Division?

[Mig]

I recently watched a video from Alabama Catholic Resources entitled ‘The Origins of The Bible’. I found it fascinating and it gave me much food for thought.

Today, I’ve got some things I’d like to say. On that video it’s claimed that there are about 35,000 Protestant religions. I find that number a bit hard to believe. Honestly, it appears that the number was simply a highly prejudiced estimation. Does anyone know how they came by it? The men of the world have a strong tendency to overstate and misunderstand the negatives of their opposition. I hope we Christians can be more thoughtful.

In any case, and despite what the actual number is, their point was well taken. The Protestant movement has led to much outward division. On one side that movement has ‘representatives’ which are about as far from Christ as could possibly be. On the other it has the Evangelicals. A group that appears to have helped remind the Catholic Church of what it’s original mission was/is.

Which brings me to my last point. As I look at the Catholic Church. I don’t see a single united mind. I see more than a little division among Roman Catholics. I see problems that appear to have come from weak leadership. And honestly I find it both deflating and confusing that Christ’s own representative on earth often appears, to put it kindly, to have neglected his job.

I do not come here to fight and argue with you, but to find truth. Finding truth has been a very uncomfortable experience for me, so please understand if I don’t feel bad causing some of you some discomfort. You needn’t concern yourself with causing the same to me.

 

[ThomasToo]

This may answer your question bringyou.to/apologetics/a106.htm.

 

[Mig]

This may answer your question bringyou.to/apologetics/a106.htm.

Well it certainly didn’t take you long to bring me some discomfort did it? Though that appears to have been more of personal problem.

In any case, thank you and I stand corrected on: the number, (33k instead of 35k), the term used (denominations instead of religions), and who did the compiling, (Anglican instead of Catholic).

While I can’t really argue with the number, I still believe what I said initially. Let us who worship the same Saviour be careful how we ‘represent’ one another. That number (33k) used as a example of division, is a bit overstated. Many of these denominations are so closely united in doctrine and purpose as to be virtually indistinguishable.

In any case the point of division is serious matter and certainly needs to be addressed.

 

[Julian0404]

Also, for more truth, please read CROSSING THE TIBER by Steve Ray

 

[Langdell]

Well it certainly didn’t take you long to bring me some discomfort did it? Though that appears to have been more of personal problem.

In any case, thank you and I stand corrected on: the number, (33k instead of 35k), the term used (denominations instead of religions), and who did the compiling, (Anglican instead of Catholic).

While I can’t really argue with the number, I still believe what I said initially. Let us who worship the same Saviour be careful how we ‘represent’ one another. That number (33k) used as a example of division, is a bit overstated. Many of these denominations are so closely united in doctrine and purpose as to be virtually indistinguishable.

In any case the point of division is serious matter and certainly needs to be addressed.

The ways things are in the world these days, I tend to think that interdenominational differences should be low on the list of concerns. I’m just happy to hear that someone is believer in Christ.

.

 

[_L]

The World Christian Encyclopedia states that there are over 33,000 protestant denominations spread over 238 countries, with 3.4 million individual Church communities/congregations. it seems unbelievable I didnt believe that number could possibly be accurate until i read this

 

[Betterave]

I recently watched a video from Alabama Catholic Resources entitled ‘The Origins of The Bible’. I found it fascinating and it gave me much food for thought.

Today, I’ve got some things I’d like to say. On that video it’s claimed that there are about 35,000 Protestant religions. I find that number a bit hard to believe. Honestly, it appears that the number was simply a highly prejudiced estimation. Does anyone know how they came by it? The men of the world have a strong tendency to overstate and misunderstand the negatives of their opposition. I hope we Christians can be more thoughtful.

In any case, and despite what the actual number is, their point was well taken. The Protestant movement has led to much outward division. On one side that movement has ‘representatives’ which are about as far from Christ as could possibly be. On the other it has the Evangelicals. A group that appears to have helped remind the Catholic Church of what it’s original mission was/is.

Which brings me to my last point. As I look at the Catholic Church. I don’t see a single united mind. I see more than a little division among Roman Catholics. I see problems that appear to have come from weak leadership. And honestly I find it both deflating and confusing that Christ’s own representative on earth often appears, to put it kindly, to have neglected his job.

I do not come here to fight and argue with you, but to find truth. Finding truth has been a very uncomfortable experience for me, so please understand if I don’t feel bad causing some of you some discomfort. You needn’t concern yourself with causing the same to me.

…neglected his job? To put it kindly? (With kindness like that, who needs malice?)

