Is it possible for all denominations to be partially right...?

[Lucian Hodoboc]

Do you think it is likely that all denominations contain the fundamental teachings for salvation, and all the other details that Christians can't come to an agreement about are irrelevant? If so, do you think all the constant quarrel and division within The Body Of Christ, that has been going on since the Catholic and the Orthodox Churches separated in 1054, is displeasing to God?

 

[tyndale1946]

Do you think it is likely that all denominations contain the fundamental teachings for salvation, and all the other details that Christians can't come to an agreement about are irrelevant? If so, do you think all the constant quarrel and division within The Body Of Christ, that has been going on since the Catholic and the Orthodox Churches separated in 1054, is displeasing to God?

If we could combine all the partially right into one church, then we would have the right church... Right?... Brother Glen

 

[kyredneck]

Is it possible for all denominations to be partially right...?

I believe no one denomination has a corner on all the truth.

 

[JonC]

I think the churches are local. So disagreement between denominations may not be a bad thing at all. We see this even in Acts (a couple of centuries before the Catholic Church was founded).

Through this turmoil we see truths more defined and brought to the forefront.

What I believe is disappointing to God is how Christian's of different denominations and views treat each other. Congregationally I think we are right to divide over doctrine. But I do not think we should be divided "in Christ" (on a larger scale).

 

[rsr]

Do you think it is likely that all denominations contain the fundamental teachings for salvation, and all the other details that Christians can't come to an agreement about are irrelevant?

I would not say that all denominations "contain the fundamental teachings for salvation." Some don't even consider salvation an important subject anymore.

Disagreements among different groups of believers are not irrelevant, although they may be secondary. As a credobaptist, I cannot fully commune with a paedobaptist, even though I may agree with much of his theology, and have some limited communion. The truth is that I have more in common with a conservative Presbyterianism than with the Disciples of Christ, even though my views on baptism and church governance are more aligned with the Disciples than with the Presbyterians.

If so, do you think all the constant quarrel and division within The Body Of Christ, that has been going on since the Catholic and the Orthodox Churches separated in 1054, is displeasing to God?

First, schisms long predate 1054, which is a convenient way of dating a division that had been proceeding for centuries. Donatism held sway over large parts of Christendom. Much of Western Europe (under the barbarian kings) and even Byzantium espoused Arianism; it's probable that Arian Christian outnumbered Trinitarians. Even in the New Testament you can find schismatics.

Is God displeased by the fractures within the Body of Christ? In some ways I think so. We often elevate secondary matters to items of prime importance and are willing not only to disagree but to virtually condemn to hell those with whom we disagree.

On the other hand, to insist upon conformance to a single standard of practice is to ignore the benefits of diversity. Spurgeon doubted that a single faith group could have developed the variety of (beneficial) practices he saw in the evangelical churches of his day.

There are divisions even with churches that are unresolved and need not be. I am an Augustinian in soteriology, I would prefer a more liturgical service, and I would prefer more hymns. At an early age I discarded the Left Behind, Hal Lindsey nonsense that has become the default eschatology of so many Baptist churches. Yet here I am in a church in which I am in a distinct minority on all these things. There is room for diversity within the congregation and without.

 

[37818]

Disagreement over secondary, not essential to salvation is one thing. But disagreement of essential truths is quite another.

". . . Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and [that] there be no divisions among you; but [that] ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. . . .: -- 1 Corinthians 1:10.

". . . For there must be also heresies among you, that they which are approved may be made manifest among you. . . ." -- 1 Corinthians 11:19.

 

[JonC]

Disagreement over secondary, not essential to salvation is one thing. But disagreement of essential truths is quite another.

". . . Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and [that] there be no divisions among you; but [that] ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. . . .: -- 1 Corinthians 1:10.

". . . For there must be also heresies among you, that they which are approved may be made manifest among you. . . ." -- 1 Corinthians 11:19.

I think that is implied with the term "denomination" (which is differences among the same kind).

Mormonism, for example, is not a Christian denomination. To be a denomination implies, IMHO, an acceptance of the fundamental truths of the Christian faith.

 

[37818]

I think that is implied with the term "denomination" (which is differences among the same kind).

Mormonism, for example, is not a Christian denomination. To be a denomination implies, IMHO, an acceptance of the fundamental truths of the Christian faith.

The Roman Catholic church has another Christ which is not another but a false gospel. The so called Orthodox Churches the same.

