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[Poll]
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What is your opinion about denominations?
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| They are of the devil! |
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| They are divisive. |
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| They are helpful for knowing a church's doctrine. |
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| They are a necessary evil. |
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| There's nothing wrong with them. |
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| They are all cults (excpt mine, of course). |
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| Denominations are a part of God's plan. |
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| Other |
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Total Votes : 68
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(last vote on : 7/5/2008 3:09:44 AM)
(Poll will run till: -- )
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RE: What is your opinion about denominations? - 4/26/2008 7:50:31 PM
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walterquez
Posts: 1342
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quote:
ORIGINAL: Cloak
Eastern Standard time? Central.
How about yours? Is there a meal at the end?
_____________________________
St. Athanasius the Great
For our Canons and our forms were not given to the Churches at the present day, but were wisely and safely transmitted to us from our forefathers.
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RE: What is your opinion about denominations? - 4/26/2008 7:54:04 PM
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1love1God1way
Posts: 2417
Joined: 5/16/2005
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quote:
ORIGINAL: walterquez
quote:
ORIGINAL: rcjames
We have joint fellowship, joint services, etc. on a regular basis. We are full gospel holiness and I am having a SBC Pastor speak tomorrow morning I was not talking about having a guest speaker. Joint with "all" Protestants? LCMS, ELCA, SBC, PCA, PCUSA, Anglicans, Methodists, AOG, and others? Are you allowed to take communion in any of them? How about water baptism? If someone was baptized as an infant in one of the others, is that good enough for you? Or for the other denominations in general?
I can't speak for all denoms, or for RC, but. . .
As a part of the AOG, we celebrate open communion, meaning, you don't have to be a part of the church or the denomination to partake, all you have to have is salvation found in Christ the Lord.
quote:
I teach 9 Bible studies a week and we never have strife, sometime there are civil discussions and we study the Word until all come to unity on all salvic issues. Why did you end with, "until all come to unity"? And then "on all salvic issues"? Who determines what is salvic and what is not, since each denomination have their own take on it?
Again, not to answer questions that aren't for me, but the criterion of salvation is clearly laid out in Scripture, and if a denomination is teaching something other than what is in Scripture concerning the major points (minus secondary issues), then I would be hardpressed to consider them a Christian denomination.
_____________________________
love.ben
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RE: What is your opinion about denominations? - 4/26/2008 8:03:06 PM
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walterquez
Posts: 1342
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quote:
ORIGINAL: 1love1God1way
I can't speak for all denoms, or for RC, but. . .
As a part of the AOG, we celebrate open communion, meaning, you don't have to be a part of the church or the denomination to partake, all you have to have is salvation found in Christ the Lord. Communion in the sense of taking communion, but not in the sense of being in communion with other denoms. I know the AOG does not allow someone from a different denom to be a pastor of an AOG, especially if they don't believe in the baptism of the Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking in tongues.
_____________________________
St. Athanasius the Great
For our Canons and our forms were not given to the Churches at the present day, but were wisely and safely transmitted to us from our forefathers.
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RE: What is your opinion about denominations? - 4/26/2008 8:13:31 PM
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walterquez
Posts: 1342
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quote:
ORIGINAL: 1love1God1way
Again, not to answer questions that aren't for me, but the criterion of salvation is clearly laid out in Scripture, and if a denomination is teaching something other than what is in Scripture concerning the major points (minus secondary issues), then I would be hardpressed to consider them a Christian denomination. Who determines what are the major vs minus points? Each denom make the same claim that the criterion for salvation is clearly laid out, or the sole authority of the scripture, but despite this, they all have different interpretations. Why do we have OSAS vs Arminians vs others? Why is there strife with what are called core beliefs?
One group believes, and these signs will follow true believers, and since your denom don't have these signs, they are not true believers. And the other group, since these signs were for that time, and since you're practicing these things, it can only mean they are demonic in nature, because it was done away with.
_____________________________
St. Athanasius the Great
For our Canons and our forms were not given to the Churches at the present day, but were wisely and safely transmitted to us from our forefathers.
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RE: What is your opinion about denominations? - 4/26/2008 8:47:53 PM
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Cloak
Posts: 4692
Joined: 1/4/2008
From: Canada
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Happy and Blessed service/Mass to you and your family!!! God's speed!
