How do non-denominational Christians pick a church?

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hehe…sometimes I get a good laugh on the board.

I am not denying Jesus as God.

But there is specific authority given. It says, 18And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.

My point to this whole drawn out discussion is there twofold, there is authority in heaven of a spiritual nature and there is authority on earth of a physical nature. This authority is given to Jesus. This is not a God shell-game. We are talking about a specific grant, and I said, (something to the effect) I’d rather have be working under the authority of all things spiritual than all things physical. Any work done for Heaven will not pass, but things on a physical nature will burn away.

That was my point.

With that, I must take my leave. Over the next 5 weeks I have something like 80 hour work weeks and while I cherish my time on CAF, I also recognize I have a huge time commitment to keep up. March 1, I’ll be back to carry on this and other conversations.
I would encourage you, if you get the time over the next 5 weeks, to read John 20:21-23 and learn about the Catholic understanding of this passage and what it means to Catholics in terms of what Christ did with the authority he was given by the Father. God bless you with your commitments, and you are in my prayers, brother.
 
I would encourage you, if you get the time over the next 5 weeks, to read John 20:21-23 and learn about the Catholic understanding of this passage and what it means to Catholics in terms of what Christ did with the authority he was given by the Father. God bless you with your commitments, and you are in my prayers, brother.
Among my other commitments is a study of the Book of John, so while I don’t think we will get to John 20 in 5 weeks, we will be there within 8 week. I do recognize the importance of those verses to Catholics (as well as their importance to all Christians). I’ll be happy to discuss sin, forgiveness, and the like. This is an amazing authority given and an interesting demarkation between Catholics and Protestants.

Peace.
 
Ok. Let’s say I accept your (as of now undocumented) statistic. In fact, I do accept this last statement–it proves my point quite nicely!

And how does that change the number and make it “bunk”? It simply* heightens *the reality that each and every yahoo who feels he can read Scripture and then form his own denomination, can (and does!).

This is a paradigm created in hell. And, is proof that reading the Scriptures without ceding to the pillar and foundation of truth will lead to this type of obscenity.
So if a catholic priest teaches a doctrine that doesnt match the official teaching, are they still catholics or are they heratics?
 
So if a catholic priest teaches a doctrine that doesnt match the official teaching, are they still catholics or are they heratics?
First of all, the word “heretic” appears no where in the Catechism.

Heresy does. And heresy deeply wounds the body of Christ.

So, I would hesitate to call a priest teaching doctrinal error a heretic, even if he may be teaching heresy, for I know not the state of his soul.

Lest you think I’m playing with semantics, words have very nuanced meanings and a change in semantics can change the meaning of the message profoundly.

Example:
The CC is at war with poverty (true)

OR

The CC is at war with the poor (false)

Similarly:
The CC is at war with heresy (true)

OR

The CC is at war with heretics (false)
 
So if a catholic priest teaches a doctrine that doesnt match the official teaching, are they still catholics or are they heratics?
If he is preaching heresy, and his Bishop finds out about it, he will be disciplined.
 
But he and his followers, if they believe the heresy are they then no longer Catholics?
They remain catholics in the manner which(standard) they will held accountable to…as such they are still considered christain,but no longer in full union with His church. There is one other factor that is considered in this whole mess and that is: did the holder of heretical befiefs, know the truth in the first place.
 
They remain catholics in the manner which(standard) they will held accountable to…as such they are still considered christain,but no longer in full union with His church. There is one other factor that is considered in this whole mess and that is: did the holder of heretical befiefs, know the truth in the first place.
So why can anyone use John 9:41 to get out of any sin?
 
So why can anyone use John 9:41 to get out of any sin?
“But now that you say ‘We see’ your sin remains” to say “i see” means you have knowldege of whom Christ is,but refuse Him as who He is.
It is a totally different thing to have never heard the good news to start with.
 
Since my family has again recently moved, we have once again started the search for a church home. The search normally starts with denominations which are closest to our particular beliefs. Then we branch out. We have visited a couple of “bible churches” which really made me wonder, how do non-denominational Christians pick their churches?

