What is the best demonimation? Catholic? Protestant? Moved from BC

[bible-man]

I have always been confused by this. Especially between Catholicism and Protestantism. Which one is the right path?

Also, what about Orthodoxy or the Mormons?

[bible-man]

Just to clarify, I am Roman Catholic now, but I have many protestant friends and they are always trying to convert me.

[chad]

Before there were Catholics, and before there were Protestants, there was Jesus and the 12 disciples.

Jesus said 'I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the father except through me' - John 14:16 (NIV)

I believe this is the right path.


Chad.

[djh22]

I believe in God and Yesua (Jesus) the Messiah that brought us to God,I don't believe in or belong to any particular denomination

[YoungLink]

djh22, you're in Devon? I'm in Cornwall! Small world..

*on topic*
Like people are saying, rather than denomination, Jesus and following the truth in the Bible is what's important. I don't believe any one denomination has it entirely correct.
While I don't agree with the beliefs in Catholicism, I think that rather than saying this church is better than that one, it's more important to look at the Bible honestly and be constantly growing.

[chad]

When I think of this question, the following verse comes to mind.

(1 Cor 1:12 NIV) What I mean is this: One of you says, "I follow Paul"; another, "I follow Apollos"; another, "I follow Cephas "; still another, "I follow Christ."

(1 Cor 1:13 NIV) Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Were you baptized into the name of Paul?


Paul was talking about divisions within the church, but today, does the modern church divide itself into different denominations. Eg Catholic, Protestant, Evengalical, Anglican, Pentecostal, Charasmatic etc...


Does God see us as one body? (Romans 12:4-5)

Does God see us as children of God? (John 1:12)


One church, One body and Children of God through Christ Jesus?


Chad

[Walstib]

Welcome to the board bible-man

I would suggest reading up on the differences of the denominations on-line. This would be a good place to come with specific questions about one or the other, but trying give any depth to a answer about one here is difficult with the amount of information needed.

Is there any specific difference or question you know you want to focus on?

Peace,
Joe

[Tomlane]

Chat is correct, there shouldn't be divisions within the body of Christ. Unfortunately most members of any denominations are not saved.

Matthew 7:13 *Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:
14 *Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.
15 *¶Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves

Neither Catholicism or Protestantism is correct, both systems are of the God of this world. Revelations 17&18.

Protestantism is nothing more than a watered down version of Catholicism and not does not honor either one.

Tomlane

[Izdaari]

IMO, what C.S. Lewis called "mere Christianity" is the right path. Any church that adheres to it is the "right" church, part of the Body of Christ. They may also have their own distinctive beliefs, and that's alright, so long as they don't go against any of the Christian essentials, the sort of stuff you'll find in the Apostles' and Nicene Creeds (whether you believe in creeds or not -- even if you don't feel it's right to use them, their content is still a good example of the basics of the faith).

Lewis compared it to a house with a big hallway and many rooms off of that hallway. Staying in the hallway is ok for a while. You'll still be sheltered from the weather. But it's in the rooms that you'll find a comfy chair and a fireplace, fellowship and refreshment. So, long term you'll be better off in even the worst of the rooms than staying in the hallway indefinitely. Just make sure whichever room you pick, it's in the same building. And if you find that room unsatisfactory, it's ok to go back to the hallway and look for another.

[djh22]

Hi YoungLink,
Yes it sure is , wouldn't like to paint it though would you? . Lol.
---------------------------

Sorry Guys - back to the subject -

[Izdaari]

I have always been confused by this. Especially between Catholicism and Protestantism. Which one is the right path?

Also, what about Orthodoxy or the Mormons?

Bearing in mind what I said in my previous post, about the hallway and the rooms, and just IMHO...

Protestant, Catholic and Orthodox are in the right building, and all are valid rooms if you find them comfortable. Personally, I think Martin Luther did the right thing, and my church (Assemblies of God) is in the Protestant tradition, but I have great love and respect for my Catholic and Orthodox brethren.

I am not at all sure Jehovah's Witnesses and Latter Day Saints (Mormons) are in the same building, though I would call them heretical Christians rather than non-Christian cultists.

[Izdaari]

Chat is correct, there shouldn't be divisions within the body of Christ. Unfortunately most members of any denominations are not saved.

Matthew 7:13 *Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:
14 *Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.
15 *¶Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves

Neither Catholicism or Protestantism is correct, both systems are of the God of this world. Revelations 17&18.

Protestantism is nothing more than a watered down version of Catholicism and not does not honor either one.

Tomlane

I would agree this far, and this far only:

Being in a church doesn't save anyone. It doesn't even make you a Christian, just as hanging out in a garage doesn't make you a car. You still need to believe in the resurrected Christ and confess Him as Lord. Do that and you're saved, no matter what denomination you fellowship with.

Romans 10:9-11 (New King James Version)

9 that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. 11 For the Scripture says, “Whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame.”

[Oma]

When I think of this question, the following verse comes to mind.

(1 Cor 1:12 NIV) What I mean is this: One of you says, "I follow Paul"; another, "I follow Apollos"; another, "I follow Cephas "; still another, "I follow Christ."

(1 Cor 1:13 NIV) Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Were you baptized into the name of Paul?


Paul was talking about divisions within the church, but today, does the modern church divide itself into different denominations. Eg Catholic, Protestant, Evengalical, Anglican, Pentecostal, Charasmatic etc...


Does God see us as one body? (Romans 12:4-5)

Does God see us as children of God? (John 1:12)


One church, One body and Children of God through Christ Jesus?


Chad

There can be no true unity at the expense of Truth. There is only one way that leads to God and unless a church preaches that they are a false church and will lead their followers to eternal perdition.

[Izdaari]

There can be no true unity at the expense of Truth. There is only one way that leads to God and unless a church preaches that they are a false church and will lead their followers to eternal perdition.

That would seem to require elucidation, since you might mean pretty much what I just said (Romans 10:9-11), or you might be implying something much more exclusive.

[Oma]

That would seem to require elucidation, since you might mean pretty much what I just said (Romans 10:9-11), or you might be implying something much more exclusive.

Seeing as the OP was wondering about the differences between the various groups one would have to test their doctrines to make sure they are Biblical.
For example - one might believe in Jesus, but is it the Jesus of the Bible?
Catholics don't believe His sacrifice was all sufficent, once for all; Mormons and others don't see Him as God. There's lots of teachings to consider here.
The Apostle Paul used strong language.
But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.
As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.Gal 1:8-9 (KJV)