My younger days were mostly Independent Baptist churches which is a mixer of Calvinism and Arminianism (in between) as well as Arminianism and Legalism. I attended Catholic school for 7 years. Other denominations I have visited over the years are Grace Brethren (Anabaptist), Missionary & Alliance, Mennonite, Methodist, Pentacostal, Congregational and many others. I also got mixed up with "Word of Faith" for a short time.
Currently, I am a member of a local Presbyterian Church in America (PCA) church but have not been attending lately since I am deep in thoughts about my faith lately.
I have studied many denominations and I read all kinds doctrines from various theologians including Lutherans such as Martin Luther, Dietrich Bonhoeffer and others. Lutheranism was all about reforming the Roman Catholic church. Luther and the reformers wanted to correct what they thought was incorrect doctrine but preserve everything else. Calvinists and the other reformers have been referred as if they want to get rid of everything catholic, whether it was good or not. From my position, as a Reformed follower which includes many of Martin Luther's writings, as well as John Calvin, John Knox and many others. "Reformed" defines the doctrinal beliefs holds that the purest expressions of scriptural doctrine are found in the creeds. Many Protestants follow the Five Solas are five Latin phrases (or slogans) that emerged during the Protestant Reformation and summarize the Reformers' basic theological beliefs in contradistinction to the teaching of the Roman Catholic Church of the day. The Protestant denominations, like Presbyterian and Lutheran were formed in the reformation.
John Calvin and Martin Luther were persecuted for discovering the truth of "justification by faith." Once this truth was established, Luther persecuted the Anabaptists because they felt the need to bring further Biblical reforms into the church. Looking back on that historically, we see that most, if not all, of those punishments were due religion trying to hold onto its doctrine.
Denominational doctrines make denominational members.
I followed various theologians from different background. Some are Reformed theologians (i.e. Calvinism) and some are not reformed (i.e. Arminianism)as well as I have books written by Lutherans. I also have Lutheran theologian books written by german Dietrich Bonhoeffer, one of my favorite "Cost of Discipleship".
"Christianity without discipleship is always Christianity without Christ." Dietrich Bonhoeffer
I am leading towards Lutheranism however, I have not made any confirmed decisions. I am taking this one day at a time.
Historically, Martin Luther never even got out of the Catholic Church--he was a priest. Luther did what Luther did, and we can all be greatful for that, and those people who understood Luther, understood that he was saying something about salvation that had never been said, at least in their experience in the Catholic Church. He was later excommunicated by the pope and forced to continue his work among like-mined people within the northeastern area of Germany. Through the years he was involved in the "Evangelical Church" around Germany.
I can't find the quote about Luther not wanting to be a member of a Lutheran Church.
When Your Heart Condemns You
14 hours ago
4 comments:
Jim,
You are very well read and I love your exposure to Church history. Thanks for stopping by my neck of the woods. Are you a friend of Denny's?
Hi Clay,
I enjoy reading other people's blogs, especially if they are Christians. No, I don't know who Denny is unless you are talking about my son who is in the Navy in MD.
Jim
My prayers are with you as you go thru this time. However, just a few comments. I wouldn’t decide by denomination so much as by individual church. Some churches within a denomination are better or worse than others. Personally, I think, had Luther lived long enough, would have written and taught much of what Calvin did. And much of what we call Lutheranism is not of Luther but of Melacthon, his right hand man. After Luther’s death he changed a few points of doctrine when he codified what he believed to be what Luther taught which is very unfortunate. Thus, Lutheranism is not the “purest form of Scriptural expression” as you say. PCA churches can go either way in my experience. I was a deacon for 5 years in a PCA church that was extremely conservative (their services and demeanor were much like the Puritans) but the PCA church in the next town was much more “modern” (don’t read modern as sinful here, more up-to-date). I’m still struggling to find a church that fits what I hold dear and at the same time not be too picky. What exactly are you looking for? Purest expression of worship? Evangelical? Modern or traditional?
Thanks for your comment on this issue. You brought up an interesting question. In summary, I am looking for a local church that pastors and elders as our spiritual stewardship looking for their members spiritual needs and to look at their lives spiritually in from God's perspective. Any attempt to follow Jesus’ example of ministry will be ineffective unless we also follow His example of unconditional love. As we interact with others, take the time to truly get to know them, and let God’s love flow through us into their lives.
I am not a perfect Christian but I am a forgiven Christian who is still learning. I am still struggling with my sinful nature like anyone else. As a Christian, I still can have sinful desires, foolish desires, and proud desires and at the same time, have godly desires.
I am looking for a local church that will not close their minds to everything that is happening around us. I don't want a to be involved in a local church that causes others to be grieved by burdensome legalism. In our Christian fellowship (not individual), we must recognize that the Holy Spirit desires to take us and control us, and use us as instruments through which He can express Himself in the Christian community. A local Church is for "forgiven sinners" who confessed to be "in Christ".
My wife and I are looking for a liturgical church that have weekly open communion as well as sound bibilcal preaching. This is one reason why we are leaning towards Lutheranism.
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