting pot. I don’t expect others to do things my way. God is more creative than that! I’ve noticed the people He brings in my life have identical or comparable beliefs. We’re not leagues apart. The similarities promote sharing and transparency.

We don’t feel pressured to conform or a desire to change one another. Our differences are fine.

Yours in His Service,

~bella

 

[2PhiloVoid]

I am 110% Christian, meaning that I have died to the values of "the world" and have been "reborn" into the (entire) Body of Christ. I was an atheist for 34 years until I was saved and healed by the Lord. Since that day I have focused on the Godhead and have tried, as much as possible, to live in Christ according to the will and direction of God as I understand it from the Bible and the leading of the Holy Spirit.

I don't like denominations because if one doesn't agree to their doctrines and act in accordance with their traditions then you're not a "real" Christian. Denominations fracture the Body of Christ!

Alright. That's perfectly understandable. You and I are two peas in a pod on some of this. However, I'd like to affirm the fact that you seem to differentiate yourself as a "Non-denominational/Christian," and you don't seem to be just casually wandering around as a vaguely guised "non-denominational." So, at minimum, you are a non-denominational with a difference, a difference that alignes with a similarly manifested testimony expressed by the rest of your fellow Christians. I consider you a brother, and I have no reason to second-guess this about you.

 

[2PhiloVoid]

It doesn’t bother me. I’ve used it in the past. None of the labels fit. ‘Other’ would be better. But that isn’t an option.

Most use the term to express an absence of adherence to denominational doctrines, creeds, and practices. They may be eclectic, non religious, or spiritual. Some abhor formality and tradition too.

Faith is a melting pot. I don’t expect others to do things my way. God is more creative than that! I’ve noticed the people He brings in my life have identical or comparable beliefs. We’re not leagues apart. The similarities promote sharing and transparency.

We don’t feel pressured to conform or a desire to change one another. Our differences are fine.

Yours in His Service,

~bella

I really like your answer here, sister bèlla! The only place that I holdback on agreeing fully with it is in accepting the validity of "non-denominational" as a clear enough marker of meaning to offer and express a Trinitarian faith. There have been some people I've seen here on C.F. who aren't Christian but deign to walk and weigh in anyway while using the label "non-denominational," and some of their interaction contributes to confusion......and I think it's problematic.

Am I wrong?

 

[Lion IRC]

In necessariis unitas, in dubiis libertas, in omnibus caritas.

 

[Dave G.]

Well, sure, Brother Dave! But this term doesn't tell us if someone is indeed a Trinitarian Christian. I kind of just don't like it due to its lack of specificity, tbh.

Most that I know of are trinitarian and truth be known roughly follow a Baptist format in services and doctrine. Not all.

 

[Albion]

And frankly, I don't trust the term. I feel it is too amorphous and possibly obscurantist to mean anything. If a person wants to claim the label of "Christian," even if he or she is like me and feels somewhat Existentialistic about that identity, why doesn't he or she just accept the term, "Christian."

I guess I feel I have to ask because, frankly, I don't trust the variability involved in the term "non-denominational."

From what I can tell, the term is usually used around here to mean one of two things.

1. Member of an independent and unaffiliated congregation (which might, however, be Baptist or Pentecostal or something else if we were to judge by the congregation's statement of beliefs).

2. Someone who does not intend to affiliate with any denomination or congregation but still considers himself to be a Christian.

 

[Tone]

The only reason my description tag thingy says "Non-Denom..." is because I haven't figured out how to change it to "Messianic". I didn't know that it was even an option when I first joined the CF.

I don't consider myself Denom./Non, because I am no longer Protestant.

 

[Tigger45]

The only reason my description tag thingy says "Non-Denom..." is because I haven't figured out how to change it to "Messianic". I didn't know that it was even an option when I first joined the CF.

I don't consider myself Denom./Non, because I am no longer Protestant.

Click on “Contact us” at the bottom of the page. Open a ticket and request your faith identification to Messianic.

 

[Tone]

Done, thank you!