wondering.
I think u said u live in Italia. Im sleeping when u r awake cos I live in Australia.
Before you go over to the thread about being born again can u help me get a better perspective of the protestant church's?
I have this picture of 2 churches; the RCC and the Prots. But that's wrong isn't it?
There are many churches in the protestant denomination so how is the authority structured?
U know the RCC... . O Santo Padre is the authority The Vatican
So how does it work with Protestant churches? Do they have Catechisms or can anyone interpret scripture their own way? And what are the main topics of division? Im guessing salvation is one
Protestants are divided by denominations.
Each denomination has a Statement of Faith (much like this forum does).
The statement of Faith states what that particular denomination believes to be true as expressed in scripture.
There are many denominations:
Lutheran
Methodist
Assemeby of God
Nazarene
Seventh Day Adventists
Baptists
Anabaptists
Pentecostals
Reformed
there are many.
Each one has some particular belief or other; for isntance, some believe that one MUST be baptized to be saved. Others do not,
but they do believe one should be baptized. The reformed believe that God predestined man either to salvation of to be damned,,,,this is the famous belief known as TULIP. Assembly of God churches believe one speaks in tongues if he has the Holy Spirit. 7th Day Adventists believe we should worship on Saturdays and so we are all breaking the 3rd commandment. You could find out more on the internet....there's a lot to know...but even if you just hang around you'll learn a lot. Try the theology and biblical studies and Thological Discussion forums. You need permission for the last one from JLB. Through discussion (or reading them) you can learn a lot.
Each denomination has a head,,,or leader. For instance, the head offices for the Nazarene church are in Youngstown Ohio. The Pastor of each Nazarene church must adhere to their methods and beliefs. Each chuch has a committee to oversee the finances and to choose a new pastor if one should leave that church.
So, yes, you're right. To say that one is Protestant does not signify exactly what they believe...but their denomination will. Protestant is just an umbrella term.
As to interpreting scripture....
Each denomination does have its beliefs as to what verses mean.
However, it is more accepted that a person can understand any particular verse in their own private way. This is called exegesis.
If someone just stays at home and wants to interpret the bible in his very own way...this is called eisegesis and is really not acceptable within Christianity.
This is also known as Sola Scripture: Scripture alone is the authority.
Solo Scriptura: A person makes his own authority. (not acceptable).
There are also many non-denominational churches. I won't even get into that...they each have their very own S of Faith and the leader is an individual person...personally, I don't care for these churches.
That's all I can think of.
Regarding salvation....that will be in the other post.
LUNCH TIME!