Explain different types of christian branches...

[amanda13]

I would like to start exploring Christianity, but I'm not sure what branch to start with. My family goes to the "Church of Christ", but I'm not sure if that branch is for me or not. What is the difference in:
Catholic
Methodist
Luthern
Church of Christ
Churst of Ladder day Saints
Etc.... (sorry about spelling, I'm new at all of this)..

I know that they are all Christian but I would love to know more about each one of them.

Another question. I very much believe in the woman's right to choose, does this mean that I can't be a Christian because I believe this?? This is a belief that I WILL NOT CHANGE, under any circumstance. I don't want to wast my time going to church somewhere, if I am not going to be able to belive this. Any info would be great!

Thank you
Amanda

 

[Hannah Sireci]

Hey Amanda!

I'm so glad you're really trying to research different branches of Christianity in (what I hope is) an effort to discover the truth.

If you are trying to find God and the truth, can I suggest something else other than researching denominations? Try reading the Bible -- maybe start with Romans and then read Paul's letters. Then you can get an idea of what YOU believe before researching others' beliefs. If you seek God, you WILL find Him when you search for Him with your whole heart.

As far as any political positions that you have, God will accept you no matter what, just as you are. But as a Christian, I know that God has to change my deceitful heart and who I naturally am in order to become more like Him. In order to follow Christ, I have to be willing to forsake everything -- family, friends, and any other thoughts or ideas I have that are not God's. Yes, God will accept you. But also, there should be nothing you value or want to hold on to more than Christ.

I'm praying for you as you continue your search! God bless! Seek the truth.

 

[searle29678]

I am not exactly sure what all the differences are between the branches. I don't know if it helps, but I am a Baptist and I can sort of explain that to you. We believe, in as much of a nutshell as possible, that Jesus is the Messiah and the Son of God born of the Virgin Mary. We believe that he died willingly died on the cross for us so that we may have everlasting life and forgiveness and was risen on the third day. We also believe that the only way to heaven is through Jesus Christ and your belief in Him and your acceptance of what he did for you on the Cross. Also known as salvation. There is more to it internally than that but you must experience that to understand it. I'm sure you may be familiar with those terms and values, but as a Baptist we basically live by that and the truths written in the Bible regarding the way we live our lives.

As far as a woman's right to choose, I know in our church we do not believe in that. We are very Pro Life. I cannot speak for all churches and Christians but as for me and my church, we are for the majority against Pro Choice.

 

[unimportantbuthisnameis]

I attend a Southern Baptist Church and School. This link is the to the main the Baptist Faith and Message 2000 is a basic overview of what Southern Baptist believe (there are minor differences from church to church).
www.sbc.net http://www.sbc.net/bfm/default.asp

 

[Stinker]

I would like to start exploring Christianity, but I'm not sure what branch to start with. My family goes to the "Church of Christ", but I'm not sure if that branch is for me or not. What is the difference in:
Catholic
Methodist
Luthern
Church of Christ
Churst of Ladder day Saints
Etc.... (sorry about spelling, I'm new at all of this)..

I know that they are all Christian but I would love to know more about each one of them.

Another question. I very much believe in the woman's right to choose, does this mean that I can't be a Christian because I believe this?? This is a belief that I WILL NOT CHANGE, under any circumstance. I don't want to wast my time going to church somewhere, if I am not going to be able to belive this. Any info would be great!

Thank you
Amanda

Hi Amanda, I am a member of the church of Christ, and believe that we should speak where the Bible speaks and be silent where the Bible is silent.

The Christians who are against women's choice, go to Old Testament passages of scripture such as where David is referring to himself and about how he wrote that he was predestined before he was conceived. They then conclude that these scriptures are in reference to them also.

If any woman was chided for believing in pro-choice, she could respond with something to the effect of every woman could be charged for murder for taking the morning-after pill, or why was there no murder penalty for the death of the fetus in Deut.21:22 .

I myself have difficulty believing that a zygote is a person, but apparently many others have no such difficulty.

