Why does my pastor put down other denominations?

[lordismyshepherd]

I'm really struggling with this lately. My old church was very loving and accepting of other Christians, but my current church, the pastor is always talking about how other denominations are wrong.

Is this normal?

 

[Willie T]

I'm really struggling with this lately. My old church was very loving and accepting of other Christians, but my current church, the pastor is always talking about how other denominations are wrong.

Is this normal?

May I be so bold as to suggest you arrange a time to sit down with him, and ask him "Why?"

He may feel he has legitimate reasons, and will explain them to you.

Or..... you may find that he is just saying this because, like so many other denominations...... "If they don't believe like our denomination does, then, of course they have to be wrong."

 

[catholichomeschooler]

I'm really struggling with this lately. My old church was very loving and accepting of other Christians, but my current church, the pastor is always talking about how other denominations are wrong.

Is this normal?

If his points are made with charity there is nothing wrong with comparing and contrasting dogmas in order to convey the truth.

 

[lordismyshepherd]

No, it is very negative, bashing kind of. I don't like it when someone bashes my faith without knowing me, and yet so many judgements are being made. I want to hear the Bible, not church bashing.

 

[FuzzyBunnySlippers]

I agree that sitting down with this pastor and asking him to explain himself is a good idea.

This is part of what is cleaving the body of Christ into pieces. Denominationalism. Fracturing Christ's truth into pieces of property.

 

[FuzzyBunnySlippers]

I would not agree that solves the problem.

 

[WithLoveFromAlyssa]

What was the first / original church? Is the original / first church the true church?


*I am not saying if this article is correct or not, its what I found. Its simply saying the first church was what was recorded in the new testament. Not a particular denomination.
Read it anyways, If you'd like..

Also, do we really think God wants us in different denominations? ..There are so many now a days.. we have to wonder if this was what Jesus was talking about when He said Do not let there be divisions among you.

This is why I do not label myself a certain denomination. I am simply A christian. Yes, I may go to A Baptist church one week. Does that Make me a baptist? What if I go to a methodist church? Does that make me a methodist?
Moreover, why call myself a certain denomination? Other than christianity? *Not saying these denominations aren't christians*

We need to truly see what Gods word says, And lead on from there. Chances are.. you will never find a church where you agree 100% With Due to either the pastors opinions or your opinions. HOWEVER, That doesn't mean we should talk badly about them.

We can all agree some christian denominations seem to be wrong.. BUT...
I gurantee the ones I think are wrong.. some of you will think are 'okay'

 

[standingtall]

Nothing like person from denomination X going to denomination Y's forums and telling them they are wrong.

Makes for a short thread life, don't it?

 

[abysmul]

I'm really struggling with this lately. My old church was very loving and accepting of other Christians, but my current church, the pastor is always talking about how other denominations are wrong.

Is this normal?

I just want to echo others that have said this, sit down, talk with the pastor. You have every right to ask, and be answered.

 

[heirmiles]

If you do a word search of the words "church", "churches" (gk: ekklesia) in the Bible you will find the vast majority of uses in the New Testament refer to the local body of believers. I suggest a Gateway Bible online search to confirm this.

As to the OP, some people believe the Christian life is always a battle, and one way to "unite" a people is to give them a "common enemy", while traditionally this has been "The world, the flesh, and the devil," some extend this "battle" to everything that isn't their congregation. It's a pretty common theme that I've seen over the years, and tends to work for people who enjoy the various forms of "intellectual conflict."

 

[lordismyshepherd]

Makes for a short thread life, don't it?

I'm told in church I am to call people out when they are wrong, so what's wrong if someone else does it?

 

[lordismyshepherd]

If you do a word search of the words "church", "churches" (gk: ekklesia) in the Bible you will find the vast majority of uses in the New Testament refer to the local body of believers. I suggest a Gateway Bible online search to confirm this.

As to the OP, some people believe the Christian life is always a battle, and one way to "unite" a people is to give them a "common enemy", while traditionally this has been "The world, the flesh, and the devil," some extend this "battle" to everything that isn't their congregation. It's a pretty common theme that I've seen over the years, and tends to work for people who enjoy the various forms of "intellectual conflict."

Well I want to be in a church where I can follow the will of Christ. There is always conflict, you're right on that.

 

[lordismyshepherd]

The greek orthodox says they are the first also.


What we need to do it look at the bible and make our decisions from there.

Praying the rosary isn't In the new testament..
either are some things other churches do.

Ok, this is what I hear at church. Abortion and cigarettes are also not in the Bible...

 

[lordismyshepherd]

The greek orthodox says they are the first also.


What we need to do it look at the bible and make our decisions from there.

Praying the rosary isn't In the new testament..
either are some things other churches do.

I like the 819 one. It's saying salvation is available to all. That makes sense.

 

[heirmiles]

Well I want to be in a church where I can follow the will of Christ. There is always conflict, you're right on that.

Praise the LORD!

I'll let you know if I ever find one

 

[lordismyshepherd]

Exactly.

If I go x denomination... and then another church from the same denomination.. there will be differences.

There should be no differences, the Bible is clear on that. Again another thing I am struggling with.

 

[lordismyshepherd]

Praise the LORD!

I'll let you know if I ever find one

Again, we are called not to be divided. My friends of other denominations do not come across these denomination bashing issues that I have.

 

[abysmul]

There should be no differences, the Bible is clear on that. Again another thing I am struggling with.

The Bible is clear, there were differences in the very first churches.

 

[WithLoveFromAlyssa]

There should be no differences, the Bible is clear on that. Again another thing I am struggling with.

Should there be differences NO. is there? YES.

There are different views on many things.
The absolute best thing you can do is read the bible and make an educated choice about what church to go to.
It doesn't mean you are what that denomination is.. you are simply going to a church to be united with other believers and to learn Gods word..and WORSHIP god.

 

[Willie T]

I'm told in church I am to call people out when they are wrong, so what's wrong if someone else does it?

Think about that....

You are told......... So? That just proves a lot of people have opinions. Read for yourself.

.... to "call people out". Really?" Is that what the Bible says? Read for yourself.

".... when they are wrong." Who makes that decision?" Read for yourself.