_____________________________
Blessings!
And My God shall meet ALL Your Needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4: 19)
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RE: What is your opinion about denominations? - 4/26/2008 8:57:21 PM
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walterquez
Posts: 1342
Joined: 4/12/2005
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For those not familiar with Orthodoxy, the Orthodox services are called, "Divine Liturgy" as opposed to "Mass" for the RCC, or services for all others.
_____________________________
St. Athanasius the Great
For our Canons and our forms were not given to the Churches at the present day, but were wisely and safely transmitted to us from our forefathers.
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RE: What is your opinion about denominations? - 4/26/2008 9:01:08 PM
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Cloak
Posts: 4692
Joined: 1/4/2008
From: Canada
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Sorry Walter, my apologies. Funny, I've always found it written Mass. Thanks for this invaluable info!!!
Happy and Blessed Divine Liturgy!!!
_____________________________
Blessings!
And My God shall meet ALL Your Needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4: 19)
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RE: What is your opinion about denominations? - 4/26/2008 9:14:47 PM
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Heavendweller
Posts: 576
Joined: 12/22/2007
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quote:
If you try hard enough, every single disagreement can be made a heresy. "You aren't changing your mind even though I used BIBLE VERSES to prove my point... you don't believe the Bible is true, that's heresy, away you evil doer!" The problem is that much of our understanding of the Bible is highly subjective because of the multitude of ways in which we read what is in front of our face. One reads the Bible with the mindset of a 21st century Christian, another reads it with the Greek Rationalistic mindset, and yet another is attempting to read it with a 21st century Christian's understanding of the Ancient Jewish mindset. This is how five people can read the exact same chapter and come up with 5 different opinions on what it means.
Adam,
You are on to one of the major problems within modern Christianity. And sad to say, but those churches who are breaking away from a particular denomination (such as Methodist, Reformed, Lutheran, Episcopalian, Presbyterian, etc.) to become "non-denominational" will not avoid the problem of which you speak.
Heavendweller
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RE: What is your opinion about denominations? - 4/30/2008 6:44:22 AM
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CropDuster
Posts: 60
Joined: 4/28/2008
From: Minnesota
Status: offline
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quote:
ORIGINAL: Consecrated2God
Do you think that having different denominations in the body of Christ is a good thing or not?
Denominations are necessary for the maintenance of our freedom of religious expression. In order to be free in our worship, we must be able to choose communities, doctrines, religions, and religious denominations that appeal to us. As a Christian, however, I encourage believers to not mistake their denominations for Jesus Christ. To me, they're not the same. Christ is Christ. Christ is God. One's denomination is simply a multi-dimensional interpretation of Christ. The fact that there are so many denominations, and that there has been so much Christian in-fighting since the beginning of Christianity, serves as proof-positive that there is no standard, uniform interpretation of Christ, and never will be. Therefore, we should work harder to celebrate our greatest commonalities -- Jesus Christ and Christian Civilization -- and downplay our differences. I'm certain that in the final analysis, our differences mean little to our Lord, as long as we don't go to extremes and hurt others in doing so.
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RE: What is your opinion about denominations? - 4/30/2008 9:11:32 AM
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Catholicandloveit
Posts: 318
Joined: 1/3/2008
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quote:
ORIGINAL: walterquez
For those not familiar with Orthodoxy, the Orthodox services are called, "Divine Liturgy" as opposed to "Mass" for the RCC, or services for all others.
As I was reading this thread I was wondering if the Orthodox used the term Mass or something else. Learned something new today thanks! 
Cloak and Walterquez - I hope you had a blessed Easter.
Consecrated2God - I don't know if having different denominations is a good thing or not. I see the bad, but I think the good is having the right to worship in any denomination we wish and that is important. Plus to be honest we would never agree on a singlar denomination, or 2, or 3, or . . . .
I think what is important is that Christians of any denomination are all trying to do the best they can to love and serve the Lord.
Pax,
Mary
_____________________________
Blessed be Jesus in the Most Holy Sacrament of the Altar
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RE: What is your opinion about denominations? - 5/1/2008 9:47:16 AM
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rcjames
Posts: 5693
Joined: 7/15/2005
From: Oklahoma
Status: offline
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quote:
ORIGINAL: walterquez
quote:
Also am I to understand that there is never a member of the EOC that has a question concerning their doctrine? I don't think having question is what we're talking about, but about having a different position.
