Yes, I was as a youth and a young adult though the church was called the Worldwide Church of God or Radio Church of God before that.
Which denomination do you belong to and why? Or what does Church mean to you?
- Thread starter Peki
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Yes, I was as a youth and a young adult though the church was called the Worldwide Church of God or Radio Church of God before that.
Interesting! he did get much of his theology from the Sda church!
Please note: among the proscribed subjects are Calvinism vs Arminianism. I do mention Calvinism here and a contrasting viewpoint even if it isn't Arminianism; although I do not think my remarks advance one over another. The moderators may edit or delete this post as they see fit.
At a point since I joined this site, I had contemplated a thread that examined basic approaches and themes different denominations take and how that relates to their central teachings. I rejected the post since some may either take issue with how their denomination was characterized or that a characterization of a denomination was seen to leave out others. It was not then, nor now here my intent to instigate arguments.
So, with the understanding that I am only giving my views, and that what I may ascribe to one denomination should not be taken to preclude application to others, consider:
I have noticed that an approach followed by many Baptist traditions is concerned with separating persons into classifications: unsaved or saved, living a sinful life vs living for Christ, even Baptized or not. Much of their teaching an many sermons are based on drawing these contrasts and encouraging people to examine themselves and move to the correct side.. Evangelism to bring the unsaved to Christ; There is self examination to locate and deal with personal sin as it appears, etc.
As a contrasting approach, consider Methodism. It is no coincidence the the author of the Pilgrims Progress was a Methodist. There is a central point of view within the Methodist churches that life is a journey of growth toward an ever greater perfection. Salvation and sanctification is also addressed, but is commonly presented as aspects of where one is along the path toward the shining city on the hill.
Now there are also many doctrinal issues. Particularly the natural state of man. Calvinist denominations (like most Baptist) hold that man is innately evil, while Wesleyan theology (where Methodism came from) holds that all men may be saved. These are not as different as one may suppose.
The central issues are the same: Acceptance of Christ, and Living for CHrist, and Evangelism. But while the Baptist approach is a 'where are you moment by moment' approach, the Methodist approach is a 'where are you in your growth toward what God will make of you'.
At a point since I joined this site, I had contemplated a thread that examined basic approaches and themes different denominations take and how that relates to their central teachings. I rejected the post since some may either take issue with how their denomination was characterized or that a characterization of a denomination was seen to leave out others. It was not then, nor now here my intent to instigate arguments.
So, with the understanding that I am only giving my views, and that what I may ascribe to one denomination should not be taken to preclude application to others, consider:
I have noticed that an approach followed by many Baptist traditions is concerned with separating persons into classifications: unsaved or saved, living a sinful life vs living for Christ, even Baptized or not. Much of their teaching an many sermons are based on drawing these contrasts and encouraging people to examine themselves and move to the correct side.. Evangelism to bring the unsaved to Christ; There is self examination to locate and deal with personal sin as it appears, etc.
As a contrasting approach, consider Methodism. It is no coincidence the the author of the Pilgrims Progress was a Methodist. There is a central point of view within the Methodist churches that life is a journey of growth toward an ever greater perfection. Salvation and sanctification is also addressed, but is commonly presented as aspects of where one is along the path toward the shining city on the hill.
Now there are also many doctrinal issues. Particularly the natural state of man. Calvinist denominations (like most Baptist) hold that man is innately evil, while Wesleyan theology (where Methodism came from) holds that all men may be saved. These are not as different as one may suppose.
The central issues are the same: Acceptance of Christ, and Living for CHrist, and Evangelism. But while the Baptist approach is a 'where are you moment by moment' approach, the Methodist approach is a 'where are you in your growth toward what God will make of you'.
Hello Siloam;
Very nice history and well said!
I've always served in the Southern Baptist Church and for 9 years in the Church of God, Anderson, Indiana. Many preachers and teachers do teach the Biblical contrasts as you pointed out.
Speaking for my wife and myself, when we were nominal, growing Christians we never felt classified by the church, instead, after our studies and training we were always given the choice to decide between obedience and disobedience.
When we point out Calvinism, Methodism, Arminianism and, get this, when I mentioned Southern Baptist, it's a breakaway from the Baptist church, all can fall under the constructive views of theology and doctrine which can decide which church individuals are going to worship and serve. Incredible!
The Good News is, Jesus always gave the bottom line, how do we take what we learn when applying the Great Commission? I don't feel Calvinism, Arminianism, Methodism, Southern Baptist is going to matter to God one day. What will matter to Him is, whom in our hearts did we choose to follow?
I feel we are expressing the same view but in our own words. Thank you for sharing, brother.
God bless you, Siloam, your family and Happy New Year.
He attended an SDA church in Oregon.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on the matter and I appreciate that you have pointed this out. I've studied the Bible for years without really considering a denominational view on a matter. I've read the Bible and discarded many views that I grew up with and adopted other views based on scripture as I did in depth studies on many subject areas.
I approach Bible study with many questions, not that I haven't heard answers to the questions, but to search the scripture for greater understanding. God's word is like a rich vein of diamonds. No matter how many times I search the scriptures, God always reveals additional treasure and new insights.
It is God who calls each of us and leads us by his Spirit. God chooses how, when and under what circumstances that calling will take place. I thank God for that calling and trust his guidance.
If I can answer any of your questions, please feel free to ask them.
Thanks, my questions would regard the various denominations and their believes and if I understand right that's a tall order outside of basic beliefs. I'll have some in the near future.
He also did home studies, and that is whwere he got the sabbath deal!
Bible study is an important part of any practicing Christian's life. Listening to God. I also know that he prayed, talking to God.
I found this Basic family tree of the various denominations
familytreeofdenominations.png (1117×811) (wordpress.com)
familytreeofdenominations.png (1117×811) (wordpress.com)
Thanks, my questions would regard the various denominations and their believes and if I understand right that's a tall order outside of basic beliefs. I'll have some in the near future.
Actually, I did a study and produced a work on different Faiths regarding what they believe and what they teach and if they are actually Christian.
We went through it on Sunday evenings several years ago as workbook mind of production. It took a whole year to get through it.
I remember that very well.
If I am not mistaken, Mr. Armstrong was one of the leaders in "Replacement Theology".
Also was a proponent of "Annilationism".
That sounds interesting. Basic differences between major divisions of the Baptists might be a good place to start. I know there are traditional, reformed, freewill and others within this denomination. I have some idea of the differences, but not a very good idea. There seem to be other groupings as well.
agreed, but Armstrong took it to the point of getting cultic and heresy doctrines and theology!
When Theological Labels are used like "Replacement Theology" and "Annilationism" I'm lost. I'm learning many terms like this as I read through definitions, but it is not my primary study. The Bible is a treasure trove to be mined and only recently have I thought to understand terms like this so as to communicate better with others on certain topics.
So forgive me if I ask you define these for me as you understand them.
he was a mixture of Mormonism and Sda, as held to total ceasing to exist and sabbath from Sda, and thta we would become as gods from mormons!
I agree in principle and there are teachings that I've since discarded as I've studied God's word more deeply. But again, how and when God chooses to call someone is not up to the individual. We must periodically examine ourselves to be sure of our faith and to try the Spirits.
Does the past define who we are, if so all are condemned and nothing that we do will change it, even God. I happen to know that God can do wonderful things in our lives and have personally seen it in my own. I also trust God as he creates the new man within me. Without God's Spirit, we are all lost. Knowing that God's Spirit is in us with certainty is very important. It is a very personal thing for each of us as we come to know God and know his will in our lives.
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Didn't he at one time also teach that only English speaking people could be saved?