Let me guess: The one YOU subscribe to.
2006-12-21 03:11:43 · 31 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Mankind will never progress beyond silly factionism as long as there are large groups and individuals that insist that what is right for them MUST be right for everyone. It is a fundamental selfishness and just shows the immaturity of the ones who think in this way. In a larger context (i.e. beyond the religious question), it contributes to political factionism and leads to war. It is definitely not a desirable thought pattern. I refuse to tell someone that I know better than they do what is the "right" way to think. You're free to disagree with me, BTW! ;)
2006-12-21 03:21:14 · answer #1 · answered by Black Dog 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Sects form from different interpretations of the Bible. The Bible was written during a time that is culture ally different than today. Just because their customs are mentioned doesn't make them law today. We are told in the Bible to follow our leaders and the rules they establish as God placed these people in a leadership position.
Some think communion should be served weekly, others monthly, quarterly, or yearly. Whose to say what is right? Others have issues with women in leadership positions. Each Sect has a slightly different perspective on the teachings, but all have the one same believe that Jesus died for our sins and if we accept Him as our Lord and Savior we will live with Him in Heaven for ever!!
2006-12-21 03:24:12 · answer #2 · answered by Showstoppers 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Its not a matter of "correct" christianity. Basically christianity is being Christ-like, so as long as ALL the ways taught in the bible or exemplified by the bible are followed, then you are on the right track. This includes in particular the order of the church, which is where most christianity practised today has gone wrong. Its also a question of faith. The bible says anything not done in faith is sin. So practice your christianity with faith, to the best of your ability and based on your knowledge and leave the rest to God
2006-12-21 03:22:11 · answer #3 · answered by ivory 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You've asked a somewhat facetious question and a lot of people are going to give you facetious answers. I honestly don't know if you're looking for an honest answer or if you're just here to stir the pot, but I'm going to try to give you an honest answer anyway:
It's not so much that there are different "sects" of Christianity (although there are some of those), but that there are different traditions of Christianity. Yes, some of them are dogmatic and have fought with each other over the centuries, but other have not.
If you believe that God created us, then you can see that he created us as individuals, with unique personalities. We are not cookie cutter copies of each other. Therefore, not everyone is going to respond to God in the same way, or choose to worship the same. The thing that unites Christians is belief in the Lordship of Jesus Christ. Beyond that there are myriads of ways one may choose to worship Him.
Some may choose to worship in silent meditation like the Quakers; some with ecstatic song & dance like the Pentecostals; some with incense, like the Orthodox; some with firey preaching, like the Evangelicals; some with pomp & circumstance, like the Catholics; some with plain living, like the Amish. What you are looking at here is *form* more than *substance*. And they are *all* correct.
Now it is true that some Christians choose to debate theology. This is actually a good thing. Disagreements force us to think and consider. Some may believe in the Rapture, some may not. They both still believe in Jesus. Some may believe that Jesus was born God, some that the "God-spirit" came upon him at his baptism. They both still believe in Jesus. Some may believe it is a sin to "smoke, drink or chew or go with girls who do" - they feel called to life of holiness that not all are called to. Others believe that there is nothing wrong with enjoying the life God gave us. They both still believe in Jesus.
The "vastly different beliefs" are not really as vast as one might think.
2006-12-21 03:30:43 · answer #4 · answered by Elise K 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
"Vastly different" is a lie. The core doctrines are identical in all non-cult denominations. This "vastly different" lie, beloved of Atheists, is similar to the lie that the translations of the Bible from the original Greek and Hebrew vastly vary.
If you really want to know, start off by looking for yourself into this fact. Au contraire, the denominations fuss and split over PETTY differences, and any true translation from the Greek and Hebrew will point the VERY SAME Way to God.
2006-12-21 03:22:51 · answer #5 · answered by Emmaean 5 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Christianity is not a sect.Jehovah witness is a sect,and not a Christian denomination.
The word you are looking for is denomination.Independent Baptist has shown to be the correct denominations in the past.The Church of God denominations also do their part in correct interpretation of the word of God.Every denomination has it's own little traditions.The ones that correctly teach and preach from the word of God,and leave their own thoughts about how it should be prosper.
2006-12-21 03:22:49 · answer #6 · answered by Derek B 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Dear Mr. Slippie:
There is criteria by which to deduce.
The Bible contains that criteria ....more precisely, the words and practices of Jesus.
Example:
His last night on earth, Jesus said in prayer, "I have made YOUR name known to them."
When teaching his followers how to pray, item #1 was "Hallowed be thy NAME."
Acts 15:14 says God would have a people for his name.
Thus, any religion that emphasizes another name (e.g. Lutheran, Calvinists, Mormon) is veering away from Jesus point of view.
Example #2:
John 13:35 ...Jesus says the main identifying mark would be love shown among fellow believers.
Now that's easy in peaceful times. During times of war, who keeps that mark in operation.
Sadly, too many "christians" take up arms and are ready to slaughter other "christians".
That's not showing love.
There exists other criteria ....but long answers tend to drive people away.
However,
2006-12-21 03:24:27 · answer #7 · answered by Uncle Thesis 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Try reading "Mere Christianity" by C.S. Lewis. He was a college professor in England, who did his best to hone the Christian faith down to its bare essentials, without all the traditions and additions of churches.
The main things that we all understand to be true.
Its a great book for believers, and it can help unbelievers figure out what it is that believers are supposed to be about. It helped me clarify some things about my faith.
2006-12-21 03:21:47 · answer #8 · answered by guitar teacher 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
the differences are generally political issues on how the church is organized.
There are doctrines that must be adhered to in order to truly be called a Christian sect.
2006-12-21 03:15:57 · answer #9 · answered by bacha2_33461 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Thanks for the 2 points first of all. It's about faith and without it it's impossible to please God. Think about that. I don't subscribe to anything. The one who lines up nearly perfectly with God's WORD is the one that is perfect as you so say. The one that acknowledges and believes God is the Father who sent His SON to live and die and rise again in our place making the way for us sinners to be saved and to reach God who then after Jesus was at His right hand sent comforter the HOLY SPIRIT to lead us into all righteousness and thru God's WORD. It all centers around God's WORD. Either you get it or you don't. Don't waist your time or words here trying to bash God and Christianity. Mindless waist of time on your unbelieving atheistic heart.
2006-12-21 03:21:03 · answer #10 · answered by dave_83501 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