Is there such a thing as a non-evangelical Christian church?

[clarabelle]

Thank you all for your explanations. Unfortunately, nothing has been cleared up for me. I am still as confused as ever. Not that it matters since I know exactly where I belong.

It has gotten kind of muddled hasn't it? I think that it comes down to there is a huge variance between Christian religions and we don't all think that you have to "make a decision" to go to Heaven.
I think that one of the reasons I want to post on these kinds of threads is that I have this thing about people assuming I believe or feel someway that I don't. I imagine it is that way with most religions. There is a "stereotypical" version of something that often does not match up with the experience of the individual.

 

[mickeyfan2]

John 3
Jesus Teaches Nicodemus
1Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a member of the Jewish ruling council. 2He came to Jesus at night and said, "Rabbi, we know you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the miraculous signs you are doing if God were not with him."
3In reply Jesus declared, "I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again." 5"no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit. 6Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit.

But where does it have to happen?

I believe that one must do these things to enter into heaven, BUT Jesus never said we must do them on the earth, so then one must be able to do them after their earthly death, so anybody of any religions can get into heaven, just not as quickly after an earthly death.

 

[CEDmom]

I'd definitely try an Episcopal Church. We welcome everyone . What you really want is to find a connection with the minister and the congregation. That's going to be more meaningful than the type of church. We stopped going to one Episcopal Church (my religion) because it stated to get too new age for us. We then went to the Catholic Church (DH and DD's religion) but left partly because we moved but mostly because our Priest moved and we really didn't like the new one. We're now at a new Episcopal Church and love it. Everyone is so welcoming. The congregation is a nice mix of families, young singles and older couples.

 

[goofy's friends]

Thanks, Nate and Jenny for the explainations. Something I have always wondered about.

FT, It sounds like you are open to new ideas and so is your DH. Surely, by looking and visiting together, you can find somewhere that you can both grow in. I agree with those that say you can't blindly choose a denomination, they are (individual churches) all different. I, too, am Baptist but our church is very contempoary. People are surprised when they visit since there is a certain idea of "Baptist"

Now, any suggestions for churches in the Olympia area???

 

[goofygirl]

Another vote for the Episcopal Church here.

Part of the appeal for me was that they don't go "recruiting" people.

They did not seek me. I sought them out, and I stayed.

I used to have a stereotype in my mind of what "church people" were like, and the Episcopal Church shattered every negative stereotype I had in my head.

It's worth it just for the wine



"The Episcopal Church Welcomes YOU!"

 

[newman7501]

Jumping into this conversation very late but I read these post and was fascinated. I grew up in the United Church of Christ and also went through confirmation in 8th grade. We did the same as they do in the Catholic Church by admitting we believe in Jesus Christ as our saviour. However a few years before that I accepted and declared that I believed Christ was my savior and that He died on the cross to forgive my sins. This was at a youth event at that church. They did not refer to it as saved and I never really considered it that until many years later. I just knew what I believed in at a very early age. I did slip away from my beliefs through my late teen, early college years but started to attend church again with my now husband, then boyfriend. He grew up in Assemblies of God(pentacostal) church and the first time I went I was freaked out, they didn't try to push Jesus on me or anything like that, but if you've ever been to a pentacostal church you know what I am talking about. It was foriegn to me but the pastor was fabulous and besides a few kooks(which you will find in any church) the people were genuine and kind and friendly. Needless to say this has been my church for over 10 years and I have learned a lot of things. We focus on Lifestyle evanglism, that is living a life where people will look at you an say there is something different about that person. For me and us, it is really about our personal relationship with Christ. I am sorry for going away from the OPs question but to answer it every congregation is different even within the same denomination. I guess a good starting point would be to visit the webpages of different denominations, narrow it down to a few, then try a few different churches in your area in those denominations and pick the one both you and your husband feel most at home in.

 

[BelleBoo&AmisMum]

As a general rule of thumb, if the building is bigger than the ones at Microsoft - run away! (City Church, Overlake Christian, you know, the ones roughly the size of Belle Square)

I grew up going to Unitarian churches, DH catholic. We can't agree on a church to save our lives, good thing I'm not a big churchy person!

 

[JudicialTyranny]

Catholics are much like Jewish people in the fact that you are just sorta born into it. There isn't a deciding moment.

For many this is true, but not for all Catholics. I am Catholic and my wife converted to Catholicism after we had been married for about 7 years. I didn't ask her to do it, she wanted to.

I've also read about some individual, entire Protestant congregations joining the Catholic church, usually due to various positions taken by the leadership of their denominations. They found they were more in tune with the traditional and admittedly more conservative positions of the Catholic Church.