 

[Yeshua1]

Do you think it is likely that all denominations contain the fundamental teachings for salvation, and all the other details that Christians can't come to an agreement about are irrelevant? If so, do you think all the constant quarrel and division within The Body Of Christ, that has been going on since the Catholic and the Orthodox Churches separated in 1054, is displeasing to God?

Would say that as long as the disagreements are over fundemental issues, such as the nature of the Gospel itself, its required!

 

[Kelso]

Don’t be fooled,there are some that say they believe in Jesus;however their views are skewed
,like the JW’s,Mormons,etc.

 

[Yeshua1]

Don’t be fooled,there are some that say they believe in Jesus;however their views are skewed
,like the JW’s,Mormons,etc.

Yes, for we are commanded by God to separate from those who deny essentials of the Christian Faith, but which translation to use, form of Church govt, music styles do not rise up to that standard!
Saying that one must speak in tongues, or must be water baptized certain way though does!

 

[RighteousnessTemperance&]

Do you think it is likely that all denominations contain the fundamental teachings for salvation, and all the other details that Christians can't come to an agreement about are irrelevant? If so, do you think all the constant quarrel and division within The Body Of Christ, that has been going on since the Catholic and the Orthodox Churches separated in 1054, is displeasing to God?

Irrelevant is a strong word, probably too strong for most. But are all of the churches constantly quarreling? Many agree to disagree without incivility.

Sometimes we may be expecting too much of unity, to the point of cult-like uniformity.

 

[Walter]

I would not say that all denominations "contain the fundamental teachings for salvation." Some don't even consider salvation an important subject anymore.

Disagreements among different groups of believers are not irrelevant, although they may be secondary. As a credobaptist, I cannot fully commune with a paedobaptist, even though I may agree with much of his theology, and have some limited communion. The truth is that I have more in common with a conservative Presbyterianism than with the Disciples of Christ, even though my views on baptism and church governance are more aligned with the Disciples than with the Presbyterians.



First, schisms long predate 1054, which is a convenient way of dating a division that had been proceeding for centuries. Donatism held sway over large parts of Christendom. Much of Western Europe (under the barbarian kings) and even Byzantium espoused Arianism; it's probable that Arian Christian outnumbered Trinitarians. Even in the New Testament you can find schismatics.

Is God displeased by the fractures within the Body of Christ? In some ways I think so. We often elevate secondary matters to items of prime importance and are willing not only to disagree but to virtually condemn to hell those with whom we disagree.

On the other hand, to insist upon conformance to a single standard of practice is to ignore the benefits of diversity. Spurgeon doubted that a single faith group could have developed the variety of (beneficial) practices he saw in the evangelical churches of his day.

There are divisions even with churches that are unresolved and need not be. I am an Augustinian in soteriology, I would prefer a more liturgical service, and I would prefer more hymns. At an early age I discarded the Left Behind, Hal Lindsey nonsense that has become the default eschatology of so many Baptist churches. Yet here I am in a church in which I am in a distinct minority on all these things. There is room for diversity within the congregation and without.

The Disciples of Christ passed a resolution stating Jesus Christ is NOT the only path to salvation. The First Christian Church of Visalia, Ca became independent of the DoC immediately after that convention and the adoption of that resolution. I spoke with the pastor who stated he didn't have a problem with the DoC position on gay clergy (pro of course) but the 'Jesus thing' crossed the line.

Oh, but most of you will be happy to know that baptism is only for adults and by immersion, however, according to the denomination, there is no required doctrinal belief to qualify to be baptized. believe or don't believe, just be sure to know you now are counted.as a 'partner in this pilgrimage. Heaven and Hell, of course, are just speculative. Oh, and aborting babies is a blessing!

One nifty 'new thing', is some DoC churches now have drive up windows for people too busy to sit through a service and they can receive pre-packages of cracker & grape juice to be consumed whenever/however. What a treat for Jesus, eh?

 

[Zog Has-fallen]

Is it possible for all denominations to be partially right...?

I assert that it's a grave mistake to suggest that all denominations are partially right. I believe that the Seventh-day Millerite faith is the purest belief system.

 

[Adonia]

Is God displeased by the fractures within the Body of Christ?

I would say yes, completely and totally He most definitely is.

 

[Adonia]

I assert that it's a grave mistake to suggest that all denominations are partially right. I believe that the Seventh-day Millerite faith is the purest belief system.

