Which Denomination/Group Best Exemplifies Your Beliefs

Post by **_mattrose** » Thu Dec 22, 2005 3:26 pm

I recently read Ron Rhodes new book "The Complete Guide to Christian Denominations" and enjoyed learning about different branches of the Christian family tree.

I partcularly felt closely aligned with the following 10:

1. Church of God Anderson
Doctrinal match made in heaven
2. Wesleyan
My happy home
3. Nazarene
Full of great people
4. Mennonite
Gotta love the liberal Ammish
5. Calvary Chapel
Verse by verse Bible churches
6. Salvation Army
Unique, awesome reputation
7. Free Methodist
Their use of 'free' was full of meaning
8. Free Will Baptist
Share my views on 'elect in the Son'
9. Christian Missionary Alliance
Only disagreemnt is with ideas on healing
10. Vineyard Church
Emphasize God's present kingdom

I was going to post a poll, but it would have had too many options and wasn't allowed. But I would be interested in what denominations/groups/movements you feel are your closest doctrinal match

Post by **_Christopher** » Thu Dec 22, 2005 6:14 pm

I wish I knew.

Post by **_mattrose** » Thu Dec 22, 2005 10:06 pm

It was kinda fun to read Ron Rhodes book

As I read I made + signs when the summary statements resonated with my beliefs and - signs when I was at odds with the wording/beliefs.

That's how I got the top 10 list. You might find it interesting to do the same.

God bless,
matthew

Post by **_Christopher** » Fri Dec 23, 2005 1:20 pm

Hi Matt,

The thing is, I've developed a sort of distaste or aversion (if not cynicism) towards denominations (and even so-called "non-denom's") in general because of the divisive posture I think they naturally develop. I've come to dislike the words "Who we are" and "statement of faith".

I would very much like it if we kept things more informal and grouped ourselves together by style preferences (worship, preaching, liturgy, etc.) rather than doctrinal beliefs.

You're right though, it might be a fun exercise to see which "group" most closely aligns with our own beliefs. I wouldn't want to choose a church on that basis however.

Maybe I'll pick up the book. Thanks for the reference.

Post by **_mattrose** » Fri Dec 23, 2005 7:54 pm

I agree with you and am not a big fan of 'denominationalism' either

But I think sometimes people are overly cynical regarding denominations. Instead of thinking of each denomination as having a DIFFERENT DOCTRINE, I think of them as having a DIFFERENT EMPHASIS. This allows me to appreciate each group.

Also, knowing the history of each group helps me to appreciate them. And Rhodes book helped in that regard as well. Since I read the book, I've enjoyed driving around and looking at church signs. I feel like the I know the body of Christ better.

God bless

Post by **_Christopher** » Sun Dec 25, 2005 1:03 am

Matt,

You are probably right that some of us get overly cynical about denominations. I am admittedly (at this point anyway) probably one of those in that category. But that's mostly circumstantial I'm sure.

Whether it's doctrinal differences or just doctrinal emphasis like you say, the tendency for man is to try and define Christianity more narrowly than God intended to and the result is almost always an exclusionary caste system in the body of Christ (IMO).

I too love learning about the history of the church. Most denominations started out as mighty movements of God. But it seems that each one still began with a small group of dissenters leaving the "harlot" so to speak.

My personal opinion (maybe hope is a better word) is that God will eventually do away with denominations (as we know them) in the process of growing the church up and removing her blemishes so that she is finally prepared for the return of her Groom.

Thanks for the resource though. It sounds like interesting reading and I will look for it next time I'm at the book store.

Lord bless.

Post by **_AARONDISNEY** » Fri Feb 10, 2006 11:46 pm

I don't know if this is what youre asking (since it's not on the list) but my denomination is Church of God (Cleveland TN Headquarters).

Post by **_Paidion** » Sun Feb 12, 2006 12:47 pm

To the best of my knowledge, there is no denomination or group which best exemplifies my beliefs.

My beliefs have developed through study of the New Testament, and the writings of second-century Christian writers.

Having said that, I must affirm that nearly every denomination and group teach some things which I believe.

As examples, "true salvation and discipleship" are taught by historic Mennonnites and others. That Christ founded only one Church is taught by Roman Catholics and Greek Orthodox. The reconcilation of all things to God is taught by "The North Battleford Group" and others. The all-importance of the resurrection and the denial of the "immortality of the soul" (which crept into Christianity from Greek thought), is taught by Seventh Day Adventists, and others.

Other beliefs of mine, for example, God's begetting of His Son before all ages, is, as far as I know, not taught by any modern group. I would never have known about it, had I not read second-century Christian literature.
After that, I saw that it is stated or implied in the Bible as well.

Post by **_Mort_Coyle** » Sat Mar 04, 2006 1:12 pm

Hi Matt,

I'm curious, does Ron Rhodes included unaffiliated house churches in his book? Or is his paradigm strictly limited to "official" denominations?

I can find in any group that practices orthodox Christianity (and even some that don't) many things to love. Every Christian denomination I've encountered has distinctives that really appeal to me and others that repel me. Examples:

Calvary Chapel:
Good - Expository book-by-book Bible teaching
Bad - Everything seems to be interpreted through Pre-Millennial eschatology

Catholicism:
Good - Emphasis on social justice (caring for the poor, etc.)
Bad - Elevation of Church Tradition above scripture (and all that that implies)

Vineyard:
Good - Wonderful worship music, casual atmosphere, "kingdom now" theology
Bad - Often weak in Biblical teaching resulting in acceptance of spurious doctrines (can you say "Kansas City Prophets"?)

Anglican:
Good - N.T. Wright
Bad - John Shelby Spong

Etc., etc.

While I can find edification an any denom, it always seems to be a mixed bag (and I suppose if I found the perfect group for me, it would be a mixed bag for everyone else). I too have had difficulty finding a denom where I feel that I can really fit in (and where I can be myself and express my views and questions without fear of recrimination).

As far was what I feel is my closest doctrinal match it would be something like the basic doctrines of Anabaptism coupled with the music and casual-ness of Vineyard coupled with the intellectual rigor of Anglicanism coupled with the emphasis on community & shared life of a house church (or again, Anabaptism) coupled with a strong emphasis on caring for the poor & marginalized coupled with a strong emphasis on the study of scripture coupled with the desire to ask questions and be culturally relevant that I see in the Emergent movement.

If you know of a place like that in the Seattle area, let me know!

Post by **_loaves** » Sat Mar 04, 2006 1:42 pm

The denomination/group that best exemplifies my beliefs would probably be ... well ... how big does it need to be?

A cross between Charity Ministries http://www.charityministries.org/ and Zac Poonen http://www.poonen.org/zac/ would probably be the closest, although there are some points I disagree with on both.

Charity Ministries
Good: missions, Trinity, head covering, plain dressing, foot washing, community, difference between New and Old Covenant, Holy Living, Non-Resistance, Revival.
Bad: Strict/UnBiblical position on Divorce/Remarriage, although some of their sister Churches disagree.

Zac Poonen
Good: anti-phariseeism (sp??), being delivered from "mere" Religion, Holy Living, Jesus being the source of our strength.
Bad: Advocates two types of Christians to explain away nominal Christianity.