But as for the original poster, it really depends on what you mean by "evangelical". As many have said, all Christian churches are "evangelical", in that Jesus invited the apostles to be "fishers of men".

I think what the OP means by "evangelical" may be the amount of pressure or expectation there is to participate or be involved in the worship, or if there is lots of "fire and brimstone" at the service.

I'm no expert on Protestant denominations, but Lutheran would probably qualify - I've been to a few Lutheran services and they seemed very low key and traditional - alot like a Catholic mass.

I'd also suggest the Catholic church - in the USA, there is very little evangelizing. (Today, much of the Catholic evangelical activities are being done in Africa. Catholic evangelical activities usually involve opening schools and hospitals.)

Services are pretty low key. While you'd be expected to sit, stand, and kneel at a Catholic mass, there wouldn't be any pressure to participate (sing or recite prayers) - heck, half the Catholics don't even do that.

There's usually no pressure to convert - between dating and marriage, my wife and I were together for almost 20 years before she decided to convert. We were even married in the Catholic church and she wasn't asked to convert.

 

[Buckalew11]

There is a "stereotypical" version of something that often does not match up with the experience of the individual.

As a Southern Baptist, that is exactly what I was thinking as I read this thread.

On the CB, we have already done the "born again" thread. It went on for pages and pages. Followers of Christ believe in His actions on the cross were for a reason and that was for salvation.

No matter what religion, no matter what denomination, no matter what church you get involved with, all people do not experience God the same way. You can ask a question and get many different answers even from people who *think* they believe much the same. So each person won't be the stereotypical version of any denomination.

 

[my4kids]

I'm Southern Baptist & this is indeed what we believe. We get that term from this Scripture:

John 3
Jesus Teaches Nicodemus
1Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a member of the Jewish ruling council. 2He came to Jesus at night and said, "Rabbi, we know you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the miraculous signs you are doing if God were not with him."
3In reply Jesus declared, "I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again." 5"no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit. 6Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit.




Yes, we do believe that there is that moment when a person makes a conscience decision, but the Scripture also encourages us to "work out your salvation" (do good works, strive for spiritual maturity), hence, "being saved." We also believe that we "will be saved" from God's Wrath. Where we differ from Catholics (and others) is, we believe the individual must "choose" Jesus.

I think it is interesting that when Jesus said this, there was no "Born-Again" church yet...and there were no protestant churches yet either. Heck the Catholic church was just starting. Did someone read this Bible verse,take it extemely literally and say, "Oh, I need to be born-again to be saved, then I am going to call my church the Born-Again church, and we will be Born-Again"? Catholics believe this same scripture as the word of God, but we read it as we are born again at baptism. Born again as in washed of original sin. So we catholics believe we are born again. (When a Born-Again asks me how I know that I'm saved I always say "Because Jesus Christ died on the cross for me and I was Born-again at baptism. It always stumps them, and they walk away shaking their heads. we also have to stay in God's grace to be saved there after. If a mortal sin is commited we would need to attend the sacrament of Reconciliation (confession) where we confess to God our sins and sorrow for them, and do a penance and promise God that we will not commit them again. And since God is forgiving, we can again enter his grace. Can a Born-Again proclaim Jesus as their savior and then go commit murder and still be saved? I never understood this.

When Jesus said you need to be born again - he wasn't speaking of a specific religion you need to be to be saved. He was saying you need to be baptized.

 

[my4kids]

IMO yes, that would make them Catholic. I still say I'm Catholic for that very reason. I haven't made a decision about my faith but I'm sure people consider me Catholic because my family is. Personally, I'm leaning towards Judaism.

I still say Episcopalian

I would call you "baptized Catholic, currently not practicing"

to me a Catholic is in Mass every Sunday.

 

[mariolatry]

Here's my attempt at getting back on topic....

If you are considering "evangelical" to be the kind of "us vs. them" religion that rigidly interprets the Bible and is out to gain converts before they're doomed to eternity in hell, I would recommend these denominations to avoid the evangelical mindset. This has just been my personal experience.

Unitarian Universalist-they're much more focused on spirituality than Christianity, per se. They often use secular music or readings, or alternative spiritualities to discover new paths to God

United Church of Christ/Congregationalists- I grew up in the UCC church. Very positive experience. I just started attending a UCC church again. We have a partnership with a local Jewish synagogue and share services and social events.

Methodist- Attended a Methodist church in college and got married in one. Methodists believe that everyone has to create their own personal relationship with God. They believe in accepting responsibility for your own spirituality and leading via good works, rather than bashing people over the head with a Bible.

