How to you find out about different denominations of Christianity? Serious answers only?

Question

I was raised Catholic, received all my sacriments. I have not been to church in many years. I don't know that I would like to be a part of the Catholic church again, but would like to learn more about others and maybe they are better for me. I don't want to join the church just because it's expected of me, but I feel my family and I need to embrace something.

I would like to know specifically how to do research without visiting churches.

Answer 1

Try www.adherents.com - it's an excellent site about many religions; it may give you some ideas about which religions appeal to you.

Answer 2

If you could hook up with Holy Spirit filled Catholics it would give you an entirely different outlook on life and everything. You would understand truly about how much Jesus loves you and your eyes would be opened to the truth in His Word and the truths that are there in the church.

You would be a completed Catholic. Fully participating in the miracles that are our lives every day.

You could do a search to see if there is a group in your area. You could always just visit or even get the Infilling of the Holy Spirit and then the Spirit can lead and guide you to the right church. Most of the Catholic Charismatic groups are ecuemenical-open to people of any Christian denomination to join in with them.

Answer 3

The answer is in the Bible. Not in denominations.Any denomination, Gospel or church, must be able to stand up to the Bible.

The process of elimination works very well. If you want scripture to direct all that wrong, .

All you need is a Bible and a Strong's concordance and time and prayer , after a year or so , you will be the most qualified to choose a denomination closest to the truth.

Read 2nd Timothy chapter 3 (qualifications of priest) And chapter 4 for prophecy of false Gospels. This is a good place to start your journey.

Notice I did not mention my denomination, It's not important. Only the word of God.

Answer 4

Start with religious tolerance. There is a web site. This will give you some of the very basic concepts. Then research that religious practice and then do a search in your area. They many even have a web site. If not, don't feel funny about calling to talk it over with someone before you come face to face. If they can't impress you over the phone, the ppl probably can't face to face either. Above all, don't make a commitment without going there first, maybe several times. This isn't something to be jumped into or pushed along. Do what feels right for you and hang everyone else.

Answer 5

Christianity is divided into a thousand different sects and denominations. Some believe one thing, others believe another. Is this the way of Christ? If different denominations within Christianity hold to different beliefs and doctrines, which of them has the truth? This an important question, because perfection is required of the body of Christ for which Jesus will return. The bride must be spotless, and division is the worst spot of all.

The prophet Jeremiah was told by God: "Run ye to and fro through the streets of Jerusalem, and see now, and know, and seek in the broad places thereof, if ye can find a man, if there be any that executeth judgment, that seeketh the truth, and I will pardon it. And though they say, `The Lord liveth', surely they swear falsely."

God was going to allow Jerusalem the opportunity to escape from utter destruction - IF - Jeremiah could find one man within her gates that loved the truth, but he could not! Do you really believe that Jeremiah could not find one person among the thousands of inhabitants who wanted God's truth? Remember, this was a true life story, not a dream! Do you - can you - believe it? It is your faith in God's revelation, if you can picture lonely Jeremiah searching among the people of God for anyone who was interested in the truth - yet he could not find one! Yes friend, that takes real faith; and even more faith than that to believe the same thing might be true today.

Answer 6

It is aways best to look for something better. When it comes to churches the only way to know is to go to each one. And see how it feels. Everybodies church is the best, just ask them. A bar that is dead is no good and neither is a dead church any good. My sister-in-law was Baptist a member of a very dead church. She tried the United Pentecostal Church we went too and like it. In fact she is still going as been for years. Find a live church try it, you will be glad you did. Remember shop around.

Answer 7

The Southern Baptist Convention represents the largest protestant denomination in the U.S. Churches vary quite a bit as they are almost completely governed on a congregational level. Your choice will depend on how you like a particular congregation more than anything. That's probably true of all of the other churches below as well. Historically, these churches have fostered a somewhat anti-Catholic sentiment. This is not universal and it is on the decline. Lot's of Baptist have no problems with Catholicism. Still there are others who would not want their sister to marry one.

