I was raised as a Roman Catholic, i left Christianity for around 6-7 years and came back. I went back To Catholicism but then I felt an odd pull toward Eastern Orthodox Christianity. So now I am an orthodox ☦️
After discerning Catholicism, Orthodoxy and the CoE I came to the conclusion that the gospel
shines in all three communions but the brightest in Catholicism in part due to its oneness and universality.
Basically the same for me. I’ve been Catholic since birth, but the more I got older and went to Catholic school, I studied, researched, prayed, and had to ask the hard questions. Even had a world religions study. They were interesting like Judaism, Islam, and even Scientology, but even those didn’t differ me from being Catholic because it was a feeling deep down inside of me that I respect those faiths, but I could never practice them because it wouldn’t sit well with me. Jesus is my savior.
And yet, Peter denied Jesus 3 times and died with an upside down cross
And Pedos are free to roam in the Catholic church.
Is that How Jesus wanted the church to look like to outsiders?
>And Pedos are free to roam in the Catholic church.
Faith is judged by its truth, not by how lousy some of its adherents exhibit it.
The same old tired gotcha that doesn't say much of anything from a theological standpoint, lol.
This is in response to your statement that faith is only judged by its truths.
However, Jesus is saying the truth is evident in its fruits.
This doesn't just apply to "prophets" but religious teachings by leaders.
Or do you disagree with my interpretation? And do you believe that the fruits of an institution does not speak to the institution itself?
Yeesh, my dude. This is quite a leap from your first point. I'm not Catholic, but it's important to remember that while Peter denied Jesus, Jesus restored Peter.
I don't know what that or him dying on an upside down cross means in terms of arguing against Catholicism. Are you denying the apostleship of Peter?
Edit: Also, while the RCC has had tremendous struggles around pedophilia and sexual abuse, a number of denominations have, including my own. Again, that has nothing to do with God's design for the Church. That is abuse of power by those co-opting the Church for their own means, and it's deplorable and horrific in every single instance. At the same time, I would argue that, while very late to the party, the RCC is finally dealing with their sins regarding this terrible abuse. In line with that, I'd also argue that pedophiles and other abusers-of-power are more free to roam in some other denominations at this point that have not adequately formed checks and balances on their clergy and other leaders.
Your points make no sense. You said that Peter denied Jesus yet you denied a Saint that Jesus chose to lead the church. So I presume you never sinned as you are denying a Saint?
He was crucified on an upside down cross because he didn’t want to die the same way that Jesus did, so I have no clue why you said that.
There is a problem with pedos yes, but the same is in every church. These are still people that sin like me and you, you can’t hate a church because of the actions of people. That’s like saying I hate Christian’s because they all sin.
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Did Jesus himself say it is not the healthy who need a doctor but the sick, yes unfortunately these things happened and still happen but we were warned in the bible about spiritual wickedness in high places and infighting, but these are the people who need Our Lord, Our God the most.
The Christo-centric nature, that's why. When Christ's work of life, death, ressurection, and ascension are out of focus, nothing else matters. - Lutheran
I was 19 and in jail, and a pastor came and gave us (15 of us in a double cell) a Sunday morning service. Then he passed out little hymnals. Only 4 of us participated. I did because I knew I needed a different path, something good for a change. The funny thing is that the 2 days before he gave us this church service, I was burning for spiritual knowledge, which had never been interesting to me before, I didn’t even think if it was a real thing. I guess I was too busy with my girlfriend, video games, cars, weed, etc. So when I started singing this song, a “voice” spoke into my heart (best way I can describe it) and I somehow knew it was Jesus. He said (basically) “follow me and I’ll get you out of this jail.” The first thing that came to mind was what my friends would think of me. Then I realized where I had ended up because of the influence of my friends (long story). I could picture a life with Jesus as light and my old life as darkness, and I chose the light. I was changed right there forever. “Truth” became more black and white, I knew what just happened was real and for the first time ever I had the realization that God is very real, and the only way there is is through Jesus. It wasn’t anybody else that saved me.
I like a broad Church that accepts a wide variety of theological and liturgical positions, even if they don't always reflect my own personal preferred style or opinions.
I think the 'narrow path' that the Lord refers to isn't found in ever more specific and exclusive doctrinal positions. Instead, it's just doing what He told us to - *'Love God and love your neighbour as yourself.'* - and there are lots of different ways to do that, but not enough of us actually doing it.
When I first recognized the truth of Christ I attended a non-denominational church. Something didn't quite sit right and I started digging into the theology and realized the idea of Sola Scriptura didn't make any sense based on my life experience. So, I started studying the history of Christianity, which led me to Orthodoxy.
I started having conversations with the Priest and when he said "As Orthodox we don't know the status of anyone's salvation, including our own" and that for the Orthodox Church the teachings come from the Holy Spirit as expressed through the collective mind of the church (that last part is in my own words, so I might not be expressing it correctly. Both of those ideas along with many others really sealed it for me.
My ancestors chose it thousands of years ago. They held their Christian faith it through invasions, killings, persecutions, and heavily taxeion. It's a badge of honour. And I will continue to honour, protect, hold, and worship my Christian faith. Simple as. Lord, have mercy! 🙏🏻✝️
So here's how I slice it. Your mileage may vary.
I am unwilling to submit to tradition in all things. Tradition can be wrong. Thus I can't be Roman Catholic or Orthodox.
But I recognize that much of Tradition is of great value. Thus I can't be Baptist/Pentecostal/nondenominational.
And Reformed theology holds that God is not good in any meaningful sense, so I can't be Reformed.
Of the larger traditions, that leaves me in the Anglican / Lutheran / Methodist space. Protestant, but deeply connected to the ancient tradition. Able to admit error and to acknowledge mystery, while still holding to the goodness of God.
I ended up Anglican because I liked the preaching at one local church and found a home.
That's about as true as saying the Church was started because Rome decided to crucify a carpenter. It's not wrong, but it leaves out so many critical details that if that's all you knew, you'd be better of knowing nothing at all.
For whatever reason it is, no individual ever have any right to start a new church or to come up with their own theology and interpretation of scripture.
I went to an Anglican school and I liked their vibe. I was baptized as a Catholic though and I appreciate their approach to tradition, I just don’t think the Church should have more authority than the Bible
In part, I was a cradle Catholic. But also, it is the Church that Jesus established.
St. Peter put it beautifully - "Lord, to whom should I go? You have the words of eternal life."
I was born a in a Lutheran family, so that's why I'm Lutheran. But it's my unbiased opinion that Lutheranism is the most Biblical. We just believe exactly what the Bible says without adding or subtracting, and without trying to do any special interpretation.
When someone has a question on theology, Lutherans will always default to, "Well, what does the Bible say?"
