chosing a denomination

[nick.s]

I'm not sure which denomination i belong to or whether i should belong to one. I have my beliefs, and i dont rly go to church, ive just been on the odd occasion. I could use some guidance from someone on choosing a denomination.

nick

 

[inHisgrip]

For me it wasn't so much about a particular denomination, but about a church that taught from the bible, and the people were real, not clicky and fake.
It should be somewhere that when you walk through the doors, you feel like your home. You will know the right place when you find it.
In Him

 

[daveleau]

The denomination is not as important as finding a church that teaches the Bible, just as iHg says. In determining if a church does this, look to see if they use the whole Bible and see if they teach verses as they are meant according to the context the verse is in. I'd start by trying a church where you would feel comfortable with those in the congregation. When I am in a new city and am looking, I look for non-denom and Baptist churches, as they appear more apt to teaching the Bible.
I would encourage you to continue to seek a church. You are doing a great thing by going. Fellowship with other Christians is how we gain strength and hold true to what God wants from us in this world where unchristian-like influences pelt us constantly with temptations.

 

[Anti-Fear]

Hey, its good that you think about it. Not all denominations who teach from the Bible are necesarily good.

They're called denominations for a reason, they have theological disagreements.

For example. In USA, the Episcopaelians teach from teh Bible right? Yet they allow gay marriage and gay priests. Many will agree thats un-Biblical and sinful to do that.

Mormons call themselves a Christian denomination, yet they have 3 books besides the Bible and are considered non-Christian by most people.

"Recovery" church or "Local Church" is also considered a cult by many groups. They say they're simply non-denominational, but they think that all denominations are bad because they "divide" the church, so in conclusion they believe they're one true church. They follow teachings of one single man Witness Lee, and they use only their own "Bible" called the recovery version. They actively recruit members. Also not just another "Biblical" denomination.

I think you should thoroughly research on the internet what denomination best suits you. And do not simply research. Read the Bible and compare it to the denomination doctrine and see if it makes sense to you.

Just enter in google "[denomination name] doctrine" and maybe you'll find something.

Another thing that may help is going to Bible studies and see what people are like and what their theological beliefs are.

 

[PaladinValer]

For example. In USA, the Episcopaelians teach from teh Bible right? Yet they allow gay marriage and gay priests. Many will agree thats un-Biblical and sinful to do that.

Including many of my kindred Anglicans. You shouldn't judge all individuals or the whole by its parts, and if you aren't an Anglican (which it seems you aren't), I really don't believe you should be spreading "facts" about my church unless you know exactly what you are talking about. I don't like folks "discussing" the "facts" about my church no more than you would like others doing the same to your's, so please show a little curtacy and make sure you give either all the facts or become educated first before you assume.

To the OP, you should go and learn about the various denominations and churches and ask them questions. Go to their services and get a feel for it. Ask members of the churches that you visit questions, and be sure to query the ministers/priests as well.

Since CF has many denominational forums, I suggest posting the same questions you have in each and see what answers you get.

 

[Anti-Fear]

PaladinValer, sorry if my comment offended you. But I am sure everybody knows about the case where Episcopaelian church allowed openly-gay priest to marry. That is hard to dispute as a fact.

As to your Anglican church, I dont know about it, which is why I did NOT mention it.

 

[PaladinValer]

Dude, the Episcopal Church USA is Anglican. And mind you this:

1. Not all members of the Episcopal Church USA were in favor of it
2. Not all Anglicans were in favor of it
3. If you cannot tell the difference, you shouldn't comment.

 

[Anti-Fear]

Dude, the Episcopal Church USA is Anglican. And mind you this:

1. Not all members of the Episcopal Church USA were in favor of it
2. Not all Anglicans were in favor of it
3. If you cannot tell the difference, you shouldn't comment.

It doesnt really matter whether all or not all members of the Episcopal Church of USA were in favor of it. It wasnt just the church's decision wasn't it? if it were just one church then its no problem.

I am also sure that not all Anglicans were for it.
Also I didnt know that Anglican and Episcopaelian was the same. Sorry
But I dont see why I should not comment based on what I know.

