In Theory: Do religious denominations have a future?
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An author of Christian books believes that the end is nigh for denominations — and that maybe they shouldn’t even have a future. David Lose, who holds the Marbury E. Anderson Chair in Biblical Preaching at Luther Seminary, gives five reasons why he believes this in an article in the Huffington Post.
Lose says that the various Christian denominations are “incredibly confusing,” and that people with little knowledge of Christianity generally don’t know the differences between them — and don’t really care. He goes on to say that ethnic and cultural loyalties are often the biggest deciders when it comes to choosing a denomination; that maintaining denominational structures absorbs money that should be used for good works; and that political differences between denominations have surpassed theological ones.
Possibly his major point is the contention that the theological differences between some denominations are not only relatively minor, but “unintelligible to their own members,” and are so close that he regularly worships at churches outside his own with no qualms. He adds, “I’d give up denominational identity and structure in a heartbeat if it meant a more unified, comprehensible and compelling witness to the Gospel.”
Q: Does he have a point? Are denominations good, bad, or even doomed?
Lose has a point. And some of the denominations that exist now represent mergers of past denominations. My own denomination, the United Church of Christ, represents a merger of at least four denominations, the most recent merger occurring in 1957 when most of the Congregational churches merged with the Evangelical and Reformed to create the UCC. Add to that the fact that we in the UCC now officially recognize the Disciples of Christ so much that our preachers can preach in the DOC and their preachers can serve in the UCC.
In my own case, I grew up in a Presbyterian church and so feel at home in that denomination, but I went to seminary under the auspices of a Congregational/UCC church, and it was thus easier to get ordained in this denomination than as a Presbyterian. In my church and in the Presbyterian Church, as I remember it, the “feeling” is the same and many of the hymns are the same. So I’m going to have to say that David Lose may have more than only one point; he may have several.
What could happen down the road, in my opinion, is more denominational mergers. What I see is Presbyterians, Congregationalists (UCC), Methodists and liberal Baptists worshiping together with no problem, because all of those just mentioned are probably OK with a non-literal interpretation of Scripture, and I would say that most of the members of those denominations (repeat, most) don’t have a problem with openly gay people worshiping with them.
Again, in my opinion, Lutherans and Episcopalians are liberal enough to be included in the “chosen” mentioned above, but their forms of worship are probably too “high church” (read Catholic) to suit most of those Protestants. Nothing snide is intended in the Catholic reference, but most Protestants want to think for themselves and aren’t going to knuckle under to ecclesiastical authority.
Gee, now that I think about it, maybe David Lose is right on all points.
The Rev. Skip Lindeman
La Cañada Congregational Church
La Cañada Flintridge
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Good or bad, I believe that distinct Christian denominations are inevitable until Jesus Christ returns. Geography is one reason why, great numbers of Christians who live in distant areas spread across the world. Even early believers were distinguished by the cities in which they lived. Another reason is the widely varying languages and cultural traditions to which groups of believers are accustomed. Three distinct congregations meet in our church facilities. The only major difference is the language we understand. The effects of the Tower of Babel reverberate to this day.
Another practical reason is simply for the sake of agreeing on how we do what Christ commands. Communion once a day, or week, or month, or year? Baptism for adults or babies, immersion or sprinkling, three times forward and once backward? Even though much freedom is scripturally allowed, some folks simply have to do things a particular way. Better to meet with those who agree than to create dissension and be bad examples.
I strongly disagree that political differences between denominations have surpassed theological ones. In recent years several mainline denominations have abandoned Scripture as our authority, have morally compromised with the world regarding marriage and sexuality, and have even compromised the message that relationship with Jesus Christ is the only way to know God. Believers are commanded not even to associate with people like that (see 1 Corinthians 5:11 and 2 Thessalonians 3:14).
Ultimately, the church is Jesus’ body. He is the head. He will build his church, revive his church and reunite his church at his return. And I believe it’s worth trying to get along with each other until he does.
Pastor Jon Barta
Valley Baptist Church
Burbank
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My inbox testifies to the many denominations in the peace congregation. It seems to me that a many-faceted movement, one lacking strict unity, can also be comprehensive and compelling in message and in action. Variety is the spice of life and people who agree on core aims and beliefs can take different tracks on the journey, yet arrive at the same destination.
The important question is whether all these perhaps superficially diverse denominations, like sects of any movement, function effectively in working toward the shared goal. The proof is in the pudding; church members will determine the fate of the denomination structure in the same manner that I weigh in on the many political groups I get emails from with my participation and support, or lack thereof.
Roberta Medford
Atheist
Montrose
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I would agree with the observation made by Lose, that in the United States, most people currently joining churches today are not joining out of denominational loyalty and may not be aware of denominational doctrine positions.
However, while there have been significant shifts in attendance across denominational groups, denominations are far from dead. In fact, statistics from the Pew Research Center indicate that there are more than 1,500 different Christian faith groups in North America. The vast majority of American Christians (86%) identify themselves as being members of one of the four following broad church groups: Protestant evangelical, mainline Protestant, Catholic or unaffiliated.
I think denominations serve a useful purpose in the church. Each denominational group has a distinct culture and meets the needs of different people in society. For example, some people find the liturgical style of worship present in the Catholic, Anglican and Lutheran traditions most meaningful. Others prefer a more traditional, non-liturgical form of worship, and still others like a contemporary charismatic worship style.
Despite differences in worship style and some theological terminology, there is significant agreement across denominational groups on the key tenets of faith that lie at the heart of Christianity. The ability of Christianity to maintain this important unity of faith within its diversity is, I think, one of Christianity’s greatest strengths.