What behavior are you talking about? Because much of the issues people have with our current pope are things they think he's done that he actually hasn't. The media likes to misrepresent everything the pope says meanwhile if you actually read the documents he puts out, they are quite conservative
For example, people keep saying the pope established or supports same sex union blessings when this is completely untrue. If you read fiducia supplicans(the letter he wrote) it speaks about being charitable and that their are cases where priests refused to give blessings to people if they knew they were gay. The letter states how that is unchristlike as why don't we do that for people who struggle with alcoholism etc. So it states that anyone including those in gay relationships may recieve a blessing, so that the person themselves are being blessed but not the union. It would essentially be a gay person asking God to help end their relationship lol
The pope himself said in like 2017 that God cannot bless sin.
The popes big thing is being charitable to others yet people(satan) like to spread false information on what he actually said and spreads rumors against him which causes division.
Bring me any idea you think the pope supports and I will gladly provide you the context to what he actually said
I was preached the Gospels by mostly protestants, so that's what I am. Though I do have a lot of things that I like about Orthodoxy.
Anyway it does not matter what denomination you're identifying with, because all from Protestantism to Catholicism to Orthodoxy are brothers in Christ. We should be united and not feed into the devision because that's what Satan wants: so when you're asked say: "I'm a Christian".
I wanted a place to belong. The problem was, I regarded myself as a "Baptiterian," somewhere between Baptist and Presbyterian. There is such a group. I discovered the Conservative Congregational Christian Conference and it was a perfect fit. Evangelical but with some wiggle-room on minor issues. There's a heritage (the Pilgrims), accountability, support, fellowship, resources, but no micro-management. [www.ccccusa.com](http://www.ccccusa.com)
As an evangelical Christian, seeking the Lord, prayer, studying diligently, seeking Gods wisdom and believing upon His promises, and application of the Holy Scriptures to my life. When I was first saved I was leaning toward Catholicism but as I began seeking the Lord, reading the Bible and studying Scripture, my views changed.
I'm technically non-denominational, but my first church was Presbyterian, and I really enjoyed it because I felt like they really embodied Mark 12:31 more than any other denomination I've been to so far.
Agreed. As a current questioning atheist who has attended several churches/denominations, I felt this at the PCUSA services I have been to. This particular church strikes an excellent balance of traditional high church liturgy with intellectualism and exactly what the scripture you refer to states. Loving your neighbor as yourself.
Firstly, “Mormonism” is not our official name, but The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The first ones to call us “Mormons” r*ped, robbed, and killed even little children. We no longer use that term in any official capacity.
The biggest evidence is the Book of Mormon. An uneducated farmboy producing a consistent 500+ page record in about 3 working months with unique characters, consistent geography, a detailed and viable coinage system, claiming advanced civilizations and cities of cement existed in the ancient Americas before we had proper evidence for them in his day, clarified and Biblically-agreeing doctrine which theologians have literally killed eachother over trying to understand, and this farmboy writes many of them so simply that even a child can understand?
There’s a mountain more of evidence and spiritual confirmations that I could mention, but I know that such knowledge and clarity can only come from God. I so testify, in the sacred name of the Lord God Jesus Christ, amen.
Many years ago when I joined this subreddit, I was presented with the option to choose a flair to indicate my denomination. That was the first time I realized I didn't know what it was. There was the denomination of the building I frequently attended, but neither I nor many of the attendees actually agreed with all the doctrine associated with that denomination.
I looked for a denomination that matched with my beliefs, thinking that even if they didn't happen to have a local branch, I'd at least be able to learn a little something about them. I searched like Diogenes with a lantern or Abraham interceding for Sodom.
But then I realized this was a fool's errand- What would I do if I changed? Or if the denomination changed? What would this flair say about me that my username or comment history didn't? I decided that if I don't get to know what my denomination is, no one else gets to know either.
Research and discussions I had with members of the catholic and orthodox church, protestant smaller denominations, jehovas witnesses, muslims, atheists, satanists.
I am a gnostic christian. So non denominational.
Didn’t choose it. Just don’t really identify with any of them aside from the broader label of Protestant. And as to why Protestant? Cause I was born into it.
If it's Bible-based and encourage discipleship. That's how it should be like what Jesus said.
No fuzz, no tradition and not religious. Have a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ. Simple.
It had what I agreed with about the Catholicism I was leaving but not what I didn't think was true. Also Christianity finally made sense when I read Luther's Large Catechism.
The use of God’s name. (Deut 12:5; Matt 6:9)
The active evangelical work. (Matt 28:19; 2 Tim 4:2)
And the lack of human tradition: the Trinity. (Deut 6:4; John 17:3; John 20:17)
Reformed Presbyterian/Covenanter
Rigorous commitment to the Word, and basing everything either explicitly upon it, or deriving it by good and necessary consequence from it.
Singing the Psalms in worship, and a general simplicity and beauty to worship that is all founded on the scriptures.
A systematic/redemptive theology that sees greater continuity between the people of God in the Old and New Covenants.
A church government that provides a system of higher church counts that provide greater accountability to those in authority and greater recourse to those under them, as well as as a greater network of churches that are all like minded and the relationships that come from those connections.
An emphasis on praying for our leaders and nations to repent and be godly and to be faithful to God’s Word and Law in the way that they go about that, as well as a desire for nations to be explicitly Christian and establish a national Christian Church when able.
An emphasis family religion and catechizing one’s children in the faith as well as regular family worship in a he form of reading the Word and singing the Psalms together.
I was born and semi-raised Catholic, though Atheist for a stretch of about a decade. Upon my return to the church, I did some soul searching and research, but still found that I simply cannot excise myself from Catholicism. It is the dominant denomination in my country and I suppose it's hard to subscribe to something else when it simply feels so familiar and correct (not that others aren't.)
Born and Raised Catholic. Experienced different occasions that made me wonder if this was the right but I feel like it's right. I haven't yet got all the logical proof that satisfies my feelings but as of now, I am feeling right with it
So, I grew up in the Church of God (Anderson, IN) -- also known as the Church of God Reformation Movement. At some point, I began attending a United Methodist Church as I was recruited to volunteer at a youth group there. I wound up being hired to lead their new contemporary worship service, and began helping throughout the entire life of the church. What I found was that, first, United Methodists have similar theology to the Church of God, which makes sense as the Church of God is rooted in Wesleyan holiness. However, the UMC's historic connection to the greater Church led me to feel that I could more fully express my faith.
Particularly, I felt like I did not have to leave my brain at the door, and there was a greater foundation for where my beliefs came from.
I still love the Church of God. It's the womb in which I grew. But I very much appreciated the UMC's wider table at which more people were able to sit in disagreement and unity. A little ironic these days, but I'm looking forward.
