Ramalama;:
Does anyone have a link to a primer on the theological basis for each of the various Protestant denominations?
A quick overview of what one might run into, when attending a service of different denominations, can be found in
How to be the Perfect Guest. This is a three or four volume work, that describes the expected behavior in the different religious organizations. Groups whose expected behavior is the same, tend to have similar theological beliefs and patterns.
Cat;:
The problem with reading a primer compiled by one person is that the author’s biases will inevitably creep into his/her compilation and so they are not always accurate or fair.
+1.
I’ve got several such handbooks, and studied a number of others. Invariably they reflect the theological bias of whoever wrote it.
One thing you can do is visit various Protestant churches and ask for a written Statement of Faith (also called a “doctrinal statement”).
Also ask how you can obtain a copy of their membership handbook, and Catechism. If asked, simply tell them that you’d like to know more about their beliefs, from sources that they consider to be authoritative.
Baptist–there are literally hundreds of different Baptist denominations! Make sure you get the Southern Baptists … ask around to find other Baptist denoms.
I’d also suggest looking at the documents for
Landmark Baptists,
Primitive Baptists, and
Liturgical Baptists. With those three, and
Southern Baptists, you pretty much cover the entire spectrum of Baptist theology.
The Christian Church/Church of Christ/Disciples of Christ (note–this Church of Christ is NOT the same as the United Church of Christ!)–these are what are called “Restoration” churches.
These churches are militantly autonomous. Call every one that is your area. Don’t be surprised if each one gives you a different set of documents. Nor be surprised if they tell you that the other churches in their "denomination’ are doomed to eternal damnation for some incredibly minor point of theology that you not only have never heard of before, but can’t see as having any theological significance whatsoever.
The non-denoms–hundreds and hundreds exist in any big city. Look for Vineyard, Willow Creek Association, and Saddleback Association. These are huge growing movements of non-denominational churches.
These churches are also very likely to give one a copy of a creed or two, as their statement of faith. This is why requesting a catechism is crucial. Their understanding of that creed may be radically different from yours.
It took me reading an explanation of how
The Apostle’s Creed is an endorsement of Unitariasm, and a rejection of Trinitarianism, to realize just how far from “the plain meaning”, some of these churches are, in their understanding of what any specific creed, or statement means.
My method of creating your own primer might seem harder than just ordering a book, but I guarantee that you will learn more and probably make a few friends!
+1.
xan
jonathon
