Beliefs per denominations

[Iryssa]

Yeah, sweet links, Keith! I'm totally bookmarking those!

No offence, Mongo, but I don't think that the decision of which church to call home should be based on whether or not a church is associated with any denomination in particular (if you need me to explain why I feel this way, check out an older post I made in this topic, right at the bottoom of the page...I don't want to steer us too far off topic here). For one thing, churches differ a great deal within denominations. Different people bring different attitudes, and there are just as many "bad eggs" in non-denominational churches as there are in those associated with a particular denomination.

Anyway, my persepective as an Anglican (I've decided to attend an Anglican church regularly now, but I'm not technically a member):

This is one of those churches that tends to be very traditional. The service is quite formal, with most of the speaking and prayer read from traditional books, with many liturgies and expected responses. *grin* It's not as scary as it sounds. The responses are all in The Book of Common Prayer (which will probably be in the pew book holders), somewhere within the first 20 pages, I think. They're not that hard to pick up on, though.

Here's some examples (I might not have the leader's wording exactly right, but the differences are likely very minor):

Leader (after reading scripture): "The word of the Lord."

Congregation: "Thanks be to God."

(either after or before reading from one of the gospels...can't remember which, though it's possible that it varies) "The Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ."

"Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ."

"The Lord be with you." / "Grace be with you."

"And also with you."

There's one that I can never quite remember where it's used, but the response is:

"As it was, and is, and evermore shall be, world without end."

There might be something more at the beginning, but I can't remember it. It's in The Book of Common Prayer with the others, though.

Anyway, like I said; not as scary as it sounds. In my church, they're very good about letting people know where to find the responses and such, and always list which Hymns are being sung and which Psalm is being read (there's a Psalm read responsively in almost every service) on a board near the front, so there's plently of opportunity to find your place in the hymnal or book.

Attire at Anglican churches is generally "Sunday best." For ladies, well, you can figure this one out, I'm sure. If you need specifics, though, my girlfriends and I try to wear skirts as much as possible (mainly I think we just like dressing up for church). For men, khakis and dress shirt with a jacket along would be appropriate.

[godrulz]

That's the plan.

I'm going to attend a methodist church this sunday. I'm totally in the dark on this one.

I have no idea what the methodists believe.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Methodists started with John and Charles Wesley. They have a rich and solid history. Modern Methodists may be quite liberal and in need of renewal and a return to their roots. Some Methodist churches would be vibrant and Gospel-centered (but many are not).

[Mongo]

No offence, Mongo, but I don't think that the decision of which church to call home should be based on whether or not a church is associated with any denomination in particular (if you need me to explain why I feel this way, check out an older post I made in this topic, right at the bottoom of the page...I don't want to steer us too far off topic here). For one thing, churches differ a great deal within denominations. Different people bring different attitudes, and there are just as many "bad eggs" in non-denominational churches as there are in those associated with a particular denomination.

But many faiths are inspired, or based, entirely upon false teachings.

I would never want to be responsible for setting someone upon that path. Would you? Thusly, start off studying the Word and seek something that goes hand in hand with the Word. Be like the Bereans and take what they say back to the Word and check it. Its why so many faiths produce their own Bibles, so that if you check them you go along with them. I advise to study apart from that and get your foundation so that when you enter these churchs you get your bearings quickly.

[Iryssa]

No offence, Mongo, but I don't think that the decision of which church to call home should be based on whether or not a church is associated with any denomination in particular (if you need me to explain why I feel this way, check out an older post I made in this topic, right at the bottoom of the page...I don't want to steer us too far off topic here). For one thing, churches differ a great deal within denominations. Different people bring different attitudes, and there are just as many "bad eggs" in non-denominational churches as there are in those associated with a particular denomination.

But many faiths are inspired, or based, entirely upon false teachings.

I would never want to be responsible for setting someone upon that path. Would you? Thusly, start off studying the Word and seek something that goes hand in hand with the Word. Be like the Bereans and take what they say back to the Word and check it. Its why so many faiths produce their own Bibles, so that if you check them you go along with them. I advise to study apart from that and get your foundation so that when you enter these churchs you get your bearings quickly.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I think we need to make the distinction between "faiths" and "denominations."

Dictionary.com gives this as a definition of "faith" (in this context):

The body of dogma of a religion. (ie. "the Christian faith")

and this definition of "denomination":

A large group of religious congregations united under a common faith and name and organized under a single administrative and legal hierarchy.

