How do you know which one to pick?

[Hope4ul]

There are so many 'subgroups' within Christianity practiced by many self-identified Christians in the world. These groups range from Roman Catholicism and Eastern Orthodox Christianity, to Protestantism. How do you know which one to follow if each has their own beliefs? This is what I do not understand. It seems like it is a matter of interpretation. No offense to anyone, I just do not understand how the religious communities handle these types of discrepancies and differences.

 

[Jonathan817]

There is no such thing as a true church. A church is not a building with a certain set of doctrines.

 

[com7fy8]

Jesus is the truth (John 14:6) . . . all God is in human form. And Jesus growing in us and having us sharing with Him in how He loves is the correct interpretation of the holy scriptures.

"My little children, for whom I labor in birth again until Christ is formed in you," (Galatians 4:19)

And Jesus in us is "gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls." (in Matthew 11:28-30)

And God is the One who does this in us.

"Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you." (James 4:7)

So, the One who has it right is God through Jesus. But He does correct us more and more in what we think and do, but first changing us spiritually so we have the creativity of love for doing all He means by His word.

"rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God." (1 Peter 3:4)

So, the ones who have it right are the ones who are gentle and quiet in God's love. But even these need more correction and maturing > Hebrews 12:4-11 > 1 John 4:17 < so, even more mature Christians might have things of doctrine and practice which need correction.

So, I would say find people who are obvious examples who help you get real with God and find out how to relate in His love with others who are in God's family caring and sharing love while you also reach to ones who do not know how to love >

"nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock." (1 Peter 5:3)

So . . . welcome to Christian Forums

 

[Phronema]

My advice? Search history back to the time of Christ. The churches mentioned in the scriptures by the Apostles are still there.

It may very well come down to personal preference, but I prefer an ancient, and full worship service. To each their own of course though.

 

[HTacianas]

There are so many 'subgroups' within Christianity practiced by many self-identified Christians in the world. These groups range from Roman Catholicism and Eastern Orthodox Christianity, to Protestantism. How do you know which one to follow if each has their own beliefs? This is what I do not understand. It seems like it is a matter of interpretation. No offense to anyone, I just do not understand how the religious communities handle these types of discrepancies and differences.

The Orthodox Church was founded in Jerusalem circa 33 AD. One of my favorite hobbies is defending Orthodoxy in these forums.

Please study for yourself the history of Christianity. I once heard someone say "if you read the bible you will become a Baptist". I would counter that with "if you read the bible and understand it, you will become Orthodox".

 

[ewq1938]

There are so many 'subgroups' within Christianity practiced by many self-identified Christians in the world. These groups range from Roman Catholicism and Eastern Orthodox Christianity, to Protestantism. How do you know which one to follow if each has their own beliefs? This is what I do not understand. It seems like it is a matter of interpretation. No offense to anyone, I just do not understand how the religious communities handle these types of discrepancies and differences.

If a denomination teaches things that are not biblical or outright contradict biblical teachings then you know that denom. is full of man's traditions and to stay away from it. Just study the practices and teachings and you will see which is true and which is not.

 

[Sabertooth]

How do you know which one to follow if each has their own beliefs? This is what I do not understand. It seems like it is a matter of interpretation. No offense to anyone, I just do not understand how the religious communities handle these types of discrepancies and differences.

1. Have you heard of the four Spiritual laws? (It is relevant to your question.)
2. After you deal with that, try each church on and see which fits the best.

 

[~Anastasia~]

There are so many 'subgroups' within Christianity practiced by many self-identified Christians in the world. These groups range from Roman Catholicism and Eastern Orthodox Christianity, to Protestantism. How do you know which one to follow if each has their own beliefs? This is what I do not understand. It seems like it is a matter of interpretation. No offense to anyone, I just do not understand how the religious communities handle these types of discrepancies and differences.

I agree with others here who have said that studying Christian history - all the way back - can give a clearer picture of what has happened, what the Church was like, what she taught and believed, and how and why different groups teach differently.

The Church was the Church. In a very basic sense, Rome (Catholicism eventually) made certain changes (they believe doctrine, practices, etc. can develop - the other sees rejected this). Due to changes Rome made, and the desire of the Pope of Rome to claim authority, the Church split. And after further changes, Protestantism was born out of Catholicism. Their desire of course was to correct errors. Later reformations and further changes led to other kinds of Protestants, of which there are many now. I don't fault any of them. I'm sure they all did the best accordingvto their conscience to return to the practices and beliefs of the early Church. The problem is that there is a multitude of interpretations of what that means, outside of the historical context. Historical writings can answer many of these questions.

