Would like a Catholic's response to what "non- denominational" means

[lil_flower_luv]

I’ve heard of it. But what does it mean? And what is the difference between people who believe in it…and me, a practicing Catholic?

Thank you in advance!

God Bless!

 

[MelanieAnne]

There is only one Church, and that is the Church founded by Jesus. If you are a Catholic, you are a member of that group already.

Some definitions need to be provided. The CHURCH is “the Body of Christ”. All validly baptized persons are part of that group. So the CHURCH includes Catholics, Orthodox Christians, and most Protestants. There are those who call themselves Christian who are not part of this large group and those groups are those whose baptisms are not considered valid (Mormons and Jehovah Witnesses are prominent examples.) The reasons for baptisms being determined as not valid vary, but the result is the same ~ they are not considered to be part of the CHURCH, the Body of Christ.

When we speak of the CHURCH in such broad terms, obviously we are not just talking about those in communion with the Bishop of Rome. But they are still part of the Body of Christ and therefore, the CHURCH.

So there is the church that you go to, whether it is a reference to a building or a congregation, and then there is the whole Roman Catholic or Latin Rite Church that is communion with Rome, which is all the Catholic churches in the world, and then there is the CHURCH, the Body of Christ that is all validly baptized Christians.

Within Protestantism there are many different groups. Many are aligned with some larger group (Anglican/Episcopal, Methodist, Presbyterian, etc.) some are not aligned with some larger group. Those non-aligned, as I understand it, are the “non-denominational” ones. Hope this helps!

 

[spankyg]

Hi Therese,

Well, non-denominational means that you do not follow any particular Christian denomination, such as, Baptist, Mormon, Jehovah’s Witness, ect.

They also do not follow the Catholic Church. (Don’t follow the Pope)

This means they have their own ideas of how Christianity should be, and do not particularly agree with any of the 35,000 Christian denominations there actually is.

The difference between a Catholic and someone who is non-denominational depends on what they actually disagree with within the Catholic Church.

 

[DonLeon]

I’ve heard of it. But what does it mean? And what is the difference between people who believe in it…and me, a practicing Catholic?

Thank you in advance!

God Bless!

As far as I know a non-denominational church is a congregation that is not aligned, attached, or part of one of the major protestantant denominations. In other words it is an independent unit.

PAX DOMINI

Shalom Aleichem:

 

[Dismas2004]

A denomination is a religious group or category, larger than a sect, of a particular religion.

Hence nondenominational is not a religious group that can be categorized.

That said - it is what ever you want it to be since it can not be categorized.

I liken nondenominational “groups” to a cafeteria - pick what you want, eat as much or as less as you want for the same price. Plus there’s the additional bonus that the food is mediocre!

 

[Dale_M]

As far as I know a non-denominational church is a congregation that is not aligned, attached, or part of one of the major protestantant denominations. In other words it is an independent unit.

This agrees with the common-sense notion of “non-denominational”, but it seems there are apparently quite a few denominations which call themselves “non-denominational” because they don’t have much of a central government. Nonetheless, these churches are united by some fairly cohesive doctrines and worship practices.

Examples include:

Newfrontiers — charismatic, of UK origin

Evangelical Christian Church in Canada (Christian Disciples)

Sovereign Grace Ministries — identifies itself as “Reformed Charismatic”

Vineyard Movement — evangelical/charismatic

Independent Fundamental Churches of America — association of conservative, independent churches

International Circle of Faith - ICOF — Fellowship of Independent Churches

Calvary Chapel — mildly charismatic, originating in California
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Non-denominational

 

[DrumminFool91]

What’s really funny is that “non-denominational” is really just another evangelical-type denomination of non-Catholic Christianity. Like others have said they “pick and choose” what they want to believe, but I think you could argue that to be the case among the other denominations, they’ve just put a name to their creed. Non-denominationalists are generally adherants to Sola Scriptura and Sola Fide. They generally have sermon-based, high emotion services backed by contemporary Christian music and a few common hymns mixed in. In my experience, the general feel they try to go for is one of a “modern” church - going for something “new”. Usually sparse decorations and the preachers usually don’t wear robes. They intentionally abandon as many “traditional” trappings as they can. At New Life Church, one of the biggest, I don’t think there’s even a cross in their main auditorium (at least there wasn’t a few years ago when I was there last).

There’s lots of license within the personal creed of a non-denominationalist - I’m sure there’s “Once Saved, Always Saved” types, and I’m sure others would disagree. I’m sure there’s a debate between many non-denominationalists about things like baptism, marriage, homosexuality, etc…

But given all the common threads that I listed above, “non-denominational” Christianity is just really another denomination of evangelical Christianity. I feel that way about my “messianic Jewish” friends. They don’t seem to realize that their belief system is just another rehashing of evangelical Christianity that has a few extra trappings - in this case its Jewish holidays and perhaps rules on food and such.

What I wonder is why people feel like it’s a good thing to abandon formal creeds for an informal one… That seems like a much more dangerous system to me - it can easily lead to an “anything goes” mentality. But folks these days seem to like that sort of thinking. It’s soooo easy… you make your theological decisions based on feelings and emotions and what seems good at the moment. But now I’m starting to rant…

 

[SonofMonica]

Baptist.

