Hello. In reading certain material (and a book I’m currently reading) that was written by those in denominations, and talking to them face to face, I’ve always been puzzled by something. We disagree on the major things, such as, faith only salvation, outward show of inward grace baptism, etc. The strange thing is, we seem to have the same thoughts and principles when looking toward God. What I mean is, alot of their experiences and expectations are exactly the same as us in the church of Christ. This creeps into my mind alot, because, in refuting what they teach, I know that their description of the Christian walk is exactly what we teach. Even the personal details are the same. I silently struggle with this. What are your thoughts concerning this? Do you think it has anything to do with how everyone, no matter who it is, responds to temptation (I Corinthians 10:13- although this verse seems to be speaking of Christians only)? Thank You- Anthony Grigsby, Dayton, Ohio, USA
Denominationalism is categorically wrong because of the specific doctrinal errors wherein it differs from the Christianity represented upon the pages of inspiration, namely the New Testament. (Incidentally, the churches of Christ and the Christians who compose the Lord’s church can and sometimes do journey down the same road of specific doctrinal errors; how many doctrinal errors must one adopt or embrace before he and other Christians like him become essentially denominational?) Yet, I know of no one among the churches of Christ who insists that everything believed, taught and practiced by denominational people is doctrinally incorrect. To illustrate, I once heard someone remark (correctly so) that we don’t have to enter and exit our church buildings through the windows because denominational people enter and exit their buildings through doors. Therefore, we should expect that religious people who profess their interest in Christianity and further at least pay a token respect for the Holy Bible would (1) believe some Bible truths, and (2) demonstrate some biblical principles in their lives.
Remember that the “major things” including salvation (what Bible doctrine is trivial?) suffice to disqualify denominationalism as a satisfactory religious pursuit. Our Lord rebuked religious leaders of his day for tampering with Judaism (Matthew 15:9), and He further spoke to the eternal disfavor these would garner for their counterfeit religion when called before the Judgment Bar (Matthew 7:21-23). Frankly, it is little wonder that religious persons who do not view the Bible as the final, absolute authority in religion would deviate from some Bible doctrine while holding to more convenient Bible truths.