Presbyterian- also had a positive experience here

Episcopal- Very spiritually forward people as well.

In the experiences I had with these churches, they were much more focused on practical spirituality than in what the Bible said about archaic rules. They were focused on making the world a better place through works. They were also very affirming to all races, all sexual orientations, all religions.
You may have to investigate within the denominations as the congregation, clergy, etc. color then experience.

 

[my4kids]

Wait, I'm confused again. Didn't people just finish telling me that catholics are not "saved"

Oh my you are confused. Catholics are Christians. Therefore we are saved (As long as we are good people and stay in God's grace). We do not believe that just because we were born or converted to Catholicism that we are automatically on the express elevator to heaven. We need to stay in God's Grace. If we commit a sin, we need to confess it to God (through Reconciliation) and promise not to do it again. We as Christians believe God is a loving and forgiving God and we will be forgiven and enter back into His Grace.

I think you misread some posts about Born-Again Christians (and Southern Baptists) who think that when Jesus said to enter the Kingdom of Heaven you need to be Born Again, and they take that literally and think that only people in their church are heading on the express elevator. We think that Jesus said Born-Again referring to being Born-Again at Baptism and washed of original sin. Also you might have misread the posts about a Catholic will never ask you if you are saved. We believe we are saved by Jesus, but we don't necessarily think that only Catholics can enter Heaven. Therefore, we don't go out actively trying to convert. (we are happy to welcome all to our religion however if that is what they choose) But the short anwer is yes Thank You Jesus, we are saved.

 

[my4kids]

I always love hearing your explanations. I was raised Baptist and I too spent my childhood believing that Jesus died for me and is mt savior. But I did have a moment of deciding to live for Him. I think everyone's "salvation" is between them and God and no one can judge anyone else's salvation. That said, I thought that the main difference between Catholism and other Christian denominations was the emphasis on Mary and other Saints being as important as Jesus. Correct or not?

UHHGGG! the A #1 misconception about the Catholic church!

No - we do not see Mary and the Saints as being as important as Jesus.

#2 misconception - We do not pray to or worship statues.

As Jenny and others already pointed out...We see Mary as a very Holy woman who was the Immaculate Conception (Conceived and Born without original sin) She was going to be the Mother of Jesus, therefore God made her Immaculate. (That is the #3 misconception - that the Immaculate Conception was the conception of Christ. It actually refers to Mary's Conception)

We believe Mary is with Jesus in Heaven, hears us when we pray to her (much like you may talk or "pray" to a relative who has passed away) and that she will in turn "pray" to Jesus for us. Like a friend may pray for you. Buy we still see Jesus as Lord.

We also believe that the Saints are in heaven with Jesus and also can pray to him for us or with us. Again, just like asking a friend to pray for you (but hey, these friends are up there with Him). We do see them as Holy people and role models for our lives. Many times when we may be reflecting on the life of a Saint or asking for their prayers we may have a picture or statue that we can look at as a reminder of them. (Just like you may have pictures of loved ones or people you admire in your house) But we DO NOT worship them.

 

[Alex2kMommy]

I just wanted to add one more note about the Unitarian Universalist - This church is accepting of all faiths. You can remain Jewish or Catholic or many other faiths and attend this church; it doesn't change your faith nor does anyone try to. The minister uses teachings from many different religions and philosophies.

I am not a religious person and neither is DH, but we were married by a Unitarian minister. He did a lovely ceremony incorporating a few Native American poems that we requested.

 

[Saxsoon]

The church does NOT teach that Mary and the saints are more important than Jesus...You will find some individual Catholics and even the occasional Catholic Church that focuses on the saints or mary more than they should...That is not official teaching however..Mary and the saints are meant to be intermediaries and in a way roll models for living a good life..A Catholic may ask Mary to intercede with God for them,in the way other Christians ask thier friends to pray for them...As Catholcis believe that the dead are *alive* and in Gods presence it's no different than asking anyone else for prayers...Of course some do take things to far..

Very true, but sadly you still have those that see Mary in a piece of chocolate and turn it into a Catholic Mecca. I know not all Catholics are like this.

