What is a baptist church like?

[MoreCoffee]

they’ve asked me before i’ve said no before because i’m not baptist did i sin??? i’m just wondering

I politely decline invitations to Pentecostal churches rather often (and Baptists churches are not hugely different from Pentecostal churches, unless the Baptists are anti-charismatic). I get the invitations because I have a few Pentecostal acquaintances who are always inviting me to come along to their church.

I refuse mainly because I’ve seen what Pentecostal church services are like before and I do not care to repeat the experience. I have no special dislike for Pentecostal preaching or “tongues” and folk falling down “in the spirit” but the loudness of the amplifier systems and the rather unpleasant choruses that are sung (sometimes for 20 or 30 minutes at the beginning and/or the end of the service) make avoiding their services a good idea as far as I am concerned.

I don’t think a polite refusal of an invitation to a Baptist church is a sin, but maybe you should discuss the issue with your priest at your next confession.

 

[benidict]

they’ve asked me before i’ve said no before because i’m not baptist did i sin??? i’m just wondering

trust me… the answer is an unequivicol NO! thou hast not sinned! personally i stay away from protestant churches as much as possible, simply because there is nothing for me there anymore. but i do go to help clean their churches with my protestant crc parents, as an act of charity. but for a service? only if its something special for one of my children, and then i dont miss mass to do this. Peace

 

[Jon_Hus]

I’m a cradle catholic, My mom was a Southern baptist or baptist im not sure then Converted to catholicism like 20 years ago, she raised me Catholic, but i always wanted what to know [what] is a baptist church like?

Predictably this thread has turned into a doctrinal tit for tat. Looking at the first part of the OP, is the question asking about the physical building, the order of worship of the doctrine of the Baptist?

Just like ice cream, there are of course various different flavors of baptist however strawberry and choclate ice cream are still ice cream. From a belief stand point they all have much in common. I would encourage the OP to do a little research on the doctrinal differences between the two by reading on the doctrine from catholic and baptist sources, that is if the OP is interested in really knowing the answer to the OP question.

One of the big differences between the two schools of thought that jumps out at me looking at this thread is that baptist are more independent minded when it comes to theology while catholics put their church between themselves and God. When I say independent minded, I’m NOT saying closed minded but rather baptists on the main get their theology from the Bible and center their relationship with God based on personal interaction with Jesus. Catholics approach God through the use of various intermediates and get their theology from church teaching, much of which is not easy to find in the Bible or as baptist see it in contradiction to the Bible.

 

[Jon_Hus]

I politely decline invitations to Pentecostal churches rather often (and Baptists churches are not hugely different from Pentecostal churches, unless the Baptists are anti-charismatic). I get the invitations because I have a few Pentecostal acquaintances who are always inviting me to come along to their church.
.

While I’m a member of an Evangelical Free Church, I consider myself Baptist and depending on the circumstances I probably wouldn’t go to a pentecostal service either. My point? I disagree with your observation that Baptist and Pentecostals are simular and a Baptist church that allows “sign gifts” and so forth is basically not really Baptist but actually pentecostal with possibly a baptist name over the front door or on the lawn sign.

But I might go to a pentecostal church if the person asking me to go wasn’t expecting me to become a member of the church but rather a friendly fellowship exchange.

 

[dnu]

Why do Baptist buildings (and the buildings for most Protest sects for that matter) not resemble the Jewish Synagogue/Temple?

Jesus and the Apostles worshiped like Jews (since they were Jews), the Catholic Mass/Temple resembles the Synagogue, the Eastern Orthodox Divine Liturgy/Temple resembles the Synagogue…basically, every group that can trace its orgins back to the apostles has a Sabbath service that mirrors the Synagogue, why do the Protest sects look nothing like the nearly 2,000 year old Christian service and the Synagogue that birthed it?

 

[Nicea325]

Simple question, Nicea. How do you know it’s infallible?

Is Jesus infallible? Was not the church founded by Him? Now why would Jesus being God not found an infallible church guided by His Holy Spirit in matters of faith?

Again,if the church is NOT infallible,then every orthodox doctrine is in question. Finally,if you are claiming the church is NOT infallible,then how do you even know they very Bible you use and read contains the correct books?

There is no logic behind: an infallible source (Bible) canonized by a fallible church.

 

[Jon_Hus]

Why do Baptist buildings (and the buildings for most Protest sects for that matter) not resemble the Jewish Synagogue/Temple?

Jesus and the Apostles worshiped like Jews (since they were Jews), the Catholic Mass/Temple resembles the Synagogue, the Eastern Orthodox Divine Liturgy/Temple resembles the Synagogue…basically, every group that can trace its orgins back to the apostles has a Sabbath service that mirrors the Synagogue, why do the Protest sects look nothing like the nearly 2,000 year old Christian service and the Synagogue that birthed it?

I would like to see pictures of a Jewish house of worship that has statues, icons and altar. Not saying they don’t exist, but the Synagogues I’ve been in were quite plain, like Baptist churches.

 

[mariyka]

I would like to see pictures of a Jewish house of worship that has statues, icons and altar. Not saying they don’t exist, but the Synagogues I’ve been in were quite plain, like Baptist churches.