 

[Protoevangel]

Anti-Fear, you did nothing wrong. You were trying to give advice based on the information you had. If PaladinValer wanted to be helpful, he could have calmly informed you of where you were wrong instead of flying off the handle.

nick.s, sorry about that. The Episcopal (ECUSA) church has some challanging times and debates ahead of them, as does my church, the ELCA. As you can probably tell, the issues in the ECUSA have some people feeling kind of sensitive. I would suggest a similar process as some others have already suggested. Study the denominations. You are more than welcome to ask whatever questions you want to over in "Theologia Crucis - Confessional Lutherans".

PaladinValer, Anti-Fear was trying to help nick.s, not attack your church. Maybe you can help us understand how the ECUSA decision regarding Mr. Robinson should not be seen as reflecting on the ECUSA in general. If it would be to off-topic for here, would we be welcome ofer in "Scripture, Tradition, Reason", to learn more, without being attacked for an honest misunderstanding?

 

[PaladinValer]

It doesnt really matter whether all or not all members of the Episcopal Church of USA were in favor of it.

Yes it does. If you want to judge my Church then you better be 1) God or 2) know for a fact that everyone agrees with that decision.

You do not judge all individuals of a whole by a part. That kind of logic is not only false but has been used to commit countless number of atrocities against humanity and life itself.

It wasnt just the church's decision wasn't it? if it were just one church then its no problem.

1. Does that mean everyone agrees?
2. Does that mean those that disagree aren't in good standing with my Church?
3. There is no "one" church; we have parishes and missions; there is only One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church.

I am also sure that not all Anglicans were for it.

Then why judge the entire Anglican Communion when it was just 1) one of its provinces and 2) not all of its members.

In addition, just because people disagree with your interpretations doesn't make them any less of a "Bible-believer." By your seemingly termed usage, there aren't many "Bible-believers." Now I'm not saying who is right or wrong in this case, nor will I give my opinion on it, but I'm not going to go around bashing or insulting any one side and I certainly wouldn't do it to another church (ie: ELCA or the UMC) or its members that/who is/are currently going through a similar event.

Also I didnt know that Anglican and Episcopaelian was the same. Sorry
But I dont see why I should not comment based on what I know.

But that is exactly the problem! You simply do not judge a church/denomination unless you know exactly what it is all about. This includes history, doctrines, issues, positions, terms, etc. You don't simply spout opinions on issues that you honestly don't know much about, do you? Of course not! Then don't do it with my or any other church/denomination. Its very rude and I don't appreciate it.

 

[good4u]

test

 

[thaiv]

"Recovery" church or "Local Church" is also considered a cult by many groups.

Most of these groups have misconceptions on the local church's beliefs, which are atleast 30 years old, and have been refuted countless times since.

They say they're simply non-denominational, but they think that all denominations are bad because they "divide" the church, so in conclusion they believe they're one true church.

Let me ask you a question. Are denominations a good thing? Do they not divide the church? Do not get me wrong now. I am speaking of the religious system, not the blood-washed, born again believers. Remember, the local churches are not the first group to say denominations are wrong. There are countless non-denominational groups that say the same thing. How does this conclude that the local churches believe they are the "one true church"? Actually they believe that all the members of the Body of Christ are the one true church. You may say they are exclusive, but I say they are one of the most inclusive Christian groups.

They follow teachings of one single man Witness Lee, and they use only their own "Bible" called the recovery version. They actively recruit members. Also not just another "Biblical" denomination.

This quote clearly shows a lack of knowledge of this group of Christians. As far as teachings go they follow the Bible first. The Recovery Version of the Bible is the preferred version in the local churches but it is not the only version they use. I have been to home meetings of the local church where people had KJV, Darby, ASV, etc. Yes, the preferred version is the Recovery Version, but that does not mean they ban other versions.

As far as ministry goes, they do read messages that Witness Lee gave. Remember they also read alot from Watchman Nee as well. By saying that they "follow the teachings of one single man Witness Lee" is a false statement. If you know the history of the local church, you will find out that actually Witness Lee stood on the shoulders of many Bible scholars of the past..ie...J.N Darby, T. Austin Sparks, Andrew Murray, Martin Luther, Count Zinzendorf, Pember, and many more. I have seen books by many of these authors on many of the local church members' shelves. In a sense, by reading the messages by Witness Lee one is also indirectly reading the same things that many Bible teachers in the past wrote.