[Here in the Southern U.S., baptist churches will start sister churches, label them non-denominational, and support them as ‘sister’ churches. If you check their statements of faith, they are copied from the Southern Baptist Convention template, so to speak.]

 

[Stolle]

As has been said a number of times already, non-denominational churches are generally not attached to one of the major denominations. That being said, there are quite a few “non-denominational” churches popping up that have tried forming together to create some sort of a denomination, by setting a centralized set of standards. So you’ll see something like “Covenant Life Church: A member of Sovereign Grace Ministries”. Obviously “Sovereign Grace Ministries” isn’t so much a denomination as it is an ideological agreement. A lot of these kinds of places have taken to calling themselves “Inter-Denominational” churches, it just sounds better.

The litmus test I prefer to use is this: If a church:
A - is more concerned with attracting members to the physical church as opposed to the denomination, or even Christianity.
and
B - makes you get baptized again as a show of your dedication

then it’s probably a non-denominational church.

 

[ScottishColleen]

“Non denominational” simply means that they do not fall under a particular branch of authority…they are a “free range church” though they do fall under particular branch categories.

 

[Corki]

Baptist.

[Here in the Southern U.S., baptist churches will start sister churches, label them non-denominational, and support them as ‘sister’ churches. If you check their statements of faith, they are copied from the Southern Baptist Convention template, so to speak.]

We have a church near us who’s sign is “Axxxxx Baptist Church” and underneath it reads “a nondenominational Bible church.” I always wondered about that sign but it might be one of those “sister” churches you describe.

 

[PJM]

=lil_flower_luv;5320239]I’ve heard of it. But what does it mean? And what is the difference between people who believe in it…and me, a practicing Catholic?

Thank you in advance!

God Bless!

The closest anology I can think of is New Age for “nondenominational” Protestants are those who accept “no single body of truth, doctrine, or dogma” of any single recogonized church. For example Baptist, Methodist, Luthern, or Catholism.

Rather they are free to believe what they choose and practice in what ever manner suits them. It is highly unlikely that any two “nondenominational” churches teach, practice and believe all of the same things. It’s the “don’t judge me and I woun’t judge you philosophy.”

Love and prayers,
Pat

 

[Bill_Pick]

A denomination is a religious group or category, larger than a sect, of a particular religion.

Hence nondenominational is not a religious group that can be categorized.

That said - it is what ever you want it to be since it can not be categorized.

I liken nondenominational “groups” to a cafeteria - pick what you want, eat as much or as less as you want for the same price. Plus there’s the additional bonus that the food is mediocre!

Most of the ND church here are ex Baptst that was fighting with other Baptist church or with other Baptist from town,here I,d say 75% are baptist

 

[ScottishColleen]

The closest anology I can think of is New Age for “nondenominational” Protestants are those who accept “no single body of truth, doctrine, or dogma” of any single recogonized church. For example Baptist, Methodist, Luthern, or Catholism.

Rather they are free to believe what they choose and practice in what ever manner suits them. It is highly unlikely that any two “nondenominational” churches teach, practice and believe all of the same things. It’s the “don’t judge me and I woun’t judge you philosophy.”

Love and prayers,
Pat

Not true. Most are baptist or pentacostal of some sort, have a statement of faith, and are very judgemental. Simply the pastor is under no authority other than his own and his chosen or elect counsel of elders (in many cases these are “yes men”).

 

[Dismas2004]

Most of the ND church here are ex Baptst that was fighting with other Baptist church or with other Baptist from town,here I,d say 75% are baptist

Yes, NC has a strong Baptist flavor to it. We had our summer training there last summer in Belmont. Trying to evangelize Baptist is not impossible, but very difficult. My father is Baptist and from the time I was a child I heard how afwul Catholics were. Did you know that we pray to statues, to the dead, aren’t Christian however are superstitious. we also believe in the Jesus Cookie?

It really was God’s grace that brought me into the Church of Jesus Christ! I will add you to our prayer intentions and those around you as well.

Two of our missionaries went to school there in NC and went to one of our bible studies in an effort to convert the pagan missionaries. Within one year they both converted and applied for staff. Now they are entering into their second year as Catholic missionaries!

There is hope - pray, work hard, and support the new evangelization int he way God is calling you in your life. God bless you.

 

[Proxi]

I know you were looking for Catholic answers here, but I just felt the need to comment so my apologies !

I consider myself nondenominational. I do not know enough about the Catholic Church and it’s theology to call myself Catholic, and I have never agreed with people who call themselves a particular denomination but know nothing about it. I have taken three courses in Catholic theology at the university level, but there are still somethings I am unsure about. My beliefs most closely align to the Evangelical Lutheran Church, but I am much more of a fundamentalist since they are allowing homosexual marriage in some of their churches and I am very much against that.

Thus, out of respect for the various denominations out there, I am non-denominational. I am not even close to Baptist, although many non-denominational churches may be Baptist or Pentecostal in their original roots.