 

[Leela]

I recently watched a video from Alabama Catholic Resources entitled ‘The Origins of The Bible’. I found it fascinating and it gave me much food for thought.

Today, I’ve got some things I’d like to say. On that video it’s claimed that there are about 35,000 Protestant religions. I find that number a bit hard to believe. Honestly, it appears that the number was simply a highly prejudiced estimation. Does anyone know how they came by it? The men of the world have a strong tendency to overstate and misunderstand the negatives of their opposition. I hope we Christians can be more thoughtful.

In any case, and despite what the actual number is, their point was well taken. The Protestant movement has led to much outward division.

I think it would be better to say that whatever it was that led to the Protestant movement continues to lead to more outward division. What led to the Protestant movement? What other causes may be causing still more division today?

On one side that movement has ‘representatives’ which are about as far from Christ as could possibly be. On the other it has the Evangelicals. A group that appears to have helped remind the Catholic Church of what it’s original mission was/is.

You are begging the question of what the true meaning of the gospels is. All Christians hold beliefs consistent with theur understanding of what that true meaning is.

Which brings me to my last point. As I look at the Catholic Church. I don’t see a single united mind. I see more than a little division among Roman Catholics. I see problems that appear to have come from weak leadership. And honestly I find it both deflating and confusing that Christ’s own representative on earth often appears, to put it kindly, to have neglected his job.

I do not come here to fight and argue with you, but to find truth. Finding truth has been a very uncomfortable experience for me, so please understand if I don’t feel bad causing some of you some discomfort. You needn’t concern yourself with causing the same to me.

What you seem to be suggesting is more forceful rhetoric of the variety, “you are not REALLY a Catholic if you don’t believe X, Y, and Z.”

The result would undoubtedly be fewer Catholics and more Protestants.

Best,
Leela

 

[JRKH]

I recently watched a video from Alabama Catholic Resources entitled ‘The Origins of The Bible’. I found it fascinating and it gave me much food for thought.

Yup. The origins of the bible was one of the things that definitely led me away from the Protestant faith communities.

Today, I’ve got some things I’d like to say. On that video it’s claimed that there are about 35,000 Protestant religions. I find that number a bit hard to believe. Honestly, it appears that the number was simply a highly prejudiced estimation. Does anyone know how they came by it? The men of the world have a strong tendency to overstate and misunderstand the negatives of their opposition. I hope we Christians can be more thoughtful.

I see others have addressed this so I will only say that I agree that the number is somewhat misleading. However, when one considers the number of variations on “Essential Truths” among the various denominations, all claiming “Bible based teaching” one can only think that there is some serious problems with the “protestant” model.

In any case, and despite what the actual number is, their point was well taken. The Protestant movement has led to much outward division. On one side that movement has ‘representatives’ which are about as far from Christ as could possibly be. On the other it has the Evangelicals. A group that appears to have helped remind the Catholic Church of what it’s original mission was/is.

Well, I don’t know about the “evangelicals”, but certainly agree that the Prtoestant movement has led to “much division”. Something that is quite unbiblical.

Which brings me to my last point. As I look at the Catholic Church. I don’t see a single united mind. I see more than a little division among Roman Catholics. I see problems that appear to have come from weak leadership. And honestly I find it both deflating and confusing that Christ’s own representative on earth often appears, to put it kindly, to have neglected his job.

Certainly we are a “pesky bunch” and will argue vociferously among ourselves…But, and this is a very important “But”…The Catholic Church has a clearly defined body of teaching AND an established authority by which to resolve disputes over doctrine. Of course some will want to rebel against a teaching that they do not favor, or a “ruling” that goes against them, but that is a personal issue and not one of “Catholic Teaching”.
As to “weak leadership” and “neglecting ones job”, over the centuries there have been problems, but these have never effected the basic teachings of The church, and God has always sent individuals to help bring the church back on course.
In the last century or so I think we can safely say that we have been abundantly blessed in the persons occupying the Chair of Peter.

I do not come here to fight and argue with you, but to find truth. Finding truth has been a very uncomfortable experience for me, so please understand if I don’t feel bad causing some of you some discomfort. You needn’t concern yourself with causing the same to me.

No Problem If you keep asking questions in this spirit, we shall try to keep answering in the same spirit.

Peace
James

 

[fhansen]

I recently watched a video from Alabama Catholic Resources entitled ‘The Origins of The Bible’. I found it fascinating and it gave me much food for thought.

