30,000 denominations of protestantism?

[Herbert]

not really, can you explain it in simpler terms.

OK, I’ll do my best

1. Catholics by nature must remain part of the Catholic Church and subscribe overall to the teachings of the Catholic Church, if they wish to be part of the Church. There’s not a lot of leeway, hence not a lot of division - division is clamped down on, people can be subject to excommunication if they go too far…
2. In lay communities, however, unity is not enforced in this manner - it’s up to Catholics to practise it, because it’s not dependent on central Church authority to say what can and can’t be done, what is the best way etc. No one faces the same dangers here of disagreeing with each other as we would of practising in disagreement with the Church. Hence, it is in lay communities - like renewal communities, missions communities etc - where disunity that much more closely resembles what we accuse Protestants of takes place.

For example, a Catholic lay community I’m part of has experienced a number of splits over the years - people taking part of the group and going off to form a new community, sometimes even just over personal disagreements that are nothing to do with theology, etc.

We accuse Protestants of being bad at unity, but don’t practise any better when it’s truly up to us.

 

[cradlecathlic26]

people taking part of the group and going off to form a new community, sometimes even just over personal disagreements that are nothing to do with theology, etc

I dont understand this, are you saying they go and start a new church? what is a new community?

 

[Herbert]

Catholic Lay Associations. Once they get big enough, the can even apply for recognition from the Pontifical Council for the Laity.

 

[cradlecathlic26]

ok, we dont have that in our whole county.

 

[Herbert]

ok, we dont have that in our whole county.

Gosh…what country do you live in? And…how do you know that?

 

[Herbert]

Besides that issue, I also live near an old Spanish colonial town. I was stunned at how many big stone churches there are inside this small old walled town…until a guide explained it to me.

They were all set up by competing denominations of the Catholic Church, denominations competing for the membership of the people being colonised…

 

[cradlecathlic26]

I said county not country. And there is only one Catholic Church in each city. They all teach the same and have the same Laws. There is a St. Peters, St. Elizabeths, St. Charles, and St. James Catholic church in my area of 4 cities.

 

[Herbert]

I said county not country.

Oops, so you did. My mistake

 

[itsjustdave1988]

I’m not a defender of the Reformation or protestantism but I often hear it thrown in protestants faces that there are 30000 different forms of their religion. I think this is unfair.

The source is non-Catholic author David Barrett. I don’t think he thinks it “unfair” but factual.

1. I’d be hard pressed to name 20 different branches of Protestantism

Perhaps you should read his Barrett’s encyclopedia. He lists thousands.

1. Even the ones I could list have the same theological beliefs even if their views on morals differ

Similar does not mean a unity of doctrine, though, does it? You’d be amazed what how many different kinds of “baptists” there are–each baptist parish is a “law unto itself” according to Baptist scholars.

So what do you say? Isn’t it time catholics abandon this attack on protestants?

As stated earlier, the quote is from a non-Catholic scholar, and it is far from an attack, but a statement of fact.

Many converts from Protestantism cite the disunity of these thousands of denominations as among the reasons they left Protestantism. It’s a real problem, even if some don’t like admitting it.

See more here:

33,000+ denominations of Protestantism

 

[itsjustdave1988]

Noting those two points, the numbers from the World Christian Encyclopedia can still be used to show Christianity is definitely fragmented. The exact number is not important and will always be changing (i.e. increasing upward if trends continue).

Phil,

In fact, I think the conclusion that David Barrett, et. al. demonstrated by their study, shown in series of charts if I remember correctly, is that there is an ever-increasing number of “independent” denominations at the expense of the mainstream Protestant denominations. The “independent” Christian denominations, also happen to go by a 66-book “Protestant” Bible. Consequently, the source of the division seems to be a dissatisfaction with mainstream Protestantism. The Protestants are protesting the Protestants, creating new denominations at about a rate of 5 new ones per week.

 

[1234]

I do not limit God’s grace. Look at my posts on here. IF you can only be Christian as a Baptist, so be it. My question is WHY are there three Southern Baptist Churches within walking distance of my house, two Church of Gods, one Church of Christ, and a Methodist? There is one Catholic Church is my town and a seemingly infinite number of Protestant ones, including multiple churches of the same denomination. IF, in reality, there are only a couple dozen denominations, there should be a couple dozen churches.

