Sunday, June 14, 2009

 

Sunday Reflection: Denominational Mismatches

Through the course of my life, I have principally worshiped with Congregationalists, Quakers, and Baptists. It's not as strange as it might seem-- all of these groups allow for a broad range of individual thought and belief.

However, I know many people whose beliefs don't match their denomination. I know some Baptists who long for a magisterium, and Catholics who don't believe in most of the distinctive beliefs of that church. These mismatches become more apparent as I get to know people.

I really don't have much insight into how this comes about. Are you a mismatch? If so, how did that happen?

Comments:
Yes, I'm a member of a Presbyterian church, which is how I grew up and where I am usually most comfortable, but today went to an Episcopal service because i miss the formality and privacy and mystery of their service sometimes, and I like the music better.

I am wildly heart-on-sleeve in most areas of life, to a fault, but not in religious expression, and I never feel completely at home in my own denomination's worship practice--or in any one denomination's practice. Today was definitely an Episcopal day.
 
I hate other unbelievers, so I'd say so. Dan Dennett, Chris Harris and Richard Dawkins bother me to no end.

I also make a terrible Viking. For instance, despite living by the sea, I have yet to put together a band of reavers and raid the Mexican sea coast. If Odin were the smitin' kind, I'd probably be afraid. I do have one hell of a mead hall, though.
 
Lane--

What about the dude who wrote the weird atheist book with Douglas Adams? I saw it at Barnes and Noble the other day, and I couldn't help laughing. Why isn't he on your hated list? Or is he, and I just don't know his name?

Oh yeah, and it doesn't matter if you are able to sail if you pillage a lot and you at least own a boat with a dragon's head carved on the front.
 
SG,

You're welcome to join me at one of the world's most informal and relaxed Episcopal Churches ever. We still have bells, and sometimes smells, a nice procession and communion every week, but we also everything from onion flavored communion bread (an accident) to people who get up and make random announcements in the middle of the service (kind of like the Prof's Quaker services).
 
IPLG--

I think that only happened in Quaker meeting when you were visiting. And... didn't you actually do that at least twice in Philly?
 
IPLG, the onion flavored communion bread might just get me there . . . on a non-incense Sunday . . .
 
Could it be cheese onion bread, or is that just going too far? LOL

As a Roman Catholic raised by a pentecostal evangelist, I have many many ideas that the Church might take issue with, but I go where I feel I belong and agree with the most important stuff (tres subjective, I realize). I do not feel the sense of place in an Assembly of God church, although I do often feel the spirit of the Lord there and in may other dwellings. :)
 
With 2500 Protestant denominations in USA, is it any wonder people feel mismatched on occasion?
 
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