(De)Nomination

     "Is this non-denominational thing considered cool out here?" the woman asked me in her sweet Southern drawl.  She was new to California (my home state, where I still lived at the time).  She had asked me some advice about finding a church.  She had been part of a church she loved back home in the South  That church had had a rich history as part of a long-respected denomination.  Upon coming to California, she was surprised at the number of churches she encountered that were unaffiliated from any denomination she was familiar with.  She was furthered confused by the way churches that were affiliated with denominations seemed to de-emphasize it, often taking the denomination out of the church's name, or the church members quickly explaining, "I'm [fill in the denomination], but I don't really care about that, and no one at my church does either."  The thing that seemed oddest to her was that the Christians she met seemed to think of denominations as an offensive topic, and that being part of one was unbiblical  or unspiritual.  On the other hand, being nondenominational seemed to be considered deeply spiritual.  This was culture shock to her.  

    Talking to this new resident of my home state was eye-opening (and validating) about this topic of denominations, and non-denominationalism.  A few years later, my husband and I moved to the Midwest.  There, we found almost the opposite extreme in the Christian community.  Churches were deeply ensconced in their long-held traditions and denominations.  Many church members we met were quicker to identify as a Lutheran or a Methodist than as a Christian.  Denominations were a way of life.  

     Which of these extremes is right...or wrong?  Are both out of balance a little?  Can both be okay in their own way?  

     The dictionary definition of denomination is as follows: a recognized autonomous branch of of the Christian church.  In other words, it is an independent group of churches that are part of the larger Christian faith.  These denominations are all a result of church history through the years.  If we believe in Divine Providence, we have to believe God has been active throughout history, and behind the formation of these Christian groups.  

     What does the Bible say about the church?  Jesus Himself said in Matthew 16:18, upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of Hades will not overpower it.  Jesus has been building the church for over 2000 years.  There have been dark times in church history, when it seemed like the enemy was winning, but God was always in control.  In His Sovereignty, He has allowed different times of revival and movement, and the results of these often grew into denominations we are familiar with today.  I believe it is valuable to know church history, and the history of our individual churches, where they come from, and how God has worked in the past.  

    
     As history marches on, sometimes, great movements and works of God fall into disrepair.  Look at the ruins of Jerusalem in the book of Lamentations.  The people had forgotten their relationship with the Lord, and had worshiped idols.  God warned them repeatedly, but finally had to discipline them by letting their enemies (the Babylonians) attack them, and capture the majority of them.  Jerusalem was destroyed, including the beautiful temple Solomon had built.  The book of Lamentations is Jeremiah's mourning over this.  Something built in God's name came to destruction as people forgot God.  Eventually, Zerubabel rebuilt the temple (Ezra 3-6).  It was a new time.  God was at work in people's lives again.  I believe this is a picture of how history still works today.  

     When God has done amazing things in church history, churches, movements, and denominations have formed as a result.  This is a good thing.  It keeps the work alive.  It brings more people to the truth, and continues the blessing.  However, when people forget the Lord, corruption can come in.  Some Christian organizations and denominations have lost sight of where they came from, and have become corrupt.  Under that circumstance, it is understandable that some would want to distance themselves from that corruption, and want to be in a more "pure" form of Christianity, straight from the Bible.  Under those conditions, I completely agree with the idea of being non-denominational.  

     However, just because some denominations have gone bad does not necessarily mean they all have.  Many hold onto their history, and are constantly remembering what God has done for them.  Isaiah 46:9-10 says, Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me, Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure.  God has been orchestrating church history.  Remembering that is a good thing.  Being part of a denomination can bring accountability and support that are often absent in independent churches.  Also, being part of an established denomination often communicates to the community where the church stands on a particular issue.  Their theology is often understood.  

     Here are some objections I hear people make about denominations.  These are some things I have heard.  I'm going to address each.  

Denominations aren't biblical.  They didn't have them in the book of Acts.   Acts is the beginning of the story of the Christian church.  We can never be in that point in history again, because God, in His Sovereignty, did not place us there.  History has marched on, as it always does.  And even in the New Testament, we see different movements within the churches.  As for only wanting to do things found in the Bible, they didn't have indoor plumbing either...