 

[Sketcher]

I would like to start exploring Christianity, but I'm not sure what branch to start with. My family goes to the "Church of Christ", but I'm not sure if that branch is for me or not. What is the difference in:
Catholic
Methodist
Luthern
Church of Christ
Churst of Ladder day Saints
Etc.... (sorry about spelling, I'm new at all of this)..

The best place to go to for their beliefs are people from these denominations. However, Latter Day Saints are Mormons, and Mormonism is not Christianity. It is a cult. They have other holy books besides the Bible, which in practice trumps the Bible.

Another question. I very much believe in the woman's right to choose, does this mean that I can't be a Christian because I believe this?? This is a belief that I WILL NOT CHANGE, under any circumstance. I don't want to wast my time going to church somewhere, if I am not going to be able to belive this. Any info would be great!

Anybody can become a Christian, meaning you don't clean up you act before coming to God. You come to God, and He cleans you up. You won't be forced to become pro-life, but I wouldn't spew pro-choice rhetoric in the church if I were you.

 

[Brother Charlie]

I am a Catholic. I believe that Jesus Christ founded the Catholic Church himself.

This is an excerpt from Saint Irenaeus's book Against Heresies, showing the primacy of the Roman See because of its lineage (being founded by Peter and Paul), in AD 180.

"Since, however, it would be very tedious, in such a volume as this, to reckon up the successions of all the Churches, we do put to confusion all those who, in whatever manner, whether by an evil self-pleasing, by vainglory, or by blindness and perverse opinion, assemble in unauthorized meetings; [we do this, I say,] by indicating that tradition derived from the apostles, of the very great, the very ancient, and universally known Church founded and organized at Rome by the two most glorious apostles, Peter and Paul; as also [by pointing out] the faith preached to men, which comes down to our time by means of the successions of the bishops. For it is a matter of necessity that every Church should agree with this Church, on account of its pre- eminent authority, that is, the faithful everywhere, inasmuch as the apostolical tradition has been preserved continuously by those [faithful men] who exist everywhere." Irenaeus, Against Heresies, 3:3:2 (A.D. 180).

Pax et bonum!

 

[Dmckay]

I would like to start exploring Christianity, but I'm not sure what branch to start with. My family goes to the "Church of Christ", but I'm not sure if that branch is for me or not. What is the difference in:
Catholic
Methodist
Luthern
Church of Christ
Churst of Ladder day Saints
Etc.... (sorry about spelling, I'm new at all of this)..

I know that they are all Christian but I would love to know more about each one of them.

Another question. I very much believe in the woman's right to choose, does this mean that I can't be a Christian because I believe this?? This is a belief that I WILL NOT CHANGE, under any circumstance. I don't want to wast my time going to church somewhere, if I am not going to be able to belive this. Any info would be great!

Thank you
Amanda

Since you start out setting limits on what is acceptable to you, as far as what you will put up with in a religion, let's not waste anyone's time. Exodus says: "If men sttruggle with each other and strike a woman with a child so that she gives birth prematurely, yet there is no injury, he shall surely be fined as the woman's husband may demand of him, and he shall pay as the judges decide. But if there is any further injury, then you shall appoint as a penalty life for life."

Scripture doesn't speak specifically to the topic of abortion. However, this verse says that if a man injures a pregnant woman in a manner as to cause her to deliver the baby prematurely, and the baby lives, he shall be punished as the judges determine. However, if a man accidently causes the death of the baby he shall be punished life for life.

That is if the death is accidental. Abortion is deliberate. Abortion IS murder.
Your first mistake is that you don't set the standards by which you come to God. God is the injured party, and as the Holy, Just and Sovereign God ONLY HE has the right to determine what He will accept. No matter what "branch" you approach, if they hold God and His Word in reverance they will tell you the same thing.

 

[xjonx]

Hi Amanda

Our God is a loving wonderful God. He loves us and wants so much to heal us of all our hurts. Trying to live without God is like trying to drive a car without petrol, we NEED Him, need Him, He is the only path to TRUE life...

