Is God Denominational?

[prisonchaplain]

The presumption that denomination implies division and enmity is false, imho. I'm sure you can find sharp disagreements within a single LDS ward, but such is called "agency," not division or enmity. Likewise, as I mentioned before, most denominations formed to bring together, to unite Christians, for a common cause--the Kingdom. And these different groups do proclaim the same Christ, the same gospel, and we call one another, across denominational lines "Christian" and "Brother/Sister."

Paul did decry factions--but Traveler...those were divisive parties within a single congregation! If it is true that your church carries the fullness of the gospel, and yet recognizes the gifts and truths found in other groups, then "demonation," seems to be hypberbole in the extreme.

[VisionOfLehi]

We can find sharp disagreements between LDS people on this board! It most certainly exists within wards, and probably even branches.

But what PC says is right. We're all working towards the same goal:

Salvation and Zion.

[Traveler]

Originally Posted by prisonchaplain

The presumption that denomination implies division and enmity is false, imho. I'm sure you can find sharp disagreements within a single LDS ward, but such is called "agency," not division or enmity. Likewise, as I mentioned before, most denominations formed to bring together, to unite Christians, for a common cause--the Kingdom. And these different groups do proclaim the same Christ, the same gospel, and we call one another, across denominational lines "Christian" and "Brother/Sister."

Paul did decry factions--but Traveler...those were divisive parties within a single congregation! If it is true that your church carries the fullness of the gospel, and yet recognizes the gifts and truths found in other groups, then "demonation," seems to be hypberbole in the extreme.

I would rather not go into certain points but it would seem that there are some discrepancies in terms. Please do not think that I am trying to create divisions.

What is the meaning of the term Protestant? What are Protestants protesting?

What does being “one” with G-d mean to you? See John 17:20-26 – I think there is prophesy here concerning confusion about one thing in particular, if believers become divided into denominations.

Are denominations a promise of what will be in heaven? If not, why – if you think so, would you provide some scripture?

It is my honest opinion that there will be no denominations in heaven and therefore there should not be denominations on earth (see Matt 6:10) Do some unwitting and ignorantly pray for one thing and then labor for another?

– You are correct about dissension in congregations (even the best planted congregations of wheat?) – I would submit that Jesus prophesied of such in speaking about the sewer of tares. I think it is clear that G-d does not seek that there be differences – I had thought it was clear who does. There is a saying - united we stand, divided we fall

I would also add that united in opinion is not the same as being one with G-d. I believe that sacrificing our personal opinions is the essence of oneness with G-d.

The Traveler

[Islander]

Originally Posted by prisonchaplain

The presumption that denomination implies division and enmity is false, imho. I'm sure you can find sharp disagreements within a single LDS ward, but such is called "agency," not division or enmity. Likewise, as I mentioned before, most denominations formed to bring together, to unite Christians, for a common cause--the Kingdom. And these different groups do proclaim the same Christ, the same gospel, and we call one another, across denominational lines "Christian" and "Brother/Sister."

Paul did decry factions--but Traveler...those were divisive parties within a single congregation! If it is true that your church carries the fullness of the gospel, and yet recognizes the gifts and truths found in other groups, then "demonation," seems to be hypberbole in the extreme.

True. I further submit that as more and more lay people read and inquire about the LDS church on their own, the faster the stigma and misinformation will fade to the background. After all, smart people have always found a way to exchange and elevate the discourse above the traditions and tedious repetition of the ages that try, by cheer reiteration, to perpetuate falsehoods and animosity. I think books like "Claiming Christ" will do much for clearing the air and dispelling much myth and fiction about the LDS church and the members at large.

Like I suggested to a kind brother in the forum not to long ago. sometimes we must agree to disagree without further argument and split the difference. No need for contention.

[WANDERER]

I think people oriented might be a slightly better understanding...judgements on God's elect seems like rather shakey ground to be treading.

