Non-denominational or not? (Earth, Messiah, churches, bible, worship)

[michel]

Originally Posted by glasgowchick

Another wonderful response....more furbals to ya lol!!!!!!!!!!.

Having said that ( and I agree with NetDoc, and you), I think the term 'Non-denominational' is a clever way of attracting followers who are maybe 'scared' of what they regard as 'orthodox' - names do scare people.

I am not saying this is wrong; it is a very good 'tool' to stop people from being 'put off' by a name they may have had bad associations with, in the past.

[glasgowchick]

Originally Posted by michel

Having said that ( and I agree with NetDoc, and you), I think the term 'Non-denominational' is a clever way of attracting followers who are maybe 'scared' of what they regard as 'orthodox' - names do scare people.

I am not saying this is wrong; it is a very good 'tool' to stop people from being 'put off' by a name they may have had bad associations with, in the past.

Hi Good thinking,, furbals to ya michel....

[Prima]

***MOD POST***

Please keep in mind that this area is for discussion by non-denominational Christians - it is not an outside commentary on non-denominational beliefs!

[Scuba Pete]

And they have a right to be scared!

Denominations and their fight for power (political and religious) have done a tremendous dis-service to us.

[Dentonz]

Originally Posted by Distracto

Even a non-denominational church is man made according to what best suits its members. Why did they found a new place to worship in the first place? Because all of the others did not suit them.
There is no church on earth that is the real Truth of God, but perhaps some are slightly closer than others.
I need fellowship with other people, and this is why i find church necessary. I believe that God Himself can lead me to live the way He wants me to....Directly.
All i need to do is ask Him to lead me to the Truth, and He will answer me in my heart.
Following the teachings of any single man on a stage is wrong, and this is what i have felt in my heart. Its all i needed to know.

I am sad that people believe that they need the help of another person to reach God.

I believe that they do need someone to help them understand the bible and God, but the problem is that the teacher does not know he can learn from the student too.
This is a slight arrogance that happens when any minister gets on stage and talks to the people.
The people in the church should be every bit involved in the sermon, by asking questions, adding comments, by adding a different point of view, or by admitting of having a different interpretation to the scripture.
God should be discussed by people, not taught as a subject that can be compared to math or social studies.

I agree with a lot of what you said. Every person needs to seek out their own salvation through the guidance of the Holy Spirit regardless of what a preacher might tell them. It is our responsibility as maturing christians to eat the berries and spit out the briars. Listen to what is taught, but study for yourself to see if it agrees with the Word or not.
I do believe that there are times and settings for the church to ask questions, give differences of opinion,etc..., like in a Bible study. There are different types of teaching and all have a place. Preaching is telling you like it is and has no need for explanation. Teaching is in depth instruction including plenty of explanation. If you were to allow a free range discussion in church all the time, only the believers would benefit because unbelievers would be confused and not know what to believe.

[DeadVegas]

Originally Posted by SarahBeara

I kind of look at non-denominational Christianity as just another denomination... I know that's a bit of an oxymoron, but it's how I see it. How about you?

The reason that I am nondenominational is because I see no point in separating ourselves when, in the end, we are all Christians. Also, most denominations are only divided by minscule facts that have nothing to do with anything in the long run.

[Buttons*]

Originally Posted by DeadVegas

The reason that I am nondenominational is because I see no point in separating ourselves when, in the end, we are all Christians. Also, most denominations are only divided by minscule facts that have nothing to do with anything in the long run.

...then why not just be UU?

Non-Denom churches..... well, lets just say they ruined most of the respect i have for Christianity

[Victor]

Originally Posted by Buttons*

...then why not just be UU?

Non-Denom churches..... well, lets just say they ruined most of the respect i have for Christianity

No love for the RC....

[Squirt]

Originally Posted by NetDoc

They are not in need of reformation... but restoration.

Right, but the only way the primitive Church could be restored would be for the individual who established it to personally be involved. According to Roger Williams, pastor of the oldest Baptist Church in America, "[There is] no regularly constituted church of Christ on earth, nor any person authorized to administer any church ordinance, nor can there be until new apostles are sent by the great Head of the Church, for whose coming I am seeking."

[Buttons*]

Originally Posted by Victor

No love for the RC....

ironically, i actually like catholics and orthodox churches.