No, no, no, it's the Jehovah's Witnesses who got it all right! Well, okay, maybe it's the Mormons. I hear if you sign up with them you will get your own planet someday.

 

[Adonia]

The Roman Catholic church has another Christ which is not another but a false gospel. The so called Orthodox Churches the same.

Yeah, plus all the mainline Protestants too! It's only the Baptists who have got the solid truth, the one and only truth, there is no other truth than what the Baptists are a preaching! Yes sir, they are God's chosen ones to spread the Word throughout the whole world, the whole universe even, there is no doubt about that! If you ain't a Baptist, you ain't got nuthin and you are a going to hell! Yes, that's right! Can I have an Amen? Amen! Yes sir, thank God for John Smyth who in the 1600's finally got through all the clutter and found the one truth!

 

[Zog Has-fallen]

Yeah, plus all the mainline Protestants too! It's only the Baptists who have got the solid truth, the one and only truth, there is no other truth than what the Baptists are a preaching! Yes sir, they are God's chosen ones to spread the Word throughout the whole world, the whole universe even, there is no doubt about that! If you ain't a Baptist, you ain't got nuthin and you are a going to hell! Yes, that's right! Can I have an Amen? Amen! Yes sir, thank God for John Smyth who in the 1600's finally got through all the clutter and found the one truth!

It's true that there are Baptists that believe that they and they alone possess the truest truth. I just don't understand why they don't try to persuade me that they have the truth.

Here Are Some Truths That Seventh Day Baptists Believe that Other Christians Deny

"Seventh Day Baptists consider liberty of thought under the guidance of the Holy Spirit to be essential to Christian belief and practice." [1].

Many Christians don't even believe that this truth is worth defending.

Here is another beautiful truth that Seventh Day Baptists believe, which other so-called Christians deny:

(6) The Church

"We believe that the church of God is all believers gathered by the Holy Spirit and joined into one body, of which Christ is the Head. We believe that the local church is a community of believers organized in covenant relationship for worship, fellowship and service, practicing and proclaiming common convictions, while growing in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. We believe in the priesthood of all believers and practice the autonomy of the local congregation, as we seek to work in association with others for more effective witness."

The Spirit in many professing Christians that seeks to work in association with others for a more effective witness is sorely lacking.

 

[37818]

Yeah, plus all the mainline Protestants too! It's only the Baptists who have got the solid truth, the one and only truth, there is no other truth than what the Baptists are a preaching! Yes sir, they are God's chosen ones to spread the Word throughout the whole world, the whole universe even, there is no doubt about that! If you ain't a Baptist, you ain't got nuthin and you are a going to hell! Yes, that's right! Can I have an Amen? Amen! Yes sir, thank God for John Smyth who in the 1600's finally got through all the clutter and found the one truth!

The argument can be made not all Baptist are Baptist in the same way not all professing Christians are really Christians.

Just for starters: Do you or do you not believe in the Apostolic authority of the New Testament? Do you or do you not believe that the New Testament books were Holy Scripture upon being written?

Arguably one of the primary Baptist tenets is the Christian New Testament is the sole Apostalic authority [today]. Can you prove that tenet to be false? Not merely argue that it is false, but prove it. Please give the steps.

 

[RighteousnessTemperance&]

It's true that there are Baptists that believe that they and they alone possess the truest truth. I just don't understand why they don't try to persuade me that they have the truth.

Here Are Some Truths That Seventh Day Baptists Believe that Other Christians Deny

"Seventh Day Baptists consider liberty of thought under the guidance of the Holy Spirit to be essential to Christian belief and practice." [1].

Many Christians don't even believe that this truth is worth defending.

It’s good to know that not all Millerites are under the deception of political communalism.

Here is another beautiful truth that Seventh Day Baptists believe, which other so-called Christians deny:

(6) The Church

"We believe that the church of God is all believers gathered by the Holy Spirit and joined into one body, of which Christ is the Head. We believe that the local church is a community of believers organized in covenant relationship for worship, fellowship and service, practicing and proclaiming common convictions, while growing in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. We believe in the priesthood of all believers and practice the autonomy of the local congregation, as we seek to work in association with others for more effective witness."

The Spirit in many professing Christians that seeks to work in association with others for a more effective witness is sorely lacking.

I see what you did there. You went from "Christians" to "so-called Christians." Do you work in association with other so-called Christians?