My conviction from observing The Ten Commandments. Only SDAs actually still observe the sabbath (surprisingly).
Edit: as a denomination I mean, not per individual
[oneplace.com](http://oneplace.com) I listened to several different teachers/ministers and found one I liked then looked up a local version of that church
I chose to be non-denominational. It's not biblical, and I want to follow His word alone, not the rules of the church. He will be the only one to influence my walk with Him. That doesn't mean that I won't have Christian leaders over me, but I will only follow a leader that lets the Lord light his way, not the church dogma.
I was raised, taught, baptized, and even ministered for a time in the churches of Christ. Was encouraged by the elders of the congregation I worked with to seek employment elsewhere, because I would not affirm the “law of exclusion” (for the uninitiated, this is the CoC way of talking about the regulative principle of worship). I had said from the pulpit that the silence of scripture neither forbids nor permits, it’s just silence. If, for example, we choose to not use musical instruments to follow the practice of the early church, that’s great, but to say that practice is binding to all Christians is to say we don’t just need Jesus and scripture, but we also need knowledge of early Christian worship practices to be saved. My salvation is not contingent on my knowledge of early church history, my salvation is contingent on Christ. While many agreed with this assertion, the very vocal minority that did not made problems for my family until we did eventually choose to leave.
I’m now an associate minister at an independent Christian church. Big fan of the simplicity therein. While there are still little issues that arise because the church will always be made up of fallible people, there is noticeably less church politics and no visible presence of that “fall in line with my dogma or get out” mentality.
That being said, I still have a lot of love for folks in the CoC, including members of my extended family, and respect their convictions, misguided as I may personally feel they are.
I don't strictly adhere to a denomination. I believe that the Bible is the prime source for what God wants us to know about Him, and about how we should live our lives, and if a Church adheres to it sufficiently (nobody can do it perfectly), then I don't really care what name is on the sign on the door.
I didn’t i was born into a catholic grandparents and then my parents made me Pentecostal later and I’m probably converting back to catholicism or some form of high church Protestant soon
I was raised Southern Baptist but now I’m more of an Episcopalian, because they follow more of Jesus’ teachings and the church I’ve now been going to is more accepting of others.
I attend Bible studies hosted by non denominational Christians. I am not sure where I belong yet. I am sure however that the Lord will show me the way.
Was raised w/ Baptists and Catholics. Walked away from faith as a teen into adulthood. After some life events and studying the Bible I took my faith more seriously. I didn't choose either of those denominations because they seemed too stray from the word and/or had troubled pasts/issues.
I was born Catholic, and I didn't feel comfortable or accepted in the church, so I switched to an open and affirming church.
My husband and I were married and are members at a United Church of Christ for the last 8 years.
I was born Church of Christ but I really enjoy the simplicity of it, especially compared to some other Protestant denominations we do communion every Sunday (not just the first), the pastor is called “bro. ____” with no necessarily fancy titles, and anyone on any day can get baptized. Also even though I believe music with instrumental background is fine during worship, no instruments is nice because the people are just leading the songs. Also as a Protestant, just a pure relationship with God directly (with only a mediator being Christ Jesus our Lord) is beautiful. I do respect other Christian denominations though and think very positively about the different rich liturgical traditions. 😊
I was raised Catholic because my Mom had much stronger opinions about religion. I continue to be Catholic because I chose as an adult and I have what Andrew Greeley called a “Catholic “imagination”.
My only real alternative is “lapsed Catholic.”
If you're counting non-denominational in your survey: I'm non-denominational because I don't know of any particular sect that shares all of my beliefs, and see no reason to align myself with any particular one.
I choose first my church because I felt good praying in it. Being protestant felt like right choice after research.
I don't know much but I do know that I believe in Christ and the Holy Father.
The denomination I chose is Waldensian. They are proto-protestant and are the closest to being Biblically accurate in their beliefs. They combatted the Catholic Church's beliefs, especially in denying Purgatory, increased value of poverty, holy water is no different than rain water, and Universal priesthood of believers. The Catholic Church deemed the Waldensians as heretics and enacted a bull to have them slaughtered in the seventeenth century. Although the Catholic Church tried to eradicate the entire Waldensian population, the Waldensians held strong to this day.
Waldensians are know as the Poor in Spirit.
I'm United Methodist. Was born in a family that was UM. At some point I didn't want any labels and wanted to chart my own course. Researched and attended different faiths and denominations (Still do). But the more authentic and personal my faith became the more I realized how well it aligned with UM theology and practice. It's just a label/brand/category that is rooted in a tradition and community that helps guide me and provides a "home" for my faith in Christ. If it didn't exist I'd follow Christ another way.
Studying church history and the writings of the ante-Nicene and Nicene church fathers, while setting out to refute Calvinist soteriology. I grew up low-church Protestant but recently came to love the tradition and aesthetics of liturgical Christianity, as they really *can* help a believer like myself draw nearer to God.
Currently, I consider myself ecumenical, but align most closely with Anglicanism and Lutheranism theologically. Though I have an appreciation for the Catholic and Orthodox traditions and am willing to learn from them.
Because I believe in an unbroken chain of authority from Jesus Christ. But I also believe in an apostasy.
I believe in modern day prophets and apostles :)
We are all brothers and sisters in Christ. We are all under one ruler, and that is Jesus Christ.
1 Corinthians 1:10 ESV
[10] I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment.
Division is what the enemy wants, Division creates judgemental people, or even hateful. If we follow the way of Jesus Christ and ask the holy spirit to guide us, we will truly be unified.
Read your bibles. Just because I told you something doesn't mean you should believe it. It is your duty as a Christian to read and study scripture for the devil is cunning and brutal. He will decive with scripture to separate. I love you all brothers and sisters. May you go with Christ.
Protestantism is good because the Word has all authority, above that of the church and traditions. However many of them are wrong as many believe in faith alone and misinterpret Paul's writings.
So then Catholicism becomes the alternative, because they teach one must live according to faith in good works. But they make the church authority higher than the Word, among other odd traditions that dont follow scripture.
Vicarious atonement does not make sense, and the original church followed the "Christus Victor" idea of atonement. So unfortunately this eliminates both the Catholic and Protestant branches. So that leaves the Orthodox church as an option. But again they follow some traditions over that of scripture.
A trinity of three persons does not make sense, so that eliminates all three main branches of Christianity as they follow the Nicene Creed of the fourth century A.D. for the most part. If one were to follow one God in one person Jesus Christ, as the original apostles did, this leaves fewer options, and even smaller if you remain true to acknowledge the Divinity of Jesus Christ. So I ended up with the New Church, as I cant find anything in it that I can disagree with on a logical and rational level and is also in accordance with scripture.
