Here's an idea...?

Question

This is just a thought., mainly directed at other Christians. Anyone who's seen any of my q's and a's will know I'm very opinionated, this falls into that;)
We have so many denominations, so many little little things that seperate us from each other, where the specifications of our beliefs rule over our love for God and each other. The church, as a orginization as opposed to support for Christians, seems to cause a lot of problems. It also spurs along a lot of judgemental attitudes that not only hurt others, but also creates a very negative image of Christianity.
So how about, instead of a chruch that falls into a specific denomination, and is open to those that believe the exact thing they preach, we have people who believe in God (disregarding specific differences in belief) come together on sunday and discuss what they think, instead of someone getting up and telling everyone else to think? No rules, just a weekly exchange of ideas, and support for each other despite differences.

a group like this would not be another denomination- the point is to be a gathering of those from every denomination. Also, different beliefs are good, and eveyone needs to disagree (in a friendly manner;) because without diversity we aren't human. The point is just not to let those differences of opinion seperate us from each other. Also not to let church be a social requirement- "it's the right thing to do" giving you social stance and acceptance. It should be a connection between people.

The idea being not to have everyone believe the same things, but more to extinguish the barriers that sperate denominations. Even when their beliefs aren't that different, they consider themsleves apart from other denominations. I know that not everyone would be open to something like this, but even if a few people could see the good in it, it might be worth it.

Answer 1

Just a thought. What would Jesus say? I think he would agree and love you!

Answer 2

When you get right down to it, most denominations aren't very far apart in their beliefs. If everyone sat down to discuss as you say it wouldn't solve anything because the first thing that would happen is everyone would start pulling out their bibles.

I heard once that there are now over 400 versions of the bible. I don't personally know the exact number but there are a bunch of them, and they can't all say the same thing. The bible has been rewritten to suit the different denominations and sects particular slant on religion. So if I pull out the KJ version of the bible and someone else pulls out some other version there isn't going to be much agreement.

The other thing is interpretation of the scriptures. Some people take every scripture literately and some take certain scriptures metiforically. A lot of people will take the scriptures out of context. They will read one scripture and make a stand based on that, but if you read the verses before and after, that scripture couldn't have meant that at all.

One big thing is the authority to act in the name of God. Some religions says they've always had the authority, some say the authority was taken away and later restored, and some say that no one needs the authority.

So, you though is a good one and something that I wish could take place. I just don't see it ever happening until such time that we're all gathered together at God's feet and he points to this group and that group and says, "What were you people thinking?"

BTW, I would like to know Big D's source(s). Hopefully it's from honest personal research and not from an "anti" pamphlet, book, preacher, etc. This one of the very reasons your idea wouldn't work. :-(

Answer 3

God has the right to set the standards of what is acceptable to him when it comes to worship. Even if it appears to be a small thing to us, its important to God. Case in point, God had specifically instructed if the Ark of the Covenant was to be moved, it could only be done by being carried on the shoulders of the Kohathite Levites. When David wanted the Ark brought to Jerusalem, he instead had it placed on a wagon. The bulls pulling it "caused an upset". Uzzah, who was not a Levitical priest, "thrust out his hand" and grabbed hold of the Ark. God had instructed that under no circumstances was the Ark to be touched by an unauthorized person. It was public knowledge that the penalty was death for violators. So even though Uzzah probably had good intentions, he deliberately disobeyed God's instructions and the results were that he died on the spot. (2 Samuel 6:3-8).

Regarding Christianity, God still has specific requirements. Its up to each of us to read the Bible and find out EXACTLY what they are. We can only please God if we do things the way he instructed us to do them. Ephesians 4:5 says "...one Lord, one faith...". Since that's the case, there should be complete unity among Christians. That, however, will only be accomplished after Armageddon.

Answer 4

Well good luck. That's been tried too many times, problem is most people would rather be what they are instead of what God wants them to be.
Who gets to be the final authority on issues? If you say that the Bible will be the authority- then the only ones who will come are Baptist, Presbyterians, Calvary Chapel, and a few Pentecostals. If you say tradition will decide-then you will have Catholics, Lutherans, Anglicans, Methodist, and a few like them. The Black churches will not come either way. You will never get all churches to unite, but you can get groups. I just laid them out for you. Try it anywhere and you will get a breakdown close to what said.

Answer 5

Yes its called Gnosticism the belief that there is no big heads or little heads and people come together and discuss spirituality. That's what Jesus taught,creating an environment that is conducent to spiritual growth. Our problem is we can't see pass someones initial issues. We judge based on what is done at that time not the history. If a woman has been abused as a young child ,do you blame the woman on how she perceive life to be. If it's not our experience we tend to think she shouldn't. Who are we, that's why when the woman was to be stoned for committing adultery, Jesus said "he without sin cast the first stone"!

Answer 6

The church is not the building, or even the denomination, but it is the gathering of Christians.

What you a proposing is great in theory - but what are you going to do when some one disagrees with you?

What you are suggesting is an unitarian church - it works for some folks - but a lot of other folks take their faith to seriously to put up with that anything goes idea.

Answer 7

Don't you think that if the Bible were really the truth and really from God there wouldn't be any room for differentiation in Christianity?

To me the fact that there are so many different versions of Christianity and so many different religions in general suggests that God is nothing more than a construct of the human imagination.

STAMP OUT RELIGION!!!
and make the world a better place for all

Answer 8

That's a different denomination, and we already have the Quakers and the Unitarians. Some people are led to hear God (or the lack thereof) in different ways, so we have different ways of worshipping. Most of us want to get along with each other, though.

Answer 9

......it's called bible study! You have to remember that there are a lot of people out there who call themselves Christians.....but what is a Christian? Simply, one who follows the teachings of Christ. Most of your different christian denominations follow the teachings of Christ. they get there info from the bible, a book that was created by the earliest followers of Christ. different opinions about what this book teaches are o.k as long as they are supported in truth. It's when someone gets a wild idea about the bible and yet has no support for it that causes problems! mormons are a perfect example. they believe they are christians, and they follow some of what Christ teaches, but their theology does not follow the true teachings of Christ-which excludes them from being true Christians

Answer 10

True Christians share their faith but do not take in ideas from non believers or others of false beliefs, what does light share with darkness or what part does unrighteousness have with righteousness. Religions down through time have contaminated themselves with pagan beliefs such as immortal souls, hell fire, and the trinity. True Christians shun these things to keep themselves spiritually clean.

Answer 11

I agree with the concept of what you propose, but it won't happen.
Men--who establish denominations, are too involved in what they want and believe to be true.

Christianity should be all about your relationship with Jesus, not how many different stupid man-made rules you can follow.