Therefore, you are indeed right that many faiths are based on false teachings. In fact, Christianity is the only one that meets God's standards.

As far as denominations: Yes, there are indeed many that center entirely on false teachings. I have found, however, that many have their roots in sound theological truths. It is therefore fallacious to suggest that all denominations are founded on lies, and that non-denominational churches are therefore the way to go. I have seen many non-denominational churches focused on unsound doctrine, as well as denominations which have the same problem. Unsound doctrine is not a problem exclusive to denominational churches, nor to any one denomination in particular. In fact, there is probably not a single church (by this I mean the visible church, the organization--not the Church as in the body of believers) out there that has 100% perfect doctrine. The best we can do is look for a church (whether or not it associates itself with a denomination) which proclaims faith in the tri-une God, belief in God's Word as authority (I would say sola scriptura, though I know Catholics would disagree), which teaches like it, and which generally (as I said, there will always be "bad eggs) lives like it. We also need to pay attention to the direction of the Holy Spirit in choosing which specific church we are to attend, since it is God alone who knows what's best for us.

Also, I'm working on a Bible College education (at a Bible College which does not profess roots in any specific denomination)...so don't you worry your head over me being educated in God's Word outside of a specific denomination; I'm working on that very thing (in God's grace and the leading of the Holy Spirit).

*Edit: Added some criteria to what we should look for in a church: While they were implied in what I initially said, I thought it might be better to mention them specifically, since I never know whether my own presuppositions on theological issues are as clear to others as they seem in my head when I say something like that.

[Mongo]

My own experiences differ from many others, and my perspective is affected by them.

I simply prefer not to seek the denomination first, but rather the Word and then the denomination that fits the teaching of the Word.

[Iryssa]

I simply prefer not to seek the denomination first, but rather the Word and then the denomination that fits the teaching of the Word.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Of course! "Seek first the kingdom of God..." I'm just saying that we need to be careful not to jump to conclusions about a church based solely on whether or not it is non-denominational, or on any other surface thing. Basically, we only have a very slight difference in opinion, and that's really in our experience with churches.

[Mongo]

Of course! "Seek first the kingdom of God..."    I'm just saying that we need to be careful not to jump to conclusions about a church based solely on whether or not it is non-denominational, or on any other surface thing. Basically, we only have a very slight difference in opinion, and that's really in our experience with churches. 

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Well you can do that, but to me I don't stop at churches of certain denominations. To me, why would I go seeking the trouble? I've got enough on my hands trying to educate Muslims, I don't need anymore headaches. Weeee!

[Guest sallystrothers]

I would never want to be responsible for setting someone upon that path.  Would you?  Thusly, start off studying the Word and seek something that goes hand in hand with the Word.  Be like the Bereans and take what they say back to the Word and check it.  Its why so many faiths produce their own Bibles, so that if you check them you go along with them.  I advise to study apart from that and get your foundation so that when you enter these churchs you get your bearings quickly.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

This is good advice.

My pastor always taught that if there was a conflict between two beliefs, you should go to the Word to resolve it. If the Word does not directly affirm one way or the other then that controversy is for each to his/her own.

Study the word and pray while you study it.

If any church teaches against the Scripture I recommend not being a part of that church. Otherwise, suit yourself.

[yomotalking]

Very good advice here.

(I'm glad that this is a calm Thread....)

[Salt]

JWs and Mormons are non-Christian cults.

Find a Christ-centered, Bible-believing evangelical church.

You could google various local churches' websites or denominational sites for statements of belief.

I am Pentecostal. There are many different Pentecostal groups.

This is also true for Baptist, etc.

Perhaps you could ask about a specific church.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

That's the plan.

I'm going to attend a methodist church this sunday. I'm totally in the dark on this one.

I have no idea what the methodists believe.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

If you are talking about a United Methodist Church-many are ultra liberal and have renounced sound biblical teaching. I'd stay away from them! The Methodist church I grew up in never led anyone out of sin!

There are however UM churches who are part of the United Methodist renewal network for a restored biblical holiness. I'd recommend one of them.

Links: Aldergate Renewal Ministries | Concerned Methodists | Confessing Movement | UCM Message Board

I found the Lord in the Assemblies of God, but had the influences of Southern Baptists and Bible Churches that drove me to complete repentance. I find much of todays Word of Faith balanced in teaching.

Edited October 8, 2005 by Salt