I just want to say "Good on you!" for seeking Jesus! It's awesome that you are and do not doubt that it is GOD who has guided you here to this forum to ask questions.


The most important thing you can do in seeking God is to TALK ABOUT ALL THIS WITH HIM! Ask our God who He is and ask Him to show you. He will show you who He is through people, through nature, through books you read, through music, through many many things...


The most important thing to know about God is that OUR GOD IS LOVE!!!! God loves us soooo much, He loves us and WANTS us to live forever in peace and contentment. He proved just how much He loves us by sending His Son Jesus to die for the mistakes we've made!!! Jesus died even though we deserve death! Jesus died in our place!! It really blows me away to think about, our perfect God came to earth and lived in a world of pain and suffering, He experienced the worse death anyone could even think of you know... Jesus died for me! Jesus died for you! God is LOVE!!!


Just to finish off, about different churches, the most important thing is that you go there with the right attitude. Try to avoid judging people and criticizing this and that. Try and look for the good things, encourage people and love them. Be humble and ask questions with respect. Christians are just sinners who admit it. Christians are NOT perfect!!!! No way, we are all sinners who need saving.


Good luck! God will guide you
xjonx

 

[The Midge]

I would like to start exploring Christianity, but I'm not sure what branch to start with. My family goes to the "Church of Christ", but I'm not sure if that branch is for me or not. What is the difference in:
Catholic
Methodist
Luthern
Church of Christ
Churst of Ladder day Saints
Etc.... (sorry about spelling, I'm new at all of this)..

I know that they are all Christian but I would love to know more about each one of them.

Another question. I very much believe in the woman's right to choose, does this mean that I can't be a Christian because I believe this?? This is a belief that I WILL NOT CHANGE, under any circumstance. I don't want to wast my time going to church somewhere, if I am not going to be able to belive this. Any info would be great!

Thank you
Amanda

Lion do a great introductory book in Christian Spirituality that would describes the differences in expression of Christianity. That may be a good start.
The Story of Christian Spirituality: Two Thousand Years, from East to West

A Brief History of Christian Spirituality

If you can find them in the USA.http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos...3089/sr=1-1/ref=sr_1_24_1/026-6484471-2794846


Issues about abortion and homosexuality are secondary. Christianity is Christ centered and is the only thing we truly have in common. They are sins no more or less and God does not have any more trouble with one sin or another. Problem solved.

 

[Rafael]

I'm non-denominational and just call myself a follower of Jesus Christ and His teachings. If you read the Bible and pray for God to open your heart to His Spirit contained in the words of life written in it, then ask God where He would have you go to grow in faith and serve Him. We serve Him everytime we help others less fortunate, as He ask how we interact with Him and other people when He returns and equates this with simple love - did you feed me, clothe me, visit me while sick, and give me shelter even when I was a stranger?
Put your trust in Him and His word and don't always go on what everybody else tells you without checking to see if it lines up with the Word of God. It is the anchor of faith. He may have you go one place to grow and to another for service, as He is our guide who opens and closes the doors of opportunity in life. What is important is to love one another and obey God to the best of your understanding. He helps us grow into the truth when we humble ourselves and receive His abiding Spirit and grace.
God bless....

 

[Mustaphile]

I know that they are all Christian but I would love to know more about each one of them.

Another question. I very much believe in the woman's right to choose, does this mean that I can't be a Christian because I believe this?? This is a belief that I WILL NOT CHANGE, under any circumstance. I don't want to wast my time going to church somewhere, if I am not going to be able to belive this. Any info would be great!

Thank you
Amanda

Hi Amanda13,

Welcome to Christian Forums.

You will find a lot of information online about the different denominations. To explain them all would take a lot of typing and even then my explanation might not do justice. One thing all mainstream christian denominations believe, is that Jesus is the Son of God and we are called to follow in his footsteps. In this forum we all come together under one banner. I would suggest you look at the churches that are in your area and call them on the phone, as these are the most likely denominations you will attend for the first time.

