[CS-FSLUG] A couple of thoughts on denominations

[Don Parris]

I have long viewed denominationalism as "not an all bad thing".  While
it seemingly divides believers - and to some extent it truly does, I
think that denominations are one way that God makes the best of our
human condition to reach out to so many different people.

My dad is a hosptial chaplain and has worked closely with Catholic
nuns in that capacity.  He also fills in for nearly every preacher in
town when they're out on vacation.  He is now a Disciples of Christ,
after having changed from Southern Baptist.  When I was at Camp
LeJeune as a Marine, I began attending a United Methodist church off
base.  One could have easily mistaken that church for any Southern
Baptist church, other than the recital of the Apostles' Creed.

Perhaps because I grew up following Dad to preach at various churches,
and my God-Mother was a Nun, I never thought a thing about one
denomination being "more true" or any similar thing.  I've spent 8
years in the Missionary Baptist churches of the National Baptist
Convention.  I now lead a house church and recently brought our
ministry under the umbrella of a larger cell-based church.

I am saddened by the turmoil some denominations have faced in recent
years.  I will always disagree with Lutherans on transubstantiation. 
Yet, I have the most serious issue with the Oneness Pentecostal
movement, and its denunciation of the trinity.  Not all pentecostals
are involved in the Oneness movement, and I am usually careful to try
to sort out who's who.

Beyond that, I take each Christian I meet on the terms of his or her
own faith in Jesus Christ.  I take each church on the merits of its
theology.  Ultimately, this is how we must all stand before our
Creator - as indivduals.  So, my Lutheran brother, though we may
disagree on some issues, I still see you as a brother in Christ.  I
will love you as a brother in Christ.  And, if we should ever be put
to the test, may God help us to stand together as brothers in Christ.

Don


On Sat, 18 Sep 2004 15:25:25 -0500, Christopher Rose <kf6snj at lycos.com> wrote:
> Recently the topic was opened about denominations based, in part, upon my postings which are heavily influenced by my being in the Lutheran church. Does this mean that I believe the Lutheran church can make the claim of being the "true" church? NO! I do not believe that any church can make that claim. Any church that claims itself to be the one and only true Christian church is guilty of heresy.
> 
> Now then, I do not see denominations as being good or bad. Rather, denominations are often based upon a particular understanding scripture. The Lutheran church, for instance, heavily makes the statement of "Word Alone" (I knowingly make this statement with an understanding of certain dialogues within the ELCA that violate this principle). This statement is based upon the understanding that our source of salvation comes from the very mouth or "word" of God. That word is likewise understood as being Christ, the "word" made flesh.
> 
> Now, that is just a simple understanding of what is believed by the Lutheran church, there is so much more. However, for the sake of making my point, I will state while the Lutheran church is not the only "true" church. Rather, here is the one "true" christian church: "Those who worship the Father in spirit and truth". There is no denominational (or non-denominational) church that can, in itself, make the claim of being the "true" church.
> 
> It is true, however, that each denomination serves a purpose in the wider view of the Christian church. I like to believe that each church has done well in that they try to teach what is written in the scriptures and that through the scriptures, God's Holy Spirit draws people unto Christ. To some extent, I also like to think that denominations serve as an avenue by which believers can come together to share in fellowship and communion. Example, perhaps a more traditional, even liturgical, service is what is the believer's heart and a Lutheran or Methodist church might work. Likewise, a believer may desire a more contemporary style of worship, in which a Baptist/Pentecostal or non-denominational (which I would contend as being a denomination in itself) church may fit the bill. Indeed, there are times when a denomination is created because of a church split that is based upon a certain style of worship versus another style.
> 
> Ultimately, it is not about being in this denomination or non-denominational church. It is ultimately about whether or not we trust in Christ Jesus as our saviour and whether or not we truly repent of our sins.
> 
> Pax,
> 
> Christopher
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