I don't know what Denomination I am (ritual, beliefs, choice)

[Booko]

Originally Posted by theMINI

But as of right now, I don't know enough to form a personal opinion. Is Roman-Catholic a denomination of Catholic or is Catholic called Roman-Catholic?

First there was just Christianity

Then it split into two main divisions: Roman Catholic in the West and Orthodox in the East.

During the Reformation in Europe (15th century mostly) some of the Protestant churches broke from Rome. The Lutherans were formed based on some of the ideas of Martin Luther, the Anglicans when King Henry told Rome to take a hike, the Calvinist denominations (Reformed Presbyterian, etc) based on ideas of John Calvin, and so on and so on.

There are a lot of Protestant denominations, but it's not all that confusing really. They fall into some subgroups that make it easier to understand.

I was raised Reformed, which is a Protestant denomination that began in the Netherlands, but I've been a Baha'i for years.

I'd really advise church hopping to find out what different denominations are like. And don't be afraid or embarassed to ask questions. I've never been in a Christian church where members or the minister or priest weren't happy to answer questions after the service. Or before, if you get there a little early.

[theMINI]

Originally Posted by Booko

Oh, go visit the evangelical church! They are very nice people every time I've gone. They know I'm not a Christian, but they've never held that against me at all.

I've made the rounds of most Christian denominations in this country at one time or another, and they all have good things to offer. If you have had no religious upbringing, it's probably best just to see as much as you can and make up your mind for yourself.

But an Evengelical church don't believe and teach the same things as a Roman Catholic church, do they? What's the difference?

[Cerrax]

Don't be afraid to go to another church! I've been to many different churches and attended their ceremonies. Everyone was a little different but they're all the same. Do Christ's work, be a good moral person and praise God. The rest is just ritualistic stuff that doesn't really matter. Don't trouble yourself with denominations, because it really doesn't matter what matters, is that you get the right message, regardless of what religion it comes from.

[sojourner]

I'd start with the Catholic Church. It's likely that's the church you were born into. See if your mother remembers where you were baptized. Go talk to a priest. If your interest is raised, keep going and learning. If not, go to the library and check out a book called A Handbook of Christian Denominations by Frank Mead. It will give you all the basics of most denominations, from a non-biased point of view.

Remember, you are baptized, so you are a Christian. Don't let anyone tell you that your baptism is invalid, or doesn't "count" in some way. Don't let anyone tell you that you aren't a "real" Christian because you don't go to their church and haven't been baptized in their particular way.

Find a friend who is devout and go to church with that person. It's easier if you have someone you trust to help you into a church.

[roli]

Originally Posted by theMINI

But an Evengelical church don't believe and teach the same things as a Roman Catholic church, do they? What's the difference?

Mini:
Joeboonda said it well,but Mini may I just add one thing,before you set your head on your pillow tonight,ask God to show you the truth,because that is in essence what we are all searching for,listen to what Jesus says about truth
Jhn 8:32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free
Jhn 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
Jhn 16:13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, [that] shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.
Ask in your own words and own manner for God to show you the truth,and as sure as you are setting ther reading this God will reveal truth to you.

[Green Kepi]

Mini...have you thought about just being a Christian? Nothing more, nothing less. No other name "tacked-on". Why not be just like the 1st Century Christians before all the man-made changes started after the Apostles and Jesus died here on earth. They were Christians...not Baptists, Methodists, Catholic, etc. Man has so messed up such as simple thing...sometimes it seems as if we are like rooting for football teams...waving flags and each thinking we are on the "right" side. It does matter how we worship...Jesus said so!!!

[theMINI]

Originally Posted by Green Kepi

Mini...have you thought about just being a Christian? Nothing more, nothing less. No other name "tacked-on". Why not be just like the 1st Century Christians before all the man-made changes started after the Apostles and Jesus died here on earth. They were Christians...not Baptists, Methodists, Catholic, etc. Man has so messed up such as simple thing...sometimes it seems as if we are like rooting for football teams...waving flags and each thinking we are on the "right" side. It does matter how we worship...Jesus said so!!!

Are there any "Christian" churches?

[Booko]

Originally Posted by theMINI

Are there any "Christian" churches?

There are some non-denominational ones. But they are still very...denominational. As in Protestant-like.

[sojourner]

Originally Posted by theMINI

Are there any "Christian" churches?

Happily, YES!!! There is the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). (Their website is www.disciples.org, for more info, with links to congregational websites.)

There are some non-denominational ones. But they are still very...denominational. As in Protestant-like.

Actually, the Disciples of Christ is a denominational body. But...there are also "independent" (non-denominational) Christian Churches. You'll find the difference is that Disciples tend to be more "mainline" (very much like Methodist, Presbyterian, UCC, and some Lutherans), and liberal, while the independents tend to be more fundamental and evangelical. (I don't think there is a website for this group, since they're non-denominational.) There are also Churches of Christ -- usually a little more conservative than independent Christians.

These three bodies all work toward the unity of all Christians, without specific doctrines that one "must" believe. Any of these three would be a great place for you to explore who you are in the world of religion. (See the section under "Restorationists" in the Abrahamic Religions forum.)

[Green Kepi]

Mimi...confusing, isn't it? So was I at one time...still am on occasions. Sojourner gave some good advise; however, please take note that the Disciples of Christ and the Church of Christ are also different in their teachings. For example, the Disciples of Christ usually use instrumental music in their worship services. While most Churches of Christ do not...again, even some with the name Church of Christ have instrumental music. See how confusing "religious" people are? Is there any doubt why one such as you is confused?

Please study carefully the Scriptures in your own Bible. See whether these things are so. (Acts 17:11) and be fully persuaded in your own mind (Romans 14:5). Where you decide to attend, learn to decern if it fits the characteristics of the Church in the Bible or if it was built at later times and in other places. If the people do not worship as the pattern taught by Jesus and the Apostles...don't attend there. Consult a history book and see if the churches in your community began in Jerusalem in the years immediately following the resurrection of Jesus.

Become a member of the church you can read about in your own Bible. God's Word must authorize all that is done in Christian worship. Try to do Bible things in Bible ways. Find a group of Christians that have communion every week, just as they did in New Testament times. Go where the whole congregation sings acapella style, just as they did in New Testament times.

Remember...no group or place is going to be perfect. Everyone...has much to learn.