I don't know what Denomination I am

[Booko]

But as of right now, I don't know enough to form a personal opinion. Is Roman-Catholic a denomination of Catholic or is Catholic called Roman-Catholic?

First there was just Christianity

Then it split into two main divisions: Roman Catholic in the West and Orthodox in the East.

During the Reformation in Europe (15th century mostly) some of the Protestant churches broke from Rome. The Lutherans were formed based on some of the ideas of Martin Luther, the Anglicans when King Henry told Rome to take a hike, the Calvinist denominations (Reformed Presbyterian, etc) based on ideas of John Calvin, and so on and so on.

There are a lot of Protestant denominations, but it's not all that confusing really. They fall into some subgroups that make it easier to understand.

I was raised Reformed, which is a Protestant denomination that began in the Netherlands, but I've been a Baha'i for years.

I'd really advise church hopping to find out what different denominations are like. And don't be afraid or embarassed to ask questions. I've never been in a Christian church where members or the minister or priest weren't happy to answer questions after the service. Or before, if you get there a little early.

 

[theMINI]

Oh, go visit the evangelical church! They are very nice people every time I've gone. They know I'm not a Christian, but they've never held that against me at all.

I've made the rounds of most Christian denominations in this country at one time or another, and they all have good things to offer. If you have had no religious upbringing, it's probably best just to see as much as you can and make up your mind for yourself.

But an Evengelical church don't believe and teach the same things as a Roman Catholic church, do they? What's the difference?

 

[Cerrax]

Don't be afraid to go to another church! I've been to many different churches and attended their ceremonies. Everyone was a little different but they're all the same. Do Christ's work, be a good moral person and praise God. The rest is just ritualistic stuff that doesn't really matter. Don't trouble yourself with denominations, because it really doesn't matter what matters, is that you get the right message, regardless of what religion it comes from.

 

[sojourner]

I'd start with the Catholic Church. It's likely that's the church you were born into. See if your mother remembers where you were baptized. Go talk to a priest. If your interest is raised, keep going and learning. If not, go to the library and check out a book called A Handbook of Christian Denominations by Frank Mead. It will give you all the basics of most denominations, from a non-biased point of view.

Remember, you are baptized, so you are a Christian. Don't let anyone tell you that your baptism is invalid, or doesn't "count" in some way. Don't let anyone tell you that you aren't a "real" Christian because you don't go to their church and haven't been baptized in their particular way.

Find a friend who is devout and go to church with that person. It's easier if you have someone you trust to help you into a church.

 

[roli]

But an Evengelical church don't believe and teach the same things as a Roman Catholic church, do they? What's the difference?

Mini:
Joeboonda said it well,but Mini may I just add one thing,before you set your head on your pillow tonight,ask God to show you the truth,because that is in essence what we are all searching for,listen to what Jesus says about truth
Jhn 8:32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free
Jhn 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
Jhn 16:13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, [that] shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.
Ask in your own words and own manner for God to show you the truth,and as sure as you are setting ther reading this God will reveal truth to you.

 

[Green Kepi]

Mini...have you thought about just being a Christian? Nothing more, nothing less. No other name "tacked-on". Why not be just like the 1st Century Christians before all the man-made changes started after the Apostles and Jesus died here on earth. They were Christians...not Baptists, Methodists, Catholic, etc. Man has so messed up such as simple thing...sometimes it seems as if we are like rooting for football teams...waving flags and each thinking we are on the "right" side. It does matter how we worship...Jesus said so!!!

 

[theMINI]

Mini...have you thought about just being a Christian? Nothing more, nothing less. No other name "tacked-on". Why not be just like the 1st Century Christians before all the man-made changes started after the Apostles and Jesus died here on earth. They were Christians...not Baptists, Methodists, Catholic, etc. Man has so messed up such as simple thing...sometimes it seems as if we are like rooting for football teams...waving flags and each thinking we are on the "right" side. It does matter how we worship...Jesus said so!!!

Are there any "Christian" churches?

 

[Booko]

Are there any "Christian" churches?

There are some non-denominational ones. But they are still very...denominational. As in Protestant-like.

 

[sojourner]

Are there any "Christian" churches?

Happily, YES!!! There is the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). (Their website is www.disciples.org, for more info, with links to congregational websites.)

There are some non-denominational ones. But they are still very...denominational. As in Protestant-like.

