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Well, I'm not sure I can be much help to you beyond describing how I approached it.
Naturally, of course, if you live anywhere near me, you should come to my parish, where you will be most welcome, able to contribute of your talents and time to something worthwhile, and appreciate my brilliance.
For the sake of a discussion, imagine that I (a confirmed atheist) have recently come to the conclusion that the Christian God probably does exist. At this stage of my theoretical conversion I have accepted the Nicene Creed as a broad statement of Christian belief.
The problem I’m now faced with is how to put this new belief into practical effect and in expanding my very basic knowledge and understanding of Christian doctrine. A large part of this has to do with choosing a specific religious group/church/denomination to help flesh out my religious practice and provide instruction in a more specific set of beliefs.
Given that there are hundreds of competing Christian denominations/churches/doctrines;
How do I go about making a choice?
Based on opinions I’ve seen expressed in CF, it seems that the right choice may be critical for my salvation and could determine if I become a ‘real’ Christian or not. While, for me, this is a hypothetical question, I am sure that it‘s a real issue faced by many new Christians.
Please Note:
1. The SoP for this Forum asks that you refrain from debating theological differences. I am not asking for an advertorial on your particular Christian doctrine. I am seeking an understanding of how I might go about deciding between competing claims.
2. Christian discussion is often packed with Christian jargon/stock phrases and vague Bible quotes which can be impenetrable for those of us on the outside. I’d be grateful if you could please try to stick to plain English. At the very least, explain your terminology.
OB
Yes, Melbourne it is. Too bad; it could have been a beautiful friendship.
Your hypothetical corresponds more or less exactly to having read and agreed with Mere Christianity by C. S. Lewis. So I'll just quote the ending of that. It seems to exactly answer your question (bearing in mind that "are these doctrines true?" is with reference to the Bible):
I hope no reader will suppose that "mere" Christianity is here put forward as an alternative to the creeds of the existing communions--as if a man could adopt it in preference to Congregationalism or Greek Orthodoxy or anything else. It is more like a hall out of which doors open into several rooms. If I can bring anyone into that hall I shall have done what I attempted. But it is in the rooms, not in the hall, that there are fires and chairs and meals. The hall is a place to wait in, a place from which to try the various doors, not a place to live in. For that purpose the worst of the rooms (whichever that may be) is, I think, preferable.
It is true that some people may find they have to wait in the hall for a considerable time, while others feel certain almost at once which door they must knock at. I do not know why there is this difference, but I am sure God keeps no one waiting unless He sees that it is good for him to wait. When you do get into your room you will find that the long wait has done you some kind of good which you would not have had otherwise. But you must regard it as waiting, not as camping. You must keep on praying for light: and, of course, even in the hall, you must begin trying to obey the rules which are common to the whole house. And above all you must be asking which door is the true one; not which pleases you best by its paint and panelling.
In plain language, the question should never be: "Do I like that kind of service?" but "Are these doctrines true: Is holiness here? Does my conscience move me towards this? Is my reluctance to knock at this door due to my pride, or my mere taste, or my personal dislike of this particular door-keeper?"
When you have reached your own room, be kind to those who have chosen different doors and to those who are still in the hall. If they are wrong they need your prayers all the more; and if they are your enemies, then you are under orders to pray for them. That is one of the rules common to the whole house.
I would recommend visiting several different churches, in addition to doing some research, as has been suggested already. However, I would not worry about it all that much. Your salvation depends on your relationship with God and not which denomination you choose, though some will claim that it is more likely that you will go to Heaven if you choose their Church.
If I study the bible and develop my own doctrines wouldn't they be "man made" (by me)?
If you've developed your own interpretation of the Bible isn't that interpretation"man made' (by you)?
OB
Great question and a great journey! I admire your open-ness.
Let me throw my 2 cents into the mix :
Talk to Jesus. Don't use fancy words, just tell Him how you feel. Ask Him to lead you and guide you.
Tell Him that if He leads you to truth, then you'll jump in with both feet and follow Him.
That's it. Nothing more, nothing less. Don't sweat it, don't worry about it.
I can 100% with absolute confidence say that your prayer will be answered. The Creator that loves you so much will literally move heaven and earth to bring you to the place He wants where you can start a relationship with Him. He WILL bring along the right people and events that you need.
I'd encourage you as well to get a bible and take a few mins a day to read it. I remember one night years ago picking up an old bible and reading about how the religious leaders told Jesus they basically didn't like Him hanging around with drunks and sinners. That struck with me - I literally thought "He can't be that bad if that's what His friends were like". A few days later I became a follower of Christ.
Read the gospel of John, or Mark - those are good places that tell about Christ's life and show what he was like and how he lived out his life.
These are huge steps you're taking - rest assured with COMPLETE peace that Jesus is already on your case - he has the landing lights on, the runways cleared, there's no fire truck in sight and He's about to wave you in for a safe landing
For the sake of a discussion, imagine that I (a confirmed atheist) have recently come to the conclusion that the Christian God probably does exist. At this stage of my theoretical conversion I have accepted the Nicene Creed as a broad statement of Christian belief.
The problem I’m now faced with is how to put this new belief into practical effect and in expanding my very basic knowledge and understanding of Christian doctrine. A large part of this has to do with choosing a specific religious group/church/denomination to help flesh out my religious practice and provide instruction in a more specific set of beliefs.