There are many, many Synagogues that are quite ornate and beautiful. You are correct in no statues or pictures, but you can see where Catholic and Orthodox churches follow similar design.

spertus-institute-jewish-study.visit-chicago-illinois.com/ben-ezra-synagogue-interior.jpg

upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/13/New_West_End_Synagogue_interior.JPG

farm1.static.flickr.com/76/212421560_0715d94812.jpg

tallisandco.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/keneseth-eliyahoo-synagogue-interior.jpg

Perhaps you have only visited newer, more modern ones?

 

[dnu]

I would like to see pictures of a Jewish house of worship that has statues, icons and altar. Not saying they don’t exist, but the Synagogues I’ve been in were quite plain, like Baptist churches.

Small Synagogue:
images.search.yahoo.com/images/view?back=http%3A%2F%2Fimages.search.yahoo.com%2Fsearch%2Fimages%3Fp%3DInterior%2BJewish%2BSynagogue%26ei%3Dutf-8%26fr%3Dslv8-acer&w=420&h=560&imgurl=www.recentres.org.uk%2Fimages%2Fsynagogue_visit2004_1_hires.jpg&rurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.recentres.org.uk%2Fpages%2Fimagesgal4.html&size=62k&name=synagogue+visit2…&p=Interior+Jewish+Synagogue&oid=77c399c1f4ee1264&fr2=&no=3&tt=954&sigr=11hf2k7jr&sigi=11roh6rim&sigb=12uj0n0k0#FCar=77c399c1f4ee1264

Simple Catholic Church:
home.catholicweb.com/hrportsmouth/images/altar_loft_view.JPG

 

[dnu]

Inside a Catholic Church:

fisheaters.com/churchbuilding.html

Interior Layout of the Temple in Jerusalem:

biblestudy.org/biblepic/interior-diagram-of-temple-in-jerusalem.html

 

[Nicea325]

I would like to see pictures of a Jewish house of worship that has statues, icons and altar. Not saying they don’t exist, but the Synagogues I’ve been in were quite plain, like Baptist churches.

They do exist and they did exist. Did not Jewish Temple have an altar? Yep! Table of show bread? Yep! Ark of the Covenant? Yep! Two cherubim angels on top of the mercy seat of the Ark of the Convenant? Yep! Should I go on?

 

[Danny_Clover]

Nicea325:

There is no logic behind: an infallible source (Bible) canonized by a fallible church.

And yet, you seem to have no problem with the illogic of an allegedly infallible church made up of fallible men.

dnu:

Why do Baptist buildings (and the buildings for most Protest sects for that matter) not resemble the Jewish Synagogue/Temple?

Because we’re not Jewish.

 

[Jon_Hus]

A sanctuary can be simple and still beautiful. I have been in Baptist churches that were quite amazing. Still, simple in that there are no statues and other things that distract. The temple in Jerusalem, even the First Temple was cedar and gold. However the furnishings were simple. During times of Israel’s evil kings (divided kingdom), statues and other items were introduced into the temple worship, always with a negative effect on Israel.

A Jewish service may have a liturgy, true, but you will not see statues and the like inside. Among Baptist, you will find a wide range of service styles, some almost liturgical and some simple and resembling a Quaker service. The New Testament talks about sermons, hymns and prayers and not much else. Churches during New Testament times were in peoples homes.

 

[Jon_Hus]

They do exist and they did exist. Did not Jewish Temple have an altar? Yep! Table of show bread? Yep! Ark of the Covenant? Yep! Two cherubim angels on top of the mercy seat of the Ark of the Convenant? Yep! Should I go on?

I know all about these things. You don’t want to get into a discussion on them with me unless you care to look silly.

 

[Nicea325]

And yet, you seem to have no problem with the illogic of an allegedly infallible church made up of fallible men.

Because we’re not Jewish.

And yet, you seem to have no problem with the illogic of an allegedly infallible church made up of fallible men

Illogic? A problem? Not me but for non-Catholics it is a problem.Name one of the 12 who was ALWAYS infallible? Did not Peter deny Jesus 3 times,yet he wrote two epistles? Are his epistles fallible since the church is made up fallible men?

In addition, Jesus left a church of sinners,not perfectionists and that in no shape or form negates Jesus promise that he gave the 12 the Holy Spirit and it is applicable when the Church defines and makes ALL doctrines official.

If not,then every orthodox doctrine is open to errors,including the very Bible we have today.

Finally Jesus did not choose the best man for the office(bishpric),but he chose the best office (bishopric) for the man

Your argument is illogical.

 

[Nicea325]

I know all about these things. You don’t want to get into a discussion on them with me unless you care to look silly.

Go back and read what you said. Someone took the time to show you pictures of a synagogue,so you might want to think twice about who is truly silly.

 

[Danny_Clover]

**Name one of the 12 who was ALWAYS infallible? Did not Peter deny Jesus 3 times,yet he wrote two epistles? Are his epistles fallible since the church is made up fallible men? **

No. He was very fallible, as he demonstrated. However, his canonical writings are inerrant.

