Question about Christian denominations.?

Question

I am more of a liberal Christian. I do not believe assigning vast generalizations and taking what Christ taught way out of context. In the mannor that I do not see how anyone could get the idea that any non-believer would be sent to Hell, this is not what Christ tought. I do not even know if I believe in a Hell. I do not like how many Christians judge others, this seems to be a trait of the more conservative brances. I believe in doing a life of good, letting my actions speak for me.

I am thinking methodist from what I have studied, but what do you guys think?


Also, what is the atmospheres at like in some of the denominations, that is also important to me. Which denominations have the most activities/summer camps for kids in general?

And please none of the "denominations are not necessary." That has nothing to d with my question, obviously religious denominations can do great things for the community and beyond, a way to strengthen faith.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Can I answer this one?
I believe in a hell, it is an imaginary hell where all my enemies go. I include also historical figures who were evil.
Not to change the subject but --
In seeking denominations are you interested in heaven or just activities on earth?
If you are interested in heaven check out the Baptist denomination, there you can go to the preacher's altar, do a special incantation, and get saved, no questions asked.
You still get to sin too.
So there's a deal you can get, better than the Methodists offer.

Answer 2

you said,
"I do not see how anyone could get the idea that any non-believer would be sent to Hell"

If you were to acquire a Vine's Expository Dictionary and looked up the word 'sheol,' you might change your view.

You see, part of the problem is that people tend to form their opinion based upon the written texts of those that are not scholarly in particular. I typically suspect that many do that when they are reading a bible in english, thinking that it suffices in a Biblical teachings. I find that it is not so.

"I do not like how many Christians judge others, this seems to be a trait of the more conservative brances."

I agree with you that Christians do not adhere to the Gospel message. I think that the one's that you are referring to are typically called, 'Fundies.'
They stray from the Gospel message.

On the flip side of the coin, I think that you are confused about what Jesus came and died for. That there was the blood of the savior spilled for an important reason. He died, so that we might live.

I would direct you to the Book of Hebrews. That explains several things about 'hiers' of the throne of God, through Christ, our propitiation to God for the sins of man.

There is a heavy game going on here, the importance of it escapes those that aren't really paying attention. Jesus Himself talked about the importance of it, and the Pharisees gained the trouble of incurring His wrath upon occasion.

So it was THAT important for God to take the time and trouble to come off His throne, and regain that which was lost with Adam.

"Which denominations have the most activities/summer camps for kids in general?"

A good thing to have, I believe. But hardly the reason for being of the church! Spreading the Gospel is what Jesus wanted us to do, and wherever that is preached, telling ofwhat the woman with the alabastor box did with it. That's for that commandment. The other things all have to do with acts of faith as well. Praying, fasting, loving, giving; all in His name and to His glory. For He's the one that called us in the first place.

So I wouldn't get too caught up in the 'camps' and extra things, for the focus tht we are to have is on Him. He's the one that our eyes are supposed to be fixed on. Through that kind of 'holiness' (dedication), we are dwellings of the Holy Spirit, and are spurred into doing the 'works' that will have eternal consequesnces. But not living for ourselves, but living for Him.

Please do read the Book of Hebrews. I think that it will open up new things to you.

I hope that helped you. ( :

Answer 3

Methodist sounds like what you're describing. Also Presbyterian might be a good option for you.

As far as "activities for kids" it depends a lot on the individual church in your town. Some are more active with children than others.

Answer 4

You cannot be a christian and not believe in hell- even Jesus spoke of hell! That is the whole point of why we are saved- if there was no hell, Jesus would not have to die on the cross, his death and resurrection would of been pointless. You believe in a different God than the god of the Bible, and that would be a false god. God is Just and there is punishment for sin, and it is hell. Read Revelations 19-20 --it says "whoever's name is not found in the book of life is also thrown into the lake of fire" --that is hell. And Jesus says:Matthew 10:28
And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.

-He is speaking of God-

also:Matthew 8:12
while the sons of the kingdom will be thrown into the outer darkness. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth."

Matthew 13:42
and throw them into the fiery furnace. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

Matthew 13:50
and throw them into the fiery furnace. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

Matthew 22:13
Then the king said to the attendants, 'Bind him hand and foot and cast him into the outer darkness. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.'

Matthew 24:51
and will cut him in pieces and put him with the hypocrites. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

Matthew 25:30
And cast the worthless servant into the outer darkness. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.'

Luke 13:28
In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when you see Abraham and Isaac and Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom of God but you yourselves cast out.

-And there are MANY more scriptures pertaining to hell- and in the OT hell is "Sheol" and "the pit" and it is also "outer darkness" --you need to know what the bible says and not lean on your own understanding- just as proverbs 3:5-6 says- It is GOD who teaches us, and leads us into all truth- if we read the Bible and try to get what we want out of it, it becomes false doctrine....stick to the context of scripture and PRAY for the Holy Spirit to teach you...Do you understand the gospel of Jesus Christ?

Answer 5

Methodist church is great, as are the Presbyterians, The United Church of Christ (not Church of Christ) and the Christian churches are very open-minded.

Answer 6

You might actually want to look into Unitarian Universalists. While not strictly Christian, many members do consider themselves Christian, and their core beliefs are very very close to yours (no hell, doing good is the most important thing).

Answer 7

What? You missed it altogether. Christ speaks of Hell more than any other subject, Thats why he came to earth in the first place, was to save us from going to hell. Read the bible.

Answer 8

I think you are using human reasoning above Gods which separates you from the true faith. I know it is not done intentionally but be careful to not spread errors thus diminishing the Word of God further. God Bless

Answer 9

To me it sounds like you'd be interested in the Episcopal church. My ex-gf was Episcopalean and they seemed to be a bit more relaxed and liberal. They also held many social functions such as single's dances and such.

Answer 10

your a christian but you dont belive in hell or someone being damed to hell for not accepting jesus christ as their savor.

WOW

you do realise that is the basis of christianity; note the christ in christianity???

I dont even know what to say, you definitly need to get to a church, any church, just run to the nearest one