Denominations divide Christians.  Sadly, this can and does happen, but it happens with nondenominationalism as well.  As a Southern Baptist from Southern California, I have often been snubbed by nondenominational believers who thought their nondenominational churches made them more spiritual or godly than me.  I attended an event at a church that is part of a big affiliation that won't admit to being a denomination, but operates like one.  Some folks from that church were very friendly to me at first, but when they asked me about my background and found out I wasn't from their affiliation, they questioned my salvation, and became much less friendly.  There can be a lot of snobbery in both denominations and independent churches.  This, too, happened in the Bible.  We read in First Corinthians 1 about Paul addressing some division that had arisen.  Verses 12-13 say, Now I mean this, that each one of you is saying, “I am of Paul,” and “I of Apollos,” and “I of Cephas,” and “I of Christ.” Has Christ been divided? Paul was not crucified for you, was he? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul?  Apparently, believers were dividing themselves based on who had led them to the Lord.  Sort of forming their own factions.  Some were snottily claiming they were from Paul, Apollos, or Cephas.  Today, this could be applied by people saying, "I'm a Presbyterian."  "I'm a Baptist."  or, "I'm Pentecostal."  But you will see it doesn't stop there.  Some of these New Testament believers arguing were saying, "I am of Christ."  Paul appears to be just as condemning of these people.  I would say those were the non-denominational types.  The ones who act like they're too spiritual to acknowledge those who came before.  Saying "I am of Christ," was snobbish, implying those who were of Paul, Apollos and Cephas weren't of Christ.  A better way to have said to would have been to remind them, "Hey we're all of Christ here, guys!"  The point here is that all of these people were wrong.  Division is wrong, but established denominations are not the only culprits.  I will add that, as a Southern Baptist, some of my best Christian friends have been Presbyterian, Pentecostal, and Lutheran.  Denominations don't have to bring division. It's not like we're part of rival high schools!  

Denominations take the focus off of Christ.  This can happen, and it is unfortunate when it does.  But it doesn't always happen.  Many denominations I know of work very hard to keep Christ the focus.  Non-denominational churches can just as easily lose focus.  The bottom line for me is that denominations are perfectly fine when they're in their proper place of priority.  I have seen them emphasized too greatly, but also completely shunned.  Neither extreme is right.  The same is true of nondenominationalism.  If a church, (or affiliation of churches that doesn't want to officially call itself a denomination) is focused on Jesus and following the Holy Spirit's leading, they can be wonderfully used by God.  It's all about focus.  

     Interestingly, theologian and professor Steven Harmon argues that "there's really no such thing" as a nondenominational church, because "as soon as a supposedly non-denominational church has made decisions about what happens in worship, whom and how they will baptize, how and with what understanding they will celebrate holy communion, what they will teach, who their ministers will be and how they will be ordered, or how they relate to those churches, these decisions have placed the church within the stream of a specific type of denominational tradition."  If a church wants to be unaffiliated, that is perfectly fine.  But by having any theological positions or practices at all, they have basically taken a denominational side, and there is nothing wrong with that.  They have determined which vein in church history they affiliate with.  The root is all in Christ, and that's what matters.  What counts is that your church was started by the movement of the Lord in a work that is bigger than just your church, and involves more people than just the ones in your congregation.  You are part of the body, as all believers are.  If you can be part of a denomination and keep the focus on Christ, and love those in other church traditions, that is wonderful.  If you can be part of a non-denominational church that recognizes that they are part of a bigger picture, that includes all believers (denominational or not), that is wonderful.  

     History marches on.  You are part of it.  Be that person who embraces what God is doing, but doesn't lose sight of what He has done.  

Affirming

     Open and Affirming.  Safe Spaces.  Accepting.  These are words we hear a lot nowadays.  They sound like nice words.  But what do they mean?  What does it mean to be affirmed?  Who is safe and accepted?  It stands to reason that if we need "safe spaces," then there are some people who are the reason others don't feel safe.  It follows that these people who make others feel unsafe aren't welcome in these safe spaces that have been created.  Are there safe spaces for them?  Do they matter?  Is there anyone to help and support them?  I'm going to go out on a limb here and say that it is impossible to create an environment where anyone and everyone can be affirmed, safe and accepted.  Furthermore, it is a person's own responsibility to be safe and accepted, not anyone else's (I'll return to that).  Even trying to create this type of environment is a farce, and I will illustrate why.  

