Do you
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Ever get confused because of all the different demoninations in Christianity?
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Do you ever get confused by:
Why a crowd can be small? (a small crowd)
Why an angle can be straight? (a straight angle)
Why a teacher can also be a student? (a student teacher)
Why a secret can be open? (an open secret)
Why a dead person can also be living? (a living dead)
Heard of the phrase "Unity in diversity" ? How can we find unity in diversity?We, as believers, must believe the same on the essentials of the faith, but beyond that there is great latitude in how a Christian should worship, serve, and live his life. This latitude is what causes so many different flavors of Christianity. Diversity is a good thing, but disunity is not. If two churches disagree doctrinally, it is fine that they remain separate. This separation, though, does not lift the responsibility Christians have to love one another (1John 4:11-12) – and ultimately be united as one in Christ (John 17:21-22).
See, even a figure of speech is formed when two normally contradictory terms combine. Are you confused by them? -
unity in diversity sounds nice.. but also reminds me of "goodness in evil". n dats juz crap.
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give it a thought
given the fundamental differences among denominations, and the some of the attitude of christian forumers here alone...
i wonder if this 'unity in diversity' is some sort of phrases designed to create some goody goody feeling
*shrugs*
cheers! -
agreed.Originally posted by laurence82:i wonder if this 'unity in diversity' is some sort of phrases designed to create some goody goody feeling
*shrugs*
cheers! -
The main reason why we have denominations is that Christians are divided on doctrine issues (teaching issues). This have been going on since the New Testament days (Read First Corinthians 9:11-17) and of course, the most famous Martin Luther. Doctrines (teachings) that impact people's lives and the Church. Even though we are divided on doctine issues, we can all agree the true meaning of Jesus Christ. Doctrines are important and Christians might argue for those issues. These would include beliefs about traditions, worship style, communion, predestination, eternal security, original sin, infant baptism and others. Christians chose denominations by following their conscience (Holy Spirit), beliefs and personal worship preferences. There is NO perfect church. No Christians are perfect. There is only one perfect person and that is Jesus Christ.
There are different preferences of beliefs and different style of worship. Some prefer one worship style while other prefer another worship style. The key is that we must worship God in Spirit with other believers regardless our "personal" opinion or loyalty to our denominations (or non-denomination). God knows every believers' hearts and God will accept any believers who truly believe His Son, who died for our sins. In my opinion, God do not judge us based on what denomination church we go to, but rather God judge us based on how we allow God (Holy Spirit) help us discern truth from false. No matter how great a denomination is, false teachings will always happen and we need to understand that "visible" Church is not perfect but at the same time spiritual church is perfect. We worship in Spirit.
John 4:23-24 (New International Version) Jesus said:
Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth. -
if you say that there is no perfect church...
and that only 'spiritual' churches are perfect..
Does that mean that all the churches have no spirit? -
hmm...Originally posted by SingaporeMacross:if you say that there is no perfect church...
and that only 'spiritual' churches are perfect..
Does that mean that all the churches have no spirit?
We can be united spiritually rather than visible.
John 4:24
God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth."
Regardless what denomination we belong to, those who are truly saved, we are united spiritually and we will enter in heaven spiritually. In our visible world, we are divided but in our spiritual world, we are united.
Hope I have answered your question. -
I think happyharvest is trying to say that even contradictory systems/things can be united as one because we are one in Christ. If we fix our eyes on other things, we cannot be united. Only by focusing on Jesus can we achieve unity.Originally posted by Ito_^:unity in diversity sounds nice.. but also reminds me of "goodness in evil". n dats juz crap. -
How is it possible that two opposing beliefs are influenced by the Holy Spirit?
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That's a rather ambitious statement. Very ideal.Originally posted by godislove:I think happyharvest is trying to say that even contradictory systems/things can be united as one because we are one in Christ. If we fix our eyes on other things, we cannot be united. Only by focusing on Jesus can we achieve unity. -
Even so, there has always been ONE church back then. Then all of a sudden we have so many of them.Originally posted by godislove:The main reason why we have denominations is that Christians are divided on doctrine issues (teaching issues). This have been going on since the New Testament days (Read First Corinthians 9:11-17) -
Besides finding a common ground, another method is to live with each other...
But then again, nvm... -
Spiritual chaos have been around for years so I don't know the answer to that. It happens during the apostle times . Take for example this Paul and Barnabas:Originally posted by SingaporeMacross:How is it possible that two opposing beliefs are influenced by the Holy Spirit?
Some time later Paul said to Barnabas, "Let us go back and visit the brothers in all the towns where we preached the word of the Lord and see how they are doing." Barnabas wanted to take John, also called Mark, with them, but Paul did not think it wise to take him, because he had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not continued with them in the work. They had such a sharp disagreement that they parted company. Barnabas took Mark and sailed for Cyprus, but Paul chose Silas and left, commended by the brothers to the grace of the Lord. He went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches. (Acts 15:36-41) --> (Paul and Barnabas had disagreement and they set apart too BUT they are still spiritually united in Christ. )
Sometimes, it is divine intervention that occur. I really do not have an exact answer to you because opposing belief have all along been around.
And also if I'm not wrong catholics also hold opposing beliefs. Some think they should be more liberal, while some think should remain conservative. I'm sure there are more opposing beliefs within catholics.
