I am so sad right now

[kayanne]

I feel so tormented inside, trying to figure out what I believe and why there is so much division in the church. I have been unsatisfied in my home church for over a year. (and yes, I have visited other churches--I just don't know where God wants me).

CF has been good for me in many ways, to examine what I believe in light of what my church teaches, and to get perspectives from so many different Christians in many denominations. But sometimes I just feel overwhelmed! Somtimes I feel angry at God for making the Bible so confusing. I get angry at people who post here who seem like they just want to win arguments instead of living a life of Christian love and service.

I am sad because I am afraid the kind of Christian fellowship I am thirsting for doesn't exist. I wish I could find a church that focuses on the main things "Love the Lord your God" and "Love your neighbor as yourself," yet still holds to a high standard, morally speaking. I don't want an "anything goes" church in terms of sinful living. But why does every church have to have a "stand" on baptism, tongues, eternal security, election, etc. Why don't more preachers admit that some scriptures seem to contradict others, and there are some doctrinal issues that may have to be left unresolved?

Then we could focus on what IS clear in the Bible. "Be holy as I am holy." "Pure and undefiled religion is this: visiting the orphans and widows in their distress." "As you have done unto the least of these, you have done unto ME."

I am sick of doctrine bickering. Does God understand that I have tried and tried to make sense of scriptures, but no matter what conclusion I come to on some issues, there will be millions of people who disagree with me? Just look at how many pages one of the baptism threads over in the non-denom forum is!!! It makes me start to question my whole faith sometimes! And that makes me want to cry. I truly am struggling with all of this.

[9-iron]

Well, all I can tell is you shouldn't feel alone!:D I feel almost exactly like you in the fact I can't seem to find a church I feel comfortable in. My family goes to church and I really couldn't give you a legitimate reason why other than I feel my kiddos need to be in fellowship somewhere.

I have made my share of mistakes and caused my share of problems. That is part of why I feel like I do and the other part is nothing I have found feels right. Just something about church in general I can't get comfortable with. Whether it is abusive authority, cold religion or whatever, I don't feel like I fit into to American Chrisitianity.

In a very sad way, I am now just kind of drifting through life in a spiritual sense. Instead of focusing on the race I just see the finish line now.

[ZiSunka]

"I am determined to know nothing except Christ and his crucifixion," Paul said.

This forum for unchurched people doesn't need to have any doctrinal debating because if those of us who come here have strong held doctrines on things, we need to remember that the minor issues don't matter mcuh in the wide scheme of things. If St Paul was unwilling to debate doctrine, I don't think we need to here either. :)

I think from now on, these words should be banned from this forum:

"You are dead wrong."

"You are not a true Christian because you disagree with what I believe is truth."

"If you really loved God, you would agree with my position because it is the only godly way to believe."

"You are bad..."

"That is the wrong way to believe."

"That is the wrong way to feel."

"Everybody knows you are wrong."

And any other judgmental words. If you feel someone has misinterpretted a passage of the Bible, say so, but don't put condemning words with it. :(

If you feel compelled to spell out how someone has deviated from orthodox doctrine, feel free to do so, but watch how you say it or the message might be drowned out by the pain of how loudly you are shouting.

[ZiSunka]

You can ask questions about how a person arrived at a belief or where it might be found in the Bible, but no condemning!

[kayanne]

You can ask questions about how a person arrived at a belief or where it might be found in the Bible, but no condemning!

Sounds good to me. I think a lot of us need a place to fellowship and ask questions without being bashed and made to feel inferior. The bickering gets so discouraging! :cry: It's really sad how much Christians can end up bringing other Christians down.

[Bevlina]

I feel so tormented inside, trying to figure out what I believe and why there is so much division in the church. I have been unsatisfied in my home church for over a year. (and yes, I have visited other churches--I just don't know where God wants me).

CF has been good for me in many ways, to examine what I believe in light of what my church teaches, and to get perspectives from so many different Christians in many denominations. But sometimes I just feel overwhelmed! Somtimes I feel angry at God for making the Bible so confusing. I get angry at people who post here who seem like they just want to win arguments instead of living a life of Christian love and service.

I am sad because I am afraid the kind of Christian fellowship I am thirsting for doesn't exist. I wish I could find a church that focuses on the main things "Love the Lord your God" and "Love your neighbor as yourself," yet still holds to a high standard, morally speaking. I don't want an "anything goes" church in terms of sinful living. But why does every church have to have a "stand" on baptism, tongues, eternal security, election, etc. Why don't more preachers admit that some scriptures seem to contradict others, and there are some doctrinal issues that may have to be left unresolved?

