Which denomination of Christianity is the right one?

Question

With so many different denominations out there with so many different interpretations of the Bible and traditions and ways of following Christ, I'm confused. Some people say that, as long as they follow Jesus, it's okay. But then I see so many people talking about how Catholicism or LDS or JW (for example) is wrong, though these groups follow Jesus. How do I determine which Christian denominations are "really" Christian and which one is the closest to following the TRUE interpretation of the Bible?

Answer 1

Whichever demonination works for a person is the one for them.

We're not all the same....it stands to reason we would not all think or need the same from religion.

Some of us even choose no religion.

Answer 2

it's true, it's very easy to get lost in the sea of denominations and interpretations of the bible. God knew this was going to happen though. Everyone has their own translation, their own denomination, and they feel that anyone is wrong if they dont' believe in this one denomination. To be honest, none of them are right. No single denomination is right. No matter what they claim, they're just lying to themselves. Because their is no denomination for Christians. It's simply a two way street. One way leads to God, and that's thru salvation, thus u have ur born-again, true believer Christians; and the other road leads to Hell, thus u have ur non-believers, non-christians, etc. How do u tell the difference? The bible is the first thing to test any denomination or religion on. if it can't hold up to the way the Bible says things are done, it's not a true Christian faith. For example: Mormons have altered the words of the Bible, not because God gave them some special revelation, but because it better suited their "religious preferences". many denominations however, within the Christian faith, have bitter arguments about how the bible should be translated and taught. Well, every man's interpretation will be different than the next. So who's to say anyone's right? The Holy spirit is the key. You can say what u want to believe about what the bible says. Does it mean ur right? not always. But after a while, u will know if u r right or not. anything that conflicts with the way God had intended things to be done is the wrong way to be doing it. And when it comes to a denomination, test them. Test them against the bible and against God. See if they follow God's will or man's will. be careful though. The devil is very crafty and has the ability, even in the last days, to fool even the most devout and devoted Christians into believing a lie. It may seem so right and perfect except for one lil flaw that turns the whole thing against God. but Satan does it so quietly and almost unknowingly, that no one knows better until it's too late. But like i said, to know how's the best denomination out there, look, test, pray. God will lead u to where He wants you to go. if there's something that feels out of place or wrong about that particular denomination or just the church in general, dont' go there. And don't necessarily knock a denomination off just cuz one church is a bad egg. that's like saying we need to take the arm becuz one finger is broke. be careful and stay vigil, pray earnestly and deeply, and think deeply as well. trust in God, and you will be lead the right way

Answer 3

If you are a sincere inquiring Christian, you are faced with a definite problem, since the followers of each sect will endeavor to convince you that they (and most likely only they) are the enlightened ones, the true Christians. If I were searching (which, being an agnostic, I am not), I would attend different churches until I discovered the one wherein I felt the most comfortable, and then I would select that denomination, afterward not worrying whether or not it was the true church. I think that if Christianity is the religion which god prefers, then he would not choose on sect over another so long as the worshipers honored Christ and were morally above reproach.

Answer 4

Whatever religion or denomination you choose, it should feel exactly right for you. All roads have the same destination, The Creator. Where most religions disagree is usually not based in the philosophy, but in the practice. Actual wars have begun over these issues. Your best bet is to go to the minister of each of these denominations and ask them about their belief, and these issues.

Its kind of like shoe shopping. Some shoes may look really cute but hurt your feet. Other shoes may not be as attractive but fit your foot as if they were specifically designed for your foot. If you come to a particular spiritual teaching and it feels like coming home, its probably the right one for you.

Explore them all and see how you feel. Don't just limit yourself to Christianity either. Explore many religions. There are some really beautiful traditions out there. Also try not to let the zealots push towards their truth as they know it. It may work for them, but not for you.

Be careful about the bible as well. There are over 600 different holy books out there and more than 50 different versions of the bible all proclaiming to be the "only truth". The only truth that there is comes when god speaks directly to you through meditation and prayer. There is no wrong or right in God, only perfection. Remember, as a child of God you are perfect, and only what fits for you and will help you to self empower matters. Everything else is irrelevant.

While you're at it take a look at sites for Interfaith Ministry, Religious Science, and Unity Churches. I think you may find them very interesting. Good luck with your quest!

Answer 5

It is an impossibility which highlights one of the greatest inconsistencies with following the bible. If you put 1000 people in a room, give them all the same bible, you will get 1000 different interpretations. There is no way to prove or disprove each interpretation, because they all differ depending on how much weight one puts on an individual verse.

One might say that eating pork is a sin because Leviticus is clear about that. Another will say that Paul makes it clear that it doesn't matter what we eat in Romans. Both are right, because the Bible contradicts itself. Thus the different denominations. None of them have the truth, because the truth, as written in the bible, is inconsistent.

Answer 6

Well, if it was possible to know which denomination was "closest" to following the true interpretation of the Bible, then there wouldn't be any other denominations, would there?

It's faith. Do what you think is right. But basically Christianity can be followed in many different ways. I doubt that God is playing a game of requiring us to guess at the true denomination and burn in hell if we guess wrong. That makes no sense.

Answer 7

There is no specific correct denomination, as long as they believe the Bible and follow it. LDS and JW do not follow the Bible, therefore they are not Christian, therefore they are wrong. Look at the Greek and Hebrew to determine correct translations.

Answer 8

It's really going to depend upon what you believe to be true, every denomination has its own apologetics with its own interpretation of the Greek and Hebrew texts, coming from an a priori view of what the Bible is really saying. For instance, if you believe that man is completely free to choose God or the devil, you will look at the predestination verses in the light of God choosing those who decide to come to him (i.e. grace after faith). In contrast, if man is guilty and stands condemned before God as a result of the fall of Adam, then you will look at those same verses as God's prerogative, and grace comes before faith. There are lots of other nuances to consider, but it just takes a fair amount of study if you really want to determine which is the "right" denomination according to your own beliefs. Good luck.

Answer 9

.Its all in your interpretation. Ive been to Catholic mass and Mormon services. Catholics are very serious about their religion. It is very sacred to them. There is always a portion of it devoted to a passage in the bible. Mormon services emphasize more on how you know Jesus is true and testifying about God then actual readings from the bible. Mormons do have bible study after services for adults but during they do not unless they are using it as a reference for their speech. Christians are Christians and right in that belief so long as they follow basic beliefs of Jesus being the son of God and their God being the ONLY God.

Answer 10

different christian churches interpret the bible differently,,I myself was born and raised catholic,,but I never felt comfortable there,so when I went searching for the truth I started reading the bible..I found that the Catholics believe in saints,and praying to Mary,,which isn't in the Bible.. I found a little christain church that i like now,,that i believe follows the bible the right way.for example we believe In one God eternally existing in three persons: namely, the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, that all have sinned and come short of the glory of God and that repentance is commanded of God for all and necessary for forgiveness of sins, in the premillennial second coming of Jesus. First, to resurrect the righteous dead and to catch away the living saints to Him in the air. Second, to reign on the earth for a thousand years,,,thats just a few of the things we believe . To me , Christ is the church,and all that believe in him makes up the church..whatever church you choose,you should check their beliefs,with the bible

Answer 11

You decide within your heart. You do not need to be in a church to love, talk or worship God.

If you are trying to find a church around you, go to several and go to those denominations and non-denominations where they don't sling around who is wrong and who is allowed in. You are right to question those things. It is hard to believe that these people are stewards of God when they act that way when they should be reaching out to all with the word of God.