I guess included in this question are sub-questions like does it take a while to find the right fit? Do you find yourself easily eliminating churches? What criteria is used?
Bible Churches usually will tell you what the preacher thinks on the subject he has chosen for that week.
I would select a church that follows the Church calendar year.
That would mean they celebrate Easter, Christmas , Pentecost, The birth of Christ. His Resurrection and so on.
Go to a Lutheran (LCMS) or a Catholic Church.

God bless,
bluelake
 
But he and his followers, if they believe the heresy are they then no longer Catholics?
Let’s say a priest teaches, “Jesus is not God; he is only a good teacher” and a parishioner knows that the CC teaches the opposite but chooses to follow this priest, then I would say that it’s better that he leaves the CC than believe this heresy and remain a Catholic.
Such people are usually surprised and pleased to find out that Saint Thomas Aquinas, of all people, agrees with them to such an extent that he says if a Catholic comes to believe the Church is in error in some essential, officially defined doctrine,** it is a mortal sin against conscience, a sin of hypocrisy, for him to remain in the Church and call himself a Catholic**, but only a venial sin against knowledge for him to leave the Church in honest but partly culpable error. Source: Peter Kreeft (bold mine)
 
Hi, XL!

Just wondering if you could provide your evidence for debunking my 40,000 Christian denominations source.

[SIGN1]Your Total “Christian Denominations” Count for today is 41340
Please pray for Christian unity (John 17; Eph 4:5; Matt 16:18) [/SIGN1]
Well, lets start with your source. A “denomination” is defined as an organized Christian group within a specific country.

So, Fellowship of Christian Athetes is a denomination.
The Prison Fellowship is a denomination.
God’s Littlest Angels is a denomination.
Upward Sports is a denomination.
(continue in minutiae)

Then it separates the Catholics into 242 denominations, the Anglicans into 168 denominations and the orthodox into 781. So nearly 1200 of these denominations fall in some fashion within the Catholic Church (although shouldn’t this just be the number 1, ah, nevermind, we’ll over look that).

Then the 1600 Marginal “denominations” include Mormons and splinters of Mormonism.

Now, technically, if I find one error in any of these calculations, then the whole number is suspect.

So my technical error is with the Mormons. They are not a denomination. I cannot trust any of the bunk from this site.

Is this really want where you wanted to go here? Do you really want to defend the Mormons as Christian?

[SIGN1]Instead of fighting for division, really seek unity. Maybe you will find it.[/SIGN1]
 
“But now that you say ‘We see’ your sin remains” to say “i see” means you have knowldege of whom Christ is,but refuse Him as who He is.
It is a totally different thing to have never heard the good news to start with.
The principle Christ is teaching here is, you are not accountable for sin when you are unaware of it (which was the theme). I am cross apply this to an extreme to make a point. I can just wave a magic wand and say, “Oh… I didn’t know abortion was wrong. I didn’t sin.” We all have that internal moral compass that points directly to God. When you aren’t heading in that direction… you are probably sinning.
 
You are free to ask anyone you want to , to pray for you .:thumbsup:As for me I go direct.
Tweetymom,

Yes, it is good to go direct, but have you not read in the Bible where Jesus Christ states where two or more are gathered in my name, there am I, in their misdt.

So therefore it is good to go to a saint, to pray for you, because you and a saint equals two, thus equaling two, that means that Jesus Christ is present in their misdt.

Tweetymom, so it is better to go with two in prayer wether it be a saint or a friend, than go just directly yourself, I mean, if you want, Jesus Christ present in your misdt. Do You?

When I am alone, and I want Jesus Christ in my presence I pray to a Saint, the Saint and I equals two.👍

Tweetymom, therefore when you are alone and want Jesus Present spiritually there with you go to a saint.

Ufamtobie
 
Well, lets start with your source. A “denomination” is defined as an organized Christian group within a specific country.

So, Fellowship of Christian Athetes is a denomination.
The Prison Fellowship is a denomination.
God’s Littlest Angels is a denomination.
Upward Sports is a denomination.
(continue in minutiae)
LOL!! Did you see any of those groups in the list of Christian denominations?

