Church
Church is often associated with the term “old religion”. In the United States we tend to have “tunnel” understanding when it comes to “old religion”. Americans seem to think only in the frame of Judaism and Christianity. However if we expand our vision, to a worldwide view we must include other “old religions”, such as Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism, Sikhism, Zoroastrianism, Confucianism, Taoism, Shintoism, and Islam. These are all important as many of the Eastern religions play a significant role in the rise of newer religions.
Church is perhaps a familiar word to most of the world’s inhabitants. Although the connotations may differ. To the sociologist, church as it pertains to the Western world, has the traditional meaning of a place of worship, generally referring to both the Jewish and Christian faiths.
A church is also a religious organization claiming to have the truth, although its membership often comprises a very broad variety of people. For example, Roman Catholic is an immense church-type group having many different social groups operating under its canopy.
Church can and often does, refer to a particular group of sect of Christians, such as the Mormons or The Church of Latter Day Saints.
Lastly there is the biblical definition of church, meaning everyone who has become a believer in Jesus Christ, and have been saved by His blood from their sins.
The biblical church is the body of all true believers, everywhere in the world. There is no separation by denomination, sub-divisions, or sects. Christ is the head of this church (Ephesians 5:23).
Mainline
With the rise of new religions the term “mainline” religion is frequently incorporated in discussions of religion or spiritualism. For this reason, mainline has to be defined. Basically mainline is a well-established and well-accepted church or religion which incorporates the values of the majority. There is a cooperation among other mainline groups despite differences in doctrines or beliefs. For example, in the United States, Catholics get along agreeably with Protestants. And both Catholics and Protestants are cooperative with those embracing the Jewish faith.
Denomination
When a mainline church divides among its members, the subdivision is known as a denomination.
There are a multitude of denominations with the Protestants. A partial list:
- Episcopal
- Lutheran
- Baptists
- Methodists
- Assembly of God
- Nazarene
- Christian and Missionary Alliance
- Four Square
- Pentecostal
- Brethren
- Messianic
- United Church of Christ
Within the Jewish faith there are three subdivisions:
- Orthodox
- Conservative
- Reform
Nearly all denominations will tolerate other religious ideas claiming to have the truth. There is a conscious effort by members to avoid conflicts with other religious bodies.
Evangelical and Pentecostal
In the nineteenth and twentieth centuries Protestants witness the emergence of two distinct groups: Evangelicals and Pentecostals (Charismatic’s).
A sub-denomination was born. But why the break? Breaks in religious groups generally occur over differences in doctrine or beliefs. Both Evangelicals and Pentecostals believe the Bible as God’s Holy Word. But there are areas each maintain as being more important; it is these areas which has caused the division.
Pentecostals
Pentecostals also know as Charismatic’s, believe all Christians should seek post-conversion religious experiences similar to the experience that the original twelve disciples experienced at Pentecost as described in Acts (Chapter 2):
When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in tongues (languages) as the Spirit enabled them.
Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven. When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment because each one heard them speaking in their own language. NIV
Pentecostalism emphasizes the ability of speaking in tongues, prophesying and healing. It shares with the holiness movement its emphasis on biblical literalism, conversion and moral rigor. (The holiness movement was characterized by the doctrines of sanctification. Believers were enabled to live a perfect life after a conversion experience).
Evangelism
Evangelists stress conversion experiences such as being “born again”. The most familiar Scriptural passage regarding this phrase, born again, is in the Gospel of John (chapter 3). This chapter gives the account of Nicodemus, a member of the Jewish council, coming to Jesus at night to ask him questions about his teachings and the miraculous signs he had been performing. Nicodemus asked about the kingdom of God.
Jesus made this reply, “I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.” (vs. 3). Nicodemus asked the logical question, “How can a man be born when he is old?” (vs. 4). Jesus answered, “…Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit.” (vs. 6)
