Musing – Can there be a positive view of Denominationalism?

Hebraic Musing – Can there be a positive view of Denominationalism?

Paul tells us in 1 Tim 2:8 “I want men everywhere to lift up holy hands in prayer, without anger or disputing.” NIV   A few weeks ago we pointed out that questioning and discussing are healthy ways to learn from someone who has a different view. Assuming they meet key criteria as ‘Christians’, each denomination has different practices, focuses, traditions and methodologies for worshiping Jesus as Lord. What would the Church of Jesus Christ look like if all members recognized and honored the positive attributes of neighboring churches as their unique way to worship and honor God. 

I recently conducted a service with elderly folks and had them share their denominational heritage. Then we processed the positive attributes, character and nature of each of their denominations. When I told my son Joseph that I planned to do this, he said “Dad, you’re just exploring the various attributes, characters and nature of Almighty God, who is many faceted.” Is it okay if the Church of Jesus Christ is also many faceted? Are His people many faceted?  My friend, John R., claims “Very few people do an extensive study of ‘the names of God’ as revealed in the scriptures. They do not understand that in part, the Bible is the ‘resume of God,’ and that He offers His resume as a reason to ‘be hired as your God, and to displace whatever God is now in charge’."

Consider the positive, Christ-like, attributes of each these denominations (my understanding of each):

·      Presbyterian and Anglican – Heavy focus on social justice and helping the poor and disenfranchised.

·      Methodist – Focus on social justice and missions in Asia; founded by John Wesley, a great evangelist.

·      Roman Catholic – Held Christianity together through the early years, the middle ages and the years of illiteracy.  They established, past & present, a moral culture in the Western world. 

·      Lutheran – Provided an appreciation of the role of ‘Faith’; and about that time the printing press was invented, allowing people to read and understand the Word of God more deeply and personally.

·      Church of Christ – Known for not using musical instruments; they use their God-given voices to praise Him, and do it well without electronic supplement. Maybe practicing for singing in heaven!?!?

·      Baptist – Known for the divisions but each was a concerted effort to know and obey the Word of God.

·      Assembly of God – Giving a lot of recognition to determining the ever-present role of the Holy Spirit.

·      Charismatic & Faith – Recognizing and expectantly claiming the blessings God promised His people.

·      Non-denominational – Searching for freedom to worship without the hindrances of religiosity. 

These are my views based solely on my understanding.  I’m seeking ways to emphasize and preach unity rather than division.  “Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity!” Ps 133:1 

I do have my preferences and am more than willing to discuss the varying traditions, methods, customs, practices and non-salvific beliefs with fellow Christians.  With non-Christians or none-spiritual persons, I would prefer to support the attributes of the denomination of their preference until they know Jesus Christ personally. Then we can sort out the best avenue for them to worship Him and seek His truths.

Points to Ponder

What do weak Christians, non-Christians and un-churched think
if and when they over-hear Christians criticizing one another’s denominations?

What would happen if they heard Christians supporting denominations
 other than their own in a Spirit of unity?

“Until we all attain to the unity of the faith…”  Eph.4:13                               April 22, 2014

Yosef   a.k.a.  Joe Brusherd