I hope I have at least answer some part of your questions. For some honest difficult question, I cannot answer you. -
I believe that it is more proper to say that all catholics have different opinions. However, all the beliefs they believe in are the same.
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I believe that it is more proper to say that all protestants have different interpretation of the scripture. However, all the beliefs(One God and Jesus the only way) they believe in are the same. All theology are just derivations from different interpretations of the scripture.Originally posted by SingaporeMacross:I believe that it is more proper to say that all catholics have different opinions. However, all the beliefs they believe in are the same.
[Opinions can also be used as belief, if I'm not wrong] -
damn...
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In engineering, we always consider ideal case to solve practical problem. I don't see why the church should not teach what is ideal in christian living. And that is not ambitious and not hypocritical, I believe.Originally posted by M©+square:That's a rather ambitious statement. Very ideal. -
How do you propose christians work towards that ideal stage?Originally posted by godislove:In engineering, we always consider ideal case to solve practical problem. I don't see why the church should not teach what is ideal in christian living. And that is not ambitious and not hypocritical, I believe. -
It is a lifelong process and it depends on how close they walk with God each day. There is never a perfect christian.Originally posted by laurence82:How do you propose christians work towards that ideal stage?
In engineering, there is never a perfect and accurate solution. But we have to consider ideal case in order to solve a practical problem or else the solution is difficult to obtain. -
Originally posted by happyharvest:
Not confused at all.... It's all in the definition.
Do you ever get confused by:
Why a [b]crowd can be small? (a small crowd)
Why an angle can be straight? (a straight angle)
Why a teacher can also be a student? (a student teacher)
Why a secret can be open? (an open secret)
Why a dead person can also be living? (a living dead)
Heard of the phrase "Unity in diversity" ? How can we find unity in diversity?
See, even a figure of speech is formed when two normally contradictory terms combine. Are you confused by them?
[/b]
A crowd - a group of people - does not denote the size. If a size needed to be denoted we will arrive at a large crowd or a small crowd.
Straight angle - a simple mathematical definition. A straight line is also an angle because it is a 180 degree angle.
Student teacher - no brainer - no need to explain
Open secret - a common knowledge but no one wants to talk about it
Living dead - a scientifically impossibility but check all RPG games
Unity in diversity - The unity here does not refer to a similarity in ideas but an understanding that all the concepts/ideas are different but everyone concern is ok with it......
Back to the original question (cos I don't know where HH is going with the above terminologies) - no I don't get confused. For most parts, the various denominations do not differ very much. Only a couple of the independent churches has weird doctrines. -
Just among Bible Only churches, we see major disputes about central issues of Faith that are far greater than any disagreements between churches that adhere to scripture plus Apostolic Tradition. The list below doesn't include more minor causes of "bible-only church" splits, such as style of service, church, government, vestments, attitude to alcohol, pastoring styles, tithing, methods of receiving communion etc.Originally posted by Chin Eng:Not confused at all.... It's all in the definition.
A crowd - a group of people - does not denote the size. If a size needed to be denoted we will arrive at a large crowd or a small crowd.
Straight angle - a simple mathematical definition. A straight line is also an angle because it is a 180 degree angle.
Student teacher - no brainer - no need to explain
Open secret - a common knowledge but no one wants to talk about it
Living dead - a scientifically impossibility but check all RPG games
Unity in diversity - The unity here does not refer to a similarity in ideas but an understanding that all the concepts/ideas are different but everyone concern is ok with it......
Back to the original question (cos I don't know where HH is going with the above terminologies) - no I don't get confused. For most parts, the various denominations do not differ very much. Only a couple of the independent churches has weird doctrines.
Should there be infant or Adult baptism?
Does baptism confer Grace or is it just a symbol?
Is our destiny governed by Calvinist Predestination or Arminian Free Will
Once Saved Always Saved?
Is there assurance of Salvation?
Can one lose Salvation?
Is Salvation a one-off event or a lifelong journey?
Does hell exist?
Can one be saved outside the Christian Church?
Should images be used in worship?
Does the Church replace Israel?
Is Divorce permissible
Is Abortion murder?
Is prophecy still given?
Are there still Miracles?
Are miracles guaranteed if you have enough faith?
Will there be a pre-trib Rapture?
Premillenialism or Postmillenialism?
Will there even be a millennium?
Speaking in Tongues - valid or deception?
Baptism in the Holy Spirit - is it real?
Are demons real?
What role do Works have in Salvation?
What is the Nature and Function of Sacraments?
Is Jesus physically present in Communion?
Are the Sacraments necessary to salvation?
What form of Authority should exist in the Church?
Does a minister need to be ordained?
What does ordination confer?
Is Apostolic Succession necessary?
Can women be Pastors?
Can homosexuals be admitted to Church?
Does God promise Christians material prosperity?
The list goes on and on........
And you call it "For most parts, the various denominations do not differ very much" ?
What HH used to argue about is one of the way the church used to defend themselves of the many denominations. The terminology for such words is called oxymoron. Heard of this word, oxymoron? -
you scolding which moron?Originally posted by The return:Heard of this word, oxymoron? -
It is YOU. Look back at your reply.Originally posted by Icemoon:you scolding which moron? -
One of the main purposes of the Unification Church is to unite all of the fragments of Christianity into a single body.