Given that there are hundreds of competing Christian denominations/churches/doctrines;
How do I go about making a choice?
Based on opinions I’ve seen expressed in CF, it seems that the right choice may be critical for my salvation and could determine if I become a ‘real’ Christian or not. While, for me, this is a hypothetical question, I am sure that it‘s a real issue faced by many new Christians.
Please Note:
1. The SoP for this Forum asks that you refrain from debating theological differences. I am not asking for an advertorial on your particular Christian doctrine. I am seeking an understanding of how I might go about deciding between competing claims.
2. Christian discussion is often packed with Christian jargon/stock phrases and vague Bible quotes which can be impenetrable for those of us on the outside. I’d be grateful if you could please try to stick to plain English. At the very least, explain your terminology.
OB
While some claim that it is more likely you will go to Heaven if you join their Church, very few would ever say that such is a necessity in order to be saved. Hence, again, I would not worry that much about which branch of Christianity you choose, especially at first. You can always switch later, once you have had a chance to do more research.Thanks Basil. I've highlighted the problem I see in your reply. As a (theoretical) new Christian how can I tell if you're right or if they are? I prefer your version but who can say that you're right?
My relationship with God will need to be expressed in some way. Should I be speaking in tongues, taking communion or adoring icons? Which is the path to salvation?
OB
You're suggesting I open the Bible and work it out for myself yet there are others here who will tell me that understanding the Bible takes years of study and a good understanding of context. What little I've read I find fairly vague and not particularly useful.
Are they right (the Bible studiers) or are you? How do I know if you're right?
OB
At this stage of my theoretical conversion I have accepted the Nicene Creed as a broad statement of Christian belief.
Given that there are hundreds of competing Christian denominations/churches/doctrines; How do I go about making a choice?
This forum is a place where Christians can come and discuss theology and differences in beliefsMany Christians on this Forum would argue that there are right and wrong choices. Are they right or wrong? What if I choose a set of doctrines at odds with all the others? Am I right or wrong?
OB
Most people come to faith through talking with a Christian or by attending a church event. So thelogical option would be to attend the same church as the person one was talking to, or the church that put on the event.For the sake of a discussion, imagine that I (a confirmed atheist) have recently come to the conclusion that the Christian God probably does exist. At this stage of my theoretical conversion I have accepted the Nicene Creed as a broad statement of Christian belief.
The problem I’m now faced with is how to put this new belief into practical effect and in expanding my very basic knowledge and understanding of Christian doctrine. A large part of this has to do with choosing a specific religious group/church/denomination to help flesh out my religious practice and provide instruction in a more specific set of beliefs.
Given that there are hundreds of competing Christian denominations/churches/doctrines;
How do I go about making a choice?
Based on opinions I’ve seen expressed in CF, it seems that the right choice may be critical for my salvation and could determine if I become a ‘real’ Christian or not. While, for me, this is a hypothetical question, I am sure that it‘s a real issue faced by many new Christians.
Please Note:
1. The SoP for this Forum asks that you refrain from debating theological differences. I am not asking for an advertorial on your particular Christian doctrine. I am seeking an understanding of how I might go about deciding between competing claims.
2. Christian discussion is often packed with Christian jargon/stock phrases and vague Bible quotes which can be impenetrable for those of us on the outside. I’d be grateful if you could please try to stick to plain English. At the very least, explain your terminology.
OB
This approach would suggest that any choice is the right choice i.e.. it will bring me closer to the truth (whatever that means).
Many Christians on this Forum would argue that there are right and wrong choices. Are they right or wrong? What if I choose a set of doctrines at odds with all the others? Am I right or wrong?
Cat
You tell me I don't need a doctrine and then proceed to lay out what I should believe. In other words your telling me what you believe. It may be an informal belief but it's still a doctrine. I specifically asked you not to do that.
I asked how I should go about choosing a doctrine/church/etc. You've also committed the cardinal sin of quoting slabs of Bible with no explanation.
OB
For the sake of a discussion, imagine that I (a confirmed atheist) have recently come to the conclusion that the Christian God probably does exist. At this stage of my theoretical conversion I have accepted the Nicene Creed as a broad statement of Christian belief.
The problem I’m now faced with is how to put this new belief into practical effect and in expanding my very basic knowledge and understanding of Christian doctrine. A large part of this has to do with choosing a specific religious group/church/denomination to help flesh out my religious practice and provide instruction in a more specific set of beliefs.
Given that there are hundreds of competing Christian denominations/churches/doctrines;
How do I go about making a choice?
Based on opinions I’ve seen expressed in CF, it seems that the right choice may be critical for my salvation and could determine if I become a ‘real’ Christian or not. While, for me, this is a hypothetical question, I am sure that it‘s a real issue faced by many new Christians.
Please Note:
1. The SoP for this Forum asks that you refrain from debating theological differences. I am not asking for an advertorial on your particular Christian doctrine. I am seeking an understanding of how I might go about deciding between competing claims.
2. Christian discussion is often packed with Christian jargon/stock phrases and vague Bible quotes which can be impenetrable for those of us on the outside. I’d be grateful if you could please try to stick to plain English. At the very least, explain your terminology.
OB
There were not always hundreds of competing denominations, and in those that exist some assign variations of importance to the Creed. Follow history back, until you get to the point where that Nicene Creed is created. See what you find.
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