Is on denomination better than another? And how do you pick?

[FrauleinElsa]

Hi,

I'm not exactly a new Christian, but in many ways I am. I wasn't really raised in a strong christian household, but I was raised to believe in God. I was taken to church from a young age, but my mom pretty much left me to myself to develop my religious side. Which needless to say, didn't really work out. And so now I'm left to struggle with this on my own. I have no religious stamina, I don't know what I believe or where I belong. How you do pick a religion? How do you decided between a denomination? I like aspects of all denominations. I want to be Catholic, I like Messianic Judaisim, I feel I should look into Anglican, Episcopal, or Lutheran instead. I'm so confused! I don't know who I am. How do you pick a religion? I wish I had been born into Catholic or Methodist or Baptist. Then I feel I wouldn't be struggling and floundering so much. Can anyone tell me how to get this resolved? Is one denomination better than the rest? If I decide to become Catholic will I go to hell? And what about my family? I know they won't agree with that choice. And once I'm there, how do I stick with it? How do I have the religious stamina to make it through till judgement day? I was raised to belive in God but I didn't have a strong Christian upbringing. I just don't know if I'll be able to stick with any church I decide to go to. How do you do it? Can anyone out there offer any advice, advice how to stick with it from someone who's been there? Please! I need help. Thanks...

Elsa

 

[malckiah]

Hello friend, I love this question because the truth is so easy to accept. Let's take a look at why denominations exist.....They ultimately exist because of differences in viewpoints in scripture....or in some denominations they made up there own rules based on someones ideas.
So the best advice that anyone can give you is to have NO denomination. Just follow the teachings straight out of The Bible! Personally, i like non-denominational- because it follows The Bible only and when someone has a difference of opinion- they are not treated like poo. The most important thing is to belong to Christ- not a denomination! But if you really want to find a church to go to.....My advice is to first get very familiar with The Bible, then find a church, that way if they are not doctrinally sound, you wont get sucked into a lie. May The Lord bless you with wisdom to decipher truth from lies, and the strngth to follow the truth! amen.

 

[JoyforJESUS]

Great question@

I have a dear friend who answered this question for my brother. She was the daughter of a missionary, she said tht we have different "religions" because each of us understand things differently.
So what church to attend depends partly, on what is needed in your life.

Do I interpet scripture differently than someone else? probably. Does that mean that "james" believe structure (religion) is better that "judy's" no,

Go worship. Worship with may differing "religions" as long as they all recognize, the Father, The Son, and The Holy Spirit as one in three, and three in one.

Many blessings, my friend

 

[Angeldove97]

I use to be Orthodox, then converted to Protestantism, then to Catholicism. Honestly it doesn't matter Hun... as long as you call yourself a believer in Jesus Christ, as long as you can stand proudly and say you're a Christian.

Denominations were designed to seperate us and fight over whether or not we're right about this or that. Learn more about your beliefs and fellowship with alot of different (but the same) Christians.

 

[Elijah2]

"Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ" (Col. 2:8).

So denominations brought out doctrine, which is basically their philosophy.

The sad thing about Christianity today, is that, false teachers are now combining worldly and new age philosophies with The Gospel, and they all end up becoming elementary rules, principles, and regulations that church leaders try to impose on on believers according to the dictates of the world.

These latter days heresy is becoming common through the infiltration of new age and liberalised thinking in some churches, and they do not walk according to our Lord Jesus Christ.

I good indication that I have of a good church, is that they have Holy Communion every Sunday, they have great praise and worship led by anointed leader, they teach from the New Testament and teach meat and not milk about our Lord Jesus Christ, and they have fellowship after the Sunday service.

Therefore, if you can find a charge like that you will be blessed. Most Denominational churches that I've attended are boring and passive. So, go and look for a more out-there-in-your-face who work at the coal-face.

Love in Christ

 

[heymikey80]

How you do pick a religion? How do you decided between a denomination? I like aspects of all denominations. I want to be Catholic, I like Messianic Judaisim, I feel I should look into Anglican, Episcopal, or Lutheran instead. I'm so confused! I don't know who I am. How do you pick a religion?

As a longtime Presbyterian I sympathize. I'll start by saying, there are important things about denominational teaching. Your mom was actually listening to a particular view about God, and that got you into this situation. But do you think it affected her ultimate salvation, to put you in this quandary? I don't think so.