     To illustrate my point, I'm going to share a few statements from some people who pride themselves on being inclusive.  

     A blogger who identifies as a Liberal Christian posted this in her blog's intro: [my family is] promoting gender and racial equity, living a Christianity that isn’t limited to the whims of Evangelicalism, and standing up to the moral cesspool that is the Trump administration.  Pretty strong words there.  In the same sentence, she talks about wanting to promote equality, then, in a rather superior and moralistic tone, takes down Evangelicals by implying their faith is based on whims instead of thought-out beliefs, and refers to anyone who supports President Trump as part of a cesspool.  Doesn't sound very equal to me.  She's only "equal" to the causes she agrees with.  That isn't equality.  It is elevating her causes above anyone who sees the world differently than she does.  By this statement, it is clear that she refuses to even consider that there might be good people who see the situation a little differently than she does.  That is very strong bias.  If someone used her same phrasing about someone's race instead of the Trump administration, there would be hell to pay, and rightfully so.  She isn't very broad-minded in her opinions about Evangelicals, or anyone who supports Trump.  It is okay for her to hold the views she does.  She is entitled to that.  My purpose here isn't even to refute her beliefs.  But her slanderous remarks illustrate perfectly that many who claim to value equality harbor hatred for those who hold different views on some of these issues.  My views differ from this blogger's--yours might not--but politics isn't my point here.  It is very possible for people of different views to have positive relationships and conversations.  My point here is that this blogger tries to sound so inclusive, but clearly isn't.  She uses negative, mean-spirited name-calling over positive, intellectual dialogue with people who have different views than her own.  She isn't the only one taking this approach of angry accusation.  

     A church in my hometown--one of the oldest in the city, with a beautiful historic building downtown--proudly boasts about being open and affirming.  Here are some things they say on their website.  First, they have a rainbow colored logo that says, Diverse, inclusive, accepting, welcoming, safe space for everyone.  If these words are literally true, and that is their actual philosophy, that would mean someone who believes in moral absolutes would be welcome there, as well as someone who doesn't.  It would mean people of all races are welcome, as well as racist people.  I mean, church is where the racist belong, so they can learn better, right?  Glad this church is so open to them coming.  It would also mean people who lost a family member on 9/11 and fear radical Islamic terrorism would be welcome, as well as a Muslim person (although a Muslim would be in a mosque, not a church).  Okay, we've seen and analyzed their inclusive logo.  They want anyone and everyone to come, supposedly.  Keep that in mind as you read on.

     This logo is on a recurring cycle, with seven different little sayings.  The next one after their rainbow message says, Fear intolerance, ignorance, injustice, hatred...NOT MUSLIMS.  

     Okay, now we see there are some people they won't welcome.  They won't tolerate people who are intolerant.  Think about that one.  They won't welcome ignorant people, which I find sad, because we are all ignorant about certain things.  Unjust and hateful people (again, exactly the type who really need to be in church) are unwelcome. This church has written off people who really need them.  But, ironically, it's open to Muslims (who have no desire to come!).  I have known some lovely Muslim people, many of whom were successful doctors and business owners.  They are deeply committed to their own religion, and couldn't care less that some "inclusive" church wants to make them a mascot for how tolerant they think they are.  From what I could gather, that kind of thing was a joke to them.  If I found out an Islamic mosque or a Hindu Temple or some other religious center had a big banner that said, "Don't be afraid of Christians," I wouldn't be flattered.  I'd laugh first, then feel patronized.  I would imagine that's how Muslims would feel upon reading this church's statement.  

     It's true that Muslim people shouldn't be feared.  They are precious people that Jesus died for, and Christians should love them and long to see them know Christ.  On the other hand, groups associated with Islamic extremism (which don't include most Muslim people) are a threat to be concerned about.  However, as Christians, we're told in Matthew 10:28, Do not fear those who kill the body but are unable to kill the soul; but rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.  None of the things mentioned on that list (intolerance, ignorance, injustice, hatred, or Islam) should be feared.  Only God has power over life and death.  

