There are so many Christian sects out there...How do I know which one is the right one??

Question

Most of them preach the same message but in a different way. I was born Roman Catholic, raised Roman Catholic, and went to a Roman Catholic college preperatory school. After high school, I started to question my beliefs (1998) and ever since I have half-joined different sects including hardcore Evangelists and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Mormons). I don't want to go to hell for choosing the wrong one and sticking with it. I am very spiritual and I although I don't want to stray from Christianity, I don't believe people who believe in other religons...other gods...are going to go to hell, but I do obsess over the fact that I might if I don't choose the right Christian sect. I know that sounds kind of weird.

Answer 1

I would suggest sincerely praying to God, asking Him which is the right church to join. James 1:5 says "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him." In Matt. 7:7-8, in Christ's Sermon on the Mount, He says: "Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: For every one that asketh receiveth and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened." You have to do more than just pray though, you have to really mean it; have a sincere heart and real intent and faith that you will have an answer. And if an answer doesn't come immediately, don't give up, make sure you really want an answer, be faithful and patient, and an answer will come. Keep yourself open to it, because it could be very quiet and subtle. Keep studying the bible and the beliefs of these churches. You may need to talk to members of these various churches. Talk to someone with authority, or someone who really knows what they're talking about. For example: the missionaries in the mormon church or a priest in another. Study the Book of Mormon, or read teachings from another church. Take note of how you are feeling when you do. Keep yourself in tune to the spirit so that you can hear or feel an answer. If you follow these guidelines, and I'm not saying it should be easy, I promise you will get the right answer. I did.

Answer 2

You may get a few clue from reading Revelation 2 and 3 about the condition of the Churches.

Also Luke 12:47,48 is a little comforting.

Can you find a church that teaches only Scripture? That has true prophets for the Spirit inspired interpretation of them? 2Peter1:20.

The Church/Temple is the chosen ones, not a denomination or a building. 1Corinthians 3:16.

Romans 8:19 For the eager expectation of the creation is waiting for the revealing of the sons of God.

Answer 3

If you're not sure which denomination (or sect if you prefer) is right for you, I suggest you do some research. Online (beliefnet is a decent site), in books, asking questions at various churches (pastors are good to talk to if you want to know what that particular church teaches, etc.), asking friends (whom you trust to be straight with you), and attending various services...all can help you find the right 'fit' in a church.

Despite what others may say against my words, there is no right or wrong when it comes to religion - it's what's right for YOU and where YOU are on YOUR path/spiritual journey.

Remember, where you were is not where you are. Where you are is not where you will be. The church that is right for you now, may not be right for you in the future. On the other hand, it may be right for you for the rest of your life. Trust your heart, and it'll take you where you need to go. You're not going to burn in hell (if you believe in that) for not choosing the 'right' denomination...or sect, if you prefer. There is no 'right' in this case, just 'right for you.'

I know a couple of people who go to a different religious place every week...they tell me that until they feel like they've 'arrived' they will keep looking...I thought that was a cool way of looking at it.

Good luck and peaceful journey to you.

Answer 4

Did Jesus come into this world and write the Bible? No, before he suffered and died for us, he gave us his Church.

"And so I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it.

I will give you the keys to the kingdom of heaven. Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven." Matthew 16: 18-19

Trust the Church that Jesus gave us. Trust the Church that gave us the Bible.

Why do you think that there are so many sects? Because people interpret things differently? How can you know whose interpretation is correct? I would trust Jesus that he meant what he said about his Church.

Do a little research. I recommend books by authors like Dr. Scott Hahn (try Rome Sweet Home or The Lamb's Supper), Dave Armstrong (A Biblical Defense of Catholicism), or Karl Keating (Catholicism and Fundamentalism).

Check out www.catholic.com there is a wealth of information there addressing just the kinds of questions that you have.

