Why do we need any one denomination?

[W2L]

Strictly speaking we don't need denominations, yet they are a consequence of Churches not in communion with one another. So it seems like an odd question to ask.

The way you are presenting things, it's as if we can do Christianity on our own. Not ever has Christianity been done from a source text alone but always in direct relation to other people. The internet, as good as it is, cannot substitute for the way Church has been done for the last 2000 years, in person, receiving the sacraments and belonging to a real flesh and blood community.

IOW I need your faith instead of my own?

 

[dzheremi]

Do what exactly?

Go to liturgy. Go to church. Worship there, as part of the gathered assembly.

 

[W2L]

And beneficial in ways that go beyond instruction, including:

• Corporate prayer
• Corporate praise
• The sacraments
• The fellowship
• Being in a place where Jesus is present in a special way (Matthew 18:20)

Exactly.

Which church denomination?

 

[dzheremi]

IOW I need your faith instead of my own?

Did you start this thread to not hear opinions other than the one you already have?

 

[Radagast]

Strictly speaking we don't need denominations, yet they are a consequence of Churches not in communion with one another.

Denominations have to be understood as a strong form of incomplete unity, I think.

They provide accountability for pastors (and even if that might be flawed, it's better than nothing).

They provide theological agreement, in terms of creeds, catechisms, and confessions, and thus limit the number of heretical nutty ideas.

The way you are presenting things, it's as if we can do Christianity on our own. Not ever has Christianity been done from a source text alone but always in direct relation to other people. The internet, as good as it is, cannot substitute for the way Church has been done for the last 2000 years, in person, receiving the sacraments and belonging to a real flesh and blood community.

Exactly.

 

[W2L]

Go to liturgy. Go to church. Worship there, as part of the gathered assembly.

I dont believe in orthodox liturgy.

 

[Radagast]

Which church denomination?

Let me give you C.S. Lewis's answer (room = denomination):

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.

 

[Aabbie James]

Thank you.

You're welcome...

We are all disciples, yes... (Luke 6:40, John 13:35)
And teachers too... (2 Timothy 2:15)
Having received a gift... (1 Peter 4:10)
We are to be good stewards... serve one another, steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the LORD, knowing that in the LORD our labor is not in vain... (1 Corinthians 15:58)

How do we use our gifts in service to God, in service to our neighbor, to the Universal Church (the Bride of Jesus), to the local church (denominational, or otherwise, within our community), within our family?

A topical study of Spiritual Gifts is revealing much to the individual Christian about how best to use their Spiritual Gifts. I confess I don't do everything I could to serve one another, always abounding in the LORD's work, and that it would be difficult for a "virtual friend" on the Internet; or how one might be able to help hold me accountable, as it were, as compared to a friend, or teacher, or pastor of mine at my local church.

The local church needs men, women, and families to congregate in the house of the LORD for worship, fellowship, prayer, Bible study, to grow in the LORD; and "they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers." (Acts 2:42)

 

[W2L]

Did you start this thread to not hear opinions other than the one you already have?

I was looking for debate. Ive listened, but like you i have an opinion.

 

[Radagast]

I dont believe in orthodox liturgy.

Every church has a liturgy, of some kind or other.

 

[W2L]

Let me give you C.S. Lewis's answer (room = denomination):

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.

Here at CF you have that.

 

[Radagast]

Here at CF you have that.

No. You really don't.

 

[Not David]

The Orthodox Church is pre-denominational so the problem is solved.

 

[W2L]

Every church has a liturgy, of some kind or other.

Define liturgy

 

[W2L]

The Orthodox Church is pre-denominational so the problem is solved.

Myth

 

[W2L]

No. You really don't.

Why?

 

[Ignatius the Kiwi]

IOW I need your faith instead of my own?

Well what is my faith? I believe my faith is not mine but belongs to the entire Church, if by faith you mean the beliefs I hold and not the literal faith in Christ that we both have.

I don't see myself as unique enough for you to have my beliefs, but I would recommend the Orthodox Church's theology to anyone as to what Christianity authentically is.

 

[W2L]

I wondered the same thing not too long ago:

FORUMISTS

Cool thread

 

[W2L]

I'm a person...are you guys...?

Me too.

 

[Ignatius the Kiwi]

I'm a person...are you guys...?

Depersonalized contact between anonymous individuals is not the same as standing next to someone and receiving the Eucharist with them.