What causes people to choose certain denominations of christianity?

Question

For example, what makes a person decide to be a Methodist instead of a Baptist? Or Pentecostal as opposed to Presbyterian?

Is it basically just what you've grown up with? Or is there something specific to your particular denomination? Or is it about the people and the service at your particular church and not the label that is put on it?

I'm not criticizing any one sect of christianity. I'm just curious.

Answer 1

family,
education.
I was born catholic,
and i'm now wiccan
I was cathoic because that's what my family is,
But I am wiccan, because that's where my heart and path lay

Answer 2

I think it's the same thing that causes people of any religion to choose that religion, and (sadly) to develop a narrow-minded fervor for it. They've grown up with it. Their parents aligned themselves with that religion, most likely.

Considering all the world's religions, not just in the present but over the centuries, what a flimsy basis for a system of beliefs which one uses to guide their entire lives! Dad/Mom believed it, so it must be true. While it's perfectly understandable that this takes place, it boggles the mind that once these children mature into adults, they often still do not question their own faith. Moreover, when *others* seem to be doing so, they can get highly defensive and defend it with all the emotion they've got, but without the reasoning.

I don't mean to put anybody's beliefs down. I mean only to ask people to *think* and *reason*.

I've said many times that it amazes me how people from all religious backgrounds are *constantly* denigrating the others, yet are stubbornly or blindly unable to see the bigger picture... that if this is happening from all points of view, couldn't it just be that they're *all* wrong? I don't know the answer to that. But it astounds me that they are often unable to even consider that question!

WHAT ARE THE ODDS, I ask these people (or sarcastically say to myself) that *you* were lucky enough to have grown up in the *one true religion*? Whew! That was fortunate!

Answer 3

Some is because you grew up in it. Others because it "fits" your lifesytle. For example, I attend a church that likes it music loud and fast, it messages mixed with humor and its service 2 hours long. It fits the way I like to worship. My parents attend a church with an organ, hymnals, a 15 minute message, and a handshake at the door as you leave. It fits there lifestyle.

There is little difference in the doctrines of the two churchs. But big differences in the styles.

For many, the church they choose is less a matter of doctrine (because they are all about 90-95% the same) and more a matter of style.

Answer 4

As an agnostic, I would be Quaker if I could choose any Christian denomination, Episcopalian if mainstream.

Quakerism is remarkably similar to Buddhism, which is the main religion I am drawn to. Quaker beliefs require peace, good works, and to recognize that everyone has a spark of the divine in them. Historically, the people of that denomination have practiced tolerance, pacifism, and understanding, and I feel it is the most on-target denomination out there for my beliefs.

For me personally, Episcopalianism has a few too many trappings of religion compared to Quakerism (I like my religion simple, quiet, and personal), but it is also one of the more tolerant denominations out there, and itself does plenty of good works.

I could not choose a religous denomination that did not do good things in the world and did not practice tolerance. Jesus' first message was love, and the denominations that are closest to him are those that recognize that, in my opinion. I could not choose a denomination that closed itself off from the world, as experiencing the wonder of life is why we are here, and any religion that denies that leads to a boring and closeted life indeed.

Answer 5

You must be Muslim

anyway, people don't like to read or search

they take the easy road. You see it here they write a
Q/A get as much as they can and turn in an essay.

There are no denominations in the bible and because people won't read Man can trick them into believing anything.

Just pick a scripture and make it mean anything and if it sounds good Man will build anther faith

But the BIBLE says there is but ONE faith Eh 4:1-4
Gal1: 6 ...I marvel that ye are so removed from Him that called you to His grace of Christ unto another gospel. v7
Which is not another...v 8 ( anyone even an angel from heaven do so let him be accursed

Answer 6

Usually it's what you have been brought up with. If you are new to a church, you usually go because you know someone there. Sometimes the denomination will stick, sometimes it won't. It also will depend on your morals and beliefs. You may go to an Orthodox church, but the views they teach may not be what you believe, so you try another church, say a Baptist church, and those views may be similar to yours.

Answer 7

They all have different beliefs and styles. The Methodists in my town sing too much. The Presbiterians are too stuffy. I go to a non-denominational church with rock music.

Answer 8

Tradition

Answer 9

Denominations - An established derivative of the Christian Church. Sharing the primary (Orthodox) Christian traditions and beliefs, but differing in 'secondary' (not critical) beliefs.


http://www.rzim.org/radio/archives.php?p=JT&v=detail&id=628

Ravi Zacharias answers this question... you can listen to his answer...
Why does Christianity have so many denominations? Why does God’s work in us have to take so long? Ravi answers both of these questions from his audience today and answers them with characteristic skill and grace.

Answer 10

It all depends on the individual circumstances, methinks. Some stick with what they've grow up with; others look for denominations that fit their political motivations (liberal vs. middle vs. conservative).

By the way, looking at your info and your image, you're awesome. Can we go out for coffee? Boating? Dinner and a movie?

Answer 11

I've found that most Christians go to the church closest to them.

I chose my church based on it's fundamental principles of service and Love.

No, it's not a Christian church.