What I would like to say with regards to the matter of conscience that you stated, that is being pro choice, is that each christian can and should be guided by their conscience in controversial matters or areas in which there is contention over an issue. Different denominations have widely varying attitudes to being pro-choice, but that doesn't mean you have to agree with them either. Nobody can force you to believe anything, I'd like to stress that. All belief is a choice. People may try to convince you through reason what they would like you to believe, but essentially it's not possible for you to believe anything without you first choosing to do so.

God gave us free will and a conscience, and he wants us to use it responsibly. If you would feel irresponsible as a matter of conscience, to be other than pro-choice, then you should not do so. It's your choice to be pro-choice, the only thing that should change your mind is you finding good reason to be otherwise. Faith is built on reason. There is no reason for you to have blind faith. Faith is entered into with our eyes wide open. If the denomination you choose to attend is not pro-choice, you still have a right to follow your conscience. If you visit a church, no questions will be asked regarding this issue. If you join a church as a permanent member, then you will be presented with the beliefs the denominations adheres too, and you would then be in a postion to know for certain what that particular church expects its members to believe. In the meantime, I would simply attend as a visitor. There is not compulsion for you to join as a member. Just possibly restrictions on what you might be able to become involved in, for example, teaching and pastoral duties.

I hope this helps you in your search for God.

May God bless you and keep you,

Mustaphile

 

[dulcinea]

I would like to start exploring Christianity, but I'm not sure what branch to start with. My family goes to the "Church of Christ", but I'm not sure if that branch is for me or not. What is the difference in:
Catholic
Methodist
Luthern
Church of Christ
Churst of Ladder day Saints
Etc.... (sorry about spelling, I'm new at all of this)..

Well, I don't know much about most denominations, but if you google each branch separately, you will usually be able to find a statement of faith to find out what they believe.

I am United Church of Christ (different from Church of Christ ) and before that I was Episcopalian, so those are the only two denominations I am acquainted with well.

Another question. I very much believe in the woman's right to choose, does this mean that I can't be a Christian because I believe this??

You can be Christian and pro-choice. Several of the women in my church are pro-choice.

 

[Gold Dragon]

Here is a quick and dirty summary of some of the major Christian groups through history.


Christianity (1st century) - apostles, Paul's missions, persecutions, councils, Augustine, Bishops
Assyrian Church of the East (431) - The Nestorian Schism occured because they offered protection to followers of the heresy Nestorianism even though they did not follow its theology.
Oriental Orthodoxy (451) - Council of Chalcedon declared their Monophysite view as heresy. Syrian and Coptic churches.
Roman Catholicism (1054) - Gradual East/West Schism of the One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church that became final in 1054 primarily over the authority of the bishop of Rome (Pope). Latin.
Eastern Orthodoxy (1054) - Same as above. Greek.

Protestant Reformation Link
Lutheran (1519) - Martin Luther. First church of the Protestant Reformation. Germany. Three Solas (Grace Alone, Faith Alone, Scripture Alone)
Reformed (1525) - John Calvin. Huldrych Zwingli. Second church of the Protestant Reformation. Switzerland. Calvinism (predestination).
Anabaptists (1525) - Rejected infant baptism. Persecuted by Catholics and Reformers. Modern day Mennonites, Amish, Hutterites.
Hutterites (1529) - Jacob Hutter. Anabaptist. Communal living. Pacifist.
Anglican/Episcopal (1534) - Henry VIII was not granted an annulment and split the Church of England from the Roman Catholic Church. Episcopal church in the US recently appointed gay bishop.
Mennonite (1537) - Menno Simons. Anabaptist. Holland/Germany. Pacifism. Some groups reject modern technology.
Presbyterian (1560) - John Knox. Scotland. Part of the Reformed churches. Calvinistic.
Baptist(1609) - Separatists from the puritan movement in the Anglican church. John Smyth's General (Arminian) Baptists and Henry Jacob's Particular (Calvinistic) Baptists
Congregationalists (1633) - John Cotton. Massachusetts. Separatists puritans that emphasize the autonomy of the local church.
Quakers/Religious Society of Friends (1647) - George Fox. Separatists puritans that emphasize peace, communal decisions and that everyone is a minister.
Amish (1693) - Jacob Amman. Amman felt Mennonites were not strict enough and separated. Communal life. Avoid modernisms.

