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Okay first I don't know if that is spelt right, second I don't know if this is the right forum.

Now I know there is no Denominations on here, but I know I need to know. I don't know if it's important to know but I think it will be important for me soon.

Now my questions: How many are there? What are they? How are they different? Now I don't need to know them all but I don't want to offend anyone.

Thank you

Hello Brother David,

This is a great question, and I'm not sure there is an answer. They are almost beyond counting now, and key words in the name don't necessarily tell you anything these days. As an example, I'm sure there are probably over 60 varieties of Baptists. Most of them are probably pretty fundamental and obviously Christian, but a few might not be. There are some cult type movements that borrow portions of names that are well known so they can get started more quickly. I really shouldn't have just picked on Baptists, because the same is true for many other key words in various denominational names.

I have a dictionary with over 4,000 cults listed, and some of them do contain key words of denominational names that aren't cults at all. So, a keyword denominational name over the door of a church could mean good teaching or false teaching.

Very generally, Christianity is a broad category of churches that traditionally have been centered on CHRIST and the CROSS. Again very generally, Christianity believes in the Holy Trinity as absolute deities:  GOD THE FATHER, GOD THE SON, AND GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT - YET THE THREE BEING ONE ALMIGHTY GOD. However, there are some churches that call themselves Christians who deny one or more of the Holy Trinity. In my opinion, these churches that deny one or more of the Holy Trinity are simply cults and not Christians at all. They deny the teachings of the Holy Bible, and many of them have their own Bibles written to fit their own specific beliefs. A few examples of those denying one or more of the Holy Trinity are Mormons, Jehovah's Witnesses, Later Day Saints, Armstrongites, and many you wouldn't even recognize the names.

There are tons of places calling themselves churches who worship other gods (little "g") and they are false religions that have nothing to do with the worship of the only LIVING GOD. Many of these include Islam, Buddhist, Hindu, other Eastern Religions, satan worshipers, wiccans, pagans, witches, warlocks, etc.

Brother David, the answer to your question would probably be somewhere over 50,000, and there are more springing up every day - some good and some completely false. A key question always involves what they believe about JESUS CHRIST, the CROSS, and the Holy Trinity. Many false religions can be identified quickly because they deny that JESUS CHRIST is GOD or they deny GOD THE FATHER OR GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT. Many false religions don't recognize JESUS CHRIST at all, and other false religions say he was just a man, messenger, preacher, or just anything else other than GOD made manifest in the flesh.

Brother David, I wish that I could give you a better answer, but I don't think anyone knows how many new churches formed just today and whether they are true or false. I could have grossly under-estimated the number of false and true religions. I guessed over 50,000 and it could easily be over 100,000. However, I did at least try to give you an answer the best I could.

Love In Christ,
Tom

Psalms 103:11 NASB  For as high as the heavens are above the earth, So great is His lovingkindness toward those who fear Him.

Thank you, that did answer some of it. Another friend answered the rest. Obviously talking about true churches, that they believe and do things abit, but all believe that God sent Jesus, only son, to die on the cross for our sins.

Hi David,

There are some cults that believe that God sent Jesus to die on the cross for our sins yet at the same time believe that Jesus was nothing more than a man. It is important, as Brother Tom said, to know that Jesus was fully man and fully God Himself for only God is perfect and could be a perfect sacrifice our sins. Jesus was and is perfect, without all blemish.

I thank you for the information. I thought it was a simple question but Obviously I was very wrong.
I know Jesus was not just a man but God in appearance of man ( hope I said that correctly )

The original reason I asked was because I am interested in partaking ( is that the right word? ) in Lent. I never heard much about it until recently from a good Christian friend who I think is catholic ( sorry if spelt wrong ). Even though she said she knows people who aren't Catholic do Lent, I can't help but think about what my Christian parents would think since I was not brought up with it. Of course they will still love me. It could just simply be because since Lent has rules, they didn't want to force things on us.

I hope I didn't offend anyone.

Hi again David,

I am sure there is no offense taken. As Brother Tom said, it is a great subject.

Yes, Lent is recognized by various denominations. There is nothing wrong in observing Lent if you so desire. There is also nothing wrong in not observing it. Like the Bible tells us, "whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him".


One of the things most associated with the period of Lent is fasting. I know that you have some health considerations as do many of us on the forum here. If you intend to observe the fasting I would suggest checking with your Dr to insure it is alright to do so. I for one am not able to fast. One day of fasting puts me in the hospital.

