Differences in Protestants

i thought the idea was that all people are born into sin and accepting jesus was the way to atone for it.

 

Sho 'nuff. But you can't ungay yourself, assuming it's a sin in the first place.

 

but you could live in denial your whole life... or you could just become catholic and say you're sorry before you die.

 

:xyzthumbs

 

That was very thought provoking. I really appreciate the answer. And it's basically where I stand, including the idea that homosexuality is merely another trait.
It's been very odd looking at the people in my life over the years that have cast aside God, in anger from one thing or another, of which I won't get into. But it's been on the deeper side of my spiritual journey, partly because that's where a lot of the questions I've come across have started. Anyway thanks.

 

God/some supreme being has proven Himself to me too many times to doubt. It's man I lack faith in.

 

Fred - that was very well put. Welcome back.

 

The 'major differences' really aren't all that major, generally speaking. Mostly it's a matter of focusing on different subtleties of the Bible and differences of interpretation of what I usually call "secondary doctrine". The things you list below as your personal beliefs are the foundational principles of Christianity. It's mostly what defines Christians as Christians. Those things do not waver from Christian church to Christian church.

But varying interpretations and levels of emphasis on things like baptism, the Sabbath, worship, and the definition of sin, combined with individual history and added traditions are what usually distinguish one denomination from another. Usually it boils down to much ado about not a whole lot.


...but not always.

Yes, though some favor one of those traits more than the others. Episcopalians are heavy on ceremony, worship and tradition. Lutherans and Methodists still value that, but are more relaxed and don't perform ceremonies as often. For example, I think most Episcopal churches serve Communion every week. The Methodist church I grew up in only had it once a month. The Baptist church I go to now offers it once every three months.

 

I don't know the exact differences between the denominations, and even if I did, not every church is going to follow it's denominational doctrine to the letter. It varies from church to church, especially in Methodist and Episcopal churches these days. There is a huge debate going on in those two particular denominations about homosexuality and the ministry. There's a big divide happening in the Methodist church right now, too, over women in roles of senior leadership (reverends).

Each denomination has its own history and traditions, but each church has its own personality. Plus, a church's personality will vary in direct relation to changes in its staff.

 

Wrong answer. :shakehead

I don't blame you.