Could you please name any of “the twelve” who were ever infallible?

In addition, Jesus left a church of sinners,not perfectionists and that in no shape or form negates Jesus promise that he gave the 12 the Holy Spirit and it is applicable when the Church defines and makes ALL doctrines official.

The problem is that all born again believers have the Holy Spirit and yet, we can all still be wrong.

The Apostles didn’t have any more of the Holy Spirit than we do today, nor does the promise of the Holy Spirit imply infallibility in the first place.

Your argument is illogical.

Interesting claim, since I haven’t even made my argument yet.

 

[Danny_Clover]

Go back and read what you said. Someone took the time to show you pictures of a synagogue,so you might want to think twice about who is truly silly.

…says the man who brags about refuting an argument no one even made.

 

[Rolltide]

Churches during New Testament times were in peoples homes.

True, but churches during New Testament times were only in people’s homes (and catacombs) because the religion had to go underground because it was persecuted. Many of these private sanctuaries, by the way, had very fine things, because we have historical records of what they contained. Once you see the Edict of Toleration announced, you see a whole host of elaborate churches built almost immediately.

 

[eucharisteo]

…

One of the big differences between the two schools of thought that jumps out at me looking at this thread is that baptist are more independent minded when it comes to theology while catholics put their church between themselves and God. When I say independent minded, I’m NOT saying closed minded but rather baptists on the main get their theology from the Bible and center their relationship with God based on personal interaction with Jesus. Catholics approach God through the use of various intermediates and get their theology from church teaching, much of which is not easy to find in the Bible or as baptist see it in contradiction to the Bible.

There are many spiritualities within the Catholic Church and no one get to the father except through Jesus. But you say in Baptist opinion Catholic theology contradicts the scriptures. That is so far off course because Baptist theology is not based on scripture but individual interpretation out of context. It is a rather simple thing to prove. As a former member of the “church of Christ” we easily refuted much of Baptist believe very easily using bible only beliefs. Later, after getting good enough to preach with that knowledge Catholic theology began to ooze from the pages of my bible. I saw things that the church leaders could not explain. They claimed to be the one true church that Christ had founded and that the Catholics came along and corrupted the church forcing the real Christians to go underground. As preposterous as that may seem to Catholics and well educated men/women, it is what they teach. There is not one ounce of other than belief in Jesus as our savior that appears to be true in the Baptist faith. It defies God’s law by placing man above the Church, which Christ himself established and placed an heir to the throan upon it’s chair, replacing the Chair of Moses. Andy true bible only Christian would know about which scriptures I’m speaking. It gets exhausting trying to climb tall oily slick poles. You believe what you do because that is most likely what you were raised to believe.

I’d argue that if you actually sit down and continue to read scripture in context you will begin to see the truth pop out before you. It doesn’t take a genius to figure it out…or maybe it does. But it’s not difficult for me because I’ve been studying scriptures for 33 plus years and counting. Rather than performing the hocus pocus act of many Protestants I try to reconcile my beliefs to God’s word, which included scripture, and not the good book to my beliefs founded on personal beliefs passed down through our family and church. Oh, I think I hit upon something here! Baptist DO HAVE SACRED TRADITION! Only they’ll never admit it because it sounds like heresy to them. Yet, try to convince one to think beyond an 8th grade level of the bible. They just won’t or can’t do it because it would shake the very foundation of their faith…that is based on their “sacred tradition” which is really man made tradition. This, my friend, was the most important aspect of searching for truth that I ran upon as a devout practicing Christian in the churches of Christ, founded by Alexander Campbell I discovered later. The were part of the aftermath of the reformation movement that wanted to go back to the early church beliefs and several of your baptist beliefs are not reconcilable with the bible. I’m sorry to tell you this, but it is true and very easy to support. But my experience dealing with debating baptist and other evangelicals that they usually will not give you the time of day without spitting out prooftexts of various beliefs they erroneously stand on in order to attempt confusing their opponent and prove they know the bible. But it proves absolutely nothing. It’d be like me spitting out various formulas in math and science and never trying to make sense out of it, which I can do anyway. But it would not prove anything except how uncharitable I can become once my faith begins to sink on sinking sand. I have many years of experience dealing with these sort because I used to try to “save them” from eternal damnation, as I saw it back then. Now I just find it sad and pray for them and giving them a bone once in a while, hoping they’ll actually become more sincere at researching scripture from the perspective given to them by us, Catholics.

Coming from a former wanta be church of Christ preacher, most Protestants don’t really know the scriptures like people profess they do. I’ve found that most if not all take scripture out of context and then throw in their unique theological terminologies, made up in order to justify their positions. They may be able to quote a scripture, but they can seem to keep themselves from misusing God’s word, which is very sinful. It is an act of charity to say they “know their scripture”. It’s like a money can do sign language, but do they really know with intellectual ability what they are communicating with higher level thinking. One of my favorite analogies goes like this: It’s like a Physicist trying to be an expert with a high school level algebra ability as his/her most advanced of mathematics understanding . Physics requires calculus based mathematics and then some in order to become a Physicist and much more to become an expert. Having a high school based math just will not cut the mustard.