New to Christianity (sorry for it being so long but it is really important)?

Question

O.K so i have been christian for about a month now, I'm 16 and had to find it on my own, no one in my family is really religious so i need a bit of help with a few things I'm trying to do, one would be what are the different "branches" of Christianity such as catholic, protestant etc, and how do the differ from one another? i know a few of the but really have no idea what sets Catholics apart from Jehovah witness and protestant etc what are some links that explain these very deeply, or if u know that would be of so much help, and what are some things i need to do, ive gotten a purity ring because i know in this time there is allot of s*x going on in people that are only 11, and that's not the life i want and i want to honor god with that vow because sense i found him, my life has increased and improved allot and hope for this to continue. thank you.

Answer 1

In a nutshell, the Catholic Church was founded by Jesus Himself via St. Peter.  The others, including Jehovah's Witnesses, are protestants who sprang up 1500 years later.  The current Pope is in a direct line of popes that go all the way back to St. Peter, who was the 1st head of the Christian  Church.

The Church makes use of sacraments, given to us by the Holy Spirit, that help people draw closer to God.

One of it's main teachings is that anybody -- Muslim, Christian, atheist, or whatever -- who loves other people and God (even if they don't call Him "God"), has some part of God's truth and can be allowed into heaven.

Answer 2

So does the ring actually hinder your reproductive organs?

And why did you join Christianity? Buddhism is so much cooler now a days. And actually better spiritually.

Answer 3

the different sects or branches of christianity all basically believe the same few tennants, jesus is the only way and god is awsome. that is christianity. however the differences between the different sects is just "how" to follow him. jesus left us with few rules or guidelines to follow him by. He just said do as i do, and you will find the way. Well different peole find different ways to follow him. Personally i believe they are all the same and the little inconsistancies between the sects are negligable. they all lead to heaven.

ill give a rundown on a few but the best is to go to the church itself. every church is different and the important thing is to find one that makes YOU feel accepted and welcome. YOU must feel comfortable and happy. do not go to a church becausesomeone makes you but because YOU feel god there.

Basic rundown,

catholic the oldest. they are old. if you like the idea of tradition and a group who knows whatthey are doing then look into them. They have "strict" guidelines. i use the term but i do not like it. because they have been around so long they are really set in their ways. some people like it, others dont. services are done pretty much the same way be it you go to a service in texas or italy. (ive done that and wow, it was amazing how everything was done the same)

non-denominational - almost he exact opposite. they follow the idea that jesus rules. how you do it its up to you. there is not really wrong ways of following christ, just different ways. services tend to be very upbeat and you may see people jumping and dancing in the service. its a very lively and often times a high youth attendance because often times the music and such has a lot of "rock & roll" feel to it. fun and lively. some people dont like it as it feels too loose for some.

presbetarian - a mid age sect. most of the time the services are rather modern as far as message and music go however you will not see the movement as a non-denominational.

lutheran - one of the first to break off of catholic i believe. its a lot like catholic service but some few differences. i am not qualified to say exactly.

but go to some local churches, if you cant get a ride, call the church and ask for help, i am sure they could find someone to pick you up and take you to church. but the important thing is to find a church that you enjoy and feel apart of. good luck! questions just ask directly

