Denominations.. what's the point?

[kittylover0991]

I keep hearing about all these differnt denominations and how they are so differnt. THen people say that we should have unity and not be seperated by these denominations because there is barely any difference.

What is the point of having these different denominations and what is so bad about having them?

[NITE OWL]

I speak for myself when I say denominations are a bad thing. They bring divisions to the word of God. They add and take away from the truth.

1 Corin. 1:10 tells us to all speak the same thing, to be of the same mind. Denominations prevent this. No two denominations are the same and if there are, why are they separate?

Take a look at how Christ interacted with the scribes and pharasees. He had nothing to do with the religeous leaders of that time. They were corrupt and selfseeking. They took the Word of God and twisted and molded it to there liking. Much like the denominations today.

When Christ died on the cross, He died for you, me and every man, woman, and child. He didn't die for any certain denomination. He died for all of us.

Denominations are the work of the devil, but that's just my opinion.

I'm sure to get blasted for this post but that's ok, I speak from the heart.

[Constant]

I personally think that denominations seperate people from each other and then the "I'm better than you" thing come into play too often. Too much hate and envy come from these in my opinion.

[refugepsa91]

If any denomination states that theirs is the only truth and all others are lost...run...run far away from them.

Although I heard a pastor once say that denominational labels were worthless...that label was either gonna blow off on the way to heaven or burn off in hell.

Love and Blessings,

Angel

[kittylover0991]

it's ok NITE, thankyou so much for your opinion I have been thinking that these denominations are wrong.. but when i look at non-denominational(no offense to anyone in this).. i am glad that I am in a particular denomination even though i hate the fact there are these differnt ones...

I also highly doubt that you are the only one with the opinion that you gave(I am saying opinion even though i think it is fact )

[nebula]

Denominations came about because man has to keep institutionalizing everything.

OK, there was more to it than that, but that was the end reason.

Problem is, denominations are all we've known.

Ever try to hold a church service that's different fromthe norm? Somehow, it always ends up being like more of the same.

And even Interdenominational churches are in essance a type of denomination.

[Guest eponine]

First, let me say that I agree with all of you that denominations have cause much strife among Christians. People do get "better-than-you" and "we're-right-and-you're-wrong" attitudes which are definitely sinful. But there are some benefits to denominations. The main one is outlining the differences between churches. For example, Presbyterians usually baptize infants while Baptists do not. A Pentecostal church will likely use speaking in tounges while many other denominations do not. Thereis also the issue of hierarchy. Episcopalian and Catholic churches are under structures with bishops, the pope, etc... and many denominations have only fellowships, not hirearchies with other churches and leaders. Now, it is true that claiming a label does not inherently mean anything. Anyone in a Baptist church knows of other Baptists that believe some things that are very different, and I think it is the same in most other denominations too. But, the point I am trying to make is that denominations can be good for the function of identifying with those with whom you agree. It would be nice if we could see that many of these differences are a matter of preference (as long as they do not change the gospel). I think that in the earlier days of America, they did just that. Congregationalists, Baptists, Methodists, etc... believed the Gospel but disagreed on other things. Therefore, their denominations showed where they stood on those other issues. Today there are so many variations on every denomination mixed with other labels like charismatic, alliance, full-gospel, free-will, reformed, and many others. It is so important to ask an individual or find out from a church what their exact beliefs are before judging them by the denomination they claim.

So, these lables can be good and useful, and bad and divisive. I pray that Christians can unite on the Gospel, and still have the freedom to graciously disagree on the more minor things.

[mikado5001]

Anything that adds to the seperation of the parts that make up the body of Christ is a bad thing. By fighting amongst ourselves. We are kept farther away from where we need to be. Full body Baptism vs sprinkle w/ a drop or two, vs mass Baptism with a hose. That's just one area. I think my friend said it best that most "CHURCH'S" are just political groups. And there own infighting takes away from those they claim to serve. The LORD and Parishoners. Our leader should be trusted servants. And not governors.

No one is better than the other. We are all sinners beneath whatever vestments we wear. And the separation of denominations can even take awway fom that realization. After all I got saved in the Non-denominational Times Square Church. Where I found an even stronger personal relationship with G-d, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. I have the belief that G-d THE FATHER, G-d THE SON(JESUS) and THE HOLY SPIRIT are not one entity. But a team, or trinity, working together. I think that's the Triune G-d?

Edited August 10, 2005 by mikado5001

[Ovedya]

All divisions in the Body of Christ are inherently bad. I believe that this matter is clearly identified and spoken against in the New Testament. It is my personal opinion that many believers will be alarmed to learn the Lord's heart on the matter in His day of judgment. As much as he grieved over Jerusalem, how much more does He grieve over us!

[Speechless]

I dont agree with denominations. IMHO, it separates the body of Christ. There were NO denominations in the early church. Jesus didnt set up denominations.

I read a book by Rick Godwin recently, and he made an excelent comment on denominations, here it is...

I know a number of successful young pastors who lead influential mega-churches and absolutely refuse to be labeled.  They are true to their doctrinal beliefs, but they live bigger than a denominational nametag.  They have learned that when we label ourselves, we limit our own capacity to have positive impact on others.  We limit our potential.  And when we label others, we diminish their potential as well.

How true is that?