Please do not post information that is misleading.

 

[daveleau]

Dude, the Episcopal Church USA is Anglican. And mind you this:

1. Not all members of the Episcopal Church USA were in favor of it
2. Not all Anglicans were in favor of it
3. If you cannot tell the difference, you shouldn't comment.

I was married in an episcopal church in SC. This was a cnservative diocese and the Rector preached on the Biblical fact that homosexuality is wrong. He lost several members from those sermons as well. :shrugs: So, not all Episcopalian churches are like that. There is a definite split in their denom.

 

[BjBarnett]

I'm not sure which denomination i belong to or whether i should belong to one. I have my beliefs, and i dont rly go to church, ive just been on the odd occasion. I could use some guidance from someone on choosing a denomination.

nick

*makes himself a Catholic Church Advertiser*

Good Evening Nick!

might I suggest that while your on your search for looking for a Church and Denomination attend you visit your local Catholic Church!

The Catholic Church is 2000 years old, produced the New Testament, the Eucharist, a Pope, and many other great things

*takes off his Catholic Church Advertisement shirt*

choose a church that makes you comfortable Nick. Thats the best thing for you no matter what denomination it belongs too. PM me if you got any questions.

 

[Anti-Fear]

Ok, I still dont understand how one can be offended by my comment on Episcopaelian church. Its a fact that their USA organization approved a gay bishop, since that organization in the USA approved it, they represent themselves and send out a message.
That means that according to their doctrine, at least in the USA , they are somehow ok with gay marriage. That is all I am saying.

Now let me respond to thaiv about "Recovery Church". I personally tried not to accuse it of wrongdoing in my post. But I had to type what I have read about extensively on the internet so that the guy knows what to expect. If he likes them, I have ntohing against it.
I have personally attended some meetings with people of "recovery church" and I think the concerns of some of the people online are justified, thats all I am going to say.

May God bless you all, and please dont get offended, I must write what I believe politely. Otherwise I'll feel guilty if I don't try to help the best I can with the knowledge I have.

 

[thaiv]

Anti-Fear,

Thank you for not trying to spark a debate. To see an accurate picture of the local churches, I encourage you to go to www.contendingforthefaith.org and www.christianwebsites.org to see what the local churches really believe. I imagine you have probably already been there, but if you have any questions those site can help. God bless.

 

[Mr. Good Faith]

Nick,

All of us Christians have an obligation to ourselves to really understand the origin of our faith. We all know it is Jesus, but did you know that He had a specific plan about how his Body (the church) was to be one? The current situation of "denominations" in Christianity is very confusing when looking hard at it for the first time. The are some improtant differences between them.

I would ask that you (and everyone else her) make an honest effort to really understand the Catholic Church? It is 2000 years old, and defends the same "deposit of faith" that was given to it by Christ. www.scripturecatholic.com is one good place, but there are others as well. Anyone can PM me if they have any questions.

Yours in Christ,
Mr. G

 

[nick.s]

Thanks very much everyone, i got a lot of reseaarch and praying to do now. Didnt mean that debate to spark up tho :S Thanks again

Nick

 

[Granny2young]

Why does one need a "tag, name, or label" on their faith? Doesn't the bible say that followers of Christ were first called Christians at Antioc? I need no tag to be just that, a christian. I don't find methodist, episcapalian, baptist or martian in the Bible, only Christian. I am not the only christian, I am a christian only is my motto.

As to the other posts, I am speaking for myself here and may insight anger, but how can you say not all beleive that way? Is not the church one body. Does not each methodist beleive the methodist doctrine, and each catholic beleive the catholic doctrine. That is kind of scary to tell me...well I am a baptist, but I don't beleive like the baptist do. Why the flip are you there if you don't beleive what they teach! Birds of a feather flock together.......you are the company you keep and if you are an episcopalian you will always be flocked (and should be) with the doctrine itself.

 

[Thunderchild]

That the governing body of the church made a decision means that (in verbal shorthand) the church made a decision. To be sure, certain individuals and groups within the church disagree with the decision - that in no way changes the fact that the decision has been made.