Actually, the Disciples of Christ is a denominational body. But...there are also "independent" (non-denominational) Christian Churches. You'll find the difference is that Disciples tend to be more "mainline" (very much like Methodist, Presbyterian, UCC, and some Lutherans), and liberal, while the independents tend to be more fundamental and evangelical. (I don't think there is a website for this group, since they're non-denominational.) There are also Churches of Christ -- usually a little more conservative than independent Christians.

These three bodies all work toward the unity of all Christians, without specific doctrines that one "must" believe. Any of these three would be a great place for you to explore who you are in the world of religion. (See the section under "Restorationists" in the Abrahamic Religions forum.)

 

[Green Kepi]

Mimi...confusing, isn't it? So was I at one time...still am on occasions. Sojourner gave some good advise; however, please take note that the Disciples of Christ and the Church of Christ are also different in their teachings. For example, the Disciples of Christ usually use instrumental music in their worship services. While most Churches of Christ do not...again, even some with the name Church of Christ have instrumental music. See how confusing "religious" people are? Is there any doubt why one such as you is confused?

Please study carefully the Scriptures in your own Bible. See whether these things are so. (Acts 17:11) and be fully persuaded in your own mind (Romans 14:5). Where you decide to attend, learn to decern if it fits the characteristics of the Church in the Bible or if it was built at later times and in other places. If the people do not worship as the pattern taught by Jesus and the Apostles...don't attend there. Consult a history book and see if the churches in your community began in Jerusalem in the years immediately following the resurrection of Jesus.

Become a member of the church you can read about in your own Bible. God's Word must authorize all that is done in Christian worship. Try to do Bible things in Bible ways. Find a group of Christians that have communion every week, just as they did in New Testament times. Go where the whole congregation sings acapella style, just as they did in New Testament times.

Remember...no group or place is going to be perfect. Everyone...has much to learn.

 

[sojourner]

Mimi...confusing, isn't it? So was I at one time...still am on occasions. Sojourner gave some good advise; however, please take note that the Disciples of Christ and the Church of Christ are also different in their teachings. For example, the Disciples of Christ usually use instrumental music in their worship services. While most Churches of Christ do not...again, even some with the name Church of Christ have instrumental music. See how confusing "religious" people are? Is there any doubt why one such as you is confused?

Please study carefully the Scriptures in your own Bible. See whether these things are so. (Acts 17:11) and be fully persuaded in your own mind (Romans 14:5). Where you decide to attend, learn to decern if it fits the characteristics of the Church in the Bible or if it was built at later times and in other places. If the people do not worship as the pattern taught by Jesus and the Apostles...don't attend there. Consult a history book and see if the churches in your community began in Jerusalem in the years immediately following the resurrection of Jesus.

Become a member of the church you can read about in your own Bible. God's Word must authorize all that is done in Christian worship. Try to do Bible things in Bible ways. Find a group of Christians that have communion every week, just as they did in New Testament times. Go where the whole congregation sings acapella style, just as they did in New Testament times.

Remember...no group or place is going to be perfect. Everyone...has much to learn.

Thank you for saying that the church I attend (as well as many other manifestations of the Church) is not characteristic of the Biblical Church.

Your commentary on what does or does not constitute "Biblical" worship and "Biblical" Church is your opinion. Your opinion is not what Mini needs at this point.

Mini:
GK is correct. Most congregations that call themselves "Church of Christ" believe that the use of musical instruments in worship is not Biblical. However, their opinion does not mean that other congregations that do use musical instruments are not valid churches. I think GK is creating confusion for you that is not necessarily helpful.

Should you decide that musical instruments are not OK for use in worship, that's your decision and you might be very happy in the Church of Christ. But, I wouldn't make that particular issue the focal point of your search for the right place for you.

BTW, there are no churches that do things exactly as they were done in Bible times. One must consider, not only what the Bible says to us about worship, but what the tradition tells us about worship, as well.

 

[Green Kepi]

Now...Sojourner, you get down on me for "my opinion", then turn right around and give your "opinion". Who's confusing whom? What's your definition of an opinion? All I was attempting to say to Mini was that the beginning of the church is recorded in the Bible in Acts 2. In this chapter, the church is spoken of for the first time in the present tense (Acts 2:47). It was established with divine "power" as promised to the Apostles (Mark 9:1; Luke 24:49; Acts 1:8; 2). No other church has ever been established with such power and under such remarkable conditions. My question to you or whomever, is...Why do we think we need another church than what Jesus heads and established? Oh, I've had many say, "Come on...we all worship the same God"! Well, true...but, do we worship Him as He wants to be worshipped? I think not. Why not attempt to worship Him as we find it in the Bible? Man has screwed things and confused things...not God.
For example: the Roman Catholics were founded by Boniface III in 606; Lutherans in 1520; Presbyterians in 1536; Baptists in 1607; Methodists in 1739; Mormons in 1830; Adventists in 1830; and Christian Scientists in 1866 (to name a few).