Great Awakening Link
Methodist (1738) - John Wesley. England. Methodical bible study movement in the Anglican church. Arminian.
Campbellites (1826) - Alexander Campbell. Product of the Restoration Movement that tried to remove denominational barriers.
Millerite/Adventists (1830s) - William Miller. Predicted the date of the 2nd coming in 1844 until the Great Disappointment.
Messianic Judaism (1850s) - Jewish Christians who have retained their cultural and ethnic identity.
Seventh Day Adventists (1863) - Ellen G. White. Millerite origin. Worship on Saturday.
Salvation Army (1878) - William Booth. England. Methodist origin. Emphasis on social service.
Church of the Nazarene (1895) - Product of the Holiness movement initiated by Methodists. Merging many Holiness churches.
Christian and Missionary Alliance (1897) - Albert Simpson. Part of the Holiness movement. Focus on evangelism and missions.
Pentecostal (1901) - Charles Fox Parham. William Seymour. Asuza Street Revival. Product of the Pentecostal Movement, influenced by the Holiness movment. Speaking in tongues.
Disciples of Christ (1906) - Arose as a split in the Campbellite churches over liberal/conservative theologies. Became the moderate/liberal wing.
Church of Christ (1906) - Same as above. Tries to mimic early church. Non-instrumental. Conservative/fundamentalist wing.
Assemblies of God (1914) - An organization of Pentecostal churches.
United Church of Christ (1956) - Merger of congregationalist and reformed churches. Very liberal theology.
Calvary Chapel (1965) - Chuck Smith. Non-denominational denomination that came out of the Jesus Movement.
Word of Faith (1967) - A controversial movement within some Pentecostal churches that emphasizes receiving things from the Holy Spirit. Benny Hinn. Yonggi Cho.

 

[TheMainException]

Gold Dragon...wow...very deep work here...good job.

 

[g4goddess]

i bought Idiot's Guide to the Reformation... it explains a lot about the different types of Protestantism and where they come from.

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/t...102-1857167-5981706?v=glance&s=books&n=507846

 

[tomedward]

According to John 15, He is De Vine and you are de branch !
"I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing."

Denominationalism is not of the Christ.
Psalm 133:1
Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!

Christ's body is an invisible body of living stones indwelt by the Holy Spirit. Keep in mind too that Christ's beloved isn't a majority but rather a remnant.

Matthew 7:14
Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.

Abide in Christ, not denominationalism.

1 Corinthians 12:13
For byone Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.

Ephesians 4:4
There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling;

Colossians 3:15
And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.

 

[helmikaarina]

Hi Amanda!
You have quite a huge mission to explore Christianity and choosing which one of churches could be the one for you. You asked were to start and have got many possibilities. As I've been living in the culture were children usually belong to the same congregation as their parents I wonder if it's possible for you to start there where your parents are. Go with them, listen, ask, explore... and if it isn't the one you are looking you can go somewhere else. But I also think that it's not only a question of a branch of Christianity but faith. And there it isn't enough to go with parents or explore how different Christians believe but pray and explore the bible and try to listen what God wants to say to you and ask him to come into your life.

May God bless you.

 

[GodFlute2]

I can't say really. No church is perfect in my opinon. I know others will beg to differ, but that's what I believe.

I attend a Wesleyan church, one that often times gets forgotten. I don't agree with everything there, but most of their beliefs do follow the Bible. For the other things I don't agree with them about, I look to the Bible, not to the church.

 

[White Rabbit]

Here is a quick and dirty summary of some of the major Christian groups through history.