Answer 4

Christianity is unfortunately divided into different denominations.  About 50% of Christians are Catholic.  They have a uniform set of beliefs, but vary in their prayer services depending in what part of the world you live. From the year 325 to about 1,000 a number of Eastern churches broke away from the main body of Christianity.  These are the Orthodox.  They are about 15% of Christianity.  Generally they believe the same things that Catholics believe, except they do not accept the Pope, the successor of St Peter, as the head of the church.  The remaining 35% are Protestants and other Protestant thinking groups (such as fundamentalists).  From the beginning of Christianity (even at the time of Christ), there always some who preached Christianity but were not in union with the apostles and the main body of Christianity.  Some where around the year 1500, the Catholic Church was in disaray.  Its rulers in Italy and throughout Europe had become very arrogant and corrupt.  Well meaning people in their generosity had given the Church much land, which in an agricultural society meant much wealth.  People coveted  the wealth and power that came with it.  Many unworthy men became priests and bishops.  These men were worldly and not interested in the teachings of Christianity.  They were religious ignoramuses.  In Northern Europe, people became so angry with this hypocracy, that they reformed Christianity and left the Catholic Church.  In the USA this has resulted in over 600 denominations, and in Europe over 3,000 denominations.  Each one has  its own set of beliefs and structure.  The main bodies are the Episcopalians (Anglicans), Lutherns, Presbyterians, Methodists, Baptists, fundamentalists, and others.  Today the Catholic Church  has undergone much change and reform with the help of Orthodox and Protestant Christians.  There is now a movement toward some kind of reunification.  Not everyone agrees with this.

Answer 5

Praise God, you have become part of his family! Denomination does not come into it. It matters only that you are now adopted into God's family as his child, which places you automatically in the spiritual Body of Christ, his Church, for whom he died. This spiritual body is comprised of people, not denominations. They are to be found in almost all denominations except those that relegate Christ and the Holy Spirit.

The Bible says that "God sets the lonely in families" (Psalm 68:6) and he will place you in a spiritual family. Pray earnestly, look around, check various local groups of believers out, and the Holy Spirit will make it clear to you where the Lord would place you. Look always unto Jesus, the author and perfector of your faith. He will lead you. Hallelujah! You have made me rejoice this day.

Answer 6

My advice is to avoid letting your theological opinions be formed by the methods and sayings of others. Christianity is a personal choice and is not an easy path to walk. It's about courage and perseverance in the presence of opposition. I'm far from the best Christian, and as such it would be dangerous for me to continue further in this, but I will leave you with a source that should answer some of your questions pertaining to the many denominations.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/East-West_S...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Timeline_of...

Answer 7

I suggest first that you decide what it is, exactly, that you believe before worrying about what *they* believe. Then try to find a match. Attend a service or two of any religion that interests you. There are plenty of places on the internet where you can go to learn what Catholics believe vs. Lutherans, vs. Pentacostals etc... Always question -- never take anyone or anything or any book at it's word. If someone tells you something that sounds fantastical - ask for PROOF. Don't just blindly follow. Enjoy the search and discovery. It's usually the journey that's the most important part. The destination is simply the result.

Answer 8

Friend, I recommend that you look in a phone book and find a Pentecostal church. The early Christians all spoke in tongues and baptized in the name of Jesus as the Pentecostals do (Read Acts chapter 2.)

You can also get involved in some Bible studies at church and make find different activities to become involved in.  

Answer 9

I'm 15. i was brought up as a christian.

I am a pentecostal Christian.

Pentecostal christians believe in Jesus Christ.

I believe everything in the bible..Both literally and non-literally

Thats just my view.

Catholics are different. I'm not sure if they believe in Jesus.

But im only guessing there

X

Answer 10

try looking here

http://www.basicsofchristianity.com/

also, ask god to help you. go to a local youth group on wednesday nights. sorry i cannot be of much more help.

if you have any questions, feel free to ask

[e-mail]

ill do my best to help

Answer 11

Christianity began with Jesus Christ....not the Catholic church or any other denomination. Jesus came to bring salvation, not a religion.

Christian denominations include....Baptist, Lutheran, Methodist, Assembly of God, Christian Missionary & Alliance, Catholic, non denomination and many, many others.

Jehovah Witness & Mormon claim to be christian, but do not teach true christianity.

Christian denominations vary in teachings/doctrines...but the basic belief in salvation through Jesus Christ and the Holy Trinity are the same.

Answer 12

Go to religioustolerance.org. You can learn about all religions then when you talk about it you can say you resarched everything.