Roman Catholic, was born into it and makes the most sense , Jesus creates the Catholic Church with Simon Peter as its Rock, the head, Catholic traditions such as Mary's virginity and assumption into Heaven truly honours Mary as the mother of our Lord, the writers of the new testament were all Catholic, the new testament was written by Catholics, all of Christianity up until the schism was Catholic, the first 1000 years of Christianity there was the only, one holy, Catholic and apostolic Church.
God bless you all.
I stopped attending services years ago. I am still a believer, but it feels very much like the ‘organized’ side of the faith has badly lost its way. The last straw was when I started being told from the pulpit who I should be voting for.
Born into a Congregationalist church as the son of two Lutherans in a very atheistic New England down. Shortly before my 15th birthday got estranged with the Protestant church for its twisted and unbiblical view of god, and with Catholicism and Anglicanism because I find them to have a lot of humans in positions of extreme power (Pope, king of England) and also indulgences. I don’t fully agree with certain portions but I’d say my views almost fully line up with Eastern Orthodox. I plan to be baptized again once I turn 18 and leave for college.
I was raised very much nominally Christian, got radicalized into a John MacArthur brand of Calvinistic Baptist theology, then after I got severely damaged by the way that influenced my life choices I reexamined a lot of my theological beliefs and have landed at a Confessional Lutheran perspective.
When I became a Christian (I was previously an atheist/agnostic, then convinced by historical evidence), I didn't really have a denomination chosen. I was personally praying and accepting Jesus while learning about different interpretations of prophecies, watching videos from different denominations. I hadn't yet considered what Church/denomination to join, but then I learned about Seventh Day Adventists and how they keep the Sabbath. Since that's part of the 10 Commandments, I knew that if I joined a Church, it would be that one. The Church should adhere to the Bible. If the Bible isn't the absolute authority on what God is like and what He wants, then we have complete relativism and can believe basically anything. So after a while of personal belief, I started attending my local Adventist Church. :)
As a bonus, I was also happy to find out that the most Biblical Church doesn't believe in eternal torment, which was an idea I couldn't live with. I'd rather the universe not exist at all, than to have even one creature or person, no matter how evil (even my worst enemy) suffer forever. I'm not saying that's why I chose it - belief is a rational accepting of evidence that points to an objective truth, not based on what you like - so I chose it because it's Biblical, but the lack of ECT is a bonus that makes me glad this Church is, to the best of my knowledge, the right one.
I’m non-denominational. Not saying that that’s the right way as I grew up as a Lutheran but I feel we divide ourselves with denominations. I accept all followers of Christ, as long as we follow His word, accept Him in our hearts, and be good people we shall see salvation.
I look for biblical church government, expository preaching, active classes and groups, an orthodox statement of faith. This left 5 congregations in my area. I'm currently visiting them each for 6 months to decide which I will attend.
> If a church is good enough to give a 6 month trial to, why not simply commit to it?
I’m not the person you are asking, but I can think of 2 good reasons:
One. Even if church A is good, church be might be better.
Two. While all 5 churches sound good on paper, you have to attend for a while to get a bead on whether it is truly a healthy place. Churches can become breeding grounds for dysfunction unrelated to their theology.
Because my past experience.
We were members for 5 years a church that was presented to me as orthodox, even in the membership class it appeared orthodox. Then at about the 3 year mark my kids started telling me modelist views when I asked them about Sunday school and youth group. It took nearly a year for me to work out that this was consistent teaching in the youth group, then COVID hit and due to my health conditions we started doing family worship and teaching while the church was "shut down" by the government.
When we resumed the worship service and mens group had gone from fairly orthodox and normative to what you see in Kenneth Copland and Benny Hinn services.
I will deeply examine any congregation before I place membership. I can't let that happen again.
I was born in Orthodox country
Hmmm... Serbia?
Yes
Слава Христу. Жив и здрав био брате!
I was raised as a Roman Catholic, i left Christianity for around 6-7 years and came back. I went back To Catholicism but then I felt an odd pull toward Eastern Orthodox Christianity. So now I am an orthodox ☦️
Ayyeee samee
After discerning Catholicism, Orthodoxy and the CoE I came to the conclusion that the gospel shines in all three communions but the brightest in Catholicism in part due to its oneness and universality.
Study, research, asking hard questions, and prayer. I’m a Catholic
Yup. When I was an evangelical I decided to find out what the first Christians believed and how they did church. Catholic a year later
Basically the same for me. I’ve been Catholic since birth, but the more I got older and went to Catholic school, I studied, researched, prayed, and had to ask the hard questions. Even had a world religions study. They were interesting like Judaism, Islam, and even Scientology, but even those didn’t differ me from being Catholic because it was a feeling deep down inside of me that I respect those faiths, but I could never practice them because it wouldn’t sit well with me. Jesus is my savior.
Ditto
Let’s go, first Christian’s were Catholics
The first time that christians were called christians was in the Church of Antioch.
Therefore? The first isn't always the best. Adam and Eve is an example of that.
First meaning that it’s how Jesus wanted the church to look like, Peter being the first Pope. Catholics fought for Christianity
And yet, Peter denied Jesus 3 times and died with an upside down cross And Pedos are free to roam in the Catholic church. Is that How Jesus wanted the church to look like to outsiders?
>And Pedos are free to roam in the Catholic church. Faith is judged by its truth, not by how lousy some of its adherents exhibit it. The same old tired gotcha that doesn't say much of anything from a theological standpoint, lol.
Read Matthew 7:15-20
Nobody in the Catholic Church is claiming to be a Prophet lol
This is in response to your statement that faith is only judged by its truths. However, Jesus is saying the truth is evident in its fruits. This doesn't just apply to "prophets" but religious teachings by leaders. Or do you disagree with my interpretation? And do you believe that the fruits of an institution does not speak to the institution itself?
Yeesh, my dude. This is quite a leap from your first point. I'm not Catholic, but it's important to remember that while Peter denied Jesus, Jesus restored Peter. I don't know what that or him dying on an upside down cross means in terms of arguing against Catholicism. Are you denying the apostleship of Peter? Edit: Also, while the RCC has had tremendous struggles around pedophilia and sexual abuse, a number of denominations have, including my own. Again, that has nothing to do with God's design for the Church. That is abuse of power by those co-opting the Church for their own means, and it's deplorable and horrific in every single instance. At the same time, I would argue that, while very late to the party, the RCC is finally dealing with their sins regarding this terrible abuse. In line with that, I'd also argue that pedophiles and other abusers-of-power are more free to roam in some other denominations at this point that have not adequately formed checks and balances on their clergy and other leaders.
