How do I Choose?

[Tree of Life]

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

Realizing that you are ready to confess the Nicene (or even Apostles') Creed is huge. After that I would encourage you to join a church, start reading Scripture and praying, and begin cultivating a relationship with the Lord.

Which church?! Which denomination?! So long as it's an authentically Christian church (meaning - that they also accept the Nicene or Apostles' Creed*) it really doesn't matter. The Church that you start out in is probably not the one that you're going to end up in. As you develop your own understanding of Christian theology you'll probably change churches over time. But you can grow in any good church.

So I would say that you should grab ahold of whatever opportunities the Lord has put in your life. Maybe you have friends or family who are already part of a church. That would be a good place to start. Maybe you're already drawn to a certain expression of the faith and you don't know why. That also might be a good place to start. It doesn't really matter where exactly you start on the Way of Holiness. What matters most is that you start at all and that you stay committed to where the path will take you.

*This would exclude "Christian" cults like Mormonism or Jehovah's Witness

 

[Apologetic_Warrior]

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

One issue with your questions is that in posting on a forum such as this is the number of denominations represented. And every one of us believe we are correct, enough to commit to whatever denomination. So being a Calvinist, thinking I am correct, of course I am going to recommend going to a conservative Presbyterian Church. However it took me years to arrive at that particular conclusion. Come to find out, a great deal of the Christianity I grew up with had many things wrong and only after years of struggle and serious engaging, and many other things did I come to a different conclusion on theology. However, I realize that God does not require perfect mental ascensions, nor is salvation merely mental ascension to a set of propositions, it is much greater, it deals with the heart, mind, and soul.

 

[Apologetic_Warrior]

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

The truth is, God speaks through His Word, and uses it to communicate to people throughout the ages. The issues is not about who's right and who's wrong, Christianity is not so divided that we have nothing in common, nor do most of us start at the top of the theology totem pole. Trust God, trust in His revelation to mankind, without it, there is only religion.

 

[Occams Barber]

I woke up this morning to find a dozen posts providing earnest and well meaning advice on my hypothetical quest for the 'right' path.

Before going any further there's something I need to clear up.

In my OP I tried to make it clear that my sudden conversion was a purely hypothetical proposition designed to stimulate discussion on the issue of choice. Some of you, who may have come late to the conversation, are assuming that my conversion is a reality. I don't wish to mislead you and I apologise if I have unintentionally led you on. Unfortunately I'm not a new Christian - just the same old atheist I always was.

That said - I am grateful to all of you for your thoughtful contributions. If I have pushed back a little it's because I set out with the premise that I should treat all Christian doctrines as equal. If I were to become a Christian (which I'm not) I think I would probably tend towards the older versions where the combination of gravitas, a sense of old authenticity and a dash of incense would probably be in my comfort zone. In reality it may be that the latest all singing/all dancing prosperity gospel rockers actually have the key to eternal salvation - who knows?

I have harangued a couple of you for use of jargon. This is a real problem for someone from outside the Christian club and can be a little eye watering. Many Christians seem to automatically slip into jargon without realising they're doing it. I also have a sneaking suspicion that many Christians use the jargon without really understanding what it means.

Thank you all again. I'll try to get back to the new contributors ASAP but today is looking like "one of those days".

OB

 

[Apologetic_Warrior]

*yawn* screwtape letters

 

[Silmarien]

As someone who is still mid-transition from non-theism to Christianity, my first thought would be that this is a problem that for the most part resolves itself well before being willing to accept the Nicene Creed. I haven't actually chosen a denomination, but there are only a couple of options I'm really considering. What plays into that choice:

1. The Eucharist. Some denominations treat it as symbolic, others insist upon the Real Presence. Which side you fall on will probably depend on what you bring with you, but you don't want to be in a church that disagrees with you on this issue.

2. Biblical hermeneutics. I will not accept literalism or any other approach that doesn't take into account the fact that we are dealing with ancient documents written by people who did not think like we do. I am uncomfortable with inerrancy as well, for similar reasons, though sometimes being uncomfortable is good.

3. Early theology. Does the church engage with Patristics writings when expounding upon theology or is its focus more modern? The less you pay attention to Patristics, the more danger there is in ending up with theological interpretations that are completely disconnected from historic Christianity.

