Are Different Denominations Actually Different Religions?

Duvduv said:

After some analysis of the main issues concerning several denominations in Christianity, the question has arisen in my mind as to whether in fact there are so many true fundamental doctrinal differences that each could be considered a distinct religion:
For example, the Baptist denomination, the Methodist denomination, the Catholic denomination. The fundamentals regarding key doctrines are so distinct that they could qualify as separate religions.

Click to expand...

That's an over statement and erroneous conclusion.

All branches are from the same tree whose roots stem from Judaism.. they too have different denominational beliefs.

So the pot is calling the kettle black.

The fundamental issues about justification, salvation, faith versus works, intermediaries etc. leads me to the conclusion that these are different religions, whereby each would consider the members of the other group not saved for eternal life.

Click to expand...

There are those within Christianity who do erroneously disqualify some denominations.. however they are making the same mistake as you are.

In order to be actual different religions they would each have to have a different Bible with different rules, and a different chief leader. Compare the Quran for instance.

And this is a very important matter to Christians.

Click to expand...

It's important to correct those who make the wrong conclusions.

Duvduv said:

I am certain that a Baptist would not consider a Catholic saved and vice versa.

Click to expand...

Just to clarify, I know Baptists who consider other Baptists not saved. And I know Baptists who consider Catholics their brothers and sisters in Christ.

David Neos said:

Would you consider Orthodox, Conservative and Reform Judaism as different religions?

Click to expand...

The spectrum above is akin to the differences between evangelicals and mainline Protestants.

In practice, Orthodox Jews and Reformed Jews differ a great deal in belief and praxis. Orthodox are premodern or reacitonary in their ethos, whereas Reformed Judaism was shaped in creative response to modernity.

Duvduv said:

However differences in denominations we were discussing are established doctrines and digmas of each denomination about the sacraments, salvation, etc. In the case of the jewish groups Reform and Conservative have no defined revelatory doctrined. They only differ regarding what is binding from historical Orthodox Judaism.

Click to expand...

It seems to me the differences are down to how the scriptures are understood and what hermeneutic is used. Reformed and Conservative Jews seem to accept the historical-critical method to some extent, just as mainline Protestants and some Catholics do.