Yup. Sure can. The Church of which I’m a member was “built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone.” It finds its home in Heaven, not in Rome; with Christ, not with His mom.
::Rant On::
It seems we are facing the fundamental crossroads that faces all arguments on religion- at what point do history, tradition, and various theological details merge with the bigger picture of salvation.
Christ Himself is very clear as to the path of salvation, it is simple, and there is no ambiguity. It doesn’t involve incantations, rituals, or minute rules. It is simply belief.
Our traditions, rituals, dare I say, even most of our theological differences have nothing to do with Salvation. They aren’t about the next life, they are about this life. There is only one path to salvation, but what we do in this life has many paths.
It is akin to food. We all need food to survive. Different people, however, choose different ways to partake in said food. Some people are vegetarians, some only eat BBQ, others don’t touch junk food, while some thrive on McDonalds. It all provides that necessary sustenance, it just may impact our day to day well being.
It is why I find denominational wars where each one declares theirs the only path to salvation and all others be damned, as grossly obscene. Denominations are not the path to salvation, only Christ is. Denominations are simply part of how you live in this life.
Salvation is a personal relationship between you and God. It has nothing to do with if you are a United Redormed Presbimethodlutherist or an Orthodox Catholanglertraditionalist.
::Rant Off::