I am ultimately only interested in Anglicanism and Orthodoxy. It really isn't a matter of who has the better theology--there are a lot of overlaps and you can be an Anglican while subscribing to a fully Orthodox theology. There are significant ways in which I match up to an Anglican mindset, and other ways in which I have much more in common with Orthodoxy. Orthodoxy is not something you choose on your own, though--you need to join the church as a catechumen and actually figure out whether or not conversion is in the cards.

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.

Research and critical thinking. Christianity allows those things.

 

[2PhiloVoid]

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​

Who says you HAVE to choose? I don't see Jesus, James, Paul, or Peter saying I 'have' to choose between them. So, I don't. Rather I approach Christianity on the whole in a Trans-Denominational, quasi-ecumenical manner, taking into consideration any and all that Trinitarian Christians have expressed since the time of Jesus, but keeping the New Testament authorities as Primary.

So, in essence, I'm a little bit 'Primitive Christianity,' a little bit Roman Catholic, a little bit Eastern Orthodox, and a chunk of Protestant. And if some fellow Christian doesn't like my more philosophically inclined approach, then "Tough!" As far as I see it, Faith in this lifetime is a journey on a narrow road, not a destination ... so we might as well enjoy the exploration (and ensuing discussions) while we're here.

​

 

[Occams Barber]

Who says you HAVE to choose? I don't see Jesus, James, Paul, or Peter saying I 'have' to choose between them. So, I don't. Rather I approach Christianity on the whole in a Trans-Denominational, quasi-ecumenical manner, taking into consideration any and all that Trinitarian Christians have expressed since the time of Jesus, but keeping the New Testament authorities as Primary.

So, in essence, I'm a little bit 'Primitive Christianity,' a little bit Roman Catholic, a little bit Eastern Orthodox, and a chunk of Protestant. And if some fellow Christian doesn't like my more philosophically inclined approach, then "Tough!" As far as I see it, Faith in this lifetime is a journey on a narrow road, not a destination ... so we might as well enjoy the exploration (and ensuing discussions) while we're here.

​

Your approach just means that EVERYBODY thinks you're wrong.
You might have adopted a piecemeal approach but you've still ended up with a doctrine and a set of preferences on how you practice your religion with no guarantees that you're any more right or wrong than the 'straight' Christians. Your choices appear to be fairly arbitrary.
OB

 

[2PhiloVoid]

Your approach just means that EVERYBODY thinks you're wrong.
You might have adopted a piecemeal approach but you've still ended up with a doctrine and a set of preferences on how you practice your religion with no guarantees that you're any more right or wrong than the 'straight' Christians. Your choices appear to be fairly arbitrary.
OB

You don't even know what my 'choices' have been, OB. And you have no knowledge of my 'methods' either, so I hardly think you're in a position to tell me what is most apropos, particularly since you 'ain't' a Christian as yet.

Moreover, however "piecemeal" you might imagine my approach to be, it doesn't mean everyone thinks I'm wrong on what is most central and germaine to Christian faith. Sure, I get some flack from the Hyper-Fundamentalists, but that almost goes without saying. As to "my" doctrine, it's in line with the Creeds since the whole point of my approach is to take a historical accounting of everything that has transpired within Christianity over the past 2,000 years ... It's hardly arbitrary, particularly if I'm using philosophical evaluation in the process of sifting through it all.

So, again. There isn't really a choice to be made upon becoming a Christian, other than to fellowship with a group that you find most spiritually helpful and axiologically appealing. The only real decision to be made is the one in which you actually decide to follow Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior and to continue to follow Him.

 

[Radagast]

If you read the bits you've highlighted these, to me, are vague jargon. How do I tell if "Holiness is here" and what is this door I'm knocking at? What are these "house rules and who is in the hall?

Yes, it is a metaphor. The "house" is Christianity (as he's defined it in his book Mere Christianity, which goes a little further than just the Nicene Creed). But there is a huge amount of shared belief and practice even just in the Nicene Creed.

The "hall" is the state of having accepted Christianity but not yet a specific denomination (i.e. the situation in the O.P.).