Then we could focus on what IS clear in the Bible. "Be holy as I am holy." "Pure and undefiled religion is this: visiting the orphans and widows in their distress." "As you have done unto the least of these, you have done unto ME."

I am sick of doctrine bickering. Does God understand that I have tried and tried to make sense of scriptures, but no matter what conclusion I come to on some issues, there will be millions of people who disagree with me? Just look at how many pages one of the baptism threads over in the non-denom forum is!!! It makes me start to question my whole faith sometimes! And that makes me want to cry. I truly am struggling with all of this.

Kayanne, focus on Christ, not what people say.
For centuries now people have done the same as you are sad about now. they have bickered, hater, cried out "I'm right! You're wrong!" And the plain fact is ... it's not going to change.
It's what Jesus wants us to do, not what man wants us to do.
The kind of fellowship you want is on earth, but you haven't had the chance to find them yet. Instead, you found us. You found people of a like mind as you.
There is no need to question your faith. God looks on your heart.
Forget about how they bicker on other forums. Forget about doctrine. Concentrate on Christ.
I am a widow - a widow in banishment from churches because I AM a widow.
And, that made me open my eyes. People today do not care for others.
Old people are put in Homes For The Aged while the son's and daughters go to church. Most of them are widows or widowers.
Face it, this is a cruel world Kayanne. And, we are not going to change it one scrap or iota.
All we can do is keep our focus on God.

[Orchids]

I don't know about you, but if the denominations suddenly began to agree with each other, I'd wonder what was wrong...or maybe it would be perhaps The End!! If all the churches agreed with each other and got along it would be heaven on earth, though. :angel:

[StTrudi316]

Kayanne, focus on Christ, not what people say.
For centuries now people have done the same as you are sad about now. they have bickered, hater, cried out "I'm right! You're wrong!" And the plain fact is ... it's not going to change.
It's what Jesus wants us to do, not what man wants us to do.
The kind of fellowship you want is on earth, but you haven't had the chance to find them yet. Instead, you found us. You found people of a like mind as you.
There is no need to question your faith. God looks on your heart.
Forget about how they bicker on other forums. Forget about doctrine. Concentrate on Christ.
I am a widow - a widow in banishment from churches because I AM a widow.
And, that made me open my eyes. People today do not care for others.
Old people are put in Homes For The Aged while the son's and daughters go to church. Most of them are widows or widowers.
Face it, this is a cruel world Kayanne. And, we are not going to change it one scrap or iota.
All we can do is keep our focus on God.

Of late I've been challenged to think outside the box when it comes to "church".

While our real enemy is Satan, he is certainly adept at using christians to hurt one another. This has happened in countless "churches".

I would like to propose the idea of "church" as something completely and totally different from what we might be used to.

For instance, today I attend a church in a 100 year old building, complete with stained glass windows and a pipe organ.

Would it be "church" for me if I met with a group of christians for fellowship and prayer in the bar at Old Chicago Restaurant?

[Tavita]

I guess the point is that WE are the 'church', WE are the 'called out ones', WE are the 'ecclesia'. And it doesn't matter where the ecclesia meet together in an 'assembly', as WE are the Temple Of God now and His Spirit resides in us. Buildings and organisations mean zilch to God.

[Bevlina]

Yes, I agree with Tav's. We are the Church. The building isn't what God looks upon, He is Gracious and looks upon peoples hearts individually.
I often attend the Catholic Church. It is very old, has stained glass windows, and is very, very casual. Often, we have no Priest, and the laymen have to see to the Service.
We laugh, we pray, we worship, we give, we shake hands during the Service. Now, if the same thing happened in my Olive Grove, it would be just as acceptable to God!

[Wakeup2god]

We're all different parts of the body. Sometimes the eye can't comprehend just what the foot is all about but one without the other can be frustrating or even painfull. And eye without a foot can only see but not approach. A foot without an eye will probably break a few toes stumbling round in the dark.

The enemy loves to divide and rule. Focus on the life source. Jesus. We all share Him like the bodyhas blood flowing through it. Encourage unity wherever you can and don't you allow division to rise up between you and another.

Revival can only start in me, same with unity.

God bless you. Stay close to the one who loves you the most. Jesus

[theCreator'schild]

I feel so tormented inside, trying to figure out what I believe and why there is so much division in the church. I have been unsatisfied in my home church for over a year. (and yes, I have visited other churches--I just don't know where God wants me).