 

[Saxsoon]

I think it is interesting that when Jesus said this, there was no "Born-Again" church yet...and there were no protestant churches yet either. Heck the Catholic church was just starting. Did someone read this Bible verse,take it extemely literally and say, "Oh, I need to be born-again to be saved, then I am going to call my church the Born-Again church, and we will be Born-Again"? Catholics believe this same scripture as the word of God, but we read it as we are born again at baptism. Born again as in washed of original sin. So we catholics believe we are born again. (When a Born-Again asks me how I know that I'm saved I always say "Because Jesus Christ died on the cross for me and I was Born-again at baptism. It always stumps them, and they walk away shaking their heads. we also have to stay in God's grace to be saved there after. If a mortal sin is commited we would need to attend the sacrament of Reconciliation (confession) where we confess to God our sins and sorrow for them, and do a penance and promise God that we will not commit them again. And since God is forgiving, we can again enter his grace. Can a Born-Again proclaim Jesus as their savior and then go commit murder and still be saved? I never understood this.

When Jesus said you need to be born again - he wasn't speaking of a specific religion you need to be to be saved. He was saying you need to be baptized.

I know a few friends who are athiests that no longer believe in even a creator, let alone Jesus as their savior. I am pretty sure they and many others that left the church were baptised, but no longer in Christ. Will they go to heaven, even though they don't even think Jesus existed? If they were baptised at birth, what is the point, as there is no meaning in it.

I wish baptism were saved till a certain age, then it actually means something. I think there needs to be a conscious decision to accept Christ, not just going through the motions.

 

[Aidensmom]

I think it is interesting that when Jesus said this, there was no "Born-Again" church yet...and there were no protestant churches yet either. Heck the Catholic church was just starting. Did someone read this Bible verse,take it extemely literally and say, "Oh, I need to be born-again to be saved, then I am going to call my church the Born-Again church, and we will be Born-Again"? Catholics believe this same scripture as the word of God, but we read it as we are born again at baptism. Born again as in washed of original sin. So we catholics believe we are born again. (When a Born-Again asks me how I know that I'm saved I always say "Because Jesus Christ died on the cross for me and I was Born-again at baptism. It always stumps them, and they walk away shaking their heads. we also have to stay in God's grace to be saved there after. If a mortal sin is commited we would need to attend the sacrament of Reconciliation (confession) where we confess to God our sins and sorrow for them, and do a penance and promise God that we will not commit them again. And since God is forgiving, we can again enter his grace. Can a Born-Again proclaim Jesus as their savior and then go commit murder and still be saved? I never understood this.

When Jesus said you need to be born again - he wasn't speaking of a specific religion you need to be to be saved. He was saying you need to be baptized.

I know your post is not truly literal, but I am just wondering about this part (whether it is what you intended to mean or not, not trying to single you out). Is there such a church as the Born Again church, is that a denomination? Sometimes reading these threads it seems like that is what people mean, but I have never seen a church of that denomination.

If someone were to ask me if I was born again, my answer would be "Yes", but I don't even belong to ANY denomination, and don't think that people have to go to my little old non-denominational church to be born again, and I don't think God gives any thought to what denomination anyone is. On any of these threads that lead this way, I always wonder what people are really talking about when they refer to a "born again" Christian.

 

[Buckalew11]

I know your post is not truly literal, but I am just wondering about this part (whether it is what you intended to mean or not, not trying to single you out). Is there such a church as the Born Again church, is that a denomination? Sometimes reading these threads it seems like that is what people mean, but I have never seen a church of that denomination.

If someone were to ask me if I was born again, my answer would be "Yes", but I don't even belong to ANY denomination, and don't think that people have to go to my little old non-denominational church to be born again, and I don't think God gives any thought to what denomination anyone is. On any of these threads that lead this way, I always wonder what people are really talking about when they refer to a "born again" Christian.

 

[jimmiej]

Oh my you are confused. Catholics are Christians. Therefore we are saved (As long as we are good people and stay in God's grace). We do not believe that just because we were born or converted to Catholicism that we are automatically on the express elevator to heaven. We need to stay in God's Grace. If we commit a sin, we need to confess it to God (through Reconciliation) and promise not to do it again. We as Christians believe God is a loving and forgiving God and we will be forgiven and enter back into His Grace.

This is another area (some?) evangelicals disagree with Catholics. We believe a person who made a genuine commitment to Christ cannot lose their salvation. We base this on Ephesians 2:8-9, I Corinthians 3:10-14 among others.

I think you misread some posts about Born-Again Christians (and Southern Baptists) who think that when Jesus said to enter the Kingdom of Heaven you need to be Born Again, and they take that literally and think that only people in their church are heading on the express elevator.

I was the one quoting the Scripture you speak of (and I do take it literally), but no one said anything about having to belong to a certain church or denomination. Where'd you get that? One's denomination matters not as far as salvation. It's all about what you do with Jesus, IMO.