Confused as to where I belong

[emilybeingemily]

I'm not liberal enough for some churches and I'm not conservative enough for other churches. I'm not sure what denomination would fit my beliefs. I'm extremely anti-abortion, but I'm not anti-gay, I'm fairly neutral on that. I don't believe the Bible is 100% literal. Anyone else whose beliefs are similar know of a denomination that would fit me? Thanks!

 

[e. barrett]

I would encourage you to find a church that doesn't just match your preferences - but one where you can actually sense God and see him in action. There are many churches that fit what you're looking for, but that doesn't mean that's where you should be. In fact I'd say it's probably healthy for you (or anyone, myself included) to be in a church community that challenges your beliefs. Of course hopefully they challenge them in a Biblically appropriate way!

 

[Aibrean]

ECLA from the sounds of it. You aren't describing your beliefs on any doctrine though.

 

[Albion]

The Episcopal Church or the United Methodist Church would, depending perhaps upon how much ceremony you are comfortable with.

 

[seashale76]

YouTube - The Orthodox Church - A visual journey

Find an Orthodox Church in your area (if you live in N. America): Orthodoxy in America - Home

 

[MrPolo]

I'm not sure what denomination would fit my beliefs.

I would only ask that you reverse the order of this criteria. Do not say "This is what I believe...I will go find a church that accommodates my beliefs." Say rather, "This is what God would have me believe, I will adjust myself to fit His beliefs." You see the difference?

God bless you.

 

[Meelahd]

God has one belief and that is it. There is no, "This is what I believe." I can tell you this much for certain, God is both very antiabortion and against homosexuality. This is regardless of what us as humans want to believe because these are clear in scripture.

Now, my recommendation would be to open scripture and pray. God will lead you.

 

[Albion]

Friends,

The question asked is, in effect, "Which denomination matches my beliefs."

It is not, "What should my beliefs be?"

And it is not "How do I determine my beliefs?"

On this forum we have a special task. We must keep always in mind that we are not here to judge the inquirer, to re-educate the inquirer with regard to his or her beliefs, or to promote our own church/denomination because it has found favor with us.

If we do NOT stay on track, we risk having people who are searching, and also willing to be open with us, reconsider that openness because of a concern that we will argue with them or lecture them instead of simply informing them about which church most closely reflects the beliefs they have already come to--sometimes following much prayer and study.

 

[Zoness]

Yeah this is a seeker's forum not a debate/advertising forum...

To Emily: Could you possibly expound on your beliefs a little further? Do you prefer a liturgical or contemporary service? Do you have any stance on salvation being predestined or a free will decision? Any other information you can provide would be of much help. Thank you and God bless.

 

[ShilohCity]

As far as finding a church is concerned, I think that having matching beliefs is important, but that finding good, encouraging and nurturing people is more important, even if you disagree with them. We are to assemble together to encourage one another. We can worship and praise anywhere. You go to church mostly for the people. find a building with people you like and that help you keep your life focused on God.

 

[Albion]

We can worship and praise anywhere. You go to church mostly for the people. find a building with people you like and that help you keep your life focused on God.

...and some inquirers do indeed ask us that. It's not rare to have someone ask for a good church, a friendly church, or one with a dynamic preacher, etc., usually in some particular part of the country. WHEN, however, they state beliefs that they want to find in a church and ask about THAT, then our task becomes more specific and is necessarily doctrine-oriented--as is the case with this thread.