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I'll go first. I grew up Fundamental Baptist, but around the age of 25 began studying Scripture through a Reformed lense and now identify with the Reformed Christian church.
I am Roman Catholic. I was raised in the Roman Catholic Church and I currently teach Theology at a private Catholic high school. Over the past 27 years, in my capacity as a teacher and campus minister I have had the opportunity to know many Christians from other Catholic rites and churches, mainline protestant churches, and numerous non-denominational churches. Having married a woman who was raised in the United Methodist Church, and who also happens to be an academic theologian, I am deeply committed to ecumenism. 🤓
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@Glenn,
Thank you for this helpful breakdown.
Yes, most denominations hold these very important teachings in common which is what allows us to all sit under the umbrella of "Christian." It may be that this is what people focus on when they place us altogether in one category, and in some instances it paints a fair and accurate view. But our differences heavily influence the way we view and interact with the world, so understanding someone's view matters tremendously when trying to converse on important matters.
Again, I appreciate you engaging and following up with your explanation of your views. Thanks. 😊
Bible checker more than denomination, but I suppose it is Baptist.
I’m not sure how one can come up with their own denomination. This is why the term “Christian” can be confusing—even to fellow Christian’s! Yes Christian means follower of Christ. However there is only one “denomination” that follows Christ’s actions…
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@NYMS1,
I certainly agree - people (all people) are the problem. No one knows what every facet of the absolute truth is. I'm not claiming that I do, if that's what you mean about my "self awareness at how that comes across." A primary teaching of the Reformed Church is that we are "Always reforming" our faith, meaning that if we find that what we once thought does not align with the Bible, we are to always be willing to admit fault and accept the Scripture as truth.
When I say that I would "even say that it is not Biblically accurate," it's from the perspective and understanding I have of Scripture. I can certainly be wrong, as can anyone else. I don't approach this subject with a heart of pride, but rather am asking to get a clearer view of who is present in this bowl; who is having these conversations. When we know which perspective a person is coming from, it better informs how we understand each other.
I honestly believe that there are many theological ideas that we can disagree on and yet still be brothers and sisters in the faith, serving together well. But the differences do matter.
When I left the fundamentalist churches I grew up in (whom I believe to be my brothers and sisters by our common view of the saving power of Jesus Christ), I was called a "heretic" by some for how I now understand the Gospel - which is not a term I take lightly. While our differences mattered in how we present and receive the Gospel, our primary issue here was that we were seeing and understanding differently and were essentially "speaking different languages" in regards to Theology.
In this bowl I have had suggestions made to me to read after authors with whom I do not align theologically. I am willing to read these, but the suggestion seemed to be made in such a way that they thought I *did* agree with this. I just want people who disagree with me to do so because of things I *actually* believe, not because of things other denominations are teaching (and are assumed to be the same).
Again, in no way am I claiming to know all. No one does. I was just looking for insights on the community being built here.
I'm just a sinner saved by grace through faith in Christ
I do not participate I. The denomination of my childhood or my family. Too much condemnation of others including lgbt. I attend a four square gospel church I love and I do not receive criticism for my own membership in the alphabet or my transgender son. I am treated with nothing but love and respect. God created us all, and He is the only one to judge.