Do Denominational Differences Really Matter?

[Malachi]

Obviously they exist because God ordained them...

I don't think you will find that idea in the Bible. Quite the opposite. God wants all regenerated Christians to be in ONE ACCORD.

Denominations exist for THREE REASONS:
1. Satan and his evil angels sowing disunity and false doctrine.
2. Christians walking in the flesh rather than in the Spirit.
3. Holding the traditions of men higher than the Word of God.

 

[Malachi]

I think that's true, to a point.

Only those who are genuinely saved can be regarded as brothers and sisters. Unless a sinner believes on the Christ of the Bible and repents, he cannot be saved.

 

[Mike]

Hi Mike, I'm not sure what you mean here. Are you saying that no matter what we believe, or denomination we are that we are all brothers and sisters in Christ?

I'm saying if a person rejects the core tenets of Christianity that are laid out in these two creeds, they have a fundamentally different concept of God. All else being unknown, if they do hold to them, I would say they are among my brothers and sisters. After what I said, why would you ask me if I believe we are all brothers and sisters in Christ no matter what we believe? Did I say they could believe anything?

I think that's true, to a point.

Can you expand?

 

[Mike]

Only those who are genuinely saved can be regarded as brothers and sisters.

Then you'd have only yourself as your brothers and sisters. You can be certain of your own heart's condition, but you can't be certain of anyone else's.

 

[evenifigoalone]

Some denominational differences are rather petty and inconsequential. Even Baptists have splits. I grew up Independent Baptist, which mainly they believe they don't need to and shouldn't answer to any association and they will practice separation from churches they consider unBiblical. They also tend to take more extreme stances on things, for example they are often King James only and consider this an important doctrine. Not ALL of them necessarily, though.
There really aren't too many significant differences between them and Southern Baptists, but they often consider Southern Baptists to be too liberal and compromising.
In the end they really have the same core doctrines common to all Baptists. I guess the differences between the two are more sub-denominations than an entire other denomination. And then there are Primitive Baptists, which even I don't know much about.

 

[evenifigoalone]

And then non-denominational is often just Baptist teaching with a less legalistic and more contemporary atmosphere, lol.

 

[Christ_empowered]

hi...I think that some issues aren't all that important in terms of being genuinely, truly Christian...but have resulted in splits and such anyway.

I took a class in mid-19th century American history..."Jacksonian America." During that period, the 2nd Great Awakening took place. A number of Protestant denominations were involved, and some of them split during these period. According to the (most excellent) text, many denominational splits occurred along social class lines and also (back then) along the whole slavery issue. So, a lot of modern day denominations aren't the result of genuine theological issues so much as they are the result of social class-based splits and differences over various social issues, many of which occurred way back when. Other splits...more important...

for instance: I was raised PCUSA (I know, 10,000th time I've brought this up). PCUSA is losing members and churches now, largely because of the whole gay thing. Interestingly enough, before this issue came up, other Presby branches split off from what became PCUSA due to what they perceived (probably correctly) as increasingly liberal, modernist approaches to Scripture and doctrine. So, those splits, to me, proved to be significant because...turns out...the splinter groups were either right on, or they saw where the more liberal Presby branches would end up, even way back then. I think those are meaningful differences.

I've noticed that Baptist congregations split on a regular basis. Why? I dunno. I'm thinking the mix of giving individual congregations lots of autonomy and the mix of people who go to Baptist churches can=Trouble (note the capital T). Those splits may be meaningful to the congregants involved, but it seems that many of them aren't based on legitimate theological differences.

 

[JohnDB]

I don't think you will find that idea in the Bible. Quite the opposite. God wants all regenerated Christians to be in ONE ACCORD.

Denominations exist for THREE REASONS:
1. Satan and his evil angels sowing disunity and false doctrine.
2. Christians walking in the flesh rather than in the Spirit.
3. Holding the traditions of men higher than the Word of God.

The Reformation is what created the denominations... A splitting off theologically from the Catholic Church.

People reading God's word for the first time.

Sooooo

I'm going to disagree with you on this one. Granted in true human style they didn't do well at first but the need for scriptures was there. God seen to it that we got what we needed.

 

[Douglas Summers]

I'm saying if a person rejects the core tenets of Christianity that are laid out in these two creeds, they have a fundamentally different concept of God. All else being unknown, if they do hold to them, I would say they are among my brothers and sisters. After what I said, why would you ask me if I believe we are all brothers and sisters in Christ no matter what we believe? Did I say they could believe anything?

I was not sure what you were saying, that is why I asked. Here is what Scriptures teaches. All men are God's creation, but not all men are Son's of God or sisters and brothers in Christ. (You must be born again) (John chapter 3). Man can know God, (Acts 17:16-34), it is not a mystery anymore to the born again believer. For the Gospel of Christ is not just words and works of the flesh, it is with power, it is supernatural by the works of the Holy Spirit, in us and around us. God does not leave our Salvation up to self willed intellect, we are under a new covenant (Heb. 8:6-13). Many people who say they are believers get angry when I point out the Scripture (you must be born again).....but, You must be born again! To follow creeds is of the flesh, to live them is by rebirth. For all men are born of Adam....not all men are born of God.