Today, I’ve got some things I’d like to say. On that video it’s claimed that there are about 35,000 Protestant religions. I find that number a bit hard to believe. Honestly, it appears that the number was simply a highly prejudiced estimation. Does anyone know how they came by it? The men of the world have a strong tendency to overstate and misunderstand the negatives of their opposition. I hope we Christians can be more thoughtful.

In any case, and despite what the actual number is, their point was well taken. The Protestant movement has led to much outward division. On one side that movement has ‘representatives’ which are about as far from Christ as could possibly be. On the other it has the Evangelicals. A group that appears to have helped remind the Catholic Church of what it’s original mission was/is.

Which brings me to my last point. As I look at the Catholic Church. I don’t see a single united mind. I see more than a little division among Roman Catholics. I see problems that appear to have come from weak leadership. And honestly I find it both deflating and confusing that Christ’s own representative on earth often appears, to put it kindly, to have neglected his job.

I do not come here to fight and argue with you, but to find truth. Finding truth has been a very uncomfortable experience for me, so please understand if I don’t feel bad causing some of you some discomfort. You needn’t concern yourself with causing the same to me.

The truth is one. You’ll find it in the consistent teachings of the Church, on her gospel of salvation, from its inception 2 millenia ago. The fact that its possible to be Catholic in name and yet diverge in belief from her teachings means nothing in regards to the truth of those teachings. It only means that people believe what they choose to believe.

 

[JDaniel]

I recently watched a video from Alabama Catholic Resources entitled ‘The Origins of The Bible’. I found it fascinating and it gave me much food for thought.

Today, I’ve got some things I’d like to say. On that video it’s claimed that there are about 35,000 Protestant religions. I find that number a bit hard to believe. Honestly, it appears that the number was simply a highly prejudiced estimation. Does anyone know how they came by it? The men of the world have a strong tendency to overstate and misunderstand the negatives of their opposition. I hope we Christians can be more thoughtful.

In any case, and despite what the actual number is, their point was well taken. The Protestant movement has led to much outward division. On one side that movement has ‘representatives’ which are about as far from Christ as could possibly be. On the other it has the Evangelicals. A group that appears to have helped remind the Catholic Church of what it’s original mission was/is.

Which brings me to my last point. As I look at the Catholic Church. I don’t see a single united mind. I see more than a little division among Roman Catholics. I see problems that appear to have come from weak leadership. And honestly I find it both deflating and confusing that Christ’s own representative on earth often appears, to put it kindly, to have neglected his job.

I do not come here to fight and argue with you, but to find truth. Finding truth has been a very uncomfortable experience for me, so please understand if I don’t feel bad causing some of you some discomfort. You needn’t concern yourself with causing the same to me.

Take a look at adherents.com/. I don’t remember, off hand, who the compilers are, but, they arrived at 33,000 also.

When you mention that there is little difference I think the same could be said of all of Christianity, yet we know that that’s not necessarily accurate. A primary difference between the Catholic Church and Protestantism regards the number of books included in each’s Bible.

A long time ago, some famous philosopher once said that, “A small error at the beginning of a subject (science) can become a large error by its end.” It is not enough to simply say, well there’s enough similarity that the churches are essentially the same. We are talking about our souls here. Not speculating about philosophy or science.

Why are there 33,000 Protestant denominations? That’s the question. Do you think God wanted 3.25 billion denominations on planet earth? Or, did He want one family, one Church, one congregation? When He spoke to Peter, in Gethsemane, did He say, “Upon this Rock I will build my Churches?”

God bless,
jd

 

[JRKH]

Take a look at adherents.com/. I don’t remember, off hand, who the compilers are, but, they arrived at 33,000 also.

When you mention that there is little difference I think the same could be said of all of Christianity, yet we know that that’s not necessarily accurate. A primary difference between the Catholic Church and Protestantism regards the number of books included in each’s Bible.

A long time ago, some famous philosopher once said that, “A small error at the beginning of a subject (science) can become a large error by its end.” It is not enough to simply say, well there’s enough similarity that the churches are essentially the same. We are talking about our souls here. Not speculating about philosophy or science.

Why are there 33,000 Protestant denominations? That’s the question. Do you think God wanted 3.25 billion denominations on planet earth? Or, did He want one family, one Church, one congregation? When He spoke to Peter, in Gethsemane, did He say, "Upon this Rock I will build my Churches?"

God bless,
jd

Regarding the Bolded section, that was not in Gethsemane, it was in “the neighborhood of Caesarea Philippi” (Mt 16:13)
In Gethsemane He asked Peter Why he couldn’t stay awake…(Mt 26:40)

Peace
James