Why? Why can't we just be Christians in name only? Because man likes to have it like at Burger King. I want things my own way. We Christians are just like the Jews are and were...we can't agree on anything. Even the Muslims are split.

Satan's good at what he does...as long as he can keep the Christian Army "shooting their wounded"...he's winning. That's what we are doing...even this "so-called" same faith forum...is a joke to him. Why...? Because many will probably answer this post back with hostility and consider it an attack on their personal beliefs. It's not. It's more of a question...why can't we? Just be the type Christian that we find in the Bible? Okay...let me have it ....

 

[sojourner]

Now...Sojourner, you get down on me for "my opinion", then turn right around and give your "opinion". Who's confusing whom? What's your definition of an opinion? All I was attempting to say to Mini was that the beginning of the church is recorded in the Bible in Acts 2. In this chapter, the church is spoken of for the first time in the present tense (Acts 2:47). It was established with divine "power" as promised to the Apostles (Mark 9:1; Luke 24:49; Acts 1:8; 2). No other church has ever been established with such power and under such remarkable conditions. My question to you or whomever, is...Why do we think we need another church than what Jesus heads and established? Oh, I've had many say, "Come on...we all worship the same God"! Well, true...but, do we worship Him as He wants to be worshipped? I think not. Why not attempt to worship Him as we find it in the Bible? Man has screwed things and confused things...not God.
For example: the Roman Catholics were founded by Boniface III in 606; Lutherans in 1520; Presbyterians in 1536; Baptists in 1607; Methodists in 1739; Mormons in 1830; Adventists in 1830; and Christian Scientists in 1866 (to name a few).

Why? Why can't we just be Christians in name only? Because man likes to have it like at Burger King. I want things my own way. We Christians are just like the Jews are and were...we can't agree on anything. Even the Muslims are split.

Satan's good at what he does...as long as he can keep the Christian Army "shooting their wounded"...he's winning. That's what we are doing...even this "so-called" same faith forum...is a joke to him. Why...? Because many will probably answer this post back with hostility and consider it an attack on their personal beliefs. It's not. It's more of a question...why can't we? Just be the type Christian that we find in the Bible? Okay...let me have it ....

There is no "other church." The Church is "essentially, intentionally and constitutionally one" as your founding forebear said in his "Declaration and Address."

I don't think we do...

We do as long as we "worship in Spirit and in Truth..."

The RC's and many Church historians would disagree with you here.

And don't forget to add the Churches of Christ, which were founded in 1832, when Barton Stone's Disciples and Alenxander Campbell's Christians came together at Cane Ridge. And then later more narrowly defined themselves in the United States Census of, I believe, 1909, when the (mostly southern) church leaders of the Stone-Campbell movement parted ways with the other Christian churches and became known separately as the Churches of Christ.

What type of Christian would that be? It differs according to individual perspective.
You claim that you are that kind of Christian. The Mormons claim that they are that kind of Christian. The RC's claim that they are that kind of Christian. Why can't we express our differences in greater unity, instead of attempting the humanly impossible: uniformity?

 

[Green Kepi]

Sojourner...I'm trying to understand some of your comments. What do you mean, "...as your founding forebear said in his Declaration and address"...who's this?

When then was the name "Catholic" first used? No offense to the "RCs" and whoever the "historians" are.

Why did you want me to not forget to include the Churches of Christ? "Barton Stone" and "Alexander Campbell" mean nothing to me. I don't ever remember reading about them in the Bible nor do I follow their teachings. Why would you assume that I am Church of Chirst?

I don't agree with your statements that many "claim to be that type of Christians". No way. I've studied with Mormons...even at Brigham Young University. Last time I noticed, they had an additional book...anyway, I suspect that we'll continue chasing around in a circle with this discussion....

 

[sojourner]

Sojourner...I'm trying to understand some of your comments. What do you mean, "...as your founding forebear said in his Declaration and address"...who's this?

When then was the name "Catholic" first used? No offense to the "RCs" and whoever the "historians" are.

