Does Denomination Matter?

Bible Addict · Aug 9, 2004

I have a question: does it matter which denomination of church you are a member of? My family attends a United Church, but I'm more inclined to become Catholic, for many personal reasons and because of some of m y beliefs, but I don't know if it makes a difference in God's eyes. Also, does that Bible say anything about it? I've never seen anywahere in the bible where it mentions if denomination matters...

Thanks

steelmagnolia · Aug 9, 2004

As long as the denomination is Christian and does not sway from the teachings of the Bible then I don't think it's a problem. I've tried explaining this to my daughter who has Catholic grandparents. It's not easy to explain.

Rebirth In Flames · Aug 9, 2004

As long as they believe Christ is their Lord and Savior, and believe in asking for forgiveness, then they're part of our family. The people of Corinth started to take pride in their "denominations" and Paul got upset with them because they were missing the fact that all of them were part of the same family, and were all children of God.. no matter what title or name they studied and worshipped under. Unfortunetally, that same issue happens today.. "I'm lutheran" "I'm Catholic" "I'm Baptist" .. it doesn't really matter, go with what you feel more comfortable in, but just remember to keep things in perspective.

Bible Addict · Aug 9, 2004

Thanks, both of your replies really clarified this for me

Tenorvoice · Aug 9, 2004

Demominations don't meen squat

As long as it is a Bible, Preaching, Beliving, Living Church, and your doctrine is sound them it doesn't matter.

Even still it is a personal relationship with the Lord God Himself that matters the most and the attitude of the heart.

peace

Ave Maria · Aug 9, 2004

Yes, it matters because some denominations preach heretical things. But overall it doesn't matter as long as the denomination preaches orthodox (not the denomination) theology as opposed to unorthodox.

BronxBriar · Aug 10, 2004

It mattered to me a great deal. I belonged to a church that taught me more about itself than Christ, more about its own historical documents than the Word of God. Find a group of believers that search the riches of his word and avoid the 'smells and bells' of empty rituals.

eightfoot514 · Aug 10, 2004

BronxBriar said:
Find a group of believers that search the riches of his word and avoid the 'smells and bells' of empty rituals.

Smells and bells of empty rituals...

You're not referring to Catholics, are you?

Eric

MadeInOz · Aug 10, 2004

I am anti-denominational. I attend a lutheran church for the simple fact that there are a lot of my friends/support base there, and it is convenient for me. I do not call myself a lutheran however.

I do have issues with catholicism, but I don't think I need to get into them here. I don't have a problem with catholics themselves, but... I disagree with some of catholic doctrine I guess, as I disagree with some of every denomination's bits... *shrug*

eightfoot514 · Aug 10, 2004

Well you see, Catholicism is not a denomination. It is the original Church that has maintained the teachings of Jesus and the Apostles in unity of faith and belief. Denominations were not part of Jesus' will. "There will be one flock, one shepherd." Misunderstandings do unfortunately arise. Most disagreements people have with other people's faiths are usually misconeptions and not actual truths about the other person's faith. It's amazing how much we have in common with our Protestant brethren, it's just that we all word things differently, but a great portion of the time we actually mean the same thing. I was once a Baptist, and I have seen that denominationalism is not a pretty side of Christianity. Actually, there are over 20,000 denominations in Christianity, all claiming to have the correct faith. But, I pray someday we may reconcile our differences and see unity in the Body of Christ once again.

Eric

BronxBriar · Aug 10, 2004

eightfoot514 said:
Well you see, Catholicism is not a denomination. It is the original Church that has maintained the teachings of Jesus and the Apostles in unity of faith and belief. Denominations were not part of Jesus' will. "There will be one flock, one shepherd."

Eric

Your opinion. A debate for another time and place.

BronxBriar · Aug 10, 2004

eightfoot514 said:
Smells and bells of empty rituals...

You're not referring to Catholics, are you?

Eric

I don't know...why? How many empty rituals you have? Maybe I was referring to Tibetan Buddhism....

eightfoot514 · Aug 10, 2004

I inferred it was probably Catholicism being referred to because we are known to use incense and bells during the Mass, and we were speaking exclusively about Christianity. No empty rituals though, rather, the Sacred act of worship that has been celebrated since the Apostles.

It is historically undeniable that the Cathoilc Church (and Orthodox Church) make up the original Church. Also, there is record of consistent Christian teaching from the earliest times of Christianity to the present day. That part is not simply my opinion, but historical fact.

However, whether or not you agree with the Church's teachings, that is where the matter of opinion comes in.

Eric

ShyBoy · Aug 10, 2004

Bible Addict said:
I have a question: does it matter which denomination of church you are a member of? My family attends a United Church, but I'm more inclined to become Catholic, for many personal reasons and because of some of m y beliefs, but I don't know if it makes a difference in God's eyes. Also, does that Bible say anything about it? I've never seen anywahere in the bible where it mentions if denomination matters...

Thanks

Seeing that denominationalism is the greatest cause of disunity in the body of Christ, I would say that it does matter. Why do these denominations exist? Is it the will of God or is it just the result of the sinful pride of the people that founded these denominations?

BronxBriar · Aug 10, 2004

eightfoot514 said:
It is historically undeniable that the Catholic Church (and Orthodox Church) make up the original Church. Also, there is record of consistent Christian teaching from the earliest times of Christianity to the present day. That part is not simply my opinion, but historical fact.
Eric

Historically undeniable???? I think you need to read a bit more history. You also need to learn to show a bit more respect when you visit a forum that is not of your own denomination.

If you were permitted by forum rules to debate here, which by the way you are not, I would respond by saying that you are only spreading your warped view of history.

Please follow the forum rules. Fellowship posts only.

Thank you.

racer · Aug 10, 2004

Bible Addict said:
I have a question: does it matter which denomination of church you are a member of? My family attends a United Church, but I'm more inclined to become Catholic, for many personal reasons and because of some of m y beliefs, but I don't know if it makes a difference in God's eyes. Also, does that Bible say anything about it? I've never seen anywahere in the bible where it mentions if denomination matters...

Thanks

No, God doesn't mind what Christian denomination you belong to. He won't even mind if you become Catholic. He'll love you anyway.

eightfoot514 · Aug 10, 2004

BronxBriar said:
Historically undeniable???? I think you need to read a bit more history. You also need to learn to show a bit more respect when you visit a forum that is not of your own denomination.

I didn't mean any disrespect to anyone. To my understanding, "non-denominational" means a common ground for all Christians. I didn't think I was presenting debatable material, since it is what I learned in in history class in high school, well before I became a Catholic. Again, no disrespect meant to anyone, I just thought all Christians were in general agreement on this. Peace.

Eric

eightfoot514 · Aug 10, 2004

Ah, after reading the forum rules, I saw that I am indeed not considered part of the common ground of "non-denominational." Interesting though, I didn't realize non-denominational strictly meant Protestant. Sorry.

Care to start a thread in the Church Histroy forum about the original Church? I would gladly join you there, just provide a link here, if interested.

Eric

BInC · Aug 11, 2004

Doesn't matter what denomination you go to, as long as it has the right fundamental beliefs. However, if there is a specific church that seems stale or just unhelpful to you, you might switch churches.

Bible Addict · Aug 11, 2004

ShyBoy said:
Seeing that denominationalism is the greatest cause of disunity in the body of Christ, I would say that it does matter. Why do these denominations exist? Is it the will of God or is it just the result of the sinful pride of the people that founded these denominations?

Your reply is only backed up by BronxBriar having a go at each other's denominations. Thank you to everyone who replied, you've all helped me figure out the answer to my question hugely

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