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I might not consider myself to be strictly Baptist anymore, I don't know what to believe

May 28, 2014
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As I read the Bible, I realized that the Bible itself is NOT strictly dependent on any one denomination.

What I mean by that is, I should just consider myself to be a general Christian, not strictly a Baptist because I read the Bible for myself and try to apply it to my life as best as I can.

But the Scriptures aren't bound to any one denomination. No one denomination has all the answers.

Should I become non-denominational?

Realizing this has shaken my Baptist foundations. Now I am wondering what I should do...

Everything I was raised to believe to be true has come crashing down into my face.
 

Fervent

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Denominational labels just give a broad idea what doctrinal differences a person has. The label should serve you, not limit you. Let your yes be yes and your no be no.
 
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PloverWing

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[ My intent here is to post in fellowship. ]

C.S. Lewis gives the metaphor that the (universal) church is like a house with many rooms. All the rooms are in the same house, but the good stuff -- the fireplace, the meals, the comfy chairs and good conversations -- are in the rooms, not in the hallway. Pick a room, and go in, and live and thrive there.

Of course you're a Christian first, and a Baptist second. I similarly am a Christian first, and Episcopalian second. But if the Baptists provide you with a spiritual home where you can grow and thrive and worship and serve God, then stay. Sit in a comfy chair by the fireplace and share meals with your fellow Baptists. You don't have to dislike the other rooms in the house in order to enjoy the room that you're in.

If you no longer agree with Baptist teachings or practices, well, that's another matter. But if you are largely in agreement with the Baptists, then stay and be an active part of the Baptist community with which you worship.
 
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RileyG

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(Posting in fellowship)

Have you considered speaking with your pastor about your concerns?

God bless you
 
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Mark Quayle

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I consider myself Reformed Baptist because that's the church I attend, that I feel at home with. But I don't exactly consider myself Reformed, nor Baptist, even though what this church teaches fits what I believe so well, and makes me stretch my mind and heart, and in this situation I find myself in close fellowship with others in our worship of our Lord, much of it as a direct result of the focus of that teaching —our Lord and God. I'm not the only one who finds himself in tears at the end of the service at the consideration of the magnificence of God and his love for those upon whom he has chosen to show mercy.
 
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DragonFox91

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I prefer the term Christian, but am starting to think it's just too vague. "Christian" doesn't try to say what is & what isn't rightly Christian. There's other phrases I like I hear used: "Bible-believing", "evangelical", even "fundamentalist" plus some others, but these definitions change over time too. Add those phrases before Christian, particularly say to a progressive Christian, & you'll see Christian isn't really the best word to describe what you are

My experience is "non-denominational" often waters it down or worse, but you can try it. Maybe you'll have more 'luck' exploring non-denomination churches then me
 
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