Denominations....are they good or bad? (Gospel, Lutheran, presbyterian, doctrine)

[mackinac81]

I got this idea from another thread and thought I'd start one on this topic here.

Personally I don't have a huge problem with denominations, probably because of my attitude. I've always been able to look past the labels and understand that at the end of the day we're all brothers and sisters in Christ, despite disagreements on non-essential doctrinal issues. Also, where others see division, I see diversity, and as long as it's not doctrinally off the deep end or condoning of sin, I see little problem with it. It's also interesting how different christian groups remind us of different aspects of christianity, which taken together are important parts of the whole. For instance...

Reformed/Presbyterian reminds us of the importance of theology and doctrine in the christian life

Mennonite/Anabaptist: reminds us to live peacefully--being in the world but not of it, and imitating Jesus.

Fundamentalist/Baptist: reminds us to stick to our essential beliefs no matter what, as well as the centrality of God word

Evangelical: Reminds us to share the gospel

Lutheran: Reminds us that liturgy is okay for protestants

Charismatic: Reminds us not to downplay the Holy Spirit

The list could go on. Now, I don't agree with everything each group teaches, but just because I'm Reformed doesn't mean I look down on methodists. Make sense?

But what does everyone else think? Are denominations a sign of unhealthy division or do they not hurt much at all?

Just curious...

Mackinac

[Fundamentalist]

As long as we understand biblical doctrine rightly.

[Lakeland Yankee]

I consider myself a Christian first, and Baptist second. Denominations are an easy way to identify with others that have the same views. When I say Baptist you know that I believe in OSAS, full water immersion baptism, soul winning, the Bible, etc, etc.

I believe we are ALL part of the same body of Christ if we are truly saved.
I respect all denominations and those who are non-denominational just as long as they are biblical and understand that salvation is a free gift that can NOT be earned. I may disagree with some on minor issues but I still consider them brothers and sisters if they produce good fruit. We are all given different gifts and duties in this ministry of Christ.

1 Cor 12:1-31
Romans 12:4-8

[StirringWaters]

I don't mean to be a downer, but I will say I think denominations can hurt.

I know that no matter what church I have gone to, I have had my salvation questioned. God is the only one that can say how my heart is...no man.

I know that no matter what church I have gone to, I have been judged. God is the only one that can judge me.

[Betsey Lane]

Denominations IMO is the wearing of the "label". Follow the Designer, the Creator, the King!!!

[mackinac81]

Originally posted by Fundamentalist
As long as we understand biblical doctrine rightly.

Oh definitely. By "doctrine" I'm talking about the historic fundamentals of the faith. (Bible inerrancy, Salvation by faith alone, Deity of christ, etc...) The things you HAVE to believe in order to be a christian.

Stuff like mode of sacraments, liturgy etc...are debatable

[cg81]

Originally Posted by mackinac81

But what does everyone else think? Are denominations a sign of unhealthy division or do they not hurt much at all?

Well, I have a lot of (varied) thoughts on this, and don't know how to bring them all, but I'll try to bring a few at least.

Of course, in the New Testament time there were no "denominations". There was one visible, united Church. They weren't bound by rules, regulations, or creeds, but were free to follow the Spirit. And yet with this freedom came responsibility. They NEEDED to follow the Spirit... and as they did, there was unity, power to follow sound doctrine, and love & truth. (side note: the "freedom to follow the Spirit" of the New Testament Church should not be confused with the independent "I can follow the Spirit this way and you can follow the Spirit that way" attitude in some churches that clearly does not bring unity.. and if it does not, is the Spirit really free to work? And if the Spirit is not free, what kind of spirit is at work?)

Anyway, I believe we can say that the Church of the New Testament was the Church as God meant her to be.. the living, breathing, every-member-functioning bride of Christ, free from sin and led by the Spirit. And if that was the case, then it would stand to reason that any “denomination” or other group that would split off of this, or remove themself from this by variance of doctrine (which could only be caused by not following the Holy Spirit) was not the true bride of Christ. I disagree with the thoughts that “every church, tho not in unity and some clearly teaching false doctrine, allowing sin etc, are part of the body of Christ”. This does not mean that people in churches like that are not saved.. however that argument (we’re all the body) would not have held in the New Testament era. The body of Christ cannot be fragmented and in disunity.

So what does this mean? Yes, denominations are signs of departure (tho perhaps inevitable) from the Truth. They are not what God intended, yet that does not mean He cannot work thru them. And when I say “Truth” I’m not necessarily meaning “every command of God or every doctrine just like He meant it” (altho it may include that), but rather, an obvious, continual, and open communication with the Holy Spirit in each member’s heart first, and then as a body, which allows it to function in a beautiful way.. the spotless bride of Christ, a physical representation of the spiritual Kingdom of God.

[little elmer]

God is not a Baptist, Methodist, Presbyterian, Pentecostal, etc.

Ironically, He loves the sinner much more than the before-mentioned do.

[mackinac81]

Originally posted by cg81
Anyway, I believe we can say that the Church of the New Testament was the Church as God meant her to be.. the living, breathing, every-member-functioning bride of Christ, free from sin and led by the Spirit. And if that was the case, then it would stand to reason that any “denomination” or other group that would split off of this, or remove themself from this by variance of doctrine (which could only be caused by not following the Holy Spirit) was not the true bride of Christ. I disagree with the thoughts that “every church, tho not in unity and some clearly teaching false doctrine, allowing sin etc, are part of the body of Christ”. This does not mean that people in churches like that are not saved.. however that argument (we’re all the body) would not have held in the New Testament era. The body of Christ cannot be fragmented and in disunity.

I do see your point. I don't believe that separate formal denominations are what God had intended, so to speak. Even in the NT era you had people who "went out from us, but were not of us" (St. John) I also believe that sometimes you do have to put doctrinal purity above unity, as you saw with the Reformation, and the liberal vs conservative churches in the early 20th century, and with the Anglican church today.

[AaronK]

There are no such things as denominations. In order to be Christian, you must be Catholic. Anything else is a false belief.