The United Methodist Church is the second largest U.S. congregation. That's where I fit in. I love my congregation. Still there are other congregations that are far different and I would not choose them. There are many churches geared toward youth, youth activities, and contemporary Christian music, and many more traditional congregations. The larger churches will typically have multiple services, some traditional, and some with bands and music geared to the youth. The UMC has a semi-episcopacy not unlike the Roman Catholic Church. We have bishops but no cardinals or popes. Plus bishops cannot speak for the church. The only denominational ruling body is the General Conference which is half clergy and half laity. The rituals of the UMC are somewhat familiar to the RCC but they do not believe in transubstantiation. Eucharist is universally open.

Anglican Church probably is most reminiscent of the RCC. Still, it is distinctly protestant. It has an episcopal form of government. Larger churches exhibit a lot of pageantry. Their beliefs are typical mainline protestant. They deny TULIP Calvinism and follow the Arminian interpretations of free will, just as the Methodists do.

Presbyterian Church has historically been Calvinist, in the sense that man plays no role in his salvation and is simply elect or not. That is to say that they are of the Calvin or Reformed tradition. This belief has waned, and many Presbyterians believe in free will, and the human's ability to deny the Holy Spirit's offer of salvation.

Churches with "Reformed" in their name have historically not believed in free will and are composed of TULIP Calvinists. This means they believe in Total depravity of man, Unconditional election, Limited atonement, Irresistible grace, and Perseverance of the saints.

There are many great and not-so-great non-denominational churches. Many of the largest churches in the US are non-denominational. These mega-churches are often called seeker churches, since they see their goal to preach to reach out to seekers of Christ. Often they are thought to be less effective at making disciples, though.

Pentecostal churches typically accent "speaking in tongues" as an important and regular Christian experience. Some branches tend to consider those not speakin in tongues as sort of a second-class Christian, while others, feel those who have not spoken in tongues have not been saved at all. Many of them also accent physical healing as a promise of Jesus to the faithful.

Sorry. I've gotta go, but this might get you started. Don't be surprised if people differ with my comments. Practices commonly vary from church to church.

Answer 8

You say you was "raised Catholic and received all my sacraments",but did you really understand what you were doing and why ?I'm not trying to sound mean but so many people today are following others around who don't know were their going themselves.If the blind lead the blind they both fall into the ditch.I don't want to attack the catholic church but there are so many things that are so unscriptual , as there are in many churches today.In Hosea 4:6a it says"My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge;"and so it is today.Could I please just encourage you to take 3 minutes out of your day to read your Bible.I rely believe the Holy Spirit is speaking to you and your family.God so much wants to fill that void you are hungering for.And once it's filled ,go forward in the Love of Christ , may God generously bless You and Yours ,Amen.

Answer 9

I know there are books which explain what each demonation believes in. I used to have one of these books, but unfortunately I can't recall the name.
You're right not to join a church just because it's expected of you. If you join a church, whether Catholic or not, you want to feel better about yourself.
Keep trying. You'll find your answer.

Answer 10

Find a church that teaches Bible and ONLY BIBLE. It is NOT A DENOMINATION... IT IS DEFINITELY NOT CATHOLIC!

Not all "non-denominational" churches are created equal. Some are really "unaffiliated" denominational churches - they just don't go to a convention somewhere.

Look for one that tells ADULT BELIEVERS to be BAPTIZED. EVERY TIME the Bible speaks of someone becoming a Christian, they were IMMEDIATELY BAPTIZED. NOT WEEKS OR MONTHS LATER, NOT BAPTIZED AS INFANTS.

...Make a few phone calls, talk to friends and relatives... But ALWAYS SEEK TRUTH.

Answer 11

Visit varies churches. A visit to a Christian book store can give you books telling the major points of each. Do a search on the web...just a few ideas.