I get the feeling that some people consider non-denominational people to be less of a Christian since they “pick and choose” their beliefs. However, I have to respectfully disagree. I may pick and choose my beliefs, but I stand strongly by what I believe in for reasons very close to my heart. So instead of identifying with a particular Church where I may have to say I believe in something that I may question strongly, I say I am non-denominational.

 

[bpbasilphx]

There’s no such thing as non-denominational.

It might be a denomination of just one congregation, or even one person, but most such will be found to be able to fit nicely in one of the existing denominations.

Most of them were founded by people who decided, “Let’s have a real New Testament church with ME as the head.”

 

[PJM]

=ScottishColleen;5322569]Not true. Most are baptist or pentacostal of some sort, have a statement of faith, and are very judgemental. Simply the pastor is under no authority other than his own and his chosen or elect counsel of elders (in many cases these are “yes men”).

I thing you just confirmed my point. “Of some sort.” “under no authority”

 

[DrumminFool91]

I know you were looking for Catholic answers here, but I just felt the need to comment so my apologies !

No need to apologize! This is the reason this forum exists - so Catholics and non-Catholics alike can share all sorts of ideas relating to Catholicism - so welcome!

I consider myself nondenominational. I do not know enough about the Catholic Church and it’s theology to call myself Catholic, and I have never agreed with people who call themselves a particular denomination but know nothing about it. I have taken three courses in Catholic theology at the university level, but there are still somethings I am unsure about. My beliefs most closely align to the Evangelical Lutheran Church, but I am much more of a fundamentalist since they are allowing homosexual marriage in some of their churches and I am very much against that.

Thus, out of respect for the various denominations out there, I am non-denominational. I am not even close to Baptist, although many non-denominational churches may be Baptist or Pentecostal in their original roots.

I get the feeling that some people consider non-denominational people to be less of a Christian since they “pick and choose” their beliefs. However, I have to respectfully disagree. I may pick and choose my beliefs, but I stand strongly by what I believe in for reasons very close to my heart. So instead of identifying with a particular Church where I may have to say I believe in something that I may question strongly, I say I am non-denominational.

Well, trying to stay true to your beliefs is indeed an admirable thing. So many of us Catholics either lack a spine or don’t even know what we really believe in order to try to stay consistantly within the bounds of being called “Catholic”. Your observations about what it is to be a non-denominationalist have set into motion a short rant - so here we go

I would submit for your reflection what I see as a problem with the “non-denominational” line of thinking that so many of us have adopted. Though in truth, I really address this to quasi-Catholics out there. I am most concerned and frustrated with Catholics who have adopted the “non-denominational” mindset, yet haven’t realized it and still call themselves Catholic. I certainly was one of these types (and in some ways probably still am and just haven’t realized it yet - I’m not a perfect model of an Orthodox Catholic - yet )

The issue of course (as it always is in a Catholic theological debate) is authority. It seems to me that both Catholics and non-Catholics alike have adopted the mentality that they as individuals are a valid sort of “ultimate authority” on the faith. There is a picking and choosing of certain things, like a doctrinal buffet, that I would think defies the very idea of Christ establishing a Church at all. I mean, why would Christ do this really? What’s the point of separating apostles from disciples and giving Peter a new name and saying he’ll be the rock that the Church is built on? If we all are our own authorities (well, I’m sure many would say “The Holy Spirit and I” are the ultimate authority, but with everyone having said something like that, yet still have such conflicting beliefs, I find that hard to swallow) then why bother at all with any semblence of structure? Why start us out with Levitical laws and preisthood and very clearly discribed rituals in Judaism and then leave us with nothing solid or tangible to go to when it comes to our faith?

I think that if we accept Christianity, this is because we logically trust the witness and source of the information. We trust the Bible because we trust it’s source - that ultimately being God Himself, but given to us through the Church and its councils held around the fourth century. We trust the consistant two thousand year-old witness of the Church when it comes to things like the Trinity, the Incarnation, Christ’s nature as being 100% divine and 100% human, etc… These are huge central concepts of Christianity. So if we believe all of that, then why would we not believe the Church who gave it to us?

Where I as a Catholic scratch my head on this issue is in the idea that, the Catholic Church has been around for two thousand years and we trust it with so much as Christians (whether we know it or not), yet we, for whatever personal reasons there may be, just kinda disregard many of the other great claims of the Church - most importantly that it was established by Christ and that He promised that not even the gates of Hell would prevail (Matt 16:18) against it. That’s not a claim to be taken lightly.

As much as I would offer this challenge to self-identified non-Catholics, I really issue this to Catholics who are only so in name, and in particular those in power in the US. You can’t support abortion, and when your Church in no uncertain terms label abortion as unilaterially morally evil, and still call yourself a “Catholic”.

Have we as Catholics in America made any sort of effort to live our faith consistantly?

Well enough of my rant. If you’ve read through this whole thing and made any sense out of it - I applaud you.

 

[DonLeon]

Most of the ND church here are ex Baptst that was fighting with other Baptist church or with other Baptist from town,here I,d say 75% are baptist

YAYUP, yer rite!!! The best tasting food though is in the Catholic Church, and best of all IT’S FREE!!!
:harp:

PAX DOMINI

Shalom Aleichem