Denominations

[PowderedGold]

Can anyone suggest a resource to read about the beliefs of the various Christian denominations? Hopefully a website that will comprehensively outline what each denomination believes and how they practice those beliefs. Any advice would be helpful. Thanks!

[jazzypooh]

my goodness! do you know how many sects consider themselves "Christians"? you're gonna be searching for a long, long time. i attempted to do that in the beginning of my walk with God, but eventually gave up because it was so tiring. there are just too many to even count! let alone research. if you're trying to figure out which one you fit best with, just make sure that they believe in the core doctrines like Jesus being the Son of GOd & things like that. if they take away from what the Bible is saying about JEsus, then i dont see how they can still call themselves Christians. personally, i ended up settling in a non-denominational church. nothing wrong with some denominations it's just that everyone thinks they're right and no one else can be... the non-denom. church i go to is sort of in the middle about that. but not all non-denom. churches are the same.

the only churches i've actually visited were Baptist, Pentecostal and now i go to a non-denominational church. hated the Baptist church (not all, just the ones i attended), loved the Pentecostals, but God told me to go to the non-denom. church that i go to now. so, that's just me. but ask the Lord to lead you. and make sure you have a clear view of what you believe and that those beliefs line up with scripture.

sorry i couldn't really answer your original question. but i offered what i had. i hope it helps.

oh! you know what you could do? you could check out the beliefs in the different congregation threads right here on CF! so, there... i hope you find what you need.

or if that doesn't work just google the denomination that you're interested in and visit their pages one by one. i did that too, but like i said it was WAY too tiring.

well, i hope that helps some.

God bless!

[PowderedGold]

Thanks for your insights, Jazzy.

I don't necessarily mean every little branch and fringe of every denomination. I just want to understand what is the real difference between a Baptist and a Methodist, for example. Or what makes someone a Congregationalist (a popular denomination where I live)? What do Lutherans believe? I am looking for answers to questions like those.

[heymikey80]

Great question. Mead's "Handbook of Denominations" is the classic, slightly dry standard. But it's good and it's informative.

I bet you already know this so I'll keep it brief. Denominations are built around propositional theology. That's very important. But it only tells you which churches could be problematic because of their propositional theology. Churches can still have problems. And where the Spirit is working, the Spirit can overcome doctrinal problems, too.

Seek a church that is nurturing and well-balanced. I would hope you find a good, nurturing church that gladly says, "Yes!" to the question "are you an evangelical church?" That's a term for a church that founds itself on a specific view of the Gospel. But I wouldn't try to make a good doctrinal church into a church that lives and moves on the Spirit of God. He does what He wants. We just chase Him. (John 3:5)

Again, if you can't find a good, living evangelical church, find one that is nurturing and lives in the Spirit. But I hope & pray you find both together though.

[jazzypooh]

Thanks for your insights, Jazzy.

I don't necessarily mean every little branch and fringe of every denomination. I just want to understand what is the real difference between a Baptist and a Methodist, for example. Or what makes someone a Congregationalist (a popular denomination where I live)? What do Lutherans believe? I am looking for answers to questions like those.
well you could still google those same questions, and see what you find that way. if i come across anything that might help you, i'll post it for you. mikey gave you great advice too. those things are really important. i hope you find what you need.

[xrayx]

my goodness! do you know how many sects consider themselves "Christians"? you're gonna be searching for a long, long time. i attempted to do that in the beginning of my walk with God, but eventually gave up because it was so tiring. there are just too many to even count! let alone research.

Jazzypooh is right. I tried the same thing.

Thanks for your insights, Jazzy.

I don't necessarily mean every little branch and fringe of every denomination. I just want to understand what is the real difference between a Baptist and a Methodist, for example. Or what makes someone a Congregationalist (a popular denomination where I live)? What do Lutherans believe? I am looking for answers to questions like those.

Even the various denominations have divisions. It'll be easier to find out what churches are within your area and assuming they have a website check out their statement of beliefs and make sure it agrees with the bible.

God Bless

[Jere209]

Can anyone suggest a resource to read about the beliefs of the various Christian denominations? Hopefully a website that will comprehensively outline what each denomination believes and how they practice those beliefs. Any advice would be helpful. Thanks!

Hi PowderedGold. :wave:
There are different pamphlets available in Christian stores that do compare the different denominations.
I did find this for you, and I hope it helps.
http://www.religionfacts.com/christianity/denominations.htm

Over the centuries, Christianity has divided into numerous denominations. Each denomination has its own distinctive beliefs or practices, but they are commonly considered branches of the same religion because they agree on such fundamentals as the Bible, the Trinity, and the teachings of the Nicene Creed.
The way in which members regard other denominations varies from mutual respect and acceptance to suspicion and denial that the other group is really "Christian."
The three main branches of Christianity are Catholic, Orthodox and Protestant (and some would add Anglican). Most of the denominations that exist today developed in the 500 years since the Protestant Reformation and fall under the "Protestant" category.


God bless!

[MrPolo]

For what it's worth, here's a great site (http://www.Catholic.com) about which you can learn about the Catholic Church.

[marezee]

can i add a question please? What is the difference between fundamental christianity, right wing christianity, and conservative christianity, etc...(did i get those right?)

[xrayx]

can i add a question please? What is the difference between fundamental christianity, right wing christianity, and conservative christianity, etc...(did i get those right?)

I don't think fundamentalist or conservative christians are considered denominations. Check out their respective congregation forums here on CF. They have sticky threads with info.

I don't know anything about right wing christianity. :scratch: Sounds a little scary. I'm thinking christians with guns. :D

[marezee]

:D ok thanks