I would not worry though that people who choose the wrong Christian Church are going to hell. The Catholic Church does not teach this: In fact, the Catechism states 817"in this one and only Church of God from its very beginnings there arose certain rifts, which the Apostle strongly censures as damnable. But in subsequent centuries much more serious dissensions appeared and large communities became separated from full communion with the Catholic Church - for which, often enough, men of both sides were to blame."269 The ruptures that wound the unity of Christ's Body - here we must distinguish heresy, apostasy, and schism - do not occur without human sin:
Where there are sins, there are also divisions, schisms, heresies, and disputes. Where there is virtue, however, there also are harmony and unity, from which arise the one heart and one soul of all believers.
818 "However, one cannot charge with the sin of the separation those who at present are born into these communities [that resulted from such separation] and in them are brought up in the faith of Christ, and the Catholic Church accepts them with respect and affection as brothers . . . . All who have been justified by faith in Baptism are incorporated into Christ; they therefore have a right to be called Christians, and with good reason are accepted as brothers in the Lord by the children of the Catholic Church."

819 "Furthermore, many elements of sanctification and of truth" are found outside the visible confines of the Catholic Church: "the written Word of God; the life of grace; faith, hope, and charity, with the other interior gifts of the Holy Spirit, as well as visible elements." Christ's Spirit uses these Churches and ecclesial communities as means of salvation, whose power derives from the fullness of grace and truth that Christ has entrusted to the Catholic Church. All these blessings come from Christ and lead to him, and are in themselves calls to "Catholic unity."

I pray that the Holy Spirit leads you home to the One Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church.

Answer 5

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the true church restored on the earth.

Answer 6

You have just listed two denominations that have allowed the doctrine of man to infiltrate and change the word of God.
Roman Catholicism has become a focus on history, leaders words regarded as scripture, pomp and ritual with no merit and salvation by works. LDS was founded on a man who used ancient witchcraft techniques to come up with a series of books that he regarded "as good as scripture", polygomous, self exalted and Brigham Young was extremely treacherous in his dealings with anyone who came within his path. This cult has superceded scripture with their own and instituted doctrine that is aimed to bring self glorification.
If you want truth, study a traditional Bible only, go to a Bible believing church and pray and ask God to clear through all this muddle that has been thrown your way and reveal His truth to your heart. He will, He is the God of the heart.

Answer 7

It doesn't really matter because there is no hell anyways. Besides-something that most christians don't even realize is that one of the main messages of jesus was that we didn't need to go to church, or go through rituals, or anything else like that to find god. we just have to accept him into our hearts. Of course, I'm an atheist, so it's all bull-hockey to me-but it strikes me as a little odd that I know more about the religion then it's practitioners do.

Answer 8

It does not sound weird. I wish more people were concerned about their eternity. I was in a similar state of mind once. I prayed "God I believe in you and in Jesus. I accept the blood of Jesus as atonement for my sins. I will live for You. I beg You to let me know If my soul is not prepared to go to Heaven. Please show me the right way if I am wrong." Visit around at different churches and see which one feels right for you.
A few days later I had a beautiful dream of an angel giving me a tiny glimpse of Heaven as he or she opened a curtain. She was smiling and joyous. Then I knew I was O.K.

Answer 9

Do you have any friends who are congregation shopping as well? That can make it a lot more fun - try a different church every Sunday (or whichever day) together. My friend went through a couple months of what you're talking about and found the right one with the Quakers :) Good luck!

Answer 10

All christians teach the same principles of love, peace , happiness in yourself, purity, and divine preaching of God. It is important to note that although there are many different interpretations of the Bible and that different churches emphasize their originality. The fact is God created human beings to be different , as defined under the differnece in each and every one DNA. So there is no true definition of the true church. No human on this planet can fully understand and define the true message of God because of our imperfections so why start trying now. All you need to know is if you belief in God,,, then He is there for you. so dont try to use your judgement on church truthfulness..because Satan will try to trick you to do so otherwise..