Non-Denominationalism. "We are because we are not."

"Is your church non-denominational?"

When I tell people about my church, that's a typical question. Either that, or simply, "What denomination are you?"

What does that mean? And why is it such a common question?

Christianity as a faith tradition is very broad. Under that large umbrella title are at least three major headings: Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox and Protestant. All three of these align on primary doctrinal issues. Within Protestantism there are a ridiculous number of denominations, or smaller groups that define themselves on secondary doctrinal issues. Some of the more popular (aka "mainline") include Lutheran, Methodist, Baptist, Anglican, Reformed and so on.

The majority of these denominations have their roots in the 15th-17th centuries. When Christianity was a majority religion it made sense that each group with a slightly different interpretation on the lesser items of Scripture would have its own building and format. In effect, each group splintered off until the shards of Protestantism were scattered across the world.

We've reached an interesting point in church history. In most of the world, Christianity is no longer a majority religion. Even in the USA, it seems that every religion is tolerated, unless you're Christian. The shift from majority to minority has also resulted in smaller churches trying to survive, and it's just not happening. Churches close all the time.

Part of the move to save the church was the appearance of non-denominational churches. These churches would have some sort of doctrine, of course, but wouldn't be aligned with any of the mainline traditions listed above. They would often refer to themselves as "just Christian."

My experience with non-denom churches has generally been good. My one gripe is that they have the tendency to shy away from anything that's too "Catholic," or too "liturgical," or too anything, really. By not having affiliation with any pre-existing group, they look to the Bible and the 21st century for their identity.

That leaves me wanting.