     As I said, that church's logo was on a recurring cycle, and changed seven times before restarting.  I won't go into every single one, but I will share one final image they show that once again refutes their claim to welcome everyone.  It says, Stand up to Transphobia.  So they welcome transgender people, but not those whom they consider transphobic, because that's apparently unforgivable.  They don't even say, "Try to help people come to understand transgenderism,"  They have basically written off those who oppose it, without the benefit of consideration.  For being an open safe space for everyone, they've sure slammed doors in a lot of faces.  Do you see how hypocritical that is?  

  Let's look at that.  First off, the term transphobia isn't fair.  The dictionary definition of the word phobia is: an extreme or irrational fear of or aversion to something.  I don't know anyone who has an irrational fear of somebody who claims to be transgender.  But then we read that the accepted definition of transphobia is: dislike of or prejudice against transsexual or transgender people.  Why have the word phobia as part of it if it has nothing to do with fear?  As an insult, that's why.  Many throw around words like fear and ignorance to insult people who are neither afraid nor uninformed.  I think that word transphobia in and of itself is prejudiced against people whose beliefs and philosophy don't agree with transgender lifestyle.  

     This post isn't really about transgenderism, but to give understanding, the issue isn't about accepting people for who they are, because I believe most of us want to do that.  It is really a much deeper issue, about worldviews.  No Christian I know of hates or fears people with gender dysphoria.  Most believers I know are loving and want to help.  I can't even begin to imagine what it feels like to be born with a body that feels wrong and disconnected from the person's psychology.  I confess there is a lot I don't understand about it.  I choose to show compassion, and validate their feelings and struggle.  However, as I compassionately listen and learn from them, my response to what they share will be different from what is being pushed in the mainstream nowadays. I will 100% acknowledge what they're experiencing, but at the same time, I will not change my mind in my belief that God didn't make a mistake when He created that person with the sex organs they have, and those sex organs, not their psychology, determines whether they are male or female.  Psalm 139:13 says that God created a person's inmost being, and knit them together in their mother's womb.  Genesis 1:27 says that God deliberately created people male and female.  Psalm 18:30 says, As for God, his way is perfect.  If you want to discuss this more in-depth, or want more scripture references, let me know in the comments.  My goal right here hasn't necessarily been to build a case in regards to transgenderism, but I needed to establish this as a worldview issue.  As such, it isn't possible for us to have a meeting of the minds with those who would tell a person that they should indulge their psyche over their biology.  It cuts both ways.  They are unwilling to meet me on my side either.  In fact, they portray me as a foolish but inconsequential bigot with a shotgun, ready to kill everyone who disagrees with me.  Being misrepresented like this is completely hypocritical, since they are so against anyone misjudging their favorite people.  

     Most Christians I know deeply love others, and want to see them joyfully in God's will.  From our study of the Bible, we believe God's will to be that they deny themselves, take up their cross daily (living with a body they feel confused about) and follow Jesus (Matthew 16:24).  Everyone else has to, so those who suffer from gender dysphoria don't get a free pass on that.  I have deep desires to eat gluttonously sometimes, but I need to deny myself, take up my cross (those cravings and even some emotional needs propelling them) and follow Jesus.  A friend of mine struggled with flirting with men who weren't her husband, and she had to deny herself, take up her cross (unfulfilled desires and attraction to men she wasn't married to) and follow Jesus.  All Christians are called to do that, regardless of struggle.  God is there to help us.  Jesus Himself understands the struggle of living in an insufficient body.  He was the all-powerful God, but relegated to a very limited human body.  He is everything anyone needs, including those with gender dysphoria.  His grace is sufficient (Second Corinthians 12:9).  