CF has been good for me in many ways, to examine what I believe in light of what my church teaches, and to get perspectives from so many different Christians in many denominations. But sometimes I just feel overwhelmed! Somtimes I feel angry at God for making the Bible so confusing. I get angry at people who post here who seem like they just want to win arguments instead of living a life of Christian love and service.

I am sad because I am afraid the kind of Christian fellowship I am thirsting for doesn't exist. I wish I could find a church that focuses on the main things "Love the Lord your God" and "Love your neighbor as yourself," yet still holds to a high standard, morally speaking. I don't want an "anything goes" church in terms of sinful living. But why does every church have to have a "stand" on baptism, tongues, eternal security, election, etc. Why don't more preachers admit that some scriptures seem to contradict others, and there are some doctrinal issues that may have to be left unresolved?

Then we could focus on what IS clear in the Bible. "Be holy as I am holy." "Pure and undefiled religion is this: visiting the orphans and widows in their distress." "As you have done unto the least of these, you have done unto ME."

I am sick of doctrine bickering. Does God understand that I have tried and tried to make sense of scriptures, but no matter what conclusion I come to on some issues, there will be millions of people who disagree with me? Just look at how many pages one of the baptism threads over in the non-denom forum is!!! It makes me start to question my whole faith sometimes! And that makes me want to cry. I truly am struggling with all of this.

Hi Kayanne,

Like you, I feel a torment of sorts regarding churches and the divisions therein. It's the doctrinal debates and the denominational issues that have me frustrated.

Of late, we haven't been going to church. I love the Lord with all my heart, soul, and mind, and desire to do His will. The problem is finding the right church (people) to worship with. A group that is less concerned about doctrinal issues and more concerned for other people and helping those in need is what I desire.

I believe God understands what we're going through, and in some ways, maybe this is a test of our faith in Him. My encouragement to you is to read the Bible in your favorite translation, and let God speak to you through the Scriptures.

I made a comment to a friend one time and it goes something like this.
Do you think that Heaven has "denominational apartments or streets"? My answer:
NO, I don't think so. We're not going to go to one section of Heaven and find "Baptist Blvd" or to another and find "Apostolic Avenue". One thing we will find is streets of gold and those who were ready when they died or when Christ returns.

And like you mentioned in your post, I think some people ARE out to win arguments and shame on them! That's not what Christianity is about. Sometimes ya just gotta agree to disagree and let it go.

Blessings to you and if you'd like to PM me about this I certainly welcome it. :)

[kayanne]

The problem is finding the right church (people) to worship with. A group that is less concerned about doctrinal issues and more concerned for other people and helping those in need is what I desire. :)

Yes!! That's exactly what I'm looking for. Our pastor actually says that doctrine is more important than unity, and that you can't forsake true doctrine in the interest of unity and love. Well, who is to say that our church is the one with the TRUE doctrine?!? I disagree with a lot of what my church teaches (yet I agree with much also). But it's almost like "love" and "unity" are bad words---that's what those "liberal churches" focus on---but we are "sooooo spiritual and we know that speaking in tongues is not of God" and we "know that God has elected those to be His" and so on. And if you don't believe all the things our church "knows" is right, then you just must not be very mature spiritually, and you've been deceived, blah blah blah.

[Bevlina]

Kayanne, you know that's the wrong approach to Christianity. Unity is an absolute must!
Love is an absolute must!
This is why so many people have Home Churches, because they cannot find the love and unity in a church. This saddens them and they see that they are being led astray by this type of doctrine.
I have never heard those words said anywhere. I do know some can form little cliques and have their Bible Classes etc; without inviting anyone else.
We must be Prayerful, and Careful these days.
Sadly, the world is filled with folk who are saddened like you today, and for the same reason.

[GraceMan]

Oh, kayanne, I've been where you are. Let me give you a little advice. The gospel is about Christ and him crucified. The good news is that he died for you, me and everyone. Christ is pefect. The body (people) of Christ is not. The church is far from perfect. Keep your eyes on perfection, not imperfection.

Turn your eyes upon Jesus.
Look full in his wonderful face.
And the things of earth will grow
strangely dim in the light
of his glory and grace.
-Newsboys

Love,
Graceman

P.S. Jesus will never leave you nor foresake you!

[kayanne]

Turn your eyes upon Jesus.
Look full in his wonderful face.
And the things of earth will grow
strangely dim in the light
of his glory and grace.
-Newsboys


That's Newsboys?! It's an old old hymn--but the words are still beautiful.