The "rooms" with "doors" are individual denominations (Catholic, Orthodox, Presbyterian, Baptist, Anglican, etc.). These are what you were asking about in the O.P.

The "rules common to the whole house" are rules shared by the various denominations (the 10 commandments, love your neighbour as yourself, Christians should be baptised, etc.).

So Lewis's recommendations are:

• Pray to God for guidance (the O.P. assumes belief in God).
• Obey the "rules common to the whole house"
• Ask yourself which of the various denominations is the most true (refer to the Bible)
• Ask yourself "is holiness here?," which I take as referring to both the way people live and to the way they approach God in their church services (although regarding the way people live he clarifies his position in The Screwtape Letters).
• It is better to pick a less-than-perfect denomination than not to pick any denomination at all, so make the best decision you can with the information available to you

 

[Occams Barber]

Yes, it is a metaphor. The "house" is Christianity (as he's defined it in his book Mere Christianity, which goes a little further than just the Nicene Creed). But there is a huge amount of shared belief and practice even just in the Nicene Creed.

The "hall" is the state of having accepted Christianity but not yet a specific denomination (i.e. the situation in the O.P.).

The "rooms" with "doors" are individual denominations (Catholic, Orthodox, Presbyterian, Baptist, Anglican, etc.). These are what you were asking about in the O.P.

The "rules common to the whole house" are rules shared by the various denominations (the 10 commandments, love your neighbour as yourself, Christians should be baptised, etc.).

So Lewis's recommendations are:

• Pray to God for guidance (the O.P. assumes belief in God).
• Obey the "rules common to the whole house"
• Ask yourself which of the various denominations is the most true (refer to the Bible)
• Ask yourself "is holiness here?," which I take as referring to both the way people live and to the way they approach God in their church services (although regarding the way people live he clarifies his position in The Screwtape Letters).
• It is better to pick a less-than-perfect denomination than not to pick any denomination at all, so make the best decision you can with the information available to you

Thanks Rad. I appreciate you taking the time to explain.
OB

 

[Silmarien]

Your approach just means that EVERYBODY thinks you're wrong.
You might have adopted a piecemeal approach but you've still ended up with a doctrine and a set of preferences on how you practice your religion with no guarantees that you're any more right or wrong than the 'straight' Christians. Your choices appear to be fairly arbitrary.
OB

What is a "straight" Christian? Up until 1054, there was only one Church*, so everyone is free to draw on anything from that period without actually crossing denominational lines. Even with later stuff, nobody is going to accuse an Orthodox Christian of heresy for liking Thomas Aquinas, Julian of Norwich, or Søren Kierkegaard.

There is really a lot more leeway here than you seem to realize. In necessariis unitas, in dubiis libertas, in omnibus caritas. I would say that the focus on denominations is wrong is general, though, because theological differences are not always dependent upon your denomination. Especially when dealing with churches that don't schism every time a disagreement pops up, you can end up with very diverse theological interpretations--a Catholic is allowed to be a Creationist or a theistic evolutionist, and the world doesn't come to a grinding halt.

*Not including the various groups that broke away earlier, like the Nestorians or Copts.

 

[A_Thinker]

Your approach just means that EVERYBODY thinks you're wrong.

You might have adopted a piecemeal approach but you've still ended up with a doctrine and a set of preferences on how you practice your religion with no guarantees that you're any more right or wrong than the 'straight' Christians. Your choices appear to be fairly arbitrary.
OB

Being a christian is really not about being right or wrong.

Most christians understand that, humanly, none of us get it all right. In fact, christianity, at its basic level, is based upon the presupposition that humans, whether believers or not, will err, to some degree, in their judgements.

So, it is not at all uncommon that some christians will think that other christians are wrong about some issue in the faith. Most knowledgeable christians would likely agree that christians have coalesced upon a few main points of belief, ... most often exemplified in the ancient Creeds, on which all christians should agree. All else is negotiable ... and arguable (though I don't believe that it does us an awful lot of good ... to argue such points).

 

[PloverWing]

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.