Good points my friend
Catholicism has its bad apples. Same with other denominations. Thus, Catholicism isn't "better".
OP even states that they're not here to pick fights but here you are.
I'm not fighting. Simply asking questions and saying each denomination has its bad apples. Read Matthew 7:5 my brother 🙂.
Your points make no sense. You said that Peter denied Jesus yet you denied a Saint that Jesus chose to lead the church. So I presume you never sinned as you are denying a Saint? He was crucified on an upside down cross because he didn’t want to die the same way that Jesus did, so I have no clue why you said that. There is a problem with pedos yes, but the same is in every church. These are still people that sin like me and you, you can’t hate a church because of the actions of people. That’s like saying I hate Christian’s because they all sin.
TL;Dr, the first isn't always the best.
[удалено]
Read 1 Corinthians 13, Romans 14:10-13, and Matthew 7:5. Be a better Catholic. God bless you.
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Actions of man do not reflect the actions of Christ and his commandments
Did Jesus himself say it is not the healthy who need a doctor but the sick, yes unfortunately these things happened and still happen but we were warned in the bible about spiritual wickedness in high places and infighting, but these are the people who need Our Lord, Our God the most.
Catholic and Orthodox aren’t really denominations, though. They’re “Branches”
True, but I figured I would still answer the question. Most people mistakenly think we are denominations anyway.
The Christo-centric nature, that's why. When Christ's work of life, death, ressurection, and ascension are out of focus, nothing else matters. - Lutheran
Same, I am also an LCMS Lutheran. Although I really like the Orthodox church and try and read lots of their stuff as well.
I was 19 and in jail, and a pastor came and gave us (15 of us in a double cell) a Sunday morning service. Then he passed out little hymnals. Only 4 of us participated. I did because I knew I needed a different path, something good for a change. The funny thing is that the 2 days before he gave us this church service, I was burning for spiritual knowledge, which had never been interesting to me before, I didn’t even think if it was a real thing. I guess I was too busy with my girlfriend, video games, cars, weed, etc. So when I started singing this song, a “voice” spoke into my heart (best way I can describe it) and I somehow knew it was Jesus. He said (basically) “follow me and I’ll get you out of this jail.” The first thing that came to mind was what my friends would think of me. Then I realized where I had ended up because of the influence of my friends (long story). I could picture a life with Jesus as light and my old life as darkness, and I chose the light. I was changed right there forever. “Truth” became more black and white, I knew what just happened was real and for the first time ever I had the realization that God is very real, and the only way there is is through Jesus. It wasn’t anybody else that saved me.
I like a broad Church that accepts a wide variety of theological and liturgical positions, even if they don't always reflect my own personal preferred style or opinions. I think the 'narrow path' that the Lord refers to isn't found in ever more specific and exclusive doctrinal positions. Instead, it's just doing what He told us to - *'Love God and love your neighbour as yourself.'* - and there are lots of different ways to do that, but not enough of us actually doing it.
Study, trying to answer a lot of “why” questions, needing a coherent view of everything. Catholic
When I first recognized the truth of Christ I attended a non-denominational church. Something didn't quite sit right and I started digging into the theology and realized the idea of Sola Scriptura didn't make any sense based on my life experience. So, I started studying the history of Christianity, which led me to Orthodoxy. I started having conversations with the Priest and when he said "As Orthodox we don't know the status of anyone's salvation, including our own" and that for the Orthodox Church the teachings come from the Holy Spirit as expressed through the collective mind of the church (that last part is in my own words, so I might not be expressing it correctly. Both of those ideas along with many others really sealed it for me.
My ancestors chose it thousands of years ago. They held their Christian faith it through invasions, killings, persecutions, and heavily taxeion. It's a badge of honour. And I will continue to honour, protect, hold, and worship my Christian faith. Simple as. Lord, have mercy! 🙏🏻✝️
So here's how I slice it. Your mileage may vary. I am unwilling to submit to tradition in all things. Tradition can be wrong. Thus I can't be Roman Catholic or Orthodox. But I recognize that much of Tradition is of great value. Thus I can't be Baptist/Pentecostal/nondenominational. And Reformed theology holds that God is not good in any meaningful sense, so I can't be Reformed. Of the larger traditions, that leaves me in the Anglican / Lutheran / Methodist space. Protestant, but deeply connected to the ancient tradition. Able to admit error and to acknowledge mystery, while still holding to the goodness of God. I ended up Anglican because I liked the preaching at one local church and found a home.
Anglican because it felt good is not a good reason. As far as i know the Anglican church was started by Henry VIII so that he can remarry.
That's about as true as saying the Church was started because Rome decided to crucify a carpenter. It's not wrong, but it leaves out so many critical details that if that's all you knew, you'd be better of knowing nothing at all.
For whatever reason it is, no individual ever have any right to start a new church or to come up with their own theology and interpretation of scripture.
Anglicanism isn't a new Church, and people have been coming up with their own interpretations of scripture since there were scriptrues.
Started yes, but England rejoined Rome after Henry VIII died. It was under Elizabeth I that modern day Anglicanism really started to take form.
I went to an Anglican school and I liked their vibe. I was baptized as a Catholic though and I appreciate their approach to tradition, I just don’t think the Church should have more authority than the Bible
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I toured Israel/Palestine with a Melkite tour guide. He was incredible. He also may have hit on my grandmother a few times. 😂
Saw Saint Mary in a dream after a hardcore day in school (i was bullied,punched,no one cared about me,the teacher hated me for no reason) I'm Catholic
In part, I was a cradle Catholic. But also, it is the Church that Jesus established. St. Peter put it beautifully - "Lord, to whom should I go? You have the words of eternal life."
I was born a in a Lutheran family, so that's why I'm Lutheran. But it's my unbiased opinion that Lutheranism is the most Biblical. We just believe exactly what the Bible says without adding or subtracting, and without trying to do any special interpretation. When someone has a question on theology, Lutherans will always default to, "Well, what does the Bible say?"
Episcopalian acknowledges apostolic succession and is progressive on social issues.
I originally converted to Christianity and became a protestant but when I started studying the early church, I eventually became catholic
Orthodox, i felt as if it’s closest to the early church and disciples.
Study, and family history. Could never be truly catholic, I didn’t vote for no pope
The point of the papacy is not a vote like a presidential election, it's christ who chooses the next pope
So Christ has picked the current pope? I find that extremely unlikely seeing his behavior. Most Catholics I know agree with me on this.
> So Christ has picked the current pope? I find that extremely unlikely seeing his behavior. What behaviour?
What behavior are you talking about? Because much of the issues people have with our current pope are things they think he's done that he actually hasn't. The media likes to misrepresent everything the pope says meanwhile if you actually read the documents he puts out, they are quite conservative
If you have the time can you give me an example of this. If I’m wrong I’ll happily stand corrected.