Christianity (1st century) - apostles, Paul's missions, persecutions, councils, Augustine, Bishops
Assyrian Church of the East (431) - The Nestorian Schism occured because they offered protection to followers of the heresy Nestorianism even though they did not follow its theology.
Oriental Orthodoxy (451) - Council of Chalcedon declared their Monophysite view as heresy. Syrian and Coptic churches.
Roman Catholicism (1054) - Gradual East/West Schism of the One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church that became final in 1054 primarily over the authority of the bishop of Rome (Pope). Latin.
Eastern Orthodoxy (1054) - Same as above. Greek.


Protestant Reformation Link
Lutheran (1519) - Martin Luther. First church of the Protestant Reformation. Germany. Three Solas (Grace Alone, Faith Alone, Scripture Alone)
Reformed (1525) - John Calvin. Huldrych Zwingli. Second church of the Protestant Reformation. Switzerland. Calvinism (predestination).
Anabaptists (1525) - Rejected infant baptism. Persecuted by Catholics and Reformers. Modern day Mennonites, Amish, Hutterites.
Hutterites (1529) - Jacob Hutter. Anabaptist. Communal living. Pacifist.
Anglican/Episcopal (1534) - Henry VIII was not granted an annulment and split the Church of England from the Roman Catholic Church. Episcopal church in the US recently appointed gay bishop.
Mennonite (1537) - Menno Simons. Anabaptist. Holland/Germany. Pacifism. Some groups reject modern technology.
Presbyterian (1560) - John Knox. Scotland. Part of the Reformed churches. Calvinistic.
Baptist(1609) - Separatists from the puritan movement in the Anglican church. John Smyth's General (Arminian) Baptists and Henry Jacob's Particular (Calvinistic) Baptists
Congregationalists (1633) - John Cotton. Massachusetts. Separatists puritans that emphasize the autonomy of the local church.
Quakers/Religious Society of Friends (1647) - George Fox. Separatists puritans that emphasize peace, communal decisions and that everyone is a minister.
Amish (1693) - Jacob Amman. Amman felt Mennonites were not strict enough and separated. Communal life. Avoid modernisms.

Great Awakening Link
Methodist (1738) - John Wesley. England. Methodical bible study movement in the Anglican church. Arminian.
Campbellites (1826) - Alexander Campbell. Product of the Restoration Movement that tried to remove denominational barriers.
Millerite/Adventists (1830s) - William Miller. Predicted the date of the 2nd coming in 1844 until the Great Disappointment.
Messianic Judaism (1850s) - Jewish Christians who have retained their cultural and ethnic identity.
Seventh Day Adventists (1863) - Ellen G. White. Millerite origin. Worship on Saturday.
Salvation Army (1878) - William Booth. England. Methodist origin. Emphasis on social service.
Church of the Nazarene (1895) - Product of the Holiness movement initiated by Methodists. Merging many Holiness churches.
Christian and Missionary Alliance (1897) - Albert Simpson. Part of the Holiness movement. Focus on evangelism and missions.
Pentecostal (1901) - Charles Fox Parham. William Seymour. Asuza Street Revival. Product of the Pentecostal Movement, influenced by the Holiness movment. Speaking in tongues.
Disciples of Christ (1906) - Arose as a split in the Campbellite churches over liberal/conservative theologies. Became the moderate/liberal wing.
Church of Christ (1906) - Same as above. Tries to mimic early church. Non-instrumental. Conservative/fundamentalist wing.
Assemblies of God (1914) - An organization of Pentecostal churches.
United Church of Christ (1956) - Merger of congregationalist and reformed churches. Very liberal theology.
Calvary Chapel (1965) - Chuck Smith. Non-denominational denomination that came out of the Jesus Movement.
Word of Faith (1967) - A controversial movement within some Pentecostal churches that emphasizes receiving things from the Holy Spirit. Benny Hinn. Yonggi Cho.

Just wanna point out that that schism wasn't over the papal authority, but over the addition of the filioque (and the Son) to the Nicene Creed