My point is this: denominations (within a pretty broad range) don't prevent you from being saved. They may hinder things as time goes on; they may help things. But embracing one doesn't destroy your salvation.

Salvation is based on Who you rely on for it. It's a Person, Jesus. If there's an issue about that -- I'd say C.S. Lewis' "Mere Christianity" is a great place to start on that issue. RC Sproul's "Choosing My Religion" is also a good introduction to the uncompromising basics.

Once a denomination appreciates those basics, then you're looking at issues that are further afield from your salvation. You're building a life in the Spirit, with Christ Jesus as Lord. Look for a church that helps that. People will come alongside you, help you find out what God says about such things. The teaching and preaching will help you make sense of this faith, and will prompt you to do what Christ commands.

As a Presbyterian, I will also say I think you are ultimately, personally responsible for your growth in faith. But you're not isolated from other believers. This is not a "final exam", where no one can look at other people's answers. And the only thing that matters is Who you rely on -- this test will not flunk you out of heaven! However -- your answers are conscientiously and carefully yours. Not another's.

 

[bigdAddyweAve423]

Hello FrauleinElsa!!!!


This may have already been mentioned but, I will say what I feel on this.

It doesnt matter what denomination you belong to/call yourself. We are all of One Body - The Body Of Christ. Me personally, I dont claim any denomination. I follow Jesus, He is My Saviour & My Lord & My God. I follow The Bible, God's Word. I dont belive in denominations. I really feel they just divide the Body of Christ.

So when I am ask, I say: "I believe in Jesus & that He is the Son of God."

God doesnt care what denomination we call ourselves. He is only concerned with where our hearts are.

God Bless!!!

 

[Sketcher]

The religion my parents passed down to me is simple: What the Bible says, no more and no less. There are churches of many denominations that follow this, and unfortunately, many that do not. The important thing is to get out there and try some solid churches, and read the Bible during the week. Avoid churches that say "Scientist," "Latter Day Saints," or "Jehovah's Witnesses." If someone says you must speak in tongues to be saved, never go to that church again. If a teacher there denys the Bible or Jesus Christ or any other cornerstone of the faith, don't go back.

The basics are here and here.

 

[cottom]

Investigate, Visit, Do they preach/teach/live the Bible? But, before you make any decision, pray, asking Holy Spirit, in accordance with John 16:13 to lead you in all truth.

 

[cottom]

I use to be Orthodox, then converted to Protestantism, then to Catholicism. Honestly it doesn't matter Hun... as long as you call yourself a believer in Jesus Christ, as long as you can stand proudly and say you're a Christian.

Denominations were designed to seperate us and fight over whether or not we're right about this or that. Learn more about your beliefs and fellowship with alot of different (but the same) Christians.

I get a little concerned when some say "as long as you believe." A TV news show just reported the 92% of Americans believe in God. Folks... Satan believes in God, Satan knows Jesus personally, Satan knows the Bible better than ANYONE on this forum. Satan ain't going to Heaven. Just believing, or mentally assenting, is not going to get 'er done.

 

[cottom]

Hi,

I'm not exactly a new Christian, but in many ways I am. I wasn't really raised in a strong christian household, but I was raised to believe in God. I was taken to church from a young age, but my mom pretty much left me to myself to develop my religious side. Which needless to say, didn't really work out. And so now I'm left to struggle with this on my own. I have no religious stamina, I don't know what I believe or where I belong. How you do pick a religion? How do you decided between a denomination? I like aspects of all denominations. I want to be Catholic, I like Messianic Judaisim, I feel I should look into Anglican, Episcopal, or Lutheran instead. I'm so confused! I don't know who I am. How do you pick a religion? I wish I had been born into Catholic or Methodist or Baptist. Then I feel I wouldn't be struggling and floundering so much. Can anyone tell me how to get this resolved? Is one denomination better than the rest? If I decide to become Catholic will I go to hell? And what about my family? I know they won't agree with that choice. And once I'm there, how do I stick with it? How do I have the religious stamina to make it through till judgement day? I was raised to belive in God but I didn't have a strong Christian upbringing. I just don't know if I'll be able to stick with any church I decide to go to. How do you do it? Can anyone out there offer any advice, advice how to stick with it from someone who's been there? Please! I need help. Thanks...

