Lds=answers

[shanstress70]

Although it is argued by some that limbo is different from hell, it still isn't heaven. I have no clue how anyone could possibly understand or agree with that... how a loving God would send babies to anywhere but Heaven!

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In fact, don't all of the liberal protestant churches believe in predestination?

Churches that are "Calvinist" believe in predestination. The most well-known of these is the Presbyterians churches (both PCUSA and PCA). In many ways, you might resonate with the PCUSA, as it is quite "liberal" on social issues. But, yes, it is Calvinist.

I don't think all liberal churches are predestinationist, though. I doubt the Episcopal Church is, nor would the United Church of Christ or the U/U church.

And I am with you guys on the infant baptism thing. I don't think Infant Baptism is necessary either. These two issues are a roadblocks for me.

There are plenty of churches from liberal to fundamentalists that are not Calvinist, and who practice believer's baptism. You might even consider looking at the General Baptist (not nearly as conservative as the Southern).

There are some non-denominational churches (some of which are huge!) close to me which focus on a personal relationship with Christ. They believe in baptism at age of consent. I may have to check out some of them. One of them has 3500 attendees each week, and you can choose to watch the service on a big-screen from a Starbuck's cafe on site! Not sure I would get into such a thing, but I want to visit out of curiosity!

With nondenominational churches you simply have to visit them several times, to see what they believe and how they carry on worship. Most of these megachurches are evangelical, moderately conservative, and most are not Calvinist or predestinationist. It is possible to have close friends and fellowship in large churches. The key is to get involved in small group activities. Dr. Cho's Yoido Full Gospel Church in Seoul, Korea has 840,000 members in one church. Yet, weekly, members congregate in one another's homes for "cell groups." They pray for each other, study together, eat together, and share life.

Why is it so hard for me to find a church??? I guess I'm asking too much.

It's okay to ask a lot, so long as once you find home, you give a lot too! BTW, if you enjoy modern worship music, a serious, yet easy-going tempo, and an emphasis on love, grace, and understanding, consider some of the charismatic churches, such as the Vineyard Christian Fellowship.

Thanks for the great info. I am going to visit a few of the non-denoms. I did like the Prebyterian Chruch I visited, and felt very comfortable there, but that predestination thing is a roadblock for me.

[Maureen]

Thanks for the great info. I am going to visit a few of the non-denoms. I did like the Prebyterian Chruch I visited, and felt very comfortable there, but that predestination thing is a roadblock for me.

shanstress - I believe there are churches that do not require all worshippers to be members. I have a friend you did not agree with all of her church's statements of belief so she did not become a member per se but she attends her church, gives tithing and is involved in her church family. Find out if you have to become a member of the church to be active in the church - you might not.

M.

[Jason]

My Grandmother was Catholic, until a Catholic priest announced to the congregation that a baby who had died recently in the neighborhood would be going to hell, because he was never baptised. She couldn't see how God would allow an innocent baby to go to hell, especially considering that the baby had no choice whether he was baptised or not.

My Grandmother converted to Mormonism several years later.

Wow, that must have been a long time ago.

The Roman Catholic Church has since significantly amended their teaching in the Catechism text to state that quite honestly, they don't know for sure what happens, but that they believe that a mercyful god will show them mercy in this situation.

Or in other words, we hope god will cover their lack of baptism with the atonement.

Rather like the LDS teaching.

[prisonchaplain]

I'm sorry to make the derogatory statement, "holy roller." I didn't know it had a negative connotation. I've been putting my foot in my mouth recently without even recognizing it. I didn't mean to. Sorry. You answer did help me understand a little bit about where you are coming from.

I was curious about the wording, but based on your previous posts, figured you weren't trying to be intentionally prickly. No probs.

Are you part of the word of faith movement then?

The short answer is no. To a lesser extent than the Oneness Pentecostalism movement, the Word of Faith teachings also brought a split and some heartache to the pentecostal world. In the early 80s several pastors and churches left the Assemblies of God when the leadership urged caution. For the official take see the following:

http://ag.org/top/Beliefs/Position_Papers/..._confession.cfm

You can also find general information about A/G teachings and doctrines at http://www.ag.org

[Dr T]

Thanks for the links P.C.

[Laureltree]

This topic should be under gospel... or general........

Laureltree

[Dr T]

You are right Laureltree. I put it here so that the reference from where I was asking it came (on this board). I thought a mod would move it over it they saw fit. Sorry.

Dr. T

[Laureltree]

Dr T,

You are fine....