Several people have said very sensible things already in the discussion. I'll just add an item from my own experience. I've been a Christian virtually all my life, so I didn't have quite the experience of being a new adult convert looking at the dizzying array of church options. But I did have a time in my young adult life of exploring a number of different denominations to find out what I should believe and how I should worship. One helpful step in this search was studying the works of theologians, from the Church Fathers, through the medieval and Reformation eras, to modern times. I took several theology classes in college and continued reading on my own afterwards. This gave me a good grounding in how the thoughts of the church developed over time, and why the theologians came to the conclusions they did. Mere authority ("Believe this because I say so") doesn't hold much weight with me, but being presented with a sound argument can carry a great deal of weight.

This study of historical theology, and theologians' arguments, helped to clear a good deal of cruft out of my head, and it helped me to discern what to look for in a church, at least theologically.

This approach isn't for everyone. I like to read theology in my spare time, and that isn't everyone's hobby. But for someone who's well-read enough to include Occam in his username, it's something to consider.

I'll add that I agree with the other posters who have said that salvation doesn't depend on which denomination you pick, and I especially agree with Paidiske that some disagreements are more important than others. Many many of the disagreements between denominations are on secondary or tertiary issues -- style of worship, the nature of ordination, the nature of the sacraments, forms of church government, and so on. Those are important enough that people who disagree on them tend to do better having organizational structures that are separate from each other, but that's all; someone who agrees with me on the core of the faith (say, the Nicene Creed) but wants a different form of worship or church government is still clearly my fellow Christian.

 

[ViaCrucis]

Best I can offer is my own personal experience; granted I grew up as a Christian and so that makes things quite different. In my late teens/early twenties I reached a place where I had become effectively "homeless"; I had been raised a particular way but certain pressing questions had led me to become disenchanted with much of my hitherto Christian experience. Fundamentally, I attribute this to two distinct incidents, though I may avoid mentioning one so as to avoid the possibility of theological debate in your thread; the one I'll focus on was that I stumbled upon the doctrine of the resurrection of the dead. This was something that had never been taught to me in all my years of going to church, attending a Christian private school, attending Sunday school, youth group. It came about because I had been reading the Bible, I don't remember the exact passage I read which made me pause, but it did lead me to go onto the internet to see if I was the only person who got the impression that the Bible was saying that the dead rise on the last day. I was thoroughly and entirely shocked at what I discovered, not only was I not alone, it turns out that it's one of the most basic and universal teachings of the Christian religion, and then I came across a multitude of passages of Scripture which I had somehow managed to never have seen before. When I began asking questions, of my parents, of youth leaders from two different churches, my friends, etc they all were equally as puzzled as I had been. I wasn't alone in not having been taught this, somehow something so basic to Christian religion was simply either not being taught or not filtering itself into the common faith of virtually everyone I knew.

My response to all of this ultimately was to ask myself what else was I missing out on. Which led me to bury myself in a great deal of study, discussion, debate--which is why I'm here on Christian Forums today discussing and debating theology, history, etc even over 15 years later.

I read the Bible more for starters, but I didn't just read it on my own, I read it and also engaged in discussion and conversation with other Christians from across different denominations and traditions; I also wanted to know what the historical opinions and views on various subjects were. It wasn't enough for me to merely ask, "What do I think this passage means?" I wanted to know what the earliest Christians meant and understood, and that meant becoming acquainted with the ancient fathers of the Church. And so I became very interested in Church history, and read a lot on the subject and have continued to do so, I also have tried to make it a point to bother to understand what different Christian traditions and denominations say.

Ultimately, for many reasons, I eventually found myself becoming a Lutheran--quite by accident I should point out. I'm not going to tell you or others to become Lutheran, that's not my point, it's just where I ultimately found myself in my journey.

If I had to describe my methodology, insomuch as it was a methodology at all, it would be something like as follows:

1. What is the historic teaching of Christianity? That is, when I investigate the historical record, what are the ideas and teachings that I find?

2. What is the common teaching of Christianity? That is, when I look across the landscape of different Christian denominations/traditions/groups what are the ideas which are held in common, as opposed to ideas which are more peculiar, particular, or idiosyncratic.

3. Where do I find the overlap of what I read in Scripture, see in Christian tradition, and current Christian teaching/practice? That is, when I see Scripture, historic Christians teaching, and the teaching of a church today, are they all ultimately saying the same thing, or different things--I should want them to be saying the same thing instead of different things.