OK Walter, you dodged that question like an all star dodge ball player, let me try again.
In all the EOC there has never been someone who had a different opinion (postion) on anything and it got resolved.
That the EOC has never had high level meetings to iorn out some differences (The Pope vs. bishops dealy comes to mind), that no one ever questioned the act of veneration of a painting hung on the wall, etc. etc.
I find that very difficult to digest.
Thanks
RC
_____________________________
Just a country Preacher's humble opinion
Read the first chapter of my latest book here;
http://www.deliveranceofsara.com
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RE: What is your opinion about denominations? - 5/1/2008 7:26:29 PM
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walterquez
Posts: 1342
Joined: 4/12/2005
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Dear rcjames, please forgive me for not being clear. Sure many have questions about certain doctrines.
If there are any disputes, it is compared to the faith of the Church which was handed down from our forefathers all the way back to the beginning. Someone may say, the Trinity is a false doctrine. And if this went to a council, each bishop will say what was handed down to him and say the Holy Trinity is what we were taught, and what our forefathers were taught, and theirs. And another bishop will say, we too have the same tradition, etc... And the next bishop would say the same, we also were handed down this tradition. And the rest, each stating the deposit of faith handed down to them. Eventually, they will exclaim this is the deposit of faith handed down to all the bishops.
But it doesn't stop there. If there were other Saints or prior Councils that talked about this topic, their votes would be counted as well.
So even if the person can somehow show that there is no such thing as a Trinity, it will not be accepted, no matter how credible it may sound, and how weak our explanation may be. It is not for us to redefine, or reinterpret the deposit of faith once given. The matter has been settled, and all must accept the deposit of faith. If not, after several attempts to convince them to reject this innovation, they are cast out as heretics.
So it is not a matter of we will believe this, and you can believe whatever you want as long as we agree on the essentials. This is not how it works. You either take it all or none of it. It is not up to us to choose to believe what we want. We are one, because we all believe the same deposit of faith. It doesn't matter if you go to a Greek Orthodox, a Russian, Antiochian, or any other Orthodox groups, the deposit of faith is the same. It is not, we believe on the essentials, but differ on this other parts.
_____________________________
St. Athanasius the Great
For our Canons and our forms were not given to the Churches at the present day, but were wisely and safely transmitted to us from our forefathers.
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RE: What is your opinion about denominations? - 5/1/2008 7:34:32 PM
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rcjames
Posts: 5693
Joined: 7/15/2005
From: Oklahoma
Status: offline
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quote:
ORIGINAL: walterquez
So it is not a matter of we will believe this, and you can believe whatever you want as long as we agree on the essentials. This is not how it works. You either take it all or none of it. It is not up to us to choose to believe what we want. We are one, because we all believe the same deposit of faith. It doesn't matter if you go to a Greek Orthodox, a Russian, Antiochian, or any other Orthodox groups, the deposit of faith is the same. It is not, we believe on the essentials, but differ on this other parts.
That is exactly what I said about my denomination agreeing completely on all things salvic (the essential things). Now there can be differing opinions on non-essentail (non-salvic issues, and it is not a problem) We do not have knock down drag out nomatter what you may have been told.
By the way when I refer to salvic issues I am referring to the elements of our faith that would allow one to be a child of God or deny them.
Thanks
RC
_____________________________
Just a country Preacher's humble opinion
Read the first chapter of my latest book here;
http://www.deliveranceofsara.com
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RE: What is your opinion about denominations? - 5/1/2008 10:19:42 PM
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walterquez
Posts: 1342
Joined: 4/12/2005
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This is one of those point I tried to explain to you. It is not about believing what you think are essential, and be okay with others having their own interpretations for what you think are non-essential.
I hope you do realize that "essential" is subjective.
_____________________________
St. Athanasius the Great
For our Canons and our forms were not given to the Churches at the present day, but were wisely and safely transmitted to us from our forefathers.
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RE: What is your opinion about denominations? - 5/2/2008 12:38:47 AM
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Ezra
Posts: 1785
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It's interesting to examine the poll itself. There are almost as many views about denominations are there are denominations (and they don't number in the thousands either).