Hey, thanks for your very encouraging post. And everyone else too.
I'm feeling better. It really is SO wonderful to have a place here, where I can be honest and open. I know we need real-life fellowship too, but sometimes I need to work through thoughts and doubts and questions in a way that's more anonymous. You all are great!!!! :clap:
Love in Christ, kayanne

[IntimateFriend]

Dear Kayanne,

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God. And the peace of God, which trancends all understanding, will guard your heart and mind in Christ Jesus."
Philippians 4:6,7

I totally understand your position my dear sister in Christ. I'm also one of those folks who waits for the kingdom of God. It breaks my heart to see the Church of Jesus Christ in disarray and disunity. But you know what? I have a promise from God that the unity of the Church is already done. You can find it in Revelation. When the Lord Jesus Christ said on the cross "It is finished" the unity of His Church is also included. Do you think Jesus our Lord would come for a unholy, worldly, and disunited Church? No. He is coming for a Church, his bride, who has made herself ready. We don't have to be anxious concerning God's Church; Jesus knows what's happening...He is not surprised. He already seen this thing even before the foundation of the world. He is the beginning and the end. He is the author and the finisher of our faith. He knows what He is doing. Don't be so burdened down...go to Jesus and you will find rest in your soul. Everything is under control. He who created the heavens and the earth will accomplish what He has started. Our duty is to fear and trust Him.

Looking at God's church is very disheartening. I even got into such depression that I started despising the Church. I started complaining and murmuring. I even got into a place where I don't want to do anything with the Church. Until God rebuked me. He told me that I was sinning againts Him because of my attitude towards His precious Church. I complained and murmured but I didn't look at myself that I'm also part of the problem. I complained that the pastors and leaders were not preaching the full gospel, but did I do my job in praying for them? Before we complain we should ask our selves if we have done our part in seeing the Church of God in unity. If we truly believe that there is nothing impossible with God, then complaining and murmuring should have no part in us. If prayer works, are we praying for God's church? Do we go to the Church fellowship to bless or just to be blessed. Instead of forgiving, loving, and helping one another, we christians bite and devour one another...It is really sad indeed! O how our Saviour desires to see us loving and preffering one another? He weeps for His Church.

My dear Kayanne don't be dismayed there is hope in Jesus. Don't despise your brothers and sisters. They are shaming the name of Christ but they are still part of the Body of Christ. If we cannot love one another how can we love our enemies whom Jesus commanded us to love. Remember love never fails. Love, love my dear sister. Will you lay down your life that the Church of God may be ready for Christ's coming? Will you be an intercessor for your brothers and sisters and for the lost? Are you willing to pay the price in being God's catalyst in seeing the Body of Christ come together in one heart and mind for His purposes.

Jesus loves His church. He died for His Church. Eventhough it seems that most members of His Body (Church) don't acknowlegde His Lordship, He still loves His Body(Church). True, His Church is not really in good shape right now. But in this last hour God will separate the goats from the sheep. The world will finally see the true Church of God.

I don't go to an on fire Church. I want to leave but I sense in my spirt to stay and be an example and be on fire. I'm praying to God that He would touch the leadership. I believe that God will answer my prayer. I have examine my heart and I have repented for my murmurings and other sins. I truly want to be a bright light. If God can do the impossible I'm believing that He will revive the Church. I love the Church of God. I love my brothers and sisters. How can I hate my family? If God tells me to leave and go to another Church or whatever I'm willing to do His will. I'm under His Lordship. It is my greatest desire to see my Jesus knowing that I have surrendered all and have finished the race that's been appointed for me.

This post is not to condemn or discourage you my sister. It is my desire to see you well in Christ. How I hope that God would use you mightily wherever you are. May your life be a great encouragement to the Body of Christ. Spend more time with Jesus. Cast all your cares to Him. If you behold Him you will also cry out like the Seraphims "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of His glory" (Isaiah 6:3). When you behold all you see is His glory and majesty. The problems would become nothing before Him. You will find that every problem has been answered. "But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord" (II Cor. 3:18). We have an enemy and that's the Devil, the deceiver and liar; let us fight this good fight of faith. "Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might" (Eph.6:10).
God bless, and I love you with the love of the Lord.;) :D :P

[chunkofcoal]

I guess the point is that WE are the 'church', WE are the 'called out ones', WE are the 'ecclesia'. And it doesn't matter where the ecclesia meet together in an 'assembly', as WE are the Temple Of God now and His Spirit resides in us. Buildings and organisations mean zilch to God.