Protestant churches function differently than a large Catholic church might. The Protestant churches behave like large families and have a lot of activities reflecting this. They have groups for men, women, children at all levels, Bible study, book clubs, potlucks. They are actively run by lay people, elders, presbyters, where the term Presbyterian came from. They are not run from the top, as a Catholic church is. Thus when a Protestant church gets to be of a certain size, it’s time for form a new one. Then again, the churches are of different ages, and in different parts of town. Protestant churches tend to be wealthier, so that they can afford to found a new church more often. Many churches have difference in emphasis -Evangelical Lutheran, for example, but have no core difference with other Lutheran churches. Because Protestants are intimately involved with the running of their parishes, sometimes race and socioeconomics come into play also, perhaps more than in a Catholic church.

 

[ralphinal]

Protestant churches function differently than a large Catholic church might. The Protestant churches behave like large families and have a lot of activities reflecting this. They have groups for men, women, children at all levels, Bible study, book clubs, potlucks. They are actively run by lay people, elders, presbyters, where the term Presbyterian came from. They are not run from the top, as a Catholic church is. Thus when a Protestant church gets to be of a certain size, it’s time for form a new one. Then again, the churches are of different ages, and in different parts of town. Protestant churches tend to be wealthier, so that they can afford to found a new church more often. Many churches have difference in emphasis -Evangelical Lutheran, for example, but have no core difference with other Lutheran churches. Because Protestants are intimately involved with the running of their parishes, sometimes race and socioeconomics come into play also, perhaps more than in a Catholic church.

While I agree that Protestant Churches are run differently, I must disagree with a lot of the assertions made in your post.

First, Protestant Churches do not always split when they get big. IN fact, many grow to near mega-church size. They often split due to theological or other issues. How many times have we seen splits because a group got mad at the pastor and left?

Second, Protestant Churches are not usually wealthier. By and large, they tend ot raise more money than Catholic Churches, but if you look at the demographics, they are not generally classified as the wealthiest churches in a city.

Third, different focii in ministry will often lead to differences in theology. Evangelicals see their calling as being different than mainstream, and they see themselves as being of a different type of Christian, even to the point of some calling everyone else none-Christian.

By the way, many Mizzu Synod and Wisconsin Synod Lutherins would disagree that ELCA are the same.

 

[Mickey]

So what do you say? Isn’t it time catholics abandon this attack on protestants?

Yes.

 

[Herbert]

First, Protestant Churches do not always split when they get big. IN fact, many grow to near mega-church size. They often split due to theological or other issues. How many times have we seen splits because a group got mad at the pastor and left?

Just to add more information to this point, indeed many Protestant churches do split when they reach a certain size, sending some of their loved and valuable members to plant a new church in a neighbouring suburb / town.

This can be with as few as a couple of hundred people before splitting.

 

[cyberjedi75]

okay does anyone here know about the CHURCH OF GOD? Anyone familiar with Herbert Armstrong or the new self proclaimed prophet Ronald Weinland?
I don’t see the church answering them often and I feel they should because what they say is pretty powerful and scary. For instance they give the math that shows that Christ rising on Sunday would be impossible, rather it was Saturday~the true Sabbath… And I have to say it makes sense! Any thoughts?

 

[whatisthetruth]

bump

Hi all, I have some bad news.
Then again it might be good news for some.

Just to let you know CalmDownWisWins stated on another thread after quoting one of my statements,

I would not accept anything this person has to say as meaningful.

And here is how I responded. thank you all for your time we had.

Why CalmDownWisWins, is attacking easier than trying to understand.

Lets attack and start a false rumor about another one of those “Protestants” than try to understand him.

Oops I am sorry CalmDownWisWins, please forgive me. I just called you, a Christian, a liar and falsely accused you.

CalmDownWisWins it is totally against my nature to judge anyone as a liar and I did just that.

Please forgive me.

So let me comment on what you said because you always tell the truth especially about “protestants”

Hi all, since CalmDownWisWins has suggested from his heart

"not to

accept anything I have to say as meaningful" I have regretably made a decision that I wish I did not have to make.

Since, I can not be sure CalmDownWisWins has you second guessing anything I post from this point forward, I have decided to post anything more on any thread at CAF.

I will not waste my time expressing my heart, if you are not going to believe what I write anyway.

**So, why should I post? **

Congratulations, CalmDownWisWins, you have you wish.

**I AM DONE.

PERIOD!!!**

Are you happy CalmDownWisWins?
How are you feeling right now?

** ?

?

?

?

:clapping: ?

:banghead: ? **

If I sound a little hurt, you dang right I am.
I am so sorry it came down to this.

