Doctrine and denominations

[Salty]

From another thread:

Baptist can never be a religion nor should it be a denomination. Local churches were set up independent, because they were exact copies of, not an extension of another local church. The body of Christ is individual believers. Not a church, denomination, nor religion. A local church is for all the neccessary church needs: fellowship, teaching, discipleship, and reproof. The church is not a bastion of knowledge like doctrine and theology. The Gospel is simple, not hard to understand, and definitely not elaborate.

I did not want to get too far off that OP, so I am starting this one


I) Denomination has two meanings
1) the Hierarchy with control over member churches. This would include RCC, U Methodist, PCUSA ect.
2) Those who have similar beliefs - (w/o a Hierarchy) IFB, SBC, Church of Christ would fall under this meaning.--

Thus denomination is not a "dirty word"!
As far as religion -I tell people that Religion is man Seeking God,
Christianity is God seeking us (I stand at the door and knock)

One one other thing - Doctrine IS important!
You will find the word "doctrine" 45 times - in just the New Test.
Paul thought it was important.

Open for discussion

 

[timtofly]

Is there a survey on what people today think a denomination is?

A group of Baptist denominations can still have fellowship I suppose. But if the term denomination defines them and separates them from each other, what good is a denomination?

The point is separating one's self off from the body of Christ. Get far enough away, you have a totally different religion.

 

[Salty]

Is there a survey on what people today think a denomination is?

A group of Baptist denominations can still have fellowship I suppose. But if the term denomination defines them and separates them from each other, what good is a denomination?

The point is separating one's self off from the body of Christ. Get far enough away, you have a totally different religion.

Its not what a survey says - For definitions I go to the dictionary.

And as I stated before - denominational is not a bad thing.

Look at this way - If I am in a different City - - and want to attend church - I will more than likely attend a Baptist church - as we would have similar beliefs. -Doesnt mean I would necessarily agree with every last item in their doctrine statement - but close enough that i would enjoy my visit.

First the reason - people say that they as Baptists are not a denomination is because their pastor has told them that. Bottom line - many are making a mountain out of a mole hill. There are many more things that are more important to believe.