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RE: Barreling Towards Schism

Comment comment by Brandon on 21 June 2006

Actually, I'm surprised Protestant churches don't split more than they do. Or, if you look at it another way, I think they're already more split up than they seem. If you think about it, how do you define Methodists (all of them)? What is it that sets them apart from all other Protestants? I bet if you took a cross-section of the personal beliefs of Methodists around the world, it would be about the same as the Presbyterians. Also, I bet the difference between a Baptist church in Texas and a Baptist church in Korea is probably more than the difference between a "non-denominational" church in Boston and the Methodist church just down the street. Most protestants also seem able to switch denominations very easily when they move or have a run-in with a preacher or fellow church member. What reason do they have to stay in their Episcopalian church other than their friends and history within that congregation? When they move, get in a fight, or are censured for sinning and don't feel they have these anymore, they just go looking for a place that is right "for them."

This seems odd to me, as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, because - like Catholics - we believe that God establishes His church on the earth. It's a top down thing, not a bottom up thing; just one God-approved church - the one with God at the head. Protestants, on the other hand, don't believe that such a church exists. Thus, to Protestants, a "church" is really just a place to go to get "fellowship." Looking at it that way, it really doesn't matter what the name of the church is, if it splinters or which side you take - as long as you find "fellowship" there.

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RE: Barreling Towards Schism by jmarkdavison :: NR6

Thus, to Protestants, a "church" is really just a place to go to get "fellowship."

This might be too harsh, although I have been to plenty of Protestant churches where socializing and feeling good about one's self seemed to be the top priority. I am Catholic but my wife is not so we are always on the lookout for a good Protestant church. For me it's extra credit.

The military is particularly bad for only offering "fellowship" because on smaller bases there's usually one "General Protestant Service" in which the various Protestant chaplains--from all non-Catholic denominations--share the preaching duties. As you might imagine these services are watered-down and shallow: very thin on dogma and substance, and heavy on singing and re-introducing yourself to the same forgetful people every week.

Any committed Presbyterians, Baptists, Methodists, or--better yet--Episcopalians out there that want to weigh in?

Posted 21 June 2006, Hide, Parent, Reply