what are the differences between Christian denominations?

Question

i love the lord but i don't know what denomination i am because i don't know the differences between them. every time i ask someone they ether don't know or they only point out the flaws in the other denominations and take the offencive as if its them against all the others. as a result i always fell I'm being recruited instead of getting a clear understanding of the differences. is there any one who can give me a truthful non-bi-est answer?

i believe that Jesus was born to from the virgin Mary and that he is Gods only begotten son and that he died on the cross for our sins

Answer 1

The better question is asking how to find the true one approved by God? The best way to do this is by comparing what the denominations teach as doctrines and does it agree with the Bible.

First of all, most of these denominations have many divisions within each of them. We can eliminate many of these. This is because the Bible shows in 1 Corinthians 1:10 and John 13:35; 15:12, that the true Christian congregation would all speak in agreement. That we would know the true religion by its members having love among themselves. In other words, united in worship no matter where one would go in the world. All individual congregations would teach the same things. So look for those who do practice unity. This would also mean refusal to make war on another country as they have brothers on the other side of wars and can not injure their spiritual brothers. Find the one practicing their faith according to the scriptures and that is the correct one.

Going further, take a bible concordance or index and compare what denomination's doctrines are with what the Bible says about it.

Some teach the dead live on, have feelings and effect the living. What does the Bible teach? Look up dead or death. You will find Psalms 146:4 and Eccles. 9:5, 10. They state in simple terms the dead know, feel, are aware of NOTHING. No memories remain with them. So, you can cross off all religious denominations that do teach this unscriptural teaching.

It is rather simple to do this with any belief.

Choosing the correct religion is something we all must arrive at on our own. Others can point you in the right direction but, we can't tell you what you are to believe.

Answer 2

Well, the Roman Catholic church is the only denomination headed by the pope. It is also the only church that can trace it's roots right down to Jesus when he made Peter the head of his church. Pope Benedict is the latest in this succession.

Other denominations have broken off from the Catholic church at various times throughout history, usually for perfectly valid reasons. The Lutherans got started when I believe it was a guy named Martin Luther nailed up a list of demands on the church door one day around the 1600's. He was dissatisfied because at the time the church was acting more like an overbearing government than a church. At least that's what I've heard, I'm not Lutheran so I apoligize if I screwed anything up!

Answer 3

That is not a tough question, but it is a massive question because there are so many denominations. To know the truth, trust the Bible only for your sole authority, and accept nothing that people can not show you clearly in the Bible. Pray to God for wisdom and follow God's Word. As far as denominations there are four basic denominatons, those that are humanistic, those that are liberal, those that are experiential, and those that are compromising.(ecuemenical) The liberals normally emphasize works, the experiential emphasize experiences like the pentacostals. Compromising emphasize ecumenicity, and humanistic emphasize extistentialism (Concentrating on your existance not your beliefs) I would say that the most solid churches that don't get off on works, humanism, ecumenicity, or experiences is the churches that fall into the Baptist bracket (Baptist, Brethren, many independent groups, ACG,) Stay away from churches that get into extremes, and non Bibleical practices like tongues, rituals, legalism, and especially compromise with everyone.
Bottom line: Pray and ask God for wisdom then search for a Bible believing church.

Answer 4

There are 4 to 5 hundred, at most, distinct denominations in the USA.

If you are born again, you love Jesus, and you read and follow the Bible you don't need to worry about denominational labels.

I've studied denominations for years and there just isn't enough room and I can't type fast enough to answer your question here.

If you are in the USA or Canada or Ireland, the UK, France, Spain, Portugal or Italy, I'm more than willing to discuss this with you on the phone. I'll even pay for the call.

Pastor Art

Answer 5

Each denomination seems to emphasize one Biblical truth more than others. They are also divided by the manor of worshiping God collectively by style, music, emphisizing strictly the Word or being more broad in preaching. The different styles of worship can go from loud expressions of worship and singing to more subdued formal worship. All in all, all are disciples of Christ. God does not belong to a any denomination. I suggest you do as I do and just be a Christian, a disciple of Christ. We are called to be United in Christ. No matter what you are told, read the Bible throughly so you will know theTruth.

Answer 6

In the end, there is very little difference because they all believe that there is a god in three parts: father, son and holy spirit, and that Jesus was god's son and is divine himself. The bells and whistles might change from one sect to another, but those things shouldn't matter--even though they seem to matter very much to an awful lot of people.

Answer 7

Most of the differences are really misinterpretations or the other faiths. I grew up with a Baptist dad and Catholic mother and really came to understand that they are more similar than different - though either side wouldn't likely admit that.

Some areas a difference: age and purpose of Baptism, nature of salvation (definition of grace, faith and works and how they relate to justification and salvation). Other difference are in role of old testament law, gender/celebacy of church leaders and also the inerrancy of the Holy Bible.

Answer 8

The only denomination you should belong to is the one that believes that Jesus Christ is God, that he resurrected from the dead (and is therefore alive today - Romans 10:9) and was born of a virgin (indicating his sinless nature) - plus the fact that . '... if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Him (Romans 8:9).

Answer 9

Be more specific there are a ton of denominations!

Answer 10

You don't have to pick a denomination.

Believing in God is a faith....denominations are a religion.

I think denominations/religion cloud faith.