The difference between unions and associations of Christian Baptists.

[Strannik]

Hoping the translator got these right.
To some extent moral and theological disagreements, and to some extent stubbornness and pride. I expect coming persecution will bring us (at least conservative Baptists) closer together. We have had plenty of freedom to pursue our own devices. Yes, that happens sometimes, but here we are more prone to divide that unite. There is often a mentality that you must choose one group or another, and that you should not cooperate across those lines.

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1) There is more pride.
2) What can you tell us about the persecution of Christian Baptists (in a separate topic)? If there are persecutions, what are they?
3) I think that in this situation, your conservative Christian Baptists should contact the conservative Brotherhood in Russia of the MSC ECB. Let us support each other by the Grace of God.

 

[Strannik]

By the way, how do you treat the registration of Local communities in the state administration? Is it necessary to register a community or not?

 

[Salty]

By the way, how do you treat the registration of Local communities in the state administration? Is it necessary to register a community or not?

I think you are asking if we must register with the community to have a church. Basically, no. However - I did check with local officials about having a church service.- and there main concern was safety. For example - there had to be 1 parking spot for every 7 who attended. If you have a building - it must meet certain standards, especially the kitchen, and ect. But you do not need special permission to have a church in general. In fact - it works in the opposite way. When I was in Texas - we rented a small cafe for our church service. The owner was very happy because by us being there - no business within 200 meters would not be permitted to sell alcoholic!.

 

[Strannik]

I think you are asking if we must register with the community to have a church. Basically, no. However - I did check with local officials about having a church service.- and there main concern was safety. For example - there had to be 1 parking spot for every 7 who attended. If you have a building - it must meet certain standards, especially the kitchen, and ect. But you do not need special permission to have a church in general. In fact - it works in the opposite way. When I was in Texas - we rented a small cafe for our church service. The owner was very happy because by us being there - no business within 200 meters would not be permitted to sell alcoholic!.

So you have every right to gather at private homes without registration for worship services?

And how many people can come to such a private service?

 

[Salty]

So you have every right to gather at private homes without registration for worship services?

And how many people can come to such a private service?

That is correct - In fact, House churches are starting to spring up more and more.

However - during this Chinese Virus situation - some local govts have put some limits
on how many can be in your home - that is not only for home churches - but for any purpose people may come to your home.

 

[Strannik]

That is correct - In fact, House churches are starting to spring up more and more.

However - during this Chinese Virus situation - some local govts have put some limits
on how many can be in your home - that is not only for home churches - but for any purpose people may come to your home.

I asked because in Russia recently, many people say that the registration of churches in the United States is mandatory, and those who do not register are fined heavily or even imprisoned. So I wonder if this is true or not?

 

[Salty]

I asked because in Russia recently, many people say that the registration of churches in the United States is mandatory, and those who do not register are fined heavily or even imprisoned. So I wonder if this is true or not?

I have never heard of a church pastor imprisoned or a church fined for non-registration.

 

[Strannik]

I have never heard of a church pastor imprisoned or a church fined for non-registration.

And in general, where can you get acquainted with the laws on religion?

 

[Salty]

And in general, where can you get acquainted with the laws on religion?

Actually, I would say there are very few laws against religion.
Keep in mind, in the USA- Each separate State has laws - some which may be very different.
For example in Some states you must be 18 to drive - in others as young as 14!

Also - our US Constitution states - in the First amendment:
"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; "

 

[Strannik]

Actually, I would say there are very few laws against religion.
Keep in mind, in the USA- Each separate State has laws - some which may be very different.
For example in Some states you must be 18 to drive - in others as young as 14!

Also - our US Constitution states - in the First amendment:
"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; "

Wow, driving a car at 14. They don't all get their feet up to the pedals there, do they? )) As for religious freedom, you're in luck. It's even strange that this happens.)

 

[Salty]

Wow, driving a car at 14. They don't all get their feet up to the pedals there, do they? )) As for religious freedom, you're in luck. It's even strange that this happens.)