     Additionally, there is something strange to me about this church (and other groups) strongly affirming transgenderism.  They aren't just offering support to people we can all agree are struggling and need love.  There is an agenda being pushed.  I have known two very different people from two different universities in different states.  They never knew each other, or even that the other existed, but I knew both of them.  They both went to their university's counseling department because they suffered from depression.  Both of them were convinced that they were really transgender and just suppressing it.  This wasn't something they had ever considered, nor was there evidence in either of their lives that they had gender dysphoria.  Yet these counselors convinced them this was their real problem.  They preyed on already-hurting people, in ways that irreversibly ruined their lives and drove wedges between them and their families.  Also, in some of my research about transgenderism, I have found that some people who get diagnosed as having gender dysphoria are simply people who didn't fit all the stereotypes of their biological sex.  Girls who just had tomboy tastes were suddenly diagnosed to be transgender boys.  Artistic, sensitive males were considered to be transgender women.   I find this ridiculous.  Is wearing pink lacy dresses the only way to be a female?  Is being athletic and tough the only way to be male?  That is sexist logic I thought we, as a society, were beyond.  This is wrong and really has to stop.  People who actually have gender dysphoria should be lovingly heard out about it.  But I think the number of people being diagnosed should be looked into a little more deeply.  There is an agenda, and it is taking vulnerable people down a path from which it would be very difficult to return.  

     There's something else too.  These sins we have to deny don't define us.  I am not my battle with food.  My friend is not her battle with flirting.  People who struggle with gender dysphoria are not that struggle.  They are people Jesus loves, and most evangelical Christians want to show them that love, and help them fight the battle we're all really fighting.  We aren't angry or prejudiced, or wanting to harm these people at all.  For all of our struggles, we can't give in to the push for indulging one's urges when they go against God's will.  

     This church's website might claim to be all-inclusive, but they really only want to include people who agree with them--and their protected classes.  They're doing exactly what they're preaching against.  Their church isn't open and affirming to people of my worldview.  Neither are blogs that express hatred and bigotry against Conservatives.  If someone wants to be a true "liberal" they need to accept "everyone," not just their favorite target group.  In so many cases, these target groups aren't even beloved people to the ones defending them, but pawns and keys to power.   

     I went to three conservative Christian church's websites as well.  Two of them had a welcome to attend.  They made no swipes against, nor praises in favor of, any certain groups.  Anybody reading the website was made to feel welcome and invited.  One of these two was also very intentional about sharing their basic beliefs, but even in that, it was general, focused on Jesus and the Bible, not social issues.  There was no sense in which some were presented as more "equal" than others.  The third conservative church I examined was a little too detailed in it's statement of beliefs.  There was a whole article, longer than this blog in some cases, about every conceivable issue and the church's view on it.  I felt it was overkill.  It's good to have beliefs about these things, but reading about it in that much detail (such as why they believe psychology is evil and only consider nouthetic counseling to be appropriate, or their very specific views on alcohol consumption) could be very alienating to people who are just checking the church out, possibly not even having a background in these things.  The first thing should be Jesus, and people need to be introduced to Him.  The conservative churches I have observed over the years are much more "open and affirming" to regular humans, without pushing an agenda.  

     

     Think about normal places you go every day.  The grocery store.  The dentist.  The post office.  Do these places boast of being "open and affirming?"  I've never seen that.  People can go in, do whatever business they have, possibly rub shoulders with a few other folks, and then go home.  People from all walks of life, belief systems, and politics go to these places.  They come together, without their differences mattering.  Without an effort being made, these places are truly open, and safe for all.  They obviously can't perfectly be that 100%, since people are sinful, and bring their sinful selves with them wherever they go.  Sometimes, people are hurtful.  But as a general rule, people who are on totally opposite ends of every spectrum can go to these and other places and have a good experience getting business taken care of.  These places are not pushing any sort of agenda, nor are they putting forth efforts to be "open and affirming."  They simply are.  

     As I said in the beginning, feeling safe is one's own choice.  Go places you enjoy and feel validated and encouraged.  If someone is hurtful to you, remove yourself from them.  Also realize, it's not all about you.  Allow yourself to be around situations that challenge and mature you as well.  

     "Inclusive" people are often as narrow-minded and bigoted as they accuse others of being.  Be truly inclusive.  Treat people with kindness.  Reach out on a human level in ways anyone will relate to.  Share your faith with them.  Pray for them.