Elsa

Praise God for the Internet! When choosing a church you can "visit" without being there. Most churches today have web sites! They have enough for you to at least get an idea of what you are looking for.

I have thought of the differing denominations as one would different colleges. A person who is talented in music may not do well at an engineering college, or a fine arts person in a school of business. There are some that like to reach, learn, and experience more of God every day; there are others that dust their Bible off once a month if their pastor is coming for a visit.
My "minimum" for any church I would bother with, echoes Paul in 1st Corinthians 2:2 – “For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.”

 

[FrauleinElsa]

I wanted to wait to see if I got a variety of answers and to read each and consider them carefully. What you all have to say is very helpful and useful. I’m not sure why I need a denomination. I guess because it seems more defined than a non-denom. I am going part time to a place; I have to work weekends twice a month. But I’m not sure I’m happy there. The preaching is good and solid, and all. I like the pastor, but they don’t have any home groups. I feel I’m suffering spiritually because I can’t hang out with other women and learn from them and talk about what I’m going through. I’m not that strong spiritually and I’m very young in all this and I feel kind of lonely spiritually. I hate that my pastors won’t allow home cell groups. I think that’s part of why I’ve been depressed lately. I can’t talk about what’s bothering me in regards to spiritual issues, I can’t grow in my faith by being around stronger and more mature Christian women. I guess I’m not so much looking for a denomination but a place where I can stop feeling…lonely. Is this wrong? Is there anything wrong with the way I’m feeling or about the place I’m attending now? Is that weird that the pastors won’t allow home cell groups? Like I said, I still feel new at this and so I don’t know what’s abnormal and what’s not. Any advice and thoughts will be appreciated. Thanks for all who have posted replies. You have been helpful with your thoughts.

Thanks,
Elsa

 

[malckiah]

Hello again, i sure wishe dyou lived here, our church is a non-denominational church called Calvary Chapel- you may have one in your area. For one thing, you shouldnt feel lonely in a church, if the spirit is moving there, there would be people being loving, caring, ect. They should treat you as part of a loving family! Also, it is very important to have cell groups, its where each person can be used by God to edify one another! If you look in the new tesetament, you will notice at the end of alot of books, Paul will greet others in The church that is in their house! Pastors can be blessed and wise, but it should never be a one man show.....as it says in The Bible, we each have gifts and we all need each other for the effective working of The Body of Christ! i would say if you aren't sure about that church, try another! Seek The Lord in prayer and He will guide you! amen.

 

[Qyöt27]

I hate that my pastors won’t allow home cell groups.
...
Is that weird that the pastors won’t allow home cell groups? Like I said, I still feel new at this and so I don’t know what’s abnormal and what’s not. Any advice and thoughts will be appreciated. Thanks for all who have posted replies. You have been helpful with your thoughts.

Forgive me if I seem a little rash on this point, but that sounds an awful lot like the pastor has a serious control issue, and if that's the case probably shouldn't be pastoring in the first place. If it were me I'd get out of there quickly because stuff like that can escalate and end up making your spiritual life suffer (as from what you're saying it already is because of the isolation).

My suggestion would be to take a look at how the church's hierarchy is structured. Is the pastor accountable to anyone else in the church? Many churches have a board that makes sure that the pastor is doing what they should be, or a larger council of other pastors or a diocese that keeps things in line. And even if a hierarchy is there in theory, is it there in practice?

IMO, pastoring is a privilege and a great responsibility, not a position of power to be held over the congregation's heads and used to cookie-cut the members of the church to their will, and without a board or some sort of hierarchical structure to keep them in check the position can easily be abused (not to say it doesn't get abused in churches with a hierarchy, but it's checks and balances and the overall likelihood of something of that nature happening is reduced).

As to the theological portion of this thread, it's a difficult question. Of course everyone would recommend someone that's seeking to come to their church, and while I know that I've found where I fit theologically, I know that's not where everyone else does.

