<br /><br />Jason, I think that there are a lot of similarities in most churches that call themselves Chrisitian, and there are some PERCIEVED differences that cause squabbles simply because members don't really understand their differences. HOWEVER, there are some differences between religions that definitely seperate them from others. <br /><br />What each church believes, I think they each believe they are right about. When I was first converted, and the more I studied God's Word, the more amazed I was that some people actually could believe the things their religion was teaching!!!<br /><br />From reading this thread through a couple times, I believe that this is an extremely good sampling of the belief system that is held throughout the United States of America. I cannot qualify that, because I haven't lived all over the States. However, there is a pretty good mix of folks here from most states.<br /><br />The thing that binds most all denominations, that I am familiar with, is the teaching of the Trinity. I won't go in-depth at all, except to say that I personally, do not believe in it. <br /><br />Another thing that binds almost all those churches / faiths, is baptism utilizing the Trinity titles. Some feel baptism is critical to salvation and some do not. Some require baptism to be a member of their church, but do not believe it is required to go to heaven. Personally, I believe baptism is absolutely essential, and that one will not make it to heaven without it.<br /><br />Being raised UMC, I was taught that salvation was pretty much the same as the Baptists (I had three uncles whom were Southern Baptists, so I know some about them) and Catholics ( I have attended Catholic services, and my wife was a Catholic for many years before she converted), same as the Episcopalians and Lutherans, and a long list of others. Please...don't try to put words in my mouth as if I am running down those folks, That is my understanding, and I COULD be wrong...most of these teach that a person receives the Holy Spirit, but maybe in different ways, and some teach it is imperative, maybe even required, to be saved, and some teach it is just a gift, and one does not need to be filled with His Spirit to be saved. Some utilize statues and other things in their worship, while some do not allow music instruments in the church. All that being said, I applaud every one who practices their faith, and I hope and pray that every one who believes they are right, truly ARE right when they stand before God and are judged, according to Revelations...but, if people don't believe that those things are even important, as some have posted here, and they are free to worship whatever they please, then I can only hope they are right also...there is one thing that is certain about this life...it will end for us all, in some way! After that, no one of us can tell about.<br /><br />Thanks, Admins, for giving us the ability to post our heartfelt words here, and I want to say that if I have been an offense to anyone, I truly do apologize! Noone has offended me, incidentally, if anyone were wondering.<br /><br />Admin5 I read the scriptures you posted about, and if we were in a situation to discuss them, I would be happy to talk about what I believe they mean. <br /><br />JB, I am of strong Indian background, but I do not feel nor believe that the way the Indians worship is right, for me, and I believe that God will judge in His mercy, and whom He will save, He will save.<br /><br />I just pray I am right with God when all is sadi and done in this life!!! The only thing I am afraid of is that I would fall into willful sin, and not make it in the end. To that end, I guard my soul with all the fight I have in me, so not to, as Paul put it, become a castaway.<br /><br />Have a blessed day, all!!
