Local Church Discussions - View Single Post - Denominations

Cal · 04-27-2016, 09:04 PM

There are two ways to look at it. One, as you suggest, denominations are good because at least you know what you are getting when you go there. It’s sort of like wanting a hamburger and seeing a McDonald’s and a Burger King. You know what you are getting when you go to either one. At McDonald’s you will get McDonalds-ish hamburgers and at Burger King you will get Burger King-ish hamburgers. The certainties outweigh the possibilities. But suppose you drive by a restaurant whose sign just says “Hamburgers.” What are you getting? Hamburgers, yes. But what kind? What are their characteristics? The possibilities outweigh the certainties.

The word “denomination” means “having a name” and the LC tries to get a lot of distance out of this by saying they don’t have a name. But in fact a denomination is just an identifiable brand of Christianity. The name identifies the brand, but the important thing is not the name, but the brand. So there is no doubt the LC is a denomination, as it is a very distinct brand. They like to think their defining characteristic is “Christ.” But actually their defining characteristic is Witness Lee-ish Christianity.

On the other hand, the advantage of non-denominational churches, though not always, is that the brand is less distinct. And so the possibilities are more varied for what you can get and do there. Whereas with a denomination the possibilities are more limited, because the brand is more defined.

So like branded hamburger restaurants, denominations serve a purpose. You know what you are getting when you go there. Whereas, when you go to a non-denominational church, you may not know what to expect.

Alas even a simple presentation may not guarantee a less distinctive approach--as in the case of the LC, where a façade of benign generality hides the fact of rigid specificity.

So, no, I don't think denominations are "bad." I do think some can get so distinctive that they are intolerable for some believers. That's why I like simpler churches. But that's my taste. I shouldn't insist on it.

04-27-2016, 09:04 PM	#4
Cal Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: USA Posts: 4,333	Re: Denominations — Really Bad? There are two ways to look at it. One, as you suggest, denominations are good because at least you know what you are getting when you go there. It’s sort of like wanting a hamburger and seeing a McDonald’s and a Burger King. You know what you are getting when you go to either one. At McDonald’s you will get McDonalds-ish hamburgers and at Burger King you will get Burger King-ish hamburgers. The certainties outweigh the possibilities. But suppose you drive by a restaurant whose sign just says “Hamburgers.” What are you getting? Hamburgers, yes. But what kind? What are their characteristics? The possibilities outweigh the certainties. The word “denomination” means “having a name” and the LC tries to get a lot of distance out of this by saying they don’t have a name. But in fact a denomination is just an identifiable brand of Christianity. The name identifies the brand, but the important thing is not the name, but the brand. So there is no doubt the LC is a denomination, as it is a very distinct brand. They like to think their defining characteristic is “Christ.” But actually their defining characteristic is Witness Lee-ish Christianity. On the other hand, the advantage of non-denominational churches, though not always, is that the brand is less distinct. And so the possibilities are more varied for what you can get and do there. Whereas with a denomination the possibilities are more limited, because the brand is more defined. So like branded hamburger restaurants, denominations serve a purpose. You know what you are getting when you go there. Whereas, when you go to a non-denominational church, you may not know what to expect. Alas even a simple presentation may not guarantee a less distinctive approach--as in the case of the LC, where a façade of benign generality hides the fact of rigid specificity. So, no, I don't think denominations are "bad." I do think some can get so distinctive that they are intolerable for some believers. That's why I like simpler churches. But that's my taste. I shouldn't insist on it.