[abqfriend]

I would agree that the more people understand about the LDS Church-misinformation will hopefully fade. This can also be true as seekers of truth learn about other faith traditions as well. We each have a bias toward our own faith traditions. Some of our faith traditions-including my own-Catholic- elevate their own and say others hold less truth. Most faith traditons do that. So-trying to understand a different faith tradition-and most importantly how the different members of that faith tradition live their faith in this world is important. It is not as important for me-a seeker of truth- what a prophet may say or a infallible church council may pronounce. What is important is how I see people of a faith tradition live out their faith in a hurting world. Action speaks louder than words. Action is sometimes the best sermon. Action is sometimes the best missionary or promoter/evangelizer of a faith.
-Carol

Originally Posted by Islander

True. I further submit that as more and more lay people read and inquire about the LDS church on their own, the faster the stigma and misinformation will fade to the background. After all, smart people have always found a way to exchange and elevate the discourse above the traditions and tedious repetition of the ages that try, by cheer reiteration, to perpetuate falsehoods and animosity. I think books like "Claiming Christ" will do much for clearing the air and dispelling much myth and fiction about the LDS church and the members at large.

Like I suggested to a kind brother in the forum not to long ago. sometimes we must agree to disagree without further argument and split the difference. No need for contention.

[prisonchaplain]

Originally Posted by Traveler

I would rather not go into certain points but it would seem that there are some discrepancies in terms. Please do not think that I am trying to create divisions.

What is the meaning of the term Protestant? What are Protestants protesting?

A good starting place. Most "Protestants" don't like the term, and argue that they are protesting nothing. We do not define ourselves by how we are not Catholic. In fact, many of our inmates get mislabeled, because they don't know what "Protestant" means. They say, "I'm just Christian," and get labeled "No preference" or "Other religion."

Call it irony, but for a majority of Christians, joining the Mother Catholic Church would require conversion. We didn't leave it. Rather, we entered the Kingdom through a different door.

What does being “one” with G-d mean to you? See John 17:20-26 – I think there is prophesy here concerning confusion about one thing in particular, if believers become divided into denominations.

Are denominations a promise of what will be in heaven? If not, why – if you think so, would you provide some scripture?

I see neither denominations, nor a single church hierarchy that was meant to control all the churches, in the Scripture. Rather, I see a focus on Jesus, on the Kingdom, on the Resurrection, and upon right living (obey my commands).

So, I'm not so sure that denominations are against God's will--so long as they foster cooperation and unity amongst believers. Likewise, I'm not sure that having one overarching organization to represent all Christian churches would necessarily please God or accomplish greater good for God's kingdom.

It is my honest opinion that there will be no denominations in heaven and therefore there should not be denominations on earth (see Matt 6:10) Do some unwitting and ignorantly pray for one thing and then labor for another?

In heaven we will see clearly--as Jesus does. Today we see through a dark glass. IMHO, many practices and understandings we have now will be jettisoned in eternity.

– You are correct about dissension in congregations (even the best planted congregations of wheat?) – I would submit that Jesus prophesied of such in speaking about the sewer of tares. I think it is clear that G-d does not seek that there be differences – I had thought it was clear who does. There is a saying - united we stand, divided we fall

I would also add that united in opinion is not the same as being one with G-d. I believe that sacrificing our personal opinions is the essence of oneness with G-d.

The Traveler

"Unity in essentials, liberty in all others, charity (love) in all.: (I don't know who came up with this saying, but it is borrowed).

[Moksha]

Vol, how about a picture where you are smiling? That would be nice.

[VisionOfLehi]

"Well, I was attempting a smirk, but I was glaring from the sun beating down on my face.

Me + Sunlight = Glare"

Is what I told Hemi!

*grumbles*

[VisionOfLehi]

I don't have any good ones of me smiling rather than a smirk or a face... SO YOU GET MY BESTEST FRIEND AT HIS BEST.


Man, I miss my cat.