Inter-Denominationalism. "We are because we have been."

"If I was baptized Catholic, how do I get rid of it?"

Posed by a fellow student in my class a few years ago, the answer to this question gets at the heart of inter-denominationalism. (Man, that's a big word. ID from now on.)

There are many different denominations, or brands, of Christianity. There are even churches who claim to be non-denominational (ND). But I have yet to attend a church that calls itself "inter-denominational."

What's the difference between an ID church and a ND? While NDs usually refrain from liturgy and ritual, shying away from mainline traditions in order to jump straight from the text of the Bible to the 21st century, an ID church owns up to its history, and more importantly, the history of its members.

A church congregation is the sum of its parts. Any ND church has the potential to house Baptists, Lutherans, Methodists, Roman Catholics, and more. They become a unified amalgamation of their parts by disowning their respective traditions in order to create a new culture.

The ID church strives for something a little different. Instead of leaving their respective histories behind, each person or family brings their traditions with them. Perhaps a favorite hymn, the sign of the cross, an Easter Sunday tradition, whatever it may be. It could be a prayer, action, or bit of theology. Granted, mixing small bits of theology can be messy, but there is a reason it can work.

ID churches commit to the truths found in the Nicene creed and greater Christian orthodoxy. They are founded and agree on the primary issues of the faith. (i.e. Jesus was a historical person, who died and rose again.) But on issues of secondary importance, diversity is allowed. (i.e. How is Christ present in the Eucharist? Or, Is baptism for infants or adults?)

In an age where (as we discussed in the last post and related comments) orthodox, practiced Christianity is declining, the church is finding ways to survive. Part of survival mode is waving good-bye to small differences and banding together to preserve the foundational elements of the gospel.

So, what was the answer to the question? How does one get rid of one's "Catholicness?"

It doesn't happen. It will always be a part of that person. And it's a part that can enrich someone who can't disown their history.

I'm a fan of the idea of ID churches.

I just hope they all have kneelers.

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.