Hey, David,
The important thing here seems to be that if you have a feeling that won't go away...in your heart of hearts...that you should be observing Lent, then by all means, pray about it.  Ask the Lord to make your path clear.  Then listen to the small, still voice of your heart which is where you find the answer to your prayer.   If you do feel you should observe Lent, then learn what you can about what Lent is all about.  Fasting is not required if health reasons would permit it.  And, it doesn't have to be a serious health problem...it can be just feeling light headed if you don't eat.  Fasting isn't every day and I have never found it to be difficult if done correctly.  In truth, observing Lent is spending Ash Wednesday through Easter Sunday emersed in our Lord's life in those days, what he taught, in the sacrifices He made for you...for us all.  God knows your heart better than you do and will meet you exactly where you are.  He will guide you.  May I add, you will not hear answers with the TV and radio on.  Only in silence can you truly hear in your heart.  Always give Him praise and thanksgiving for all everyday things we too often ignore.  And, by the way, Catholic is not considered a denomination.  The important thing for you is to pray and listen.  God bless you on your journey with the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

thank you for your help
But I do think catholic is a Denomination of Christianity

Hi Bernadette,

Welcome to Christians Unite. I look forward to seeing more of your post.

Hi David. Denomination is a name for a group or organization so yes Catholic as used to mean Roman Catholic would be a denomination also.

Hello David, this really is an excellent question and understanding it can be key in many ways.  I hold some more rigorous views on denominations, because sometimes the slightest change from truth can lead you barrelling down a rabbit hole of pitch darkness.  But I think a point that Bernadette made here is the best way to not lose focus.

The Holy Scriptures tell us to "Study to show thyself approved...a workman...rightly dividing the Word of Truth..."  In my honest opinion, the only way to do that is to know what there is to know about whatever you plan on getting involved with.  Use the internet if you have to, I, for one, still have a library card to the local library.  Research it, pray about it and try to understand what kind of role it will play in your relationship with God, remembering that anything that takes your attention off of God is not good.  Don't get "caught up" in the practice or the act and forget what or who it's about.

The reason for so many denominations out there in the world today is because there are so many variations from what is truth, the slightest change in precepts and concepts.  I for one, don't like to participate in anything I don't understand.  I have been freed from having to "work" the traditions of the law & spirit because of Jesus Christ's sacrifice.  And I mean no offense, either.

God bless you and may He reveal to you what you need to know to make the right decisions in your life for His glory.  And don't forget His Word tells us in James Chapter 1 Verses 5 & 6 ...That if any of you is lacking in wisdom, let him ask of God...

Amen Brother!

I agree completely. The traditions and rituals of men has been a problem for thousands of years, and it continues. What many people don't understand is that the traditions and rituals of the Old Testament were simply shadows of what was to come - JESUS CHRIST. JESUS CHRIST is the absolute, LIVING REALITY, and HE replaced the shadows.

Love In Christ,
Tom

Hebrews 4:16 NASB  Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

I'll be the spoil sport here I guess, denominations are man made. 

@ DreamWeaver - Now that also speaks volumes, ...When He returns for His Church, He will gather His Church not His churches.  There is one God and one Truth, and those who have accepted it will be accepted in.

Spoilsport?  I beg the differ.

exactly why we don't do Denominations here. Either you're a Christian or you're not.

Amen Brothers and Sisters!

All of the denominations, labels, and tags will be gone for eternity with JESUS. If we are able to look back and reflect, many of our divisions will seem silly. I was just thinking about the Apostle Paul and him saying that he would prefer to know little else than JESUS CHRIST and HIM crucified for us. This is our Salvation and the central focus for our lives, but we know that our Lord and Saviour arose from the dead and LIVES. We arose from the deadness of our sins and LIVE a NEW and Eternal Life because HE LIVES! It's amazing how sweet our fellowship can be when we keep our eyes and hearts on JESUS. WE LIVE IN HIM!

