Tim Maas Retired Quality Assurance Specialist with the U.S. Army

Ideally, all of Christendom would (and, in eternity, will again) be non-denominational, as Jesus prayed (John 17:11). However, in this fallen world, differences in theological beliefs have arisen, some of which were deliberately or maliciously meant only to divide, but others of which were genuinely intended to correct non-Biblical beliefs and practices that had arisen over time through the activity of fallible (even if well-intended) humans.

As a result, a multitude of denominations now exists. Each of these denominations had its roots in beliefs or interpretations about specific theological issues, some of which were (or are) more fundamental or essential than others. Non-denominationalism is a laudable goal in theory, but it would seem necessary to me that even a non-denominational church would have to have certain formal or stated specific core beliefs, principles, or Biblical interpretations that unite its members, and (speaking just for myself) I would be hesitant to participate in a church that did not, since I would not be clear on what I would be professing by attending or participating in it, nor on what beliefs I would be acquiescing in by associating in fellowship with other members who held them, since some of those beliefs might have no Biblical basis, or (even if they did) might not be as fundamental as the individual members believe them to be.

As long as a church would have such formal principles, and I would be in agreement with their Biblical basis, I would see no impediment to participation, even if the church were not affiliated with any established denomination, or if it accepted as members people who had formerly been associated with those denominations.

October 10 2018 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report