Branches of organized Christianity

[stillsearching]

If that were all it was, anyone with a big wallet, charisma, their own interpretation of Scripture, could start a church

Isn't that what the denominations do, interpret Scripture the way they see fit? Where one sees that dancing should be forbidden, another does not. Is this not what they're already doing? I'm not being a smart aleck, I'm sincerely asking about the nature of denominations.

Don't believe me, watch the Anglican denomination, right now. The thousands of denominations all have the same Bible, do they all believe the same thing ? Which is right ? Which is wrong ? How do you as a Christian know ? If all you need is the Bible, and just the Bible, why is not everyone who is following the Spirit in the same Church ?

Right now I'm looking into which Protestant denomination I should study with and belong to, and these are my concerns exactly. Which is right, which is wrong, and how do you determine who is right or wrong? What are the fundamental characteristics of an authentic denomination? It seems to me like the truth is in the eye of the beholder a lot of the time.

For the record, I think there's nothing wrong with finding a church that suits your personal needs. I wouldn't be comfortable in a church where people spoke tongues and fell to the floor, does that make me a bad person? I get the feeling that's what you're trying to imply, but forgive me if I'm wrong.

 

[Kelly]

whoa, as with almost every topic in the CF, this has gone sour. I was just driving down the street passing churches, all different variations of christianity and I was wondering why they are all the same, yet different. What caused the differences, what are the basics of each, etc. Sheesh. Some ppl here need to seriously lighten up. Thank you to those who provided me with links or suggestions for books.

 

[Philip]

Isn't that what the denominations do, interpret Scripture the way they see fit? Where one sees that dancing should be forbidden, another does not. Is this not what they're already doing? I'm not being a smart aleck, I'm sincerely asking about the nature of denominations.

That is exactly Oblio's point. The countless denominations that have sprung up all have their own interpretations. Often, they are mutually exclusive.

Right now I'm looking into which Protestant denomination I should study with and belong to, and these are my concerns exactly. Which is right, which is wrong, and how do you determine who is right or wrong?

Do not rely on your own judgement. Do not decide what you think is right and then look for a demonination that matches. Instead, read what the first Christians wrote. See how the people taught by the Apostles interpretted the Scriptures. See what beliefs were handed to them by Apostles. Then, make these your beliefs.

What are the fundamental characteristics of an authentic denomination?

That it maintains the fullness of the Christian faith handed to the saints once for all.

 

[Achichem]

That is exactly Oblio's point. The countless denominations that have sprung up all have their own interpretations. Often, they are mutually exclusive.
Do not rely on your own judgement. Do not decide what you think is right and then look for a demonination that matches. Instead, read what the first Christians wrote. See how the people taught by the Apostles interpretted the Scriptures. See what beliefs were handed to them by Apostles. Then, make these your beliefs.
That it maintains the fullness of the Christian faith handed to the saints once for all.

In other words, look at the world through rose tinted glasses, History Bias.

My suggestion is to pray hard for the spirit, guidance and consult of the living God.

Look at his law, for these are the fruits of God, telling you what your fruits should be.

Read about the lives of the best Christians Abraham, David, Job, and Jesus

Pray each and everyday for you to ?stop being Blind?, listen hard and challenge what you don?t understand, don?t get stuck in the snares of the so-called wise or the traps of the vain righteous seekers.

Know the first step to wisdom is the fear of God. The first step to getting answers is asking questions.

Do as those you know are good and not those you are unsure about.

Trust in the Lord your God, Fear not for he is with thee, If he is with you who can be against.

Remember always in your prayers to ask for Gods will for it is right.

Do all of this in the name of your saviour, and wait to be called.

This are tips from DaTsar

 

[Spicy McHaggis]

NYJ,

is it possible for you to post in a thread without talking to everyone else like they're trash?

Your sarcasm really gives maderators and this forum a bad name.

 

[nyj]

NYJ,

is it possible for you to post in a thread without talking to everyone else like they're trash?

Your sarcasm really gives maderators and this forum a bad name.

Yes, and I didn't talk to anyone like they were trash. Now, if you think I am behaving badly, instead of breaking the rules yourself, why not file a report on my comments?

 

[Spicy McHaggis]

Yes, and I didn't talk to anyone like they were trash. Now, if you think I am behaving badly, instead of breaking the rules yourself, why not file a report on my comments?

Already did.