Now when it comes to the RCC and the EOC, each one claims that the other is a split-off from itself. They use the term "schism" instead of denomination, but it boils down to the same thing. Their doctrines do not coincide. Therefore they are two denominations, if you will.
God did not ordain denominations, but He uses them to bring truth to light. The real Body of Christ is one -- Christ the Head and those who are in Christ the members. THe outward scene does not represent the spiritual and heavenly reality.
Externally, Paul said there would be divisions among Christians and so they are. And so they will remain. However, it behoves every Christian to search the Scriptures and seek the Lord's face to determine where and with whom they will fellowship.
It also behoves every Christian to "Prove all things, [and] hold fast that which is good". The two most ancient churches are rife with error.
Had all the churches established by the apostles stood fast on Scripture, there would be no divisions. Church history proves that error and false practice crept into the churches very early and very rapidly. And error continues to abound in Christendom.
_____________________________
And whosoever will, let him take the Water of Life freely. Revelation 22:17
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RE: What is your opinion about denominations? - 5/8/2008 9:44:12 PM
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gmc4Jesus
Posts: 227
Joined: 5/21/2006
From: Torrance, California
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The word "denomination" means "divided". It originate as churches divided primarily from Catholocism and later from one another. This is not what Jesus prayed for in John 17 and what the Apostles adressed in Acts 6. Paul also spoke out against division in I Corinthians 1 and Galatians 1.
You might join the discussion on "What would build unity in our churches?" Instead of lamenting the disunity of denominations, why don't we build on the unity (not uniformity) that will help us be more effective in evangelizing the lost.
On the one hand, there is nothing inherently wrong with having different opinions on non-essential matters. However, when we make those issues of separation, then we get caught up in trying to persuade other Christians to our version of "rightness" instead of focusing on reaching the lost for Christ. Our intentions are generally good, but our focus gets off of the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20) and the devil gets in to interfere with what God has called us to do. What kind of example do we then present to the world?
From my perspective of over 50 years, denominationalism has done more harm to the church than good. Oh that we could focus on what unites us and reach the lost instead of trying to straighten one another out at the expense of reaching the lost for Christ.
God bless us as we seek to build His Church.
_____________________________
Let's talk about Jesus, His life and teachings at the www.gettingtoknowjesus.org Gospel Study Forum.
Home of "Getting To Know Jesus", a complete Bible study on the life and teachings of Jesus.
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RE: What is your opinion about denominations? - 5/9/2008 6:58:08 AM
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Heavendweller
Posts: 576
Joined: 12/22/2007
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quote:
ORIGINAL: gmc4Jesus
The word "denomination" means "divided". It originate as churches divided primarily from Catholocism and later from one another. This is not what Jesus prayed for in John 17 and what the Apostles adressed in Acts 6.
I agree with you on this. Should one think of the reason for these various and sundry denominations, then all the more one realizes that denominations are not the will of God. Rather, they are a result of human beings.
quote:
You might join the discussion on "What would build unity in our churches?" Instead of lamenting the disunity of denominations, why don't we build on the unity (not uniformity) that will help us be more effective in evangelizing the lost.
I haven't joined in on this discussion, but perhaps I would be surprised and actually find some unity in doctrine, goals and purpose on this thread. As it stands thus far, what I have come to discover since joining Crosswalk.com is that Christians have a difficult time uniting in just about anything. Hey, do we all like church picnics? AMEN! Now there's something we can unite in.
quote:
On the one hand, there is nothing inherently wrong with having different opinions on non-essential matters. However, when we make those issues of separation, then we get caught up in trying to persuade other Christians to our version of "rightness" instead of focusing on reaching the lost for Christ.
And just what would be those "non-essential matters?" I'm curious to know. In fact, I bet dollars to donuts that if I began a discussion on what these "non-essentials" of the faith are, there would be quite a bit of diversity and disagreement expressed.
Since the internet and the explosion of t.v. evangelism, I am unpleasantly surprised at the lack of unity within Christendom. What seems to have happened on a rather large scale is so many Christians think of themselves as qualified to take their Bibles and teach everyone else what quote:
they think the truth is. Thus it is that we have all these "teachers" within Evangelicalism and so few students.
Heavendweller
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