Give or take a few thousand depending on which webpage you look at. Does this mean the believers of the other 37999 are all those "other christians"?
2007-10-09 15:12:34 · 19 answers · asked by Gawdless Heathen 6 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
People want God's love their way, not the true way
2007-10-09 15:15:17 · answer #1 · answered by Strats!! 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Actually you have raised a very pertinent question. The fact that there are as many Christian denominations as there are days in the year has not helped the cause of Christ, to be sure. One thing that we can be sure of is that there are honest and sincere followers of Christ in all of them.
In the Old Testament the Jewish nation constituted the chosen of God. But today we have many denomi-nations. The task to indentify the true church is made so much more difficult.
God has a church. It is not the great cathedrals, neither is it the national establishment, neither is it the various denominations. It is the people who love God and keep His commandments. "Where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them." Where Christ is even among the humble few, this is Christ's church, for the presence of the High and Holy One who inhabits eternity can alone constitute a church!
"Here are they who keep the commandments of God and have the faith of Jesus." Revelation 14:12.
This is the only church on earth which is acknowledged by God.
2007-10-09 23:11:18 · answer #2 · answered by sky 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Well your web page reference is way off. I can think of a handful of denominations, relative to the the amount of Christians worldwide. There are many who gather as Christians without being under a denomination. Ultimately Christians gather to corporately worship God and meet the needs of others and the last thing on their mind is denomination. The label has little meaning at that point.
2007-10-09 22:27:50 · answer #3 · answered by JohnFromNC 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
If a church follows the Bible, then they are Christian. Denominations are USUALLY more about style than doctrine.
For example: I am a fun, happy person who is kinda loud and vocal. I enjoy a church with upbeat music. We wear jeans and sometimes comment in agreement as the service is going on. I do NOT have any problem with a church who sits in silence while wearing "church clothes" and being taught.
The biggest and most important detail is that the church believes in the Bible~every word, even when inconvenient. It sounds as if you've been hurt. I am sorry if that's the case. Christians are call to walk in love not just talk about the Bible.
2007-10-09 22:20:05 · answer #4 · answered by tambos67camaro 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Because there have been a number of splits over doctrine. Christians generally believe in the essentials, which can be summed up in the apostles creed:
"I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord. He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. On the third day he rose again. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen. "
One of the first major splits was between protestant and catholic (when Luther nailed the 95 thesis to the church door in protest of the catholic church teachines). Many of the other splits came about because of one piece of the scripture might have been emphasized over other pieces (like full immersion baptism (baptists) or speaking in tongues (pentacostal). Or the more recent split in the anglican church (over the election of gay clergy).
In any event, most christians (myself included) have belonged to one or more denominations - but are all followers of Christ. For me, Christ is above all denominations and I consider all of them to be my brothers and sisters in Christ.
2007-10-09 22:28:37 · answer #5 · answered by C 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
The body of Christ has many parts.
Each of those denominations speak to that person.
You can take any book and have 1000 people read it and you will get at least 1000 different ideas of what that book said.
Christianity is like being American.
Yes we are all Americans but we all have many different experiences views.
So why not people who believe in G-d.
2007-10-09 22:23:28 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
Who cares. If you call yourself a Christian then it means you follow Christ and His teachings. If His teachings are not changed or perverted in any way and you live in the Word then you're a Christian.
Most Christians believe the same things. I've been to Protestant, Catholic, Orthodox and Charismatic churches. They all have something to offer to help the Spirit grow. However once your Spirit does grow, you may find that the church you are attending doesn't offer something you are searching for. I love that we have a big brotherhood and sisterhood in Christ. Christ is in all His bible based churches.
2007-10-09 22:20:51 · answer #7 · answered by rico459 1 · 2⤊ 2⤋
I guess that mean Christains have a 1 IN 38000 chance of getting the right one
bad odds I'm not playing
2007-10-09 22:19:36 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 3⤋
a true Christian needs to teach the death, burial, and Resurrection of Jesus Christ.
If they don't they are deceived!
God gave us his gift of Salvation through his only Begotten son to reconcile us back to God for the remission of Sin.
IF THEY DON'T ACCEPT JESUS THEY WILL BE LOST. JESUS SAID IF YOU DENY ME then you deny the father also!
2007-10-09 22:21:01 · answer #9 · answered by Faith 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I agree people tend to want things their way but might I suggest they also tend to think their way IS the true way despite what 37999 other versions of the truth think.
2007-10-09 22:17:35 · answer #10 · answered by pbj 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There is only one true religion. Jesus said " in My Fathers house there are many mansions" meaning there is room for all.
2007-10-09 22:20:44 · answer #11 · answered by tronary 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