Love In Christ,
Tom

The Catholic Church is not a denomination in reality....only in general conversation is it acceptable to refer to it that way.   The fact that it is not a denomination does not diminish in any way the wonderful brotherhood in Christ that we all share through our Baptism.  I know it's not commonly done by most, but it behooves us to read about the early fathers of the Church....the church as it was from Jesus' assension through the first 300 years.  Then the next section of the second 300 years, etc.  Christianity was illegal for quite some time and it is fascinating to learn what happened.  For the first 300 years, one who was chosen to lead the Christians...pastorally speaking...was to know that a brutal death was in store.....we call martyrs.  It took alot of commitment to take on a leadership position.  The reason it is not a denomination, however, is because the Church was named "Catholic" before the end of the first 100 years after Jesus' assension.  The first great schism took place 1,000 years later when the Eastern Catholics broke from the Western Catholics (Constantinople from Rome).  However, to this day, both are in complete agreement in liturgy and in sacraments.  And both are Catholic Churches.  In fact, there are several Catholic Churches all in agreement with liturgy and sacraments and have the same Pope, such as the Chaldeans and the Byzantines.  To say "Roman Catholic" is a misnomer.  We are accurately....Catholic of the Latin Rite.  Roman is a term used just within the last 100 years or so in conversation but the Catholic Church documents say "Latin Rite." 
When Calvin and Luther broke away, they did not get rid of all of the teachings.  They wanted to get away from the Bishop's misuse of their power.....and rightfully so!!  Some stayed with the Church and fixed it from within.  Those were the days when there was no separation from Church and State.  Bishops lived in the castles.  Henry the 8th, wanting a divorce, could not get Thomas More (Bishop) to agree to go against the Church so he killed him.  Thomas More is a martyr to die for his faith.  Any and every Christian who dies upholding Christianity is a martyr.  It's just that the Catholic Church recognizes these people with the honor of the title "martyr."  As I said, it is very interesting to read about the early fathers.....by that I mean those men who kept Christianity alive during the first 300 years after Jesus' assension.....NO small task for these great men (and women!!)  God bless you, my brothers and sisters in Christ.

Hi Bernadette,

Denomination is a man made name given a religious organization whose congregations are united in their adherence to its beliefs and practices. That makes the Catholic church a denomination. Irregardless of whether you consider it a denomination or not we do not do catholic vs protestant here either.

The word catholic does mean universal and there is only one true universal church and that Church is made up of the body of Christ, those who have accepted Christ as their Saviour with Jesus Christ very God as the head of that Church.

I don't do Catholic vs Protestant either.  I was Methodist long before I became Catholic and love all my Christian brothers and sisters equally.  But, when one person mentioned Lent, it appeared to me that immediate responses started with "you don't have to do that" which does sound like leading someone away from the Catholic ways of doing things.  Of course we are all one in Christ.  That being said and believed by me, I would not try to steer someone away from something sounding "Catholic."  Doing that, does make it a Catholic vs Protestant answer to the man's initial question.  It only becomes a problem when a Catholic gives a view?

It was said that Lent is not a requirement and it definitely is not and that statement has nothing to do with Catholic vs Prostestant. It was also clearly stated that there was nothing wrong with observing it if he so desired.

Col 2:13  And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;
Col 2:14  Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;
Col 2:15  And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.
Col 2:16 Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days:
Col 2:17  Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ.
Col 2:18  Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind,
Col 2:19  And not holding the Head, from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the increase of God.
Col 2:20  Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances,
Col 2:21  (Touch not; taste not; handle not;
Col 2:22  Which all are to perish with the using;) after the commandments and doctrines of men?
Col 2:23  Which things have indeed a shew of wisdom in will worship, and humility, and neglecting of the body; not in any honour to the satisfying of the flesh.

for those who favor NLT, like me

13 You were dead because of your sins and because your sinful nature was not yet cut away. Then God made you alive with Christ. He forgave all our sins. 14 He canceled the record that contained the charges against us. He took it and destroyed it by nailing it to Christ’s cross. 15 In this way, God disarmed the evil rulers and authorities. He shamed them publicly by his victory over them on the cross of Christ.
16 So don’t let anyone condemn you for what you eat or drink, or for not celebrating certain holy days or new-moon ceremonies or Sabbaths. 17 For these rules were only shadows of the real thing, Christ himself. 18 Don’t let anyone condemn you by insisting on self-denial. And don’t let anyone say you must worship angels, even though they say they have had visions about this. These people claim to be so humble, but their sinful minds have made them proud. 19 But they are not connected to Christ, the head of the body. For we are joined together in his body by his strong sinews, and we grow only as we get our nourishment and strength from God.
20 You have died with Christ, and he has set you free from the evil powers of this world. So why do you keep on following rules of the world, such as, 21 “Don’t handle, don’t eat, don’t touch.” 22 Such rules are mere human teaching about things that are gone as soon as we use them. 23 These rules may seem wise because they require strong devotion, humility, and severe bodily discipline. But they have no effect when it comes to conquering a person’s evil thoughts and desires.

There's nothing wrong with it... and I thought nothing about Catholics or any other religion when I responded to his question.  I simply mentioned  that I don't.  I did make it clear or at least I hope that I did that the best way for anyone to decide for themselves is to find out as much about any thing that they possibly can.  I figured that since he was asking he wasn't already catholic, the best way to chose what faith (denomination (which method of worship)) is best for you is to find out what it's all about.

And basically that's all I was saying.  I do apologize if you felt that "started something" in here simply because you mentioned another faith, but not taking any sides here (and I haven't been here very long), I have taken this forum to be a Christian forum and the jist of the leadership here doesn't practice the faith of catholicism.

no no no why does this happen to me? Please lock this

This topic is locked.