Why did you want me to not forget to include the Churches of Christ? "Barton Stone" and "Alexander Campbell" mean nothing to me. I don't ever remember reading about them in the Bible nor do I follow their teachings. Why would you assume that I am Church of Chirst?

I don't agree with your statements that many "claim to be that type of Christians". No way. I've studied with Mormons...even at Brigham Young University. Last time I noticed, they had an additional book...anyway, I suspect that we'll continue chasing around in a circle with this discussion....

Try in the 3rd century, with the Apostles' Creed: "I believe in one, holy, CATHOLIC, and apostolic Church."

Because you seek the following:

Become a member of the church you can read about in your own Bible. God's Word must authorize all that is done in Christian worship. Try to do Bible things in Bible ways. Find a group of Christians that have communion every week, just as they did in New Testament times. Go where the whole congregation sings acapella style, just as they did in New Testament times.

This is classic Church of Christ theology.

And Mormons claim to worship Biblically, just as Jesus himself intended. Ask any of them in this forum. Ask any Catholic, Orthodox, or Anglican if they believe themselves to be Biblical Christians, with a direct line to the Apostles. Most Disciples of Christ will claim that their worship is Biblical, too.

I apologize if I assumed incorrectly -- but you do come off as quintessential Church of Christ.

 

[Green Kepi]

Interesting. All I claim to be is Christian. I am not a "Church of Christer"...but, if I was...what's so wrong with their "theology"? You seem to be ready to defend all others to include "historians"; but, not them. All I'm asking is, what is so wrong with "trying" to get as close to the way Jesus and the Apostle taught and worshipped? The way I view the Bible is that I could be a Church of God'er, a Bride of Christ'er, (I take my second sentence back...), I could even be called a "Church of Christ'er. Any way you look at it...what's so horrible with just wearing the name Christian? Even Martin Luther asked that no one would name a group after him...and what happened? We now have the Lutherians. Why Baptist? John the Baptizer was not Baptist.

Oh well, I might as well give up on this thread and go on to something else....thanks anyway. No hard feelings and God bless each and all...(until I get fired up about something else :0)....

 

[sojourner]

Interesting. All I claim to be is Christian. I am not a "Church of Christer"...but, if I was...what's so wrong with their "theology"? You seem to be ready to defend all others to include "historians"; but, not them. All I'm asking is, what is so wrong with "trying" to get as close to the way Jesus and the Apostle taught and worshipped? The way I view the Bible is that I could be a Church of God'er, a Bride of Christ'er, (I take my second sentence back...), I could even be called a "Church of Christ'er. Any way you look at it...what's so horrible with just wearing the name Christian? Even Martin Luther asked that no one would name a group after him...and what happened? We now have the Lutherians. Why Baptist? John the Baptizer was not Baptist.

Oh well, I might as well give up on this thread and go on to something else....thanks anyway. No hard feelings and God bless each and all...(until I get fired up about something else :0)....

Interesting. My denomination says that "we are not the only Christians, but Christians only." (Churches of Christ are "kissin' cousins to us). You really do come off as classic Church of Christ. And there's nothing wrong with that, at all!!! Don't get me wrong. But you need to realize that no tradition really practices things as they were in the beginning. No tradition is "correct" in that way. The Church, being organic in nature, must grow and change, just as we grow and change. None of us would wish to revert to the days when we were two years old!

We can revise our belief and worship and try to come close, but, respectfully, I don't think Biblical worship, as I believe you envision it, is possible. There just isn't enough information in the Bible to "flesh out" our worship. Isn't it enough to worship "in spirit and in truth?" Doesn't God really desire our heartfelt worship, and not "correct" worship?

In truth, I'm glad you want to be simply a Christian. My prayer is that, someday, we can all refer to ourselves simply as "Christian." You go!:highfive:

 

[Green Kepi]

Okay...I'll accept that. Take care....

 

[wanton_werewolf]

If you don't want to be hassled by dozens upons dozens of confusing denominations and sectors of christianity, but still want the familiarity of a single God, I suggest you become a Jew *nods head sagely*

 

[Valjean]

Well, this discussion has degenerated into Christians arguing over how many angels can dance on the head of a pin.

Mini, don't allow yourself to be channeled into a narrow Christian avenue. You might already be a Buddhist, a Parsi, aTaoist, A Shintoist. Find out what your primary focus is before before worrying about denominational infighting.
Click on my previous link, in # 15.