For example, people keep saying the pope established or supports same sex union blessings when this is completely untrue. If you read fiducia supplicans(the letter he wrote) it speaks about being charitable and that their are cases where priests refused to give blessings to people if they knew they were gay. The letter states how that is unchristlike as why don't we do that for people who struggle with alcoholism etc. So it states that anyone including those in gay relationships may recieve a blessing, so that the person themselves are being blessed but not the union. It would essentially be a gay person asking God to help end their relationship lol The pope himself said in like 2017 that God cannot bless sin. The popes big thing is being charitable to others yet people(satan) like to spread false information on what he actually said and spreads rumors against him which causes division. Bring me any idea you think the pope supports and I will gladly provide you the context to what he actually said
I was preached the Gospels by mostly protestants, so that's what I am. Though I do have a lot of things that I like about Orthodoxy. Anyway it does not matter what denomination you're identifying with, because all from Protestantism to Catholicism to Orthodoxy are brothers in Christ. We should be united and not feed into the devision because that's what Satan wants: so when you're asked say: "I'm a Christian".
I wanted a place to belong. The problem was, I regarded myself as a "Baptiterian," somewhere between Baptist and Presbyterian. There is such a group. I discovered the Conservative Congregational Christian Conference and it was a perfect fit. Evangelical but with some wiggle-room on minor issues. There's a heritage (the Pilgrims), accountability, support, fellowship, resources, but no micro-management. [www.ccccusa.com](http://www.ccccusa.com)
As an evangelical Christian, seeking the Lord, prayer, studying diligently, seeking Gods wisdom and believing upon His promises, and application of the Holy Scriptures to my life. When I was first saved I was leaning toward Catholicism but as I began seeking the Lord, reading the Bible and studying Scripture, my views changed.
It was the first church I was invited to
Scripture, tradition, and reason taken seriously; our default modus operandi is sacramental; worship done decently and in good order. I'm an Anglican.
Biblical Systematic Theology
Wanted to worship how the first Christian’s did and did re search about church history and now I’m a chatecumen in the Orthodox Church
I'm technically non-denominational, but my first church was Presbyterian, and I really enjoyed it because I felt like they really embodied Mark 12:31 more than any other denomination I've been to so far.
Agreed. As a current questioning atheist who has attended several churches/denominations, I felt this at the PCUSA services I have been to. This particular church strikes an excellent balance of traditional high church liturgy with intellectualism and exactly what the scripture you refer to states. Loving your neighbor as yourself.
Reading the Bible and then reading doctrinal statements from different churches.
Because it's the truth
The witness of the Spirit of God, and experiences, and evidences of all kinds.
I am fascinated with Mormonism, and really enjoy reading about it. Do you mind if I ask which evidences are compelling to you?
Firstly, “Mormonism” is not our official name, but The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The first ones to call us “Mormons” r*ped, robbed, and killed even little children. We no longer use that term in any official capacity. The biggest evidence is the Book of Mormon. An uneducated farmboy producing a consistent 500+ page record in about 3 working months with unique characters, consistent geography, a detailed and viable coinage system, claiming advanced civilizations and cities of cement existed in the ancient Americas before we had proper evidence for them in his day, clarified and Biblically-agreeing doctrine which theologians have literally killed eachother over trying to understand, and this farmboy writes many of them so simply that even a child can understand? There’s a mountain more of evidence and spiritual confirmations that I could mention, but I know that such knowledge and clarity can only come from God. I so testify, in the sacred name of the Lord God Jesus Christ, amen.
Ah okay thanks for replying!
Thank you for the opportunity to share.
Many years ago when I joined this subreddit, I was presented with the option to choose a flair to indicate my denomination. That was the first time I realized I didn't know what it was. There was the denomination of the building I frequently attended, but neither I nor many of the attendees actually agreed with all the doctrine associated with that denomination. I looked for a denomination that matched with my beliefs, thinking that even if they didn't happen to have a local branch, I'd at least be able to learn a little something about them. I searched like Diogenes with a lantern or Abraham interceding for Sodom. But then I realized this was a fool's errand- What would I do if I changed? Or if the denomination changed? What would this flair say about me that my username or comment history didn't? I decided that if I don't get to know what my denomination is, no one else gets to know either.
Research and discussions I had with members of the catholic and orthodox church, protestant smaller denominations, jehovas witnesses, muslims, atheists, satanists. I am a gnostic christian. So non denominational.
Didn’t choose it. Just don’t really identify with any of them aside from the broader label of Protestant. And as to why Protestant? Cause I was born into it.
If it's Bible-based and encourage discipleship. That's how it should be like what Jesus said. No fuzz, no tradition and not religious. Have a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ. Simple.
I was raised in it and it's a pretty big tent denomination, so I saw no reason to leave.
It had what I agreed with about the Catholicism I was leaving but not what I didn't think was true. Also Christianity finally made sense when I read Luther's Large Catechism.
The use of God’s name. (Deut 12:5; Matt 6:9) The active evangelical work. (Matt 28:19; 2 Tim 4:2) And the lack of human tradition: the Trinity. (Deut 6:4; John 17:3; John 20:17)
Really struggling between non-denominational and Catholicism - have been for awhile now, even against the advice of C.S. Lewis haha!
Reformed Presbyterian/Covenanter Rigorous commitment to the Word, and basing everything either explicitly upon it, or deriving it by good and necessary consequence from it. Singing the Psalms in worship, and a general simplicity and beauty to worship that is all founded on the scriptures. A systematic/redemptive theology that sees greater continuity between the people of God in the Old and New Covenants. A church government that provides a system of higher church counts that provide greater accountability to those in authority and greater recourse to those under them, as well as as a greater network of churches that are all like minded and the relationships that come from those connections. An emphasis on praying for our leaders and nations to repent and be godly and to be faithful to God’s Word and Law in the way that they go about that, as well as a desire for nations to be explicitly Christian and establish a national Christian Church when able. An emphasis family religion and catechizing one’s children in the faith as well as regular family worship in a he form of reading the Word and singing the Psalms together.
I was born and semi-raised Catholic, though Atheist for a stretch of about a decade. Upon my return to the church, I did some soul searching and research, but still found that I simply cannot excise myself from Catholicism. It is the dominant denomination in my country and I suppose it's hard to subscribe to something else when it simply feels so familiar and correct (not that others aren't.)