BTW CalmDownWisWins, no need to apologize to me, I forgive you for hurting me.

But I got bad news, I can not clear the pain you caused against God by hurting me. I pray that He accepts your sincere confession.

I really **do not care **at this point if you believe I mean it.

I am so wrong in venting but maybe this is what it will take to get my message across.

Then again,

I am just a “protestant”
Why should you care?.

Maybe by seeing the hurt first hand, might be cause for some to start caring about this nonsense between the Catholics and the “protestants”.

As some are welcoming me home to Christ’s one true church,
others are like CalmDownWisWins.

Why should I come back if what I say has no meaning to you?
Is that thaught about me going to change overnight should I walk through your door tomorrow?

Who believes in thier heart of hearts I feel God’s love right now?

Oh God, please forgive me. Of all I said above,
I am so sorry God, but you know my hurt.
I ask forgiveness of you all at CAF for lashing out.
I am sorry. For any pain I just caused by anything I said here or anywhere else.
In no way do I set out to hurt anyone.

I feel guilty in asking this but,

If by chance you are one who valued our conversation and you have any question of me or thaught you like to share I invite you to PM.

I will gladly communicate with you in PM if you are sincere.

If you do nothing else, may I ask you to read the following.
“My Signature Letter”

Even though CalmDownWisWins does not believe it, it would mean a lot to me if just one of you believes anything I wrote and let me know, please…thank you.

I ask of you as a Christian brother/sister just that one small favor.

To most of you, thank you again for sharing your thaughts, beliefs and most important love with me while I was here on the threads.

For the most part It has been a wonderful visit.
I may come back to the threads, but for now,
thanks to CalmDownWisWins, (BTW may God bless you too),
it is not a good idea to post again for a while.

One day I might understand, why you were compelled to do that CalmDownWisWins, God only knows.

God bless you all

truth

 

[cradlecathlic26]

ok, in my city, the biggest, most elaborate church is the First Baptist Church. All the catholic churches are the same as they were 30 years ago, except for new paint.

 

[Pwrlftr]

bump

Hi all, I have some bad news.
Then again it might be good news for some.

Just to let you know CalmDownWisWins stated on another thread after quoting one of my statements,

And here is how I responded. thank you all for your time we had.

Why CalmDownWisWins, is attacking easier than trying to understand.

Lets attack and start a false rumor about another one of those “Protestants” than try to understand him.

Oops I am sorry CalmDownWisWins, please forgive me. I just called you, a Christian, a liar and falsely accused you.

CalmDownWisWins it is totally against my nature to judge anyone as a liar and I did just that.

Please forgive me.

So let me comment on what you said because you always tell the truth especially about “protestants”

Hi all, since CalmDownWisWins has suggested from his heart
I have regretably made a decision that I wish I did not have to make.

Since, I can not be sure CalmDownWisWins has you second guessing anything I post from this point forward, I have decided to post anything more on any thread at CAF.

I will not waste my time expressing my heart, if you are not going to believe what I write anyway.

**So, why should I post? **

Congratulations, CalmDownWisWins, you have you wish.

**I AM DONE.

PERIOD!!!**

Are you happy CalmDownWisWins?
How are you feeling right now?

** ?

?

?

?

:clapping: ?

:banghead: ? **

If I sound a little hurt, you dang right I am.
I am so sorry it came down to this.

BTW CalmDownWisWins, no need to apologize to me, I forgive you for hurting me.

But I got bad news, I can not clear the pain you caused against God by hurting me. I pray that He accepts your sincere confession.

I really **do not care **at this point if you believe I mean it.

I am so wrong in venting but maybe this is what it will take to get my message across.

Then again,

I am just a “protestant”
Why should you care?.

Maybe by seeing the hurt first hand, might be cause for some to start caring about this nonsense between the Catholics and the “protestants”.

As some are welcoming me home to Christ’s one true church,
others are like CalmDownWisWins.

Why should I come back if what I say has no meaning to you?
Is that thaught about me going to change overnight should I walk through your door tomorrow?

Who believes in thier heart of hearts I feel God’s love right now?

Oh God, please forgive me. Of all I said above,
I am so sorry God, but you know my hurt.
I ask forgiveness of you all at CAF for lashing out.
I am sorry. For any pain I just caused by anything I said here or anywhere else.
In no way do I set out to hurt anyone.

I feel guilty in asking this but,

If by chance you are one who valued our conversation and you have any question of me or thaught you like to share I invite you to PM.

I will gladly communicate with you in PM if you are sincere.

