ACK!

Sorry for not posting yesterday! I was too engrossed in my pokemon-playing.

Today's topic is the difference between denominations of churches.

It's a bit of a questionable thing. If the Christian faith is so universal, so absolute, so true, then why are there denominations and, indeed, how do we as Christians minister to non-Christians when we can't even seem to make up our minds on the issues that matter?

Nowadays, the "Christian" faith is split up into three-and-a-half sections. Catholicism, Anglicanism and Protestantism (and Cults, if you'd like to count it as half a section). I am personally an Evangelical Protestant (hooray for Christian nomenclature!).

Catholics believe that their church was founded by Jesus Christ, who is also their spiritual head. The church was established in Rome by the apostle Peter, and is one of the world's oldest organisatons. In the 4th Century, Emperor Constantine made Christianity the official religion of the Roman empire, which later split due to disputes about the papal authority.

Personally, I have never understood where the Pope's authority comes from. Is it a man-made governing structure? From the New Testament, I have not ever read anything that tells of the ability for a man (who is not simultaneously God) to forgive someone's sin, the defined existence of a figurehead (who is nearly idolised) and the necessity of mass, liturgy, and the like.

In short, I don't agree with catholicism because it follows non-biblical doctrine.

But you'll find good Christians everywhere. There will always be God-fearing and loving men and women in every denomination. As Paul stresses - it doesn't matter what motive men are preaching from, what is important is that Jesus Christ is the message that is preached.

:D goodnight! Tomorrow - about anglicanism. If I have time.