But conscience is an issue too. Salvation is not based on having technically correct theology (though correct theology can help with practice and applied properly will lead one to repentance and communion with God). Ultimately I could never tell anyone to go against their conscience. But all these individual questions of theology have answers and can be found out.

God be with you.

 

[Maria Billingsley]

Christianity is about Jesus Christ of Nazareth and The Kingdom of God. Denominations are layers of doctrines of men mixed in with the basic Gospel of Christ. Find Christ first, receive His Holy Spirit , pray for discernment (one of the gifts) then study the scriptures. He will lead you as "His sheep will hear His voice". Eventually, you will find an earthly home with other like-minded Christians.
Blessings

 

[disciple Clint]

There are so many 'subgroups' within Christianity practiced by many self-identified Christians in the world. These groups range from Roman Catholicism and Eastern Orthodox Christianity, to Protestantism. How do you know which one to follow if each has their own beliefs? This is what I do not understand. It seems like it is a matter of interpretation. No offense to anyone, I just do not understand how the religious communities handle these types of discrepancies and differences.

I would suggest that you pray for guidance from the Holy Spirit and then visit a few churches in your area. You will know which one is right for you because you will feel at home there. As you develop your walk you can gain more knowledge about Theology and church history but at this time you need to trust God.

 

[Halbhh]

There are so many 'subgroups' within Christianity practiced by many self-identified Christians in the world. These groups range from Roman Catholicism and Eastern Orthodox Christianity, to Protestantism. How do you know which one to follow if each has their own beliefs? This is what I do not understand. It seems like it is a matter of interpretation. No offense to anyone, I just do not understand how the religious communities handle these types of discrepancies and differences.

When you visit a church, look for what Christ said: John 13:35 By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another."

That's first.

Then, if you see that clearly happening, listen to a couple of sermons and services to see if you are learning what Christ taught, in the gospels. If so, the 2 most key things are there, and then it's about what way of worship works well for you. I'd not be able to choose a church without knowing a good number of things Christ taught, so that i can confirm whether the church is aligned to Him. You can start reading a gospel, like Matthew, if you haven't recently. All believers should test sermons by reading the scriptures the sermons are supposed to be from, full passages, to see if the preacher's version fits the full passage. Here's a nice link -- Matthew 1 NIV

 

[seeking.IAM]

I suppose it's a matter of one's point-of view. I view a small "c" church as a vehicle for the corporate worship of God, not some embodiment of dogma to which one marches in lockstep and pledges allegiance. I've never attended one where I've agreed with everything, and I've attended many. I personally hold that most are right about much and all are wrong about some. I say pick the one that most nurtures your faith and least offends your sensibilities.

 

[Halbhh]

There are so many 'subgroups' within Christianity practiced by many self-identified Christians in the world. These groups range from Roman Catholicism and Eastern Orthodox Christianity, to Protestantism. How do you know which one to follow if each has their own beliefs? This is what I do not understand. It seems like it is a matter of interpretation. No offense to anyone, I just do not understand how the religious communities handle these types of discrepancies and differences.

A good church will help you to focus on doing what Christ said we must do -- loving other people, all of them, better. Denomination isn't the key to that, but instead it's the individual pastor/congregation is my experience, from attending many churches of many types in many cities, including big denominations and some small ones. Which type of church it's labeled as won't matter normally. But if you find a kind that helps you follow Christ, that's good, and go with it.

 

[StephenDiscipleofYHWH]

There are so many 'subgroups' within Christianity practiced by many self-identified Christians in the world. These groups range from Roman Catholicism and Eastern Orthodox Christianity, to Protestantism. How do you know which one to follow if each has their own beliefs? This is what I do not understand. It seems like it is a matter of interpretation. No offense to anyone, I just do not understand how the religious communities handle these types of discrepancies and differences.

Everything must be tried by the Doctrine of the Apostles and Christ, every doctrine, every belief, every early church writer, everything must be tried by God's Holy word. If the Word Brought to you, or the word preached, is true then it cannot be proven wrong within God's word but is instead reaffirmed by it.

This is the only way to know if a belief is true, or if a denomination is true.1 Thess 5:21; 2 timothy 3:16-17; 2 timothy 4:1-2, 5; 2 Timothy 2:15

 

[Paidiske]

MOD HAT ON
This thread has been moved to the Ecclesiology forum.​

Please note and abide by the Statement of Purpose for this forum.​

MOD HAT OFF​

 

[A_Thinker]

When you visit a church, look for what Christ said: John 13:35 By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another."

Agree ...

 

[Hope4ul]

Thank you everyone for your responses.

It was nice hearing everyone's input. Thanks again!