Is being a non demoninational Christian likened to "sitting on the fence"?

Answer 1

Absolutely. There is also no such thing as 'non-denominational'.

Many people pride themselves in being "non-denominational." "We don't belong to any (fill in put-down here, such as "man-made," "hierarchical," etc.) denomination," they will say. Then they insist that they joined a non-denominational church to get away from the idea of denomination, and some will even imply that by going non-denominational, they have found a holier, more exciting religious experience than available in denominations. However, in trying to escape, they have really found themselves in the same situation.

you look at the basic meaning of the word denomination, you will find it simply means "designation" or "categorization." Thus, by definition, "non" denominational would mean not designating or not categorizing. The reality is that it is very hard to avoid designation, because even the title non-denominational is itself a clear designation, designed to distinguish a church body from other groups. The same case is true if we define denomination as categorization. Many feel that by leaving a bigger Christian body they are, "breaking away from the spirit of denominationalism," i.e. freeing themselves from categories and divisions. However, upon examination it is fairly clear that whenever a non-denominational church is started, rather than eliminating the spirit of category, a new category has simply been started. Thus, whenever a non-denominational church is started, a new category is also created, and a new denomination has been formed. With over 35,000 Christian denominations in the United States alone, one thing we do not need is another denomination, whether it be named, or whether it is a "non-denominational" denomination.

We all have met people who claim to be non-traditional. They are in essence the rebels in life and within Christianity. However, rebellion has its own tradition.

Our word tradition comes from the Latin word traditio, meaning simply to hand down. The Greek word paradosis means the same thing. So anytime knowledge, practice, or belief is handed down, i.e. passed on, tradition exists. Thus "tradition" is any practice or belief that we inherit from someone else. Anytime a minister speaks, or a Sunday school teacher teaches, knowledge is handed down. When a parent tells a child about God, or someone reads a book about morals, knowledge is inherited. By the general definition of tradition, everyone is traditional. The Bible itself is a piece of tradition, a written handing down of Christian teachings. In fact, Paul himself even says to hold fast to the traditions he has given, both oral and written (1 Cor. 11:2, 2 Thess. 2:15, 3:6). In ancient times, tradition was especially valued.

Believe it or not, abhorrence of tradition has become a tradition itself. In many churches and Universities, a general hatred of tradition is taught and "handed down" on a regular basis. Next time a professor or pastor tells you not to trust tradition, tell him or her, "in that case, then your recommendation to distrust tradition cannot be trusted, because you have just passed down tradition to me!" The only way someone can truly be a non-traditionalist is for him or her to have been born and grown up in a cave with no contact with outside information. Then he or she could step out into the world tradition-free (and rather angry and dirty I suspect). Unfortunately, the phrase, "Don't trust tradition," is oft-repeated, despite the fact that "Don't trust tradition" is itself a tradition, and now, a long-held one at that.

All Christians have met another Christian who says, "we don't have creeds," or "we don't believe in creeds." Some who have this belief direct hostility to those who do have creeds, believing them to be constraining or non-biblical. The problem is that we all have creeds.

Creed comes from the Latin credo, i.e. "to believe." So anytime a group of people (or an individual) believes something, they technically have a creed. Even the phrase "we don't believe in creeds," is itself a kind of creed. And just by observing the words, the worship, and other commonalities of a person or church, it becomes apparent that all indeed do have many defined beliefs. I do not wish to be offensive, but the only people without creeds are individuals with totally diminished mental capacity. If one is capable of belief, he or she technically has a creed.

Answer 2

the church we see as we communicate are by using in large considered as splinter team like branches from a uncomplicated framework of ideals, a uncomplicated interpretation and examine of the bible, that's the commencing place for those ideals and international view. while ameliorations get up, and the two events with fervor cite the authoritative scriptures as their foundation, then the two events comply with disagree and area approaches and a clean church is born. the ameliorations could be over something, it somewhat is functionality of the enthusiasm at the back of it that determines the chop up. A non denominational church is a church that replaced into formed and has no roots, with an latest classic framework of ideals. it somewhat is a gestalt of ideals from various denominations, some baptist, some reformed, some charismatics. The church would have a particular concentration based on the founding pastor historic past, which incorporate baptist, reformed or charismatic. yet another term for non-denomination is 'Bible Church' Peace

Answer 3

It can be, but I believe non-denominationals reject denominations based on what they see in the PEOPLE of a particular denomination without researching what the denomination itself really is.

Atheists do this as well, they reject God based on what other people say or do rather than going to the source of the information.

It's also a way of not having to answer to any set of rules or to other people.

Answer 4

no. I am completely "Off the fence" and on God's side. I have turned from my past things and press towards the Prize.
My mind is made up and I will not go back to what I used to Be I am A new Creature in Christ.

Why do I need to hold on to things that will do more harm than good.

Answer 5

Non denominational is easy to say, but hard to be. Basically by the time you can get a group to meet, you have become a denomination-you just don't have a name.

Answer 6

I believe in God and Jesus, but do not consider myself a Christian. Many non denominational believers do so because conventional Christianity makes little or no sense to us. We're not straddling the fence, rather we have jumped to the other side.

Answer 7

No it does not,I am denominational and it mean,s
that you do not agree with the religion,s of men
but only the word of God and you belong to
The church of the Living God [spiritual ]

Answer 8

No because denominations can become a trap for some people.

Answer 9

Jesus knows those who belong to him. I suspect they do not all come from any particular group except those who are Christian. Plain and simple.

Answer 10

Well there were no denominations in the book of Acts, the first church.