Worldwide, Christianity has never been so robust. I travel a lot internationally and am amazed at the present rate of growth of the Christian faith, particularly in Asia, Africa and South America. As more diverse cultural groups embrace Christianity, I anticipate there will be more denominations, not fewer; but I believe God loves the whole church, and the best is yet to come.
Pastor Ché Ahn
HRock Church
Pasadena
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Well, OK, let’s get rid of denominations. But let’s start with something a little less bureaucratically complicated — like, say, doing away with the two-party political system in America, or going to a single global currency.
Lose makes good points, absolutely. Even people in the pews can’t explain the differences in denominations these days, much less those outside the church or on its edges. No one who comes church-shopping cares about the finer points of church history and practice that define a denomination; they’re just looking for a place that feels right to them, and for a spiritual experience worth having.
And the gulf between liberal and conservative is wider within each denomination than the differences between denominations. Conservative Episcopalians have more in common with conservative Baptists than they do with liberal Episcopalians. Those of us on the liberal end of the spectrum even long for a publicly recognized, two-label language for Christianity, “liberal” and “conservative,” so that we wouldn’t have to keep saying all our qualifiers in a single breath: “Yes-I’m-Christian-but-not-like-the-mean-intolerant-ones-you-see-on-TV-not-all-Christians-are-like-that.” It’s hard to fit on a business card, too.
So sure, let’s do away with denominations and opt for a two- or three-camp system with big ideological labels instead. But let’s not hold our breath for that to happen in a timely way. Remember, the Eastern and Western churches split more than 10 centuries ago over the words ‘and the son.’ They haven’t found a way back together past the bureaucracy yet. By the time we sort out denominational politics, Jesus himself may have returned — or perhaps he would have to, to sort it out in person. If, that is, anyone would listen to him.
The Rev. Amy Pringle
St. George’s Episcopal Church
La Cañada Flintridge
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The author of the source article for this week’s question appears to be unbothered by his conclusion that Christians generally don’t know, and perhaps have little interest in, what their churches teach. He also seems to suggest that ignorance and indifference are not a problem. I find that troubling because more than anything else, he seems to be sounding retreat.
Religious doctrine teaches us the way back to the presence of God. Given that, it ought to be a matter of importance to people of faith. In a spirit of Christ-like love, doctrine is something that should be discussed, learned and taken seriously by followers, as well as their leaders. Even certain long-debated issues — faith versus works, for example — still deserve our consideration and study because they deal with our relationships with Christ and with our fellow travelers in mortality.
I can’t judge whether some Christian denominations are similar enough in their beliefs and practices that they could, or should, combine. This is a matter for the leaders and members of those denominations to decide.
Martin Luther’s effort in the 16th century to reform the Roman Catholic Church ultimately led to the creation of many new Christian sects. What these groups have in common is faith in Jesus Christ and dependence upon his love.
Like other Christians, the LDS people believe in Jesus, recognize him as their savior and make his atoning sacrifice the central focus of their worship. Within that framework, the church holds theological positions that would preclude it from ever relinquishing its denominational identity.
However, this hasn’t kept the LDS church from sharing its resources, both financial and material, with other denominations on important political and humanitarian issues. Partners in disaster relief and long-term projects in developing countries have included Catholic Relief Services, the United Methodist Committee on Relief, and Islamic Relief. Since 1985, the LDS church has contributed $1 billion in money and goods for humanitarian projects, often collaborating with organizations affiliated with other faiths.
I see no reason why this kind of cooperation can’t continue, or even expand, among religious groups, regardless of denomination.
Michael White
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
La Crescenta
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I recently addressed this issue before my congregation in light of the upcoming denominational conference to which they happily send me every year. The short answer is “yes, no, and no.”
Yes, denominations are good. You need them as long as truth and freewill continue. Pardon my analogy, but I liken them to burger joints. Among the restaurants we could list, fast-food hamburger drive-throughs are themselves a denomination, similar to Baptists, Congregationalists, Methodist, Episcopalians, etc, and they likewise exist in sub-denominations.
You might ask, “Why isn’t there just one Mega-Burger,” rather than the myriad expressions like McDonalds, Burger King, Carl’s Jr., Jack in the Box, Wendy’s, etc.? But if you patronize some over others, you acknowledge their worthwhile differences. By the way, In-N-Out Burger is also a Christian business; they stamp their cups and wrappers with inconspicuous Bible references. But though differences exist, all burger restaurants sell burgers, and all Christian denominations preach Christ (or at least they should).
I’ve read the points the author made, and I don’t think that unbelieving non-Christians should influence anything regarding denominations. Nothing is ever understood until someone gets involved, then it clarifies. I couldn’t tell you what distinctions differentiate Kiwanis from Rotary, but should my non-member ignorance determine their business? And the fact that baby Christians can’t tell you much about their church’s denomination isn’t so different than a kindergartner’s inability to explain long division.
Now, denominations do often lean somewise politically, but that’s because parties are more or less theologically relatable. Conservatives tend Republican and liberals, Democrat, yet neither political camp is fully biblical. Nonetheless, member churches gravitate to that which is most consistent with their Christian commitment (or at least they should).
So, no, denominations are neither bad nor doomed. They’ll continue as long as people believe in higher things, and when denominations abandon our biblical faith, others will branch off to replace them. That’s spiritual equilibrium. We find in 1 Corinthians 11:19, “there have to be differences among you to show which of you have God’s approval” (or at least there should be).
The Rev. Bryan Griem
Montrose Community Church
Montrose