Is God Denominational?

[abqfriend]

I would agree that the more people understand about the LDS Church-misinformation will hopefully fade. This can also be true as seekers of truth learn about other faith traditions as well. We each have a bias toward our own faith traditions. Some of our faith traditions-including my own-Catholic- elevate their own and say others hold less truth. Most faith traditons do that. So-trying to understand a different faith tradition-and most importantly how the different members of that faith tradition live their faith in this world is important. It is not as important for me-a seeker of truth- what a prophet may say or a infallible church council may pronounce. What is important is how I see people of a faith tradition live out their faith in a hurting world. Action speaks louder than words. Action is sometimes the best sermon. Action is sometimes the best missionary or promoter/evangelizer of a faith.

-Carol

True. I further submit that as more and more lay people read and inquire about the LDS church on their own, the faster the stigma and misinformation will fade to the background. After all, smart people have always found a way to exchange and elevate the discourse above the traditions and tedious repetition of the ages that try, by cheer reiteration, to perpetuate falsehoods and animosity. I think books like "Claiming Christ" will do much for clearing the air and dispelling much myth and fiction about the LDS church and the members at large.

Like I suggested to a kind brother in the forum not to long ago. sometimes we must agree to disagree without further argument and split the difference. No need for contention.

[prisonchaplain]

I would rather not go into certain points but it would seem that there are some discrepancies in terms. Please do not think that I am trying to create divisions.

What is the meaning of the term Protestant? What are Protestants protesting?

A good starting place. Most "Protestants" don't like the term, and argue that they are protesting nothing. We do not define ourselves by how we are not Catholic. In fact, many of our inmates get mislabeled, because they don't know what "Protestant" means. They say, "I'm just Christian," and get labeled "No preference" or "Other religion."

Call it irony, but for a majority of Christians, joining the Mother Catholic Church would require conversion. We didn't leave it. Rather, we entered the Kingdom through a different door.

What does being “one” with G-d mean to you? See John 17:20-26 – I think there is prophesy here concerning confusion about one thing in particular, if believers become divided into denominations.

Are denominations a promise of what will be in heaven? If not, why – if you think so, would you provide some scripture?

I see neither denominations, nor a single church hierarchy that was meant to control all the churches, in the Scripture. Rather, I see a focus on Jesus, on the Kingdom, on the Resurrection, and upon right living (obey my commands).

So, I'm not so sure that denominations are against God's will--so long as they foster cooperation and unity amongst believers. Likewise, I'm not sure that having one overarching organization to represent all Christian churches would necessarily please God or accomplish greater good for God's kingdom.

It is my honest opinion that there will be no denominations in heaven and therefore there should not be denominations on earth (see Matt 6:10) Do some unwitting and ignorantly pray for one thing and then labor for another?

In heaven we will see clearly--as Jesus does. Today we see through a dark glass. IMHO, many practices and understandings we have now will be jettisoned in eternity.

– You are correct about dissension in congregations (even the best planted congregations of wheat?) – I would submit that Jesus prophesied of such in speaking about the sewer of tares. I think it is clear that G-d does not seek that there be differences – I had thought it was clear who does. There is a saying - united we stand, divided we fall

I would also add that united in opinion is not the same as being one with G-d. I believe that sacrificing our personal opinions is the essence of oneness with G-d.

The Traveler

"Unity in essentials, liberty in all others, charity (love) in all.: (I don't know who came up with this saying, but it is borrowed).

[Moksha]

Vol, how about a picture where you are smiling? That would be nice.

[VisionOfLehi]

"Well, I was attempting a smirk, but I was glaring from the sun beating down on my face.

Me + Sunlight = Glare"

Is what I told Hemi!

*grumbles*

[VisionOfLehi]

I don't have any good ones of me smiling rather than a smirk or a face... SO YOU GET MY BESTEST FRIEND AT HIS BEST.

Man, I miss my cat.

[Traveler]

A good starting place. Most "Protestants" don't like the term, and argue that they are protesting nothing. We do not define ourselves by how we are not Catholic. In fact, many of our inmates get mislabeled, because they don't know what "Protestant" means. They say, "I'm just Christian," and get labeled "No preference" or "Other religion."

