Posted on 07/16/2007 5:26:54 PM PDT by americanophile
I hope I'm posting this in the right place, as I am relatively new to Free Republic. That said, I was wondering if anyone could give me a book recommendation? I've been looking for a good doctrinal/historical comparison of the different Christian denominations and sects. Anyone?
Roman Catholics and Eastern Orthodox believe in the REAL (NOT symbolic) presence of the body and blood of Christ in the Eucharist. Lutherans also maintain this, but also admit that the bread and wine still maintain their physical qualities.
All other Christian denominations view the eucharist as purely symbolic, ie NOT the body and blood and Christ.
Hope that helps.
You beat me to it. I was going to recommend Aquinas or Augustine.
Well, thanks, I understand some of the basic differences, as do all Christians, but what I was really looking for was something to discuss how Christianity devolved into so many different sects - I was looking for something both historical and doctrinal...and not just merely basic differences or another recitation of the Protestant Reformation - that’s only part of the pie.
p.s nice handle, Clemenza, haha
one of the standard references is Jaroslav Pelikan’s multi-volume The Christian Tradition. Volume 5 covers period since 1700.
I just googled “differences between Christian denominations” and many sites came up. But this site had a matrix, showing some differences:
http://www.religionfacts.com/christianity/charts/denominations_beliefs.htm .
But be sure to scroll down a little, because the chart appears lower on the page.
Not all. I’ve met several, particularly in the prophetic/apostolic movement, (not all by any means) who regard communion as a supernatural prophetic act. Miracles, dreams and visions are accepted as a lower level of revelation than the scriptures, but still a legitimate communication from God. The idea of a supernatural presence in communion, then, isn’t so far fetched.
As for an official doctrinal stance, though, I think you’re right.
Many thanks, I’ll check them out!
"Reformed/Protestant" (16th century, Lutheran/Anglican/Presbyterian, and any others - largely paedobaptist - that trace denominational and creedal roots back to the Reformation),
"Evangelical" (17th century, Wesleyans/Methodists/Baptists and others - largely anabaptist - that arose after and somewhat in response to the Reformed groups);
"Restorationist" (19th century, independent "first century style" churches/anti-denominational congregations and associations, many of which can be traced back to the Stone/Campbell movement in NY's Hudson River valley);
"Charismatic" (20th century, any "Spirit-led" but anti-creedal church or denomination that followed or appeared alongside the Restorationists, especially those that originated with the "baby boomer" generation i.e. the Calvary Chapel/Vineyard churches).
I'm honestly not sure where I'd place groups like the "emergent churches" or even the Warren / Osteen style megachurches. They lack the strong theological distinctives (Calvinism, creedalism) that characterizes the earlier groups, and the strong cultural distinctives (display of charismatic gifts, fierce cultural isolationism) that characterizes the later groups. I tend to think that they should get their own category, but I usually lump them under the "evangelical" label because they usually associate themselves with that group socially.
I would second this excellent suggestion. I am still working (literaly) my way through his Magnum Opus. It is scholarly in the extreme though so don’t bother if your looking for anything simplistic.
Not accurate.
"Worthy receivers, outwardly partaking of the visible elements, in this sacrament,do then also, inwardly by faith, really and indeed, yet not carnally and corporally but spiritually, receive and feed upon, Christ crucified, and all benefits of His death: the body and blood of Christ being then , not corporally or carnally, in, with, or under the bread and wine; yet, as really, but spiritually, present to the faith of believers in that ordinance, as the elements themselves are to their outward senses."
Westminster Confession of Faith. See also the Baptist Confession of Faith.
Osteen is clearly in the 'prosperity gospel' camp - Name it and claim it. I'm not sure that I'd include Warren there. Perhaps 'Emergent Church' for him.
Here’s a link to a graphic showing the splits and unions just among Presbyterians:
http://www.history.pcusa.org/pres_hist/family_connections.html
Among churches, splits have occured over disagreements as to scriptural interpretations, false prophesies, personalities, national politics, and mergers.
Against Heresies, by Irenaeus of Lyons
http://www.earlychristianwritings.com/text/irenaeus-book1.html
Welcome to FR. Here are a couple of helpful and friendly tips:
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Having said that, I'll venture two suggestions in responding to your inquiry.
*Start by asking the Holy Spirit to guide you in your search, and continue by repeatedly renewing that request and by responding obediently when He does.
*Test everything, as did the Bereans, by measuring it against God's Word.
Fare well.
Ha, yes, I blew the spelling I guess...I’m not illiterate, but that’s what you get when you type on the fly. Thanks.
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