Good point. :thumbsup:

I don't have a home church. My beliefs lean toward Messianic, and there are no Messianic synagogues in my (rural!) area. So, this forum is pretty much it for fellowship for me. I have been to a couple of churches of different denominations but I never found my "fit". But we can be in Christ, and He in us, whether we are sitting in a church building or sitting at home on our couch. :bow:

[Bevlina]

Absolutely true coal. And, you are more than welcome to this Forum!

[chunkofcoal]

Absolutely true coal. And, you are more than welcome to this Forum!

Thank you for the kind welcome.:wave:

[DarkGalaxy]

I feel the same way as the OP... where is the love? This is something my present church lacks, although doctrinally speaking - I do agree with most of it, like 99%! There just is no love. It feels empty. I will go wherever God wants me to, all he has to do is show me. :bow:

[chunkofcoal]

I feel the same way as the OP... where is the love? This is something my present church lacks, although doctrinally speaking - I do agree with most of it, like 99%! There just is no love. It feels empty. I will go wherever God wants me to, all he has to do is show me. :bow:

Jesus warned us about this (Matthew 24:12-13) "And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved."

Jesus said to His disciples - "Ye are all brethren". We need to act like it. :groupray:

[Theophorus]

I use to be involved with Home Church. I home school and have 5 children if that gives you any indication of my background.
Kayanne, I understand the discouragement and the lack of love you sometimes feel. The confusion and struggles. God is faithful, seek Him and not your own and you will be filled. I will pray for you.

[GraceMan]

That's Newsboys?! It's an old old hymn--but the words are still beautiful.

Hey, thanks for your very encouraging post. And everyone else too.
I'm feeling better. It really is SO wonderful to have a place here, where I can be honest and open. I know we need real-life fellowship too, but sometimes I need to work through thoughts and doubts and questions in a way that's more anonymous. You all are great!!!! :clap:
Love in Christ, kayanne

Yea, but I like the Newsboys version better. Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus is off their Not Ashamed album and it's a kicker! ;)

I really hope every thing is cheeky in your world Kayanne! God bless! :)

[PaladinGirl]

Hey don't feel bad. Have a hug. :hug: I sometimes get confused too. I wish I could find a church somewhere but I honestly don't know where. I am considering visiting a Conservative Pentecostal church with my Mom this weekend but I seriously doubt that I'll stay going there. I am liberal and I just wouldn't fit in well.

[Bevlina]

I thought you were studying the catholic church Holly?

[PaladinGirl]

I thought you were studying the catholic church Holly?

I decided not to convert cause they're too conservative for me. ;)

[Bevlina]

Isn't it tough to find the church that suits! There are just far too many churches today!
Too many Bible Translations too.
And ... far, by far ... too many religions. :doh:

[loribee59]

no....

too many doctrines... which can be confusing to those who haven't studied God's word closely. Of course, in turn becomes man's 'religion'.

[justthomas]

That may sound like a contradiction of terms. But there are so many Christians in that place right now. I know I was for almost 4 years. Sitting in a church pew or in the corner of a liviing room, "alone", I mean ALONE, is not a nice place to be. When we are lonely we can't help but to get sad.I had to make a decision to get into action. Start being a freind to those I liked, and some I didn't so much! But learning how too be a friend, so I could have a friend.

The second Decision, but that actually came first, was that I truly needed Jesus in order to do this deal called life. Like so many of us, on my own, I couldn't keep from feeling those senses of guilt, lonliness, shame and all those others during those quiet times. When the only one I had to deal with was myself. Seven years ago, I went back to the drawing board. Started reading the Bible on a regular basis, and found the joy of going to him with my burdens, daily. He was always there. I needed to get into action, and prepare a place for him. In my heart!

Today, I have a web ministry, a wonderful family and he is now doing for me what I couldn't do by my self! Disabled and all. Thank-you Jesus!

justthomas

[GraceMan]

Isn't it tough to find the church that suits! There are just far too many churches today!
Too many Bible Translations too.
And ... far, by far ... too many religions. :doh:

A BIG :amen: to that Bevlina! The bible states that the enemy is the author of confusion.

~G-Man

[Sally Wren]

I went for many many years yearning for fellowship. And even though I would still desire that I think there is a need also to learn that we don't need others. We can pray, fast, praise, sing, and especially READ THE BIBLE. And who doesn't need reading the Word!!!!!!!!! I mean seriously. I've come to the conclusion that it is not about fellowship now in this world. It is about my relationship with God. And my yearning to even understand more of His ways and what is going to happen here in the end. I find it all consuming myself, I really do.