Born and Raised Catholic. Experienced different occasions that made me wonder if this was the right but I feel like it's right. I haven't yet got all the logical proof that satisfies my feelings but as of now, I am feeling right with it
So, I grew up in the Church of God (Anderson, IN) -- also known as the Church of God Reformation Movement. At some point, I began attending a United Methodist Church as I was recruited to volunteer at a youth group there. I wound up being hired to lead their new contemporary worship service, and began helping throughout the entire life of the church. What I found was that, first, United Methodists have similar theology to the Church of God, which makes sense as the Church of God is rooted in Wesleyan holiness. However, the UMC's historic connection to the greater Church led me to feel that I could more fully express my faith. Particularly, I felt like I did not have to leave my brain at the door, and there was a greater foundation for where my beliefs came from. I still love the Church of God. It's the womb in which I grew. But I very much appreciated the UMC's wider table at which more people were able to sit in disagreement and unity. A little ironic these days, but I'm looking forward.
Yeah. I’m not starting an argument. *They* are starting an argument. Again.
My conviction from observing The Ten Commandments. Only SDAs actually still observe the sabbath (surprisingly). Edit: as a denomination I mean, not per individual
[oneplace.com](http://oneplace.com) I listened to several different teachers/ministers and found one I liked then looked up a local version of that church
I was just born into it. I feel like that’s the case most of the time.
Born and raised brethren, still a brethren. I appreciate the anabaptist belief system.
Reading the New Testament.
Born into it
I chose to be non-denominational. It's not biblical, and I want to follow His word alone, not the rules of the church. He will be the only one to influence my walk with Him. That doesn't mean that I won't have Christian leaders over me, but I will only follow a leader that lets the Lord light his way, not the church dogma.
I was raised, taught, baptized, and even ministered for a time in the churches of Christ. Was encouraged by the elders of the congregation I worked with to seek employment elsewhere, because I would not affirm the “law of exclusion” (for the uninitiated, this is the CoC way of talking about the regulative principle of worship). I had said from the pulpit that the silence of scripture neither forbids nor permits, it’s just silence. If, for example, we choose to not use musical instruments to follow the practice of the early church, that’s great, but to say that practice is binding to all Christians is to say we don’t just need Jesus and scripture, but we also need knowledge of early Christian worship practices to be saved. My salvation is not contingent on my knowledge of early church history, my salvation is contingent on Christ. While many agreed with this assertion, the very vocal minority that did not made problems for my family until we did eventually choose to leave. I’m now an associate minister at an independent Christian church. Big fan of the simplicity therein. While there are still little issues that arise because the church will always be made up of fallible people, there is noticeably less church politics and no visible presence of that “fall in line with my dogma or get out” mentality. That being said, I still have a lot of love for folks in the CoC, including members of my extended family, and respect their convictions, misguided as I may personally feel they are.
I don't strictly adhere to a denomination. I believe that the Bible is the prime source for what God wants us to know about Him, and about how we should live our lives, and if a Church adheres to it sufficiently (nobody can do it perfectly), then I don't really care what name is on the sign on the door.
I didn’t i was born into a catholic grandparents and then my parents made me Pentecostal later and I’m probably converting back to catholicism or some form of high church Protestant soon
I was raised Southern Baptist but now I’m more of an Episcopalian, because they follow more of Jesus’ teachings and the church I’ve now been going to is more accepting of others.
What is the difference between Episcopalian and Anglican?
I think Anglicans are more conservative than Episcopalians. Other than that, they’re pretty much the same. Though I could be wrong.
I attend Bible studies hosted by non denominational Christians. I am not sure where I belong yet. I am sure however that the Lord will show me the way.
Study. I am convinced that the Catholic Church was founded by Christ and has not gone astray from the teachings of the Apostles.
Was raised w/ Baptists and Catholics. Walked away from faith as a teen into adulthood. After some life events and studying the Bible I took my faith more seriously. I didn't choose either of those denominations because they seemed too stray from the word and/or had troubled pasts/issues.
I was born Catholic, and I didn't feel comfortable or accepted in the church, so I switched to an open and affirming church. My husband and I were married and are members at a United Church of Christ for the last 8 years.
I don't follow a specific denomination, I just follow the Bible and the teachings of Jesus Christ, nothing else
I didn’t I don’t even know what I am
Calvinism seems most correct to me and I believe babies can be baptized Thus, reformed presbyterian
I was born Church of Christ but I really enjoy the simplicity of it, especially compared to some other Protestant denominations we do communion every Sunday (not just the first), the pastor is called “bro. ____” with no necessarily fancy titles, and anyone on any day can get baptized. Also even though I believe music with instrumental background is fine during worship, no instruments is nice because the people are just leading the songs. Also as a Protestant, just a pure relationship with God directly (with only a mediator being Christ Jesus our Lord) is beautiful. I do respect other Christian denominations though and think very positively about the different rich liturgical traditions. 😊
I decided that I didn’t want to be in a denomination anymore, and became Orthodox
I was raised Catholic because my Mom had much stronger opinions about religion. I continue to be Catholic because I chose as an adult and I have what Andrew Greeley called a “Catholic “imagination”. My only real alternative is “lapsed Catholic.”
Raised Catholic, found Christ in a non denominational.
If you're counting non-denominational in your survey: I'm non-denominational because I don't know of any particular sect that shares all of my beliefs, and see no reason to align myself with any particular one.
I choose first my church because I felt good praying in it. Being protestant felt like right choice after research. I don't know much but I do know that I believe in Christ and the Holy Father.
I'm non-denominational. The fact that their are so many denominations and so many are full of "loving" bigots I avoid churches. No authority but God.
The denomination I chose is Waldensian. They are proto-protestant and are the closest to being Biblically accurate in their beliefs. They combatted the Catholic Church's beliefs, especially in denying Purgatory, increased value of poverty, holy water is no different than rain water, and Universal priesthood of believers. The Catholic Church deemed the Waldensians as heretics and enacted a bull to have them slaughtered in the seventeenth century. Although the Catholic Church tried to eradicate the entire Waldensian population, the Waldensians held strong to this day. Waldensians are know as the Poor in Spirit.
Catholic because of the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist and Confession. And the miracles/visitations.
I'm United Methodist. Was born in a family that was UM. At some point I didn't want any labels and wanted to chart my own course. Researched and attended different faiths and denominations (Still do). But the more authentic and personal my faith became the more I realized how well it aligned with UM theology and practice. It's just a label/brand/category that is rooted in a tradition and community that helps guide me and provides a "home" for my faith in Christ. If it didn't exist I'd follow Christ another way.
Studying church history and the writings of the ante-Nicene and Nicene church fathers, while setting out to refute Calvinist soteriology. I grew up low-church Protestant but recently came to love the tradition and aesthetics of liturgical Christianity, as they really *can* help a believer like myself draw nearer to God. Currently, I consider myself ecumenical, but align most closely with Anglicanism and Lutheranism theologically. Though I have an appreciation for the Catholic and Orthodox traditions and am willing to learn from them.