What is listed are groups of Christians who have read the Bible and have formed doctrines they feel are Biblical, and have felt their doctrines are so different from any existing denomination they have found it necessary to start their own church. :eek:
Then it separates the Catholics into 242 denominations, the Anglicans into 168 denominations and the orthodox into 781. So nearly 1200 of these denominations fall in some fashion within the Catholic Church (although shouldn’t this just be the number 1, ah, nevermind, we’ll over look that).
Ok. So then the actual count would be 41,340 minus 1200. Still over 40,000. 🤷

quote]Do you really want to defend the Mormons as Christian?

I think they have as much a right to be considered a Christian denomination as your church does. They’ve read the Bible and think their doctrines truly speak God’s words.
[SIGN1]Instead of fighting for division, really seek unity. Maybe you will find it.[/SIGN1]
I am seeking unity. That’s why I’m here! 👍

NOW, do you have your source for what you believe is the actual number of Christian denominations, XL?
 
Then it separates the Catholics into 242 denominations, the Anglicans into 168 denominations and the orthodox into 781. So nearly 1200 of these denominations fall in some fashion within the Catholic Church (although shouldn’t this just be the number 1, ah, nevermind, we’ll over look that).

Is this really want where you wanted to go here? Do you really want to defend the Mormons as Christian?

[SIGN1]Instead of fighting for division, really seek unity. Maybe you will find it.[/SIGN1]
I think we can agree that mormonism is NOT a Christian denomination.

I would be interested in hearing more about the 242 Catholic Denominations, what happened to 1 church
 
Tweetymom,

Yes, it is good to go direct, but have you not read in the Bible where Jesus Christ states where two or more are gathered in my name, there am I, in their misdt.

So therefore it is good to go to a saint, to pray for you, because you and a saint equals two, thus equaling two, that means that Jesus Christ is present in their misdt.

Tweetymom, so it is better to go with two in prayer wether it be a saint or a friend, than go just directly yourself, I mean, if you want, Jesus Christ present in your misdt. Do You?

When I am alone, and I want Jesus Christ in my presence I pray to a Saint, the Saint and I equals two.👍

Tweetymom, therefore when you are alone and want Jesus Present spiritually there with you go to a saint.

Ufamtobie
Like I said I go direct.
 
LOL!! Did you see any of those groups in the list of Christian denominations?
I did not pour over a list of 33,000 denominations (In fact I did not see a list of the 33,000). I saw nice round numbers 9,000 protestant, etc. I used the definition supplied to say that my few listed could be somewhere in that list because the definition is all inclusive. I’m not sure if my Tuesday night bible study isn’t included in that list.
What is listed are groups of Christians who have read the Bible and have formed doctrines they feel are Biblical, and have felt their doctrines are so different from any existing denomination they have found it necessary to start their own church. :eek:
Well with the core 12,000 non-denominational what do you expect? Lets say 12,000 Southern Baptist Churches decide to shed the Bapist name, over night then your “denominational list” spikes. That is a ridiculous assertion. It is more likely that 95% of these churches hold core similar views. Because they don’t hold a title you just add them to your list.
Ok. So then the actual count would be 41,340 minus 1200. Still over 40,000. 🤷
Do you really want to defend the Mormons as Christian?
Well then I suggest you go have a word with your priest. Ask him 3 things. 1. Does the Bible contradict Joseph Smith, he will answer yes. 2. If Joesph Smith contradicts the Bible can we trust anything this man says? (I’ll let your priest answer). 3. Is the Mormon faith a Christian faith? (I’ll let your priest answer).

The problem here is you are in a pickle. You have having to now defend your list and that list includes Mormons, which (insert priest answer here).

What is my point? You want me and mormons and the rest of the world against you. Only problem is, there are those who are for the body of Christ and there are those against. The 40,130 that you want to exclude are not excluding you. The moment you, you as a person, recognize we are all the catholic church, we will be.

I believe in the catholic church. I include you as a member. For me the number is one but for you the number is 40,141.
I am seeking unity. That’s why I’m here! 👍
You give unity lipservice. But your heart speaks of 40,142.
NOW, do you have your source for what you believe is the actual number of Christian denominations, XL?
For the catholic church, I say there is but one.
 
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