 

[Malachi]

The Reformation is what created the denominations... A splitting off theologically from the Catholic Church.

There had already been a split between the Eastern Orthodox Church and the Roman Catholic Church long before the Reformation. The only reason that the Reformation brought about more splits was that the RCC would not reform but started a Counter-Reformation. And then there were differences between the Reformers. All of that is covered by the factors I have mentioned.

 

[Mike]

Douglas Summers I better understand what you were asking and why now, but you still have me confused. For the second time, you've compared the true Body of Christ to everyone. In your first response, you referred to anyone who believes anything, and here you refer to all men. I never referred to all men. Of course not all men are my brothers & sisters in Christ.

My comment was originally made to say who I would call my brothers and sisters in Christ; not "all men" and not those who will be saved. In a thread having to do with denominational differences, my point was to acknowledge the denominations within orthodox Christianity and separate non-Christian churches that don't hold to core Christian tenets. As it relates to the topic of this thread, I believe you are probing a wholly different question.

 

[evenifigoalone]

It's probably already been discussed in this thread (I know I posted in it at least over a year ago), and it's a very loaded question, but what denominations can be considered orthodox? Which ones are not different enough to be of any salvational consequence?
Some reject anything different from them at all. (Independent baptists sometimes fall into this category, it seems. Not always.) And others insist that some differences are bigger than maybe they really are.

 

[Douglas Summers]

Douglas Summers I better understand what you were asking and why now, but you still have me confused. For the second time, you've compared the true Body of Christ to everyone. In your first response, you referred to anyone who believes anything, and here you refer to all men. I never referred to all men. Of course not all men are my brothers & sisters in Christ.

My comment was originally made to say who I would call my brothers and sisters in Christ; not "all men" and not those who will be saved. In a thread having to do with denominational differences, my point was to acknowledge the denominations within orthodox Christianity and separate non-Christian churches that don't hold to core Christian tenets. As it relates to the topic of this thread, I believe you are probing a wholly different question.

I understand, Sometimes without a face to face discussion, we miss the intended point

 

[AGustOfWind]

The problem with denominations is, and well, quite frankly, all of religion, is, since you have those beliefs, you're claiming that you're right, and the other person is not right.

Therefore, by a person claiming that their denomination is the only way to Christ, such as with Catholicism, then, they are telling a lie, a big lie at that.

You know how you get to God? You know how you get saved? Jesus. Religion on the other hand, does not.
Here we have some big huge churches selling tons and tons of things, preaching hypocrisy, a place where they probably wouldn't even let their lord and savior in. But, there are some big huge churches, who are on the right path.

Again, if Jesus saw half of the Bologna these churches were preaching, I'm sure, extremely sure, he'd pull a Matthew 21:12
I mean, of course he sees it. I mean if he were physically here.


Far too many churches preach hypocrisy, lies, and corruption, and they try to act as if it is 2000 years ago, but now is now, then was then. We've gotta adapt to the 21st century, lest we fall behind and we won't be able to get our message across.

Jesus came to abolish religion, and hypocrisy. He said "It is finished", he meant it.

 

[Mike]

what denominations can be considered orthodox? Which ones are not different enough to be of any salvational consequence?

You have a point, because the word "orthodox" can and does vary from believer to believer. I had in mind the general definition of orthodox. Googling the word shows this definition. "(of a person or their views, especially religious or political ones, or other beliefs or practices) conforming to what is generally or traditionally accepted as right or true; established and approved."

That's why I point to the creeds. They seem to align with this definition as it applies to the Christian faith to me.

Not all denominations, and certainly not all Christians, believe other denominations and their members don't have it right. Denominations divided because enough of their members decided they couldn't worship together with certain beliefs not reconciled. Decades later you have members of both that had no part in those decisions. I don't see denominations as being as big a problem as others do. Worship styles differ as do other non-salvific issues. One Body in the end.

 

[Malachi]

what denominations can be considered orthodox? Which ones are not different enough to be of any salvational consequence?

Orthodoxy generally means acceptance of the Nicene Creed, and as far as it goes it is a summary of Bible truth which can be accepted by Christians across a broad spectrum of beliefs. But there can be serious differences as to the basis of salvation between the *traditionalists* and the *biblicists*.

The eastern *Orthodox* churches believe that they are the true bastions of orthodoxy, and see the RCC as a departure from the truth, particularly the idea of papal infallibility. But the Orthodox are also very close to other Catholics.

 

[K2CHRIST]

Just a comment.

This thread really goes on and on and it seems to be an important issue, but I kind of wonder how important it is. Here is why.