My answer would be that if they can affirm the Nicene creed (as this site requires to be considered Christian for posting concerns) then it's a good place to start. Figuring out what you believe is not something that happens all at once; it's a journey, and a gradual process that need to be taken one step at a time. While the concern is obviously that denominational churches will force people to follow one single path, it is still possible at each step for the person to review and study and meditate on the different available traditionally-orthodox views and to figure out where they stand on the issue, independent of the denomination's stance.

 

[FrauleinElsa]

No, I don’t think you’re being rash at all. In fact, you’re not saying anything I haven’t heard previously from a friend who left last year. She said that it’s just the pastor and his wife who is also a pastor. That was last year. Just recently, like over the summer they appointed three deacons. We’re rather small. But I’m not sure what role if any they play. To the best of my knowledge there isn’t anyone that holds them accountable. I don’t believe there is any kind of board or hierarchy like you mentioned. My friend said that the reason that there aren’t home cell groups is because they worry about a mutiny. And anyone who suggests that they start one is thrown out for “rebellion”. On our web page it clearly states that our pastors have been involved in home cell groups for years, yet there are no such groups at our church. I think that’s why I’m suffering. I’ve been struggling lately and I think I wouldn’t have if I could turn to a group that meets during the week for extra support. The only person that my pastor would have to answer to is a pastor at a nearby church. He used to attend there and this pastor helped my pastor get his start. Him and his church kind of sponsor my pastor and our church. He even told my pastor to put his weekly income that the church makes in tithes and offerings in the bulletin and he has yet to do that. That was a while ago. I’m not so concerned about a denomination but I do want the structure of one. I want one that follows the Bible strictly. I’m one who believes everything in it and I want to go where the leadership and congregants believe the same. I’m thinking of going back to my old church. In another post if you want to read it, I write where a friend today said that when we become Christians we become Spiritually Jewish. I’m pretty sure my old church would never have said that. There is quite a bit wrong with where I am now. The problem is that I have a really good friend there that I really care about. She’s like a grandmother to me. I’d really miss her and so it’s hard to think about leaving and not seeing her like I do now. Thanks for your post. I wish we could be friends in real time. I think I could learn a lot from you. What you said really made sense to me.

Elsa

 

[calidog]

I'll agree with Malchiah. First get grounded in the scripture, either by yourself, in a bible study group, or in a non-denominational church. You may eventually end up in a denominational church later.

 

[FrauleinElsa]

Yeah, that’s a good point. I could go with my mom and sister where they go. I think it’s non-denom. It’s a good place to go. I’ve visited a few times. So, I could definitely do that. Thanks for the post .

Elsa

 

[calidog]

and, most important, don't forget to read through the bible. A good place to start would be the new testament, perhaps the book of John.

God bless.

 

[jsimms615]

hi, well I was raised Methodist, but switched when i turned 18 to Baptist. I'm thinking of switching again. I don't know how long you have been a christian or what your habits are with your own reading and studying of God's Word. Sounds like your biggest issue is that you need to get better grounded yourself in God's Word. I would work on that more if I were you. That means setting aside time each day even if it is 15 minutes to read God's Word. Over time, that will help you to get better grounded.
Also, you should take some time to study the different denominations and what they practice. Catholic is very different from Protestant. Some churches have different beliefs when it comes to salvation and the Lord's Supper and Baptism. You need to go first to God's Word and see what it says and make up your mind about what you personally believe about those issues.
Another issue is style of worship, which varies widely from non-denominational to Catholic to other denominations. You need to think about what style of worship your comfortable with.
On amazon.com they have a book by Ron Rhodes called "The Complete Guide to Christian Denominations" which is only $11.19. That may help you to compare the differences.
Wish you the best.
Jeff

 

[soulsearching1]

I go to, well went to, an Episcopalian church- which as of 2 weeks ago, broke off and went Anglican. At this point in my faith, I don't particularly align myself to any denomination at this point. Right now, all that matters is that I believe in not only God, but that Jesus Christ did what he did (is the Son of God, rose from the dead, etc), which is the essential part of Christianity. As someone pointed out, 92% of Americans believe in God- but not all of them believe in Jesus. I go to the church I go to because I have now made some good friends there, the pastor is very good, and teaches from the Bible (NT), no more, no less. I take issue with certain aspects of some of the other denominations (esp. Catholicism), but I still don't know everything about all of them. At this point, I'll continue going to the church I go to, but if something changes, then I'll switch.