If you do nothing else, may I ask you to read the following.
“My Signature Letter”

Even though CalmDownWisWins does not believe it, it would mean a lot to me if just one of you believes anything I wrote and let me know, please…thank you.

I ask of you as a Christian brother/sister just that one small favor.

To most of you, thank you again for sharing your thaughts, beliefs and most important love with me while I was here on the threads.

For the most part It has been a wonderful visit.
I may come back to the threads, but for now,
thanks to CalmDownWisWins, (BTW may God bless you too),
it is not a good idea to post again for a while.

One day I might understand, why you were compelled to do that CalmDownWisWins, God only knows.

God bless you all

truth

Don’t let some jerk on an internet forum get you down…use the ignore function.

 

[Syele]

Don’t let some jerk on an internet forum get you down…use the ignore function.

the ignore function is great.

I use it for two types of people:

1. ones that I simply will not deal with whatsoever
2. people that I notice I tend to get grumpy and uncharitable to

the first one i never even have to see their posts, and the 2nd I pray for patience and kindness when I click “view post” it really helps.

 

[Singinbeauty]

bump

Hi all, I have some bad news.
Then again it might be good news for some.

Just to let you know CalmDownWisWins stated on another thread after quoting one of my statements,

And here is how I responded. thank you all for your time we had.

Why CalmDownWisWins, is attacking easier than trying to understand.

Lets attack and start a false rumor about another one of those “Protestants” than try to understand him.

Oops I am sorry CalmDownWisWins, please forgive me. I just called you, a Christian, a liar and falsely accused you.

CalmDownWisWins it is totally against my nature to judge anyone as a liar and I did just that.

Please forgive me.

So let me comment on what you said because you always tell the truth especially about “protestants”

Hi all, since CalmDownWisWins has suggested from his heart
I have regretably made a decision that I wish I did not have to make.

Since, I can not be sure CalmDownWisWins has you second guessing anything I post from this point forward, I have decided to post anything more on any thread at CAF.

I will not waste my time expressing my heart, if you are not going to believe what I write anyway.

**So, why should I post? **

Congratulations, CalmDownWisWins, you have you wish.

**I AM DONE.

PERIOD!!!**

Are you happy CalmDownWisWins?
How are you feeling right now?

** ?

?

?

?

:clapping: ?

:banghead: ? **

If I sound a little hurt, you dang right I am.
I am so sorry it came down to this.

BTW CalmDownWisWins, no need to apologize to me, I forgive you for hurting me.

But I got bad news, I can not clear the pain you caused against God by hurting me. I pray that He accepts your sincere confession.

I really **do not care **at this point if you believe I mean it.

I am so wrong in venting but maybe this is what it will take to get my message across.

Then again,

I am just a “protestant”
Why should you care?.

Maybe by seeing the hurt first hand, might be cause for some to start caring about this nonsense between the Catholics and the “protestants”.

As some are welcoming me home to Christ’s one true church,
others are like CalmDownWisWins.

Why should I come back if what I say has no meaning to you?
Is that thaught about me going to change overnight should I walk through your door tomorrow?

Who believes in thier heart of hearts I feel God’s love right now?

Oh God, please forgive me. Of all I said above,
I am so sorry God, but you know my hurt.
I ask forgiveness of you all at CAF for lashing out.
I am sorry. For any pain I just caused by anything I said here or anywhere else.
In no way do I set out to hurt anyone.

I feel guilty in asking this but,

If by chance you are one who valued our conversation and you have any question of me or thaught you like to share I invite you to PM.

I will gladly communicate with you in PM if you are sincere.

If you do nothing else, may I ask you to read the following.
“My Signature Letter”

Even though CalmDownWisWins does not believe it, it would mean a lot to me if just one of you believes anything I wrote and let me know, please…thank you.

I ask of you as a Christian brother/sister just that one small favor.

To most of you, thank you again for sharing your thaughts, beliefs and most important love with me while I was here on the threads.

For the most part It has been a wonderful visit.
I may come back to the threads, but for now,
thanks to CalmDownWisWins, (BTW may God bless you too),
it is not a good idea to post again for a while.

One day I might understand, why you were compelled to do that CalmDownWisWins, God only knows.

God bless you all

truth

Why are you posting this on EVERY one of the threads you have been a part of. I think you have posted this very same post on at least 4 threads that I have stumbled on so far… As if you just copied it an pasted it on each thread you have been a part of…

I don’t know about CAF but on the forums that I created, I try to discourage this repetative posting…