puszysty

Next issue that you brought up: different denominations and religions. First of all I disagree with your argument that all people are worshipping the same God when they prey. Some religions are obviously contradictory in principle and thus associating a common God with them becomes extremely difficult and I think incorrect. In terms of denomination, I agree with you in that I don't think that style of worship really makes a difference (note: I still distinguish between who they are praying to when I talk about style, but how is not a big issue to me). There are some people that will argue that God has a particular way that he likes to be worshipped, or that it is important to be in communion with all of the believers of all time by worshipping in the same way, or that fellowship and communion with other believers is vital to the perpetuation of faith. I don't really buy the first explanation that God has a certain way he likes to be worshipped. The second one is a Catholic view, and I only have a basic understanding of it so I won't comment too much on it, but I don't really see much of a Biblical basis for it. The third one is observed in a number of denominations, but I'm not really sure what to think of it. In the Bible there is often times an emphasis put on the body of believers and the interaction with other Christians, but at the same time I have difficulty believing that someone without other believers around is invalidated because of that.

Anywho, I am getting a little bit off the point I wanted to make, I think there is a good reason for denominations. Several different denominations have theological precepts that do not agree and in some cases come into such conflict that it is difficult to reconcile them within one united body. Thus I think the Christian church has taken on a multifaceted role in the world. The disagreements cause tensions and sometimes open hostility between the denominations, but personally I see each of the branches working for Christ in their own way or serving their own purpose. I'm not saying God wants Christians to be in conflict with eachother, but I am saying that the way that it has worked out seems to bear an amazing resemblance to the body analogy where the body of Christ fulfills numerous roles as his representatives in the world. Along these lines I am not one that is particularly opposed to ecumenism, the bringing together of churches. I also see the inherent danger in this though. There are Christian sects that I think do contain inherent and blatant examples of heretical teaching that may destroy any universal church it becomes a part of. Even within my own denomination I see examples of practices and teachings that I am almost ashamed of. Although at the same time the enmity between the denominations has hindered it's effectiveness, and perhaps even tainted the message that we are meant to give to others.