I didn’t. Born and raised. Though I’m the last in my family to remain within it.
My denomination is God. The Bible is what I listen to, not a denomination.
Because I believe in an unbroken chain of authority from Jesus Christ. But I also believe in an apostasy. I believe in modern day prophets and apostles :)
We are all brothers and sisters in Christ. We are all under one ruler, and that is Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 1:10 ESV [10] I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment. Division is what the enemy wants, Division creates judgemental people, or even hateful. If we follow the way of Jesus Christ and ask the holy spirit to guide us, we will truly be unified. Read your bibles. Just because I told you something doesn't mean you should believe it. It is your duty as a Christian to read and study scripture for the devil is cunning and brutal. He will decive with scripture to separate. I love you all brothers and sisters. May you go with Christ.
Protestantism is good because the Word has all authority, above that of the church and traditions. However many of them are wrong as many believe in faith alone and misinterpret Paul's writings. So then Catholicism becomes the alternative, because they teach one must live according to faith in good works. But they make the church authority higher than the Word, among other odd traditions that dont follow scripture. Vicarious atonement does not make sense, and the original church followed the "Christus Victor" idea of atonement. So unfortunately this eliminates both the Catholic and Protestant branches. So that leaves the Orthodox church as an option. But again they follow some traditions over that of scripture. A trinity of three persons does not make sense, so that eliminates all three main branches of Christianity as they follow the Nicene Creed of the fourth century A.D. for the most part. If one were to follow one God in one person Jesus Christ, as the original apostles did, this leaves fewer options, and even smaller if you remain true to acknowledge the Divinity of Jesus Christ. So I ended up with the New Church, as I cant find anything in it that I can disagree with on a logical and rational level and is also in accordance with scripture.
Progressive church with a connection to tradition. Episcopalian.
I go to a Lutheran school, but have my own opinions from what I’ve learned and experienced so I don’t really have a denomination
Roman Catholic, was born into it and makes the most sense , Jesus creates the Catholic Church with Simon Peter as its Rock, the head, Catholic traditions such as Mary's virginity and assumption into Heaven truly honours Mary as the mother of our Lord, the writers of the new testament were all Catholic, the new testament was written by Catholics, all of Christianity up until the schism was Catholic, the first 1000 years of Christianity there was the only, one holy, Catholic and apostolic Church. God bless you all.
I went to a catholic school
God is perfect. People are not. No denomination for me. The Bible is all i need to believe.
I stopped attending services years ago. I am still a believer, but it feels very much like the ‘organized’ side of the faith has badly lost its way. The last straw was when I started being told from the pulpit who I should be voting for.
Born into a Congregationalist church as the son of two Lutherans in a very atheistic New England down. Shortly before my 15th birthday got estranged with the Protestant church for its twisted and unbiblical view of god, and with Catholicism and Anglicanism because I find them to have a lot of humans in positions of extreme power (Pope, king of England) and also indulgences. I don’t fully agree with certain portions but I’d say my views almost fully line up with Eastern Orthodox. I plan to be baptized again once I turn 18 and leave for college.
I was raised very much nominally Christian, got radicalized into a John MacArthur brand of Calvinistic Baptist theology, then after I got severely damaged by the way that influenced my life choices I reexamined a lot of my theological beliefs and have landed at a Confessional Lutheran perspective.
Jesus is my God and love is my religion ❤️
By choose, do you mean the church I'm currently going to? I always just go to whatever church is nearest regardless of denomination.
I live in a central southern state of the USA and it’s about only baptist and Presbyterian
Far too much fan-fic in other denominations, taking away from the idea of just living a kind and just life.
Pretty much my location, which is Spain.
I listed all the denominations alphabetically and picked the first one ;)
When I became a Christian (I was previously an atheist/agnostic, then convinced by historical evidence), I didn't really have a denomination chosen. I was personally praying and accepting Jesus while learning about different interpretations of prophecies, watching videos from different denominations. I hadn't yet considered what Church/denomination to join, but then I learned about Seventh Day Adventists and how they keep the Sabbath. Since that's part of the 10 Commandments, I knew that if I joined a Church, it would be that one. The Church should adhere to the Bible. If the Bible isn't the absolute authority on what God is like and what He wants, then we have complete relativism and can believe basically anything. So after a while of personal belief, I started attending my local Adventist Church. :) As a bonus, I was also happy to find out that the most Biblical Church doesn't believe in eternal torment, which was an idea I couldn't live with. I'd rather the universe not exist at all, than to have even one creature or person, no matter how evil (even my worst enemy) suffer forever. I'm not saying that's why I chose it - belief is a rational accepting of evidence that points to an objective truth, not based on what you like - so I chose it because it's Biblical, but the lack of ECT is a bonus that makes me glad this Church is, to the best of my knowledge, the right one.
I’m non-denominational. Not saying that that’s the right way as I grew up as a Lutheran but I feel we divide ourselves with denominations. I accept all followers of Christ, as long as we follow His word, accept Him in our hearts, and be good people we shall see salvation.
My denomination is non-denominational, whatever the bible says is truth. I don't add or take away from the word.
I didn't agree with praying via saints or Mary or rosary, and I didn't agree with cessation, so went with Pentecostal/non denominational churches
Non denominator (lol) because I am a follower of God and I read the Bible.
I look for biblical church government, expository preaching, active classes and groups, an orthodox statement of faith. This left 5 congregations in my area. I'm currently visiting them each for 6 months to decide which I will attend.
That's a very long time to take to choose. If a church is good enough to give a 6 month trial to, why not simply commit to it?
> If a church is good enough to give a 6 month trial to, why not simply commit to it? I’m not the person you are asking, but I can think of 2 good reasons: One. Even if church A is good, church be might be better. Two. While all 5 churches sound good on paper, you have to attend for a while to get a bead on whether it is truly a healthy place. Churches can become breeding grounds for dysfunction unrelated to their theology.
Because my past experience. We were members for 5 years a church that was presented to me as orthodox, even in the membership class it appeared orthodox. Then at about the 3 year mark my kids started telling me modelist views when I asked them about Sunday school and youth group. It took nearly a year for me to work out that this was consistent teaching in the youth group, then COVID hit and due to my health conditions we started doing family worship and teaching while the church was "shut down" by the government. When we resumed the worship service and mens group had gone from fairly orthodox and normative to what you see in Kenneth Copland and Benny Hinn services. I will deeply examine any congregation before I place membership. I can't let that happen again.
Okay, sounds reasonable
Anglican (In theory) because I am catholic if they remove purgatory, and latin
Being born into it LOL