I was reading the bible and I read this parable where it says the King goes away and then returns "from the wedding" to his servants. What is this "returning FROM the wedding" about????????? I don't know about you but I want to be at that weddddddinnnnnggggg!!!!!!

So anyway in my saddness at times of not having the church right around me like they did in the early church, I find other things to fill my heart. Whatever it is that we go through, not matter what it is, we are to endure through it to the end and our promise is that we will be saved. I guess one of our heartaches for the times we are livng in is that there has been a falling away of the churches and we have pretty much all been forced to live on the Holy Spirit, that unction of the Spirit. It is a time of trying our hearts, but even the people of the early church had many many many problems they faced too. They had a lot of heartaches too.

God bless you all and just hang in there.

Kim

[Plan 9]

I found a church I love, but I can't attend. I haven't left my apartment for anything but medical and gov't agancy appointments for over a year now.
I only rarely see my few Christian friends face to face.
CF and a few Christian friends at other boards are all I have in terms of fellowship now and I must say that it leaves a void.
I think I do the best I can, but how can I really know?
Still, I try to be content.

[merechristian]

a few quotes i,ve recently read which are relevant to this thread-jesus didn,t find a church he created a movement(REV.JIM WALLIS),WHEN ANY CHURCH WILL INSCRIBE OVER IT,S ALTERS,AS IT,S SOLE QUALIFICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP,THE SAVIOR,S CONDENSED STATEMENT FOR THE SUBSTANCE OF LAW AND GOSPEL,(THOUGH SHALT LOVE THE LORD THY GOD WITH ALL THY SOUL,AND WITH ALL THY MIND,AND THY NEIGHBOR AS THYSELF)THAT CHURCH WILL I JOIN WITH ALL MY HEART AND SOUL.BY ABRAHAM LINCOLN. an unchurched christian,amen! i agree with ol abe and i,m still looking for that church. go well folks,mere christian

[julian the apostate]

for what its worth, a friend of mine once wrote the following to me
dont take it as an appeal to become episcopalian/anglican, that is not the point
but i rather liked it

a friend of mine sent this to me

Hi Dave:

Here is my latest writing on the church

Thought you would be interested. It still is in rough form

Fr Paul

THERE IS A DIFFERENCE
There is a difference between the Episcopal Church and other denominations.
The main difference is, denominations look at different things the same way. The Episcopal Church looks at the same things in a different way. It means we must give meaning to what we do. There is a story coming out of the apocryphal Gospel of Thomas where Jesus sees a person working the Sabbath. He says, "Blessed are you if you know what you are doing, but woe to you if you do not."

It is a matter of history. There was Henry the VIII, who did not start the Episcopal Church (Anglican Communion), but he reformed the Church. What happened on the Continent was not a "Reformation" it was a "Revolution." The Lutheran Church, Presbyterian, etc., started at that time. In England the Church maintained Apostolic Succession with Jesus. Henry reformed the Church, but did not break from it. His successor Mary attempted to bring the Church back to Rome. She slaughtered those who worked with Henry"s reformation. Shortly Mary died and was succeeded by Elizabeth. She appointed Richard Hooker, as her theologian for the Church. Hooker was faced with the challenge that if he had a theology which favored either the Protestants or Catholics, heads would literally fall. Rather than present a theology, he presented a way of thinking about theology. It was based on the Bible, Reason and Tradition, called the "three legged stool," or "via Media."

Because of Hookers brilliance the Episcopal Church is not a denomination which has a theology. It is a Church which thinks theologically. The Creeds set our limits of how much and how little one can believe. The middle is left up to the believer.
There are people in the Church who go beyond the limits of the Creed, but the recently revised Creed says "We believe." This means, believe what you will, but this is what the Church believes. The rest is up to you. What is our position on the new Prayer Book, the ordination of women, the issues of human sexuality, and ordination? The answer is, what is your position? From the time of Hooker to our time today there were and are people whose belief is more in the Catholic tradition and others who are more Protestant, There are those who are more fundamentalist and conservative, while others are less fundamental and more liberal. The denominationalist will ask, "Who is right?" The Episcopal Church will answer, "What is your Theology?" This is the core of the Episcopal Church. It is the freedom from denominationalism which looks at different things in the same way. It is the freedom of Jesus Christ to look at the same things in a different way. There is a difference