Differences between denominations and how to choose..?

Question

I was raised some sort of christian, basically my mother was religious and I grew up believing in god to some degree and my father isn't religious (family background of buddhists and strict catholics). My mother said I can find my religion once I wanted to and I want to now. Just I don't understand the differences between all of the denominations and I know Im not interested in buddhism. I'm going into this with very little understanding of the bible, and I have never been to church (besides family weddings). How do I go about choosing a church? Researching them online hasn't helped much, I find that people choose based on their beliefs and certain aspects of the bible etc.... I am a clean slate.

Answer 1

I would suggest a nondenominational congregation to start. I can really relate to your situation. My mother is Methodist, my father Southern Baptists and I went to Catholic Schools. I'm kind of in a Spiritual Identity Crisis myself. The one thing that you have to remember is that a "Church" really isn't a building but a group of people who worship God together. My first step was finding a place where I felt that I fit in.....hope that helps a little

Answer 2

A recent estimate of the number of denominations, sects, and offshoots in Africa alone is more than 30,000. Most of these are actually single congregations.

There are so many Christian denominations because there are so many people who misunderstand the Bible or have placed another authority over the Bible.

When people filter God's truth in the Bible through their own reason, traditions, prejudices, new "revelations," or ideas about their own righteousness in God's sight they are going to disagree with other people.

This is not the fault of the Bible. Nor is this the fault of those who faithfully hear and believe the Bible.

This is not something that began with the 16th century reformation. Throughout the middle ages there was a multitude of opinions, doctrines, and traditions in the western (Latin, Roman Catholic) church. Those who held them were all grouped together in one church, under the pope.

But sometimes there were two popes and sometimes there were even three. This caused great distress among all those people who believed that their salvation depended on being members of the "true church" under the "true pope."

The most recent statement I have seen in which a church claims to be the one true church is the declaration "dominus Jesus," issued by the Vatican.

My suggestion to you is to visit the churchs around you, personally I am a Lutheran and tend to promote them, but the choice will untimately be up to you. The simple fact that you desire to attend church and gain knowledge about God is enough to give glory and thanks to God. May God Bless you in your search!

Answer 3

You know what I would suggest? If you go to college, take a college class on the Bible. It will teach you the real meaning behind some of the confusing and often misunderstood things that churches and denominations argue over. It will give you an intellectual understanding of the religion as a whole, and they you won't have to worry about someone feeding you a bunch of propaganda - which happens in a lot of churches. Mostly, ask God. He knows you inside and out and He knows what's best for you and He'll make sure you get it.

Answer 4

You still have some beliefs!

I know some churches don't believe there are ghosts or demons... others do. So if you think they exist, you'll be happier in a church that believes in that.

Secondly, see if the people there are the type you want to be like. Some places are very formal, other churches are held on beaches. Some are big on self development, others on giving to the less fortunant.

Go to lots of different places and see what feels like 'home' to you. And remember, you ARE allowed to go to another church if later you think its a bad fit.

Answer 5

Here is an easy way to find out. Pray! Don't get caught up in looking for a church but seek the creator of the church and that is God. Prayer is simply talking to God and he is not hard of hearing. Talk with God and allow him to take a hold of your life. Then as he orders your steps all else will fall into place.

Answer 6

Basically, all religions stem from Christianity. All current faiths today developed from inner strifes within the congregations.
Visit several different denominations. Find the one that suits
you the best. I am baptist, but the reasons are 1) american baptists are self governing. 2) american baptists are extrememly
broad minded. We are loving and accepting. We do alot of community work and did work for hurricane katrina and 9/11.
I also weent to a methodist church. They are great too, but the
services are too stuffy for me. go visit. pray about it.

Answer 7

You don't have to choose a denomination. You can be a Christian without taking vows to agree to their particular doctrine. You can be a friend of the Church. This is what I did recently. I just don't want to be part of the division.

Answer 8

Read Acts. It is the ONLY BOOK that tells us how 1st century Christians became Christian. It tells of the beginning of the church. Look for one that does what it says.

Answer 9

There is really only one question or choice. You either choose God or do not choose God.

Christianity is only one part of God's Plan which includes everyone and all religions!

If you choose God and love God,,,,see the bigger picture!

The Seventh Angel/Prophet is on earth now and He has revealed the 'book sealed with 7 seals'.

Be a seeker and not just a follower of what you were born into.

Answer 10

Go to different churches and different denominations and then you decide which one you believe in or suits you best. I personally go to a non-denominational church