Driving at 14 is in some of the western states - the population is extremely small and a lot kids live on farms - they probably have been driving since they were 10 years or so.

and YES - we are blessed with our religious freedom..

 

[Strannik]

Driving at 14 is in some of the western states - the population is extremely small and a lot kids live on farms - they probably have been driving since they were 10 years or so.

and YES - we are blessed with our religious freedom..

But judging by how you thrive all sorts of different splits, then you are already fed up with your "freedom".

 

[Salty]

I would not say, I am fed up - rather - the "splits" allow churches to associate with other churches of like faith.

Now, when I was with the US Army in Germany - Our (English speaking ) church was part of the Southern Baptist Convention. However, we mush have had members from a dozen different denominations. Now, we could have started churches of only our denomination - but the membership would only have been about 5 or 6 each. Thus we put some of the minor doctrines behind us to work for the greater good.

 

[rlvaughn]

2) What can you tell us about the persecution of Christian Baptists (in a separate topic)? If there are persecutions, what are they?

Because of the tradition and constitutional protection of religious freedom in the United States, we have little overt persecution here in the way they do in some countries (such as imprisonment, execution, not being allowed to meet, etc.) However, I believe that such is likely right around the corner. Our country is continuing to enshrine the idea of "hate thought" and "hate speech." It is even now being applied in ways that people lose their jobs if they speak against homosexuality, transgenderism, and such like as sins. In my opinion, this is the beginning of much more to come.

 

[rlvaughn]

I asked because in Russia recently, many people say that the registration of churches in the United States is mandatory, and those who do not register are fined heavily or even imprisoned. So I wonder if this is true or not?

No, this is not true. It may be a misunderstanding of some things that have happened as certain governmental entities have tried to restrict churches from meeting during the COVID-19 crisis. Some churches have been fined in places (e.g. Los Angeles, California) for violating executive orders to not meet. I believe, however, that at least some of these cases have ended in the churches winning in court against the government. So possibly no fines have actually been paid. I am not sure.

 

[Salty]

No, this is not true. It may be a misunderstanding of some things that have happened as certain governmental entities have tried to restrict churches from meeting during the COVID-19 crisis. Some churches have been fined in places (e.g. Los Angeles, California) for violating executive orders to not meet. I believe, however, that at least some of these cases have ended in the churches winning in court against the government. So possibly no fines have actually been paid. I am not sure.

and these restrictions were for the most part - applied to everyone- churches, business, clubs, ect - so basically it was not directed at religion

 

[Strannik]

But judging by how you thrive all sorts of different splits, then you are already fed up with your "freedom".

Brothers.
I watch the online translator more and more oddly translates my own words and each time in a new way. Do you understand all my words correctly?

 

[Strannik]

I would not say, I am fed up - rather - the "splits" allow churches to associate with other churches of like faith.

Now, when I was with the US Army in Germany - Our (English speaking ) church was part of the Southern Baptist Convention. However, we mush have had members from a dozen different denominations. Now, we could have started churches of only our denomination - but the membership would only have been about 5 or 6 each. Thus we put some of the minor doctrines behind us to work for the greater good.

So the thing is that I can't understand what all these splits are for, if they don't relate to something fundamental?

 

[Strannik]

Because of the tradition and constitutional protection of religious freedom in the United States, we have little overt persecution here in the way they do in some countries (such as imprisonment, execution, not being allowed to meet, etc.) However, I believe that such is likely right around the corner. Our country is continuing to enshrine the idea of "hate thought" and "hate speech." It is even now being applied in ways that people lose their jobs if they speak against homosexuality, transgenderism, and such like as sins. In my opinion, this is the beginning of much more to come.

And why then should Christians not start creating their own businesses and other places where sodomites and other enemies of the Church with bad intentions can not get?

 

[Salty]

So the thing is that I can't understand what all these splits are for, if they don't relate to something fundamental?

Because to some those issues are fundamental.