Posted by Ray Kidder on 11/22/2008, 7:43 pm, in reply to "Faith alone theology"
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Jim,
Actually, I have heard that there are over 30,000 Protestant denominations, but I suppose this large number comes about when you consider how there are some independant individual churches such that each of these churches counts as a denomination.
Roman Catholics have pointed out how the nature of Protestantism has caused a proliferation of denominations. This makes sense when you consider how Protestants resist a sense of human authority for God-given leadership. It is as though a person's individual faith and beliefs alone can lead a person in their Christian life. If the person comes to believe their church is in error, and others in the church agree with him, they are likely to form a new denomination. Or, if the Protestant finds another denomination more tasteful, he may switch denominations without feeling as though he has left the faith. In Roman Catholicism, if there are differences of opinion, the Pope can weigh in and give an ex-cathedra proclamation. If the Pope doesn't decide, there is at least a sense that by being patient, the truth may be officially revealed. Also, if people leave the Roman Catholic Church to form their own denomination, I suppose such people will feel more guilty about the seperation since they consider church membership and affiliation more important that one's faith.
I am not sure about what I am writing about, so if anyone knows how I am wrong, please explain.
Ray Kidder
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