Is 29:1 Woe, O Ariel, Ariel the city where David once camped! Add year to year, observe your feasts on schedule. I will bring distress to Ariel

Is 29: 13 Then the Lord said, "Because this people draw near with their words, and honor Me wilt their lip service, but they remove their hearts far from Me, and their reverence for Me consists of tradition learned by rote.

And twice (Matt 15:8 and Mark 7:6,7) Jesus specifically refers to the problem of making it about traditions and routines instead of about knowing and getting close to Him.

I am not against denominations and any tradition that reminds us to turn back to the Lord Jesus Christ, but if we are making it about traditions and routines rather that knowing the Lord I think that is a problem and one the Lord has made a habit of warning people about and dealing harshly with in the past.

The Lord tells me He loves His church, but do denominational difference really matter when it is truly about knowing the Lord?

I don't think so. I'm ok with what different Christian denomination do so long as the purpose is truly turning people to the Lord Jesus Christ. But if it ever becomes about the differences and not about knowing the Lord then I believe that is when the problem starts, and this tread seems to be about the differences.

Now as for any denomination that is not for actually pointing people to Jesus Christ and a personal relationship with them, well I don't see them as Christian, because they are not trying to point people to Jesus Christ, which has nothing to do with the traditions but their purpose. The Lord has regularly had me talk to Jehovah Witness and I have never yet found one of them that thinks we could and should be able to hear from the Lord. So I try to correct them on that point. I don't think they are a Christian denomination because I have not found one who knows the Lord.

But I have meet numerous people from Catholic, Methodist, and what are normally consider Christian that have heard from and know the Lord. They don't necessarily use the traditions I have, but I don't see that as important. If they hold a string of beads in their hands while they talk to and hear from the Lord, what is that to me or Him for that matter. I just want them to know Him. I have made it a religious tradition in my life to get up every morning and pray the Lord prayer, then I sit back to hear what He has to say to me. It is a tradition with me, and I have heard people speak against the need to actually pray the Lord's prayer as a tradition. Ok, but it reminds me to seek Him and His voice, so He seems to be ok with it when I talk to Him about it. Though I have to admit a couple of times He (the Lord_ pointed out to me that it was a religious thing with me, but what is going to say if it reminds me to remember Him. It's about Him, but He gave people traditions to help us remember Him. Use them that way.

 

[Douglas Summers]

But I have meet numerous people from Catholic, Methodist, and what are normally consider Christian that have heard from and know the Lord. They don't necessarily use the traditions I have, but I don't see that as important. If they hold a string of beads in their hands while they talk to and hear from the Lord, what is that to me or Him for that matter. I just want them to know Him. I have made it a religious tradition in my life to get up every morning and pray the Lord prayer, then I sit back to hear what He has to say to me. It is a tradition with me, and I have heard people speak against the need to actually pray the Lord's prayer as a tradition.

Hi K2, There is a reason the Spirit says to "earnestly contend for the faith". Earnestly, means with VIGOR, INTENSE, SERIOUS Convictions. The Scriptures call it the "Doctrine of God" and "Doctrine of Christ" (Titus 2:10) (Heb. 6:1). All of 1&2 Timothy , Titus and Hebrews, With Galatians and Ephesians are all about correct doctrine. But Correct doctrine is not about words, it is about Spiritual warfare to the path that leads to "HOME" (Eph. 6:10-18) (2 Cor. 10:1-5)
Christ chastises and warns the Churches in Revelation (study and take note), He also says what is praise worthy. Spiritual warfare can not be fought until one is born again, with out rebirth, you are fighting with and against flesh and blood that causes wars of nations. Faith alone is the only way to God through Jesus Christ. By "faith", the most fallible and weak believer has the same standing before God as the most illustrious saint. Faith alone confers our standing with God. Prayer, good works, church going, none of these things add in the least to our standing with God. Of course, our state is another matter, We are not as instantly mature in the faith as we are secured in our salvation.
Worshiping Christ as just a good man, or praying to canonized saints by man to answer prayer, other than Christ, and doing good work to keep your salvation....or being able to lose your salvation are all denominational differences in how man presents Christ. There are tares among the wheat. The born again believer knows the difference and defends the faith. Apathy is sinful also. We all believe in different god's to achieve the same thing is false and a doctrine of Satan, yet that is what the rulers of this age are pushing. I warn you, it is a path to destruction!

In Christ
Douglas Summers

 

[Jim Parker]

Do Denominational Differences Really Matter?
They certainly matter to Satan.
Denominational differences keep Christians fighting with each other and off Satan's back.
Plus all the fighting over them makes Christians look like saps to pagans, atheists, agnostics, etc..
Satan likie.

 

[Corn Pop]

Do Denominational Differences Really Matter?
They certainly matter to Satan.
Denominational differences keep Christians fighting with each other and off Satan's back.
Plus all the fighting over them makes Christians look like saps to pagans, atheists, agnostics, etc..
Satan likie.

I dont think its all satan, I think The Most High tests people to see who follows the truth, and who follows man.