Call it irony, but for a majority of Christians, joining the Mother Catholic Church would require conversion. We didn't leave it. Rather, we entered the Kingdom through a different door.

I see neither denominations, nor a single church hierarchy that was meant to control all the churches, in the Scripture. Rather, I see a focus on Jesus, on the Kingdom, on the Resurrection, and upon right living (obey my commands).

So, I'm not so sure that denominations are against God's will--so long as they foster cooperation and unity amongst believers. Likewise, I'm not sure that having one overarching organization to represent all Christian churches would necessarily please God or accomplish greater good for God's kingdom.

In heaven we will see clearly--as Jesus does. Today we see through a dark glass. IMHO, many practices and understandings we have now will be jettisoned in eternity.

"Unity in essentials, liberty in all others, charity (love) in all.: (I don't know who came up with this saying, but it is borrowed).

You are right about many points. But I think the concept of Kingdom is being somewhat twisted in an effort to make it fit today's every ugly stepsister's foot.

The problem is that many think that by belonging to an organization their salvation is assured therefore we tend to divide the children of men thinking that everyone on my side is going to be rewarded and everybody that isn't will not be rewarded nearly as well. I personally think that being "on the right path" can be both a blessing and a curse. A blessing because it will bring one to be like G-d (which is a possible meaning of oneness). A curse because (according to Jesus and his teaching the parable of talents) to who more is given more is required.

If we think we are more complete than others - it does not mean our salvation is assured and the salvation of others is less assured - it means we have a greater responsibility before our salvation can be completed.

For example, I do not think a saint of Christ will be the first on the bus to heaven. I think they will likely miss the bus because they are still searching in the wilderness for the one missing. Being like G-d is not about power - it is about sacrifice. If one wishes to belong to a denomination that is about power they will discover that not all denominations follow the same path or encourage the same things. All roads may lead to Rome but there is only one path or way to the tree of life.

The Traveler

[Dove]

PC has already pointed this out, but I can't help myself. :)

I suspect you feel this way because you've always viewed a variety of church organizations in this very dark, disturbing way. Would it be easier if you changed your thinking to:

d-e-n-o-m-i-n-a-t-i-o-n?

M.

Thanks much for the humor, it's just what I needed. No offense meant, Traveller, but you seem so formidably knowledgable. It's nice to know you're just human too!

[rayhale]

Quote “I would agree that the more people understand about the LDS Church-misinformation will hopefully fade. This can also be true as seekers of truth learn about other faith traditions as well. We each have a bias toward our own faith traditions. Some of our faith traditions-including my own-Catholic- elevate their own and say others hold less truth. Most faith traditions do that. So-trying to understand a different faith tradition-and most importantly how the different members of that faith tradition live their faith in this world is important. It is not as important for me-a seeker of truth- what a prophet may say or a infallible church council may pronounce. What is important is how I see people of a faith tradition live out their faith in a hurting world. Action speaks louder than words. Action is sometimes the best sermon. Action is sometimes the best missionary or promoter/evangelizer of a faith.”

Sorry to say, but this is just hopeful thinking, just look at the Catholic church or even all of Christianity, there is wide-spread misunderstanding of what Catholics, or even what all of Christianity believes. The best way to stop misunderstanding is to correct them as soon as you know about them.

To do this go to what is basic of what all Christians believe, then explain what is different and why. Forums like this are a great place to do this. You can also ask questions that you may have about religion and get to see what other people think of that subject.

[nathanrhardy]

It was the apostles who kept the doctrine pure as I understood it, but the people of the church that desired other philisophical teachings. the apostles kept the doctrines pure, but people make their own choices whether to listen and obey or not. With the death of the apostles it seems like false doctrines to enter in was inevitable due to the desires of the people. I do not think it is the LDS standpoint that the apostles couldn't maintain a true church. they did to the degree that they were given power and life to do it, but they cannot control peoples rate of accepting the true doctrine. the true powers of the church left with the authorized apostles. This is the way that I have undersood it, anyway.