Future of non-denominational churches

[Lotar]

I think many non denom churches are composed of ex-Catholics who either never were really taught what the Church teaches, or never really understood. So they hear about a non denom church, check it out, and are amazed at how simply they can be "saved." I think "once saved always saved" is an attractive doctrine, I think Calvinistic fatalism is attractive "I am saved because of God's will and no matter what happens I am saved ebcause it is God's will" and basically, I find these churches to be a watered down version of Catholicism. I have to say there is a LOT of energy and zeal for the Lord in these churches, and a few years ago I was really close to converting (my father and some of my best friends attend these type of churches). But then I realized that there is no basis for authority in these churches, except for the Bible which they all disagree about in certain areas. So how is one to know for sure what is right? The Catholic Church teaches that its teachings are infallible, other churches don't. And I think that Jesus WOULD leave us with an infallible Church, otherwise how would we know what is true? And the nail in the coffin for my almost conversion was when I discovered that many non denominational doctrines were never taught before a few hundred years ago. For instance, do you know that Luther AND Calvin both thought that claims against Mary's perpetual virginity were ridiculous? And the whole Rapture idea was invented in the 1830s? A great book to read is Cardinal Newmans "Essay on the Development of Christian Doctrine." He set out to disprove the Catholic Church, he ended up converting to Catholicism. Furthermore, the Catholic Church PUT TOGETHER THE BIBLE. Revelation made it in by one vote. For me to believe in it I must believe that the Church is directed by the Holy Spirit, as Jesus promised. To sum it up, as Newman said, "to be deep in history is to cease being a Protestant." I think these non-denom churches attract so many people because the people don't do the doctrinal research for themselves, and they accept a watered down version of Catholicism.

Actually, most of those who attend non-denominational churches are Protestants from other denominations, though there are a number of ex-Catholics.

Most non-Denominational churches aren't Reformed, though most hold Calvin's 5th point, Preservation of the Saints. They also tend to focus on "fruits". If your faith doesn't produce fruits, then you probably don't have true faith.

Just thought I'd clear some things up

 

[nyj]

They also tend to focus on "fruits". If your faith doesn't produce fruits, then you probably don't have true faith.

Of course, when I bring up the topic of fruits in the IDD board, I get the tired argument of "they could just be putting on a show" from the Protestant members of the board. No consistency, that's what makes beneficial discussion so darn near impossible.

 

[Filia Mariae]

When did God ever say to form denominations? Don't you see, it is all these denominations that cause so much division and hatred amongst people. God gave us His Word, Jesus Christ and the Holy Bible to keep us united. He warned us not to add to these, for if you do, you ask people not only to follow God, but also men. You cannot effectively serve two masters.

He didn't. He warned against it. Catholicism is not a denomination. You are correct that God gave us His Word to unite us. His word is contained both in sacred Scripture and His Bride, the Church. These two things are what keep us unified at theEucharistic table.

In Christ,
Carly