Asian church and Charasmatic faith churches

[Jun_Canada]

Hi there
I have been attending what every1 calls a "charasmatic, faith" based churches. For about 1 and a half yrs I have been attending the church, but I recently attending an asian church and I found it COMPLETLY different on how they run things, and as well as how they speak. Its biblical, but not really emphasizing faith and everything to the degree that my current church does. Are asian churches...more...i dont know what to call it..i guess less faith based, and more ...i dont know what to call it either haha.....just different.
Any comments?

[holo]

I can imagine Asian churches being way different. Goes to show how much is Jesus and how much is culture.

I've been to works-, faith-, holiness based churches etc. I'm hoping to find one that is grace based.

[Jun_Canada]

Why are there different kinds of based churches? The Bible is the Bible
Why is every denomination or culture making it so different?

[M Paul]

Why are there different kinds of based churches? The Bible is the Bible
Why is every denomination or culture making it so different?

For people that believe the Bible is inspired and inerrant, there is complete spiritual unity on core matters--things like Christ is the son of God, and his blood sacrifice saves. That's what counts. Christ crucified is what unites us all.

However, there's peripheral matters, and that makes for different kinds of churches. However, Protestants believe that in a free and fair debate, the truth will win, because Jesus Christ is Lord, and eventually, we will come into agreement. That's why freedom of speech arose in Protestant society.

The Bible can be complex in interpretation. After all, it was written by God. Luther's mistake was, he thought it was easier than it is, and he never anticipated so many denominations. But, just keep in mind there is complete unity on core matters, on the most important spiritual concerns.

Regards,

Paul

[Grl4Christ987]

Even withing Asian culture and Asian Churches, there are big theological differences amongst them. Contrary to popular belief, there is just as much debate between Asian people of faith as there is as much here in North America and Europe.

In Christ,

Kimmie

[M Paul]

Even withing Asian culture and Asian Churches, there are big theological differences amongst them. Contrary to popular belief, there is just as much debate between Asian people of faith as there is as much here in North America and Europe.

In Christ,

Kimmie

So, you're saying that the Christian churches in Asia can't agree on core doctrine??? That some say Christ is the son of God, and some not?? That some say his blood saves, and some not??? Some say there is a heaven and hell, and some not??? etc., etc.

Could you give some examples of churches in Asia that deny core doctrine?? Then, why are they calling themselves a Christian church??

I'm not sure what you mean, that Asia debates as much as America or Europe-- as that was the point, that under the theory of denominationalism, the church debates peripheral points--that is after the Reformation, they began to do so, although there was always some debate to different degrees, but the RCC eventually was suppressing disagreement. However, I find it hard to believe that in Asia the church debates Christian issues to the degree found in the American and European tradition. China was Communist for 50 years, and they put out a tremendous amount of propagandistic literature, but I didn't think they permitted oppossing view points. However, would you say there exists from Asians major works comparable to, for example, Martin Luther's Bondage of the Will, addressed to Erasmus, and part of a debate exchange?? Or are there examples of extended works of literature in debate such as found with the Calvinist verses Arminian views on how the Holy Spirit brings a person to salvation?? Or examples, such as Methodism and Keswick Conventions becoming a major topic of discussion in the Christian community in the 19th century asserting views on entire sanctification different than progressive sanctification??

However, I have no doubt that as Asia becomes more and more Christian, Asians will be major players in the debates. For example, Cho is a Word of Faith Pentecostal, and he has written literature backing up the Faith Movement's claims, but his works are mainly a reiteration of concepts begun in the west. Still, his works are very popular throughout the world, and it's only a matter of time, before Asians are at the forefront of the issues.

Regards,

Paul

[rocklife]

Why are there different kinds of based churches? The Bible is the Bible
Why is every denomination or culture making it so different?
some cultures are just different, raised different in childhood, their societies hold differing values (or place their priorities on values differently).

have you been overseas into a different culture? It can be a lifechanging, eye-opening experience.

[SteelDisciple]

I'm not asian..but my wife is half. I was considering going to an Asian church simply because Asian people tend to actually be open and friendly and have some depth to their personality..unlike americans. :/

[Grl4Christ987]

So, you're saying that the Christian churches in Asia can't agree on core doctrine??? That some say Christ is the son of God, and some not?? That some say his blood saves, and some not??? Some say there is a heaven and hell, and some not??? etc., etc.

Could you give some examples of churches in Asia that deny core doctrine?? Then, why are they calling themselves a Christian church??

I'm not sure what you mean, that Asia debates as much as America or Europe-- as that was the point, that under the theory of denominationalism, the church debates peripheral points--that is after the Reformation, they began to do so, although there was always some debate to different degrees, but the RCC eventually was suppressing disagreement. However, I find it hard to believe that in Asia the church debates Christian issues to the degree found in the American and European tradition. China was Communist for 50 years, and they put out a tremendous amount of propagandistic literature, but I didn't think they permitted oppossing view points. However, would you say there exists from Asians major works comparable to, for example, Martin Luther's Bondage of the Will, addressed to Erasmus, and part of a debate exchange?? Or are there examples of extended works of literature in debate such as found with the Calvinist verses Arminian views on how the Holy Spirit brings a person to salvation?? Or examples, such as Methodism and Keswick Conventions becoming a major topic of discussion in the Christian community in the 19th century asserting views on entire sanctification different than progressive sanctification??

However, I have no doubt that as Asia becomes more and more Christian, Asians will be major players in the debates. For example, Cho is a Word of Faith Pentecostal, and he has written literature backing up the Faith Movement's claims, but his works are mainly a reiteration of concepts begun in the west. Still, his works are very popular throughout the world, and it's only a matter of time, before Asians are at the forefront of the issues.

Regards,

Paul

No no I'm not saying that they debate basic doctrine like the Trinity and things of that nature...I'm talking more about denominational differences like baptism in the Holy Spirit and Baptism in water and the Gifts of the Spirit, things like that. It's not as bad as us Americans obviously but they do have their discussions.

In Christ,

Kimmie

[discernomatic]

Be careful of bible-based cults in asia, they exist in the eastern hemisphere as well as in the western one. Some are disguised as mainline churches, for example, the Yoido Full Gospel Church in Seoul, South Korea (Assembly of God) of Paul (David) Yonggi Cho, said to be the largest church in the world, info at: http://www.apologeticsindex.org/c17.html . Some argue that he has forsaken core beliefs and is preaching a false gospel.

I just found out about a cult called Eastern Lightning. They do not only deceive and manipulate followers, but are brutal as well. They purposefully target Christian groups. Here is a link and some excerpts:

"A few years ago I had the privilege of speaking to house church leaders in a meeting on the outskirts of the huge city of Xian in China.....I noticed one young lady in her early 20s....“Several months ago I was deceived into joining the Eastern Lightning cult. When I realized they didn’t believe the Bible and weren’t believers in Jesus, I tried to leave, but they wouldn’t let me go.""

"Instead of trying to convert unbelievers to their group, the Eastern Lightning appears to have decided it is better to deceive existing Christians. They do not mind targeting nominal believers, but it’s clear their chief goal is to attack church leaders and those with the most influence. Their methods have included financial inducement, beatings and torture, sexual seduction, and brainwashing."