The Christian Umbrella
I've been to a quite a few churches in my lifetime, and even my fair share of chapels, cathedrals, temples, synagogues, and other buildings that have religious services inside. Though the Christian Umbrella encompasses the same general beliefs, there are still important and distinct differences between the "information processing" of people who all believe that Jesus Christ is the Lord and Savior of all mankind. Certain denominations historically focus on specific Biblical themes, while other worshipers may prioritize other areas of The Bible. Also, individuals (regardless of denomination) sometimes have conflicting interpretations of The Bible and have disregarded parts of the Book that they do not believe are applicable to modern times. This concept has taken a long time for me to grasp because it seems like there would be more uniformity after over two- thousand years to analyze the books inspired by God. However, I do understand that some of the discrepancies occur because of the many: scriptures, books selected, books not selected, histories of origin, authors, time periods, locations, cultures represented, ancient laws referred to, personal preferences of those teaching, and language translations.
With my moderate Biblical knowledge, I will attempt to pinpoint some of the denominational core truths and everyday topics that completely saved, delivered, and devout Christians disagree on. Throughout my life, I will continue to study these points, seek wise counsel for clarity and remember that denominations were created by man. Personally, my Christian walk consists of: a christening as an infant, a baptism as an adolescent, weekly bible classes, weekly worship service, a monthly women's bible group, and daily reading scripture (I have an app that reminds me to read The Word on my phone!)
Below is the first attempt to dissect Christianity, and later, I will add scriptures to better understand the Biblical guides that support and/or refute various ideas. Hopefully, this guide will help me ask thoughtful questions of religious teachers, and determine which churches to visit when I am in new locations worldwide. Furthermore, if people have difficult questions about Christianity and look to me (as a disciple) for answers, this research will allow me to better explain Christlike living. I pray that this breakdown also helps you, too!
Christian Denominations (all are not included )
1) Assemblies of God
2) African Methodist
3) Baptist
4) Catholic
5) Charismatic
6) Charismatic Baptists
7) Church of Christ
8) Church of God
9) Church of God in Christ
10) Episcopalian
11) Evangelical
12) Lutheran
13) Methodist
14) Mormon
15) Nazarene Church
16) Non- denominational
17) Pentecostal
18) Presbyterian
19) Reformed Churches
20) Seventh Day Adventist
21) Vineyard movement
22) Wesleyan Church ...
Controversial Topics for Christians
1) Abstinence, birth control, abortion, and single parenting
*Sex is not meant to occur before a covenant is formed
*Biblical leaders did have sex outside of marriage
*Biblical leaders did have children outside of marriage
*Biblical men and women did raise children without a two parent household
*God opens wombs when the time is right
*Children are gifts
*Some children are brought into the world with more worldly favor than others though favor is God ordained (not man ordained)
*Children should be loved, and instructed
2) Marriage and divorce
*Marriage is a holy union
*Men are to be the head of the household
*Divorces should only take place in certain circumstances
*People may re-marry in certain circumstances
*Many Old Testament laws outline who should get married and how it should be done
*Sometimes marriages were arranged by family members with little to no say of the engaged couple
3) Women in leadership positions
*The Old Testament mentions that women shouldn't preach from the pulpit and that men are the teachers
*The New Testament applauds some women serving as leaders in the church
*See: Miriam, Deborah, Huldah, Priscilla, Phoebe, Aquila, Ruth, Mary, Sarah, and Esther
4) Cosmetic modifications
*Our bodies are God's temple
*Markings are discouraged
*Jewelry is mentioned as an adornment for women
5) Being wealthy, middle class, or poor
*Do not cherish worldly possessions
*Holy people come from all socio- economic statuses
*Money is a type of blessing
*Greedy living is discouraged
*The poor will always be on earth
*We are to give money to the church and the less fortunate
6) Homosexual people in the church
*All sinners are to repent and praise God
*All sins are equal and no humans are perfect
*Homosexuality is an abomination
*Marriage is to be between a man and a woman
7) Relationships with non-believers
*The Holy Spirit has the power to convict others and work through believers
*Christians must be cautious of their environments and the company that they keep
8) Celebrating holidays
*Gifts were presented to the baby Jesus
*Cultural festivals, traditions, and Jewish holidays occurred in the past
*Everything should honor God
9) Determining if decisions are from: self, God, or the devil
*Ask, seek, and knock for answers
*Fast and pray for enlightenment
10) Violence in order to attain a "greater good" (war)
*Holy wars are mentioned
*Peace and love are virtues
*Disobedience brings pain
*All things work together to promote God's ultimate purpose
*Christians must stand up for what is right and true
11) Death penalty
*Some criminals are put to death
*Some criminals are spore
*We are all deserving of death because of sin, but Jesus died to save all sinners
12) Suicide
*We are to honor God with our lives and our bodies
*Suffering is a part of life
13) Depression
*Biblical leaders have had depressed times
*Joy comes in the morning
*Hardships are to be expected (especially in Christlike lives)
*We do not always know the reason for our sorrow
14) Military service
*Armies are often involved in biblical stories
15) Drug and alcohol usage
*We are to respect the law
*All (legal) things should be enjoyed in moderation
*Wine is common during celebrations and suppers
*Be in control of your body
16) Separation of church and state
*God created everything (the church and the state)
*Local taxes are to be paid just as tithes are to be paid
*There are spiritual responsibilities and carnal responsibilities
More info to come!