4. Where, ultimately, does my conscience and convictions lead me? At the end of the day I won't be able to violate conscience and conviction, where can I be where my conscience is not violated and my conviction is not compromised?

-CryptoLutheran

 

[aiki]

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.

All of this is predicated upon an academic acknowledgement of the God revealed in the Bible rather than a meeting of Him personally. But the God of the Bible is not merely an idea, a proposition to accept or reject, but a Person with whom you can interact! And when you do actually meet Him, acting in positive response to that meeting, to Him, will happen quite naturally.

Until that meeting happens, get into the Bible and study it. It is the very best place to build a basic knowledge and understanding of Christian doctrine.

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.

And how better to cut through all the noise than to go to the Source of all Christian belief, the Bible, and read there what the truth of the matter is. It's not actually as blurry and inscrutable as outsiders often contend that it is. A great deal of the Bible is very straightforward and plain. Some simple hermeneutics can go a very long way in sorting through the biblical text and getting at a right understanding of it. Here's a short list of interpretive rules to follow:

1. Never read a Bible verse. Read every Bible verse within its immediate context in order to properly understand its meaning.
2. The broader context of all of Scripture also clarifies and qualifies each individual verse. Any verse or passage divorced from the rest of Scripture or set at odds with it is bound to be misunderstood and misapplied.
3. Recognize what sort of literature you're reading. Some of the Bible is poetic, some apocalyptic, some prophetic, some wisdom literature, some historical account, and so on. It is not reasonable to read everything in the Bible as though it is all the very same sort of literature.
4. Consider the original audience and cultural milieu in which the writing occurred.
5. Distinguish between an "is" and an "ought." Description is not necessarily prescription.

 

[AntiFL]

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.​

In my view you don't need to join a christian sect. I don't view myself as a christian yet I believe Jesus Christ is lord. My focus is being like Christ.

 

[AntiFL]

What worked for me was reading the four gospels and sitting in silence for long periods of time in meditation and letting the holy spirit work. But just don't read go out and do something with the teaching of Christ.

 

[lee11]

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

Hi

First if all you become the temple of God, when you receive salvation so technically you are the church or tabernacle of God.

The denomination you chose to learn about God, to grow and learn and transform is called a fellowship.

It is a place where believers come together to praise, worship, honour, give thanks, and hear the word of God etc.

There are over 20, 000 different denominations that come under the umbrella of Christianity.

However you are not saved by the choice of your denomination, you are saved by the sacrifice of Jesus being crucified on the cross, redeemed and reconciled back to God by the blood of Jesus, and given authority and dominion back over enemy and the earth because Jesus was resurrected, and over came death and hell and sat down on the right hand side of God.

So you are free to chose a denomination of your choice, as all denominations are held to the same standard by God.

To love the Lord your God with all your heart soul mind and strength, and to love your neighbour as your self.

Pray to God, to lead you to a fellowship where you can start to develop your personal relationship with Jesus, and learn to grow transform and cultivate the fruit of the Spirit in your life.

It is a day to day process, but you you will progress and evolve over time.

Peace.

 

[Occams Barber]

First if all you become the temple of God, when you receive salvation so technically you are the church or tabernacle of God.

However you are not saved by the choice of your denomination, you are saved by the sacrifice of Jesus being crucified on the cross, redeemed and reconciled back to God by the blood of Jesus, and given authority and dominion back over enemy and the earth because Jesus was resurrected, and over came death and hell and sat down on the right hand side of God.

Pray to God, to lead you to a fellowship where you can start to develop your personal relationship with Jesus, and learn to grow transform and cultivate the fruit of the Spirit in your life.

Thanks Lee

When I set out my hypothetical conversion OP back in December I mentioned the issue of trying to avoid using jargon. Christians often slip into using formulaic words and phrases which carry little meaning to the uninitiated (like me). I've bolded some words from your reply, in the above quotes, to highlight places where you've slipped into Christian jargonese. I appreciate that these terms carry significant meaning for you but they may well be lost on non-Christians or new Christians. Sticking to plain English also helps to ensure that your message gets across without it sounding like preaching.

Thanks again for taking the time to reply.
OB