Answer 13

I found God or rather he found me, I took my time getting into a religion. I studied the bible and other books. I'm now 10 years a Catholic and still learning, I study to make sure I'm in the right faith and so far I am convinced I am.

The obvious is to look up what ever faith you are interested in, You can find it all on line, just type the name. there are over 39 thousand protestant faiths so it would be hard for me to say what they teach, some are good some are more evil than Christian, you need caution here.

The Catholic faith is descended from Christ and has remained the biggest Christian Church by following one universal teaching. We receive the sacrament of the Eucharist, as Jesus told us.Type in Lanciano Eucharistic Miracles.

We believe that Mary was lifted By God to receive the Crown of Queen .Type in Marian apparitions, also Fatima,

We believe that the Saints are before the Throne of God and intercede for us through Christ.Type in Catholic saints.

But all that takes time,  so you already have accepted Jesus so take your time learn and pray and the Holy Spirit will guide you. He guided me without any one else interfering in my Choice.

God Bless and welcome home.

Answer 14

Wow! I think that you're very mature, and I commend you for finding your way Home to the Lord, even with no help!

I have been brought up as a Christian (Baptist, but I also attend a Pentecostal church - pretty much the same) but I feel that I, too, am just starting to truly give my life to God. He is my everything and while I have always known Him and loved Him, I am now only truly understanding Him.

You don't have to choose a denomination at all, but I would recommend visiting different churches in your area, to see which you feel most comfortable in.

I favour the pentecostal church as it is more lively and a much more enjoyable place to be.

Read your Bible (I have a Good News Bible and a Youth Bible) and take notes of anything that you don't understand, in the hope that someone may be able to offer you guidance.

I think that "protestant" is a term used for anyone of the Christian faith that is not Catholic.

Catholics, I believe, worship Mary as the Mother of Christ, I think that is the only thing that sets them apart from us. Although we believe that she was indeed special to be chosen by God, we don't consider her a "Saint". She was simply a woman doing a job for God. I also think that Catholics didn't believe that Jesus rose from the dead, but they do now (again, not 100% sure on that).

Jehovah's Witnesses and Mormons (LDS) are a completely different thing, I wouldn't consider them as Christians (sorry if that offends anyone). Their belief system is just so different, they (JW) believe that there are only so many "places" in Heaven, when in actual fact, it says in the Bible that "there is a place in  My Father's House for everyone". Just an observation.

I will be more than happy to take this journey with you and help you with anything I can, no matter what denomination (if any) you decide upon, I will not judge, but will offer advice if and when you need it.

As a 16 year old who is just starting up, I think you may be happy of all the help and guidance you can get?

At the end of the day, we all believe in the same thing, we will all go to Heaven, we just have different ways of getting there!

Answer 15

I would suggest trying a Baptist church, as Baptists generally teach only from the bible, without relying on all the rituals and traditions you see in Catholicism and such.

There is nothing wrong with just trying different types of churches, you won't be bound to a specific one just by visiting. Just look around until you find one you're most comfortable with.

Answer 16

If you truly want an honest relationship with God, go to the word. Stay prayed up and God will show you what he wants for you.

Answer 17

I think it is awesome that you want to honor God through purity and that He is making changes in our life.   :-D

If you are interested in understanding some basics of denominations, you can use Wiki.  Start with prodestant and catholic and follow each of the links to the different denominations.

I would suggest spending time in the Bible and not too much time worrying about the religious differences that are created by man.  

Answer 18

There is a quiz you can take here, and it will tell you what belief system is closest to yours.

http://www.beliefnet.com/story/76/story_...

Answer 19

"We are to feed the hungry, to clothe the naked, to provide for the widow, to dry up the tear of the orphan, to comfort the afflicted, whether in this church, or in any other, or in no church at all, wherever we find them."  Joseph Smith, Jr.

Answer 20

The four marks of the true faith are: One (dogmas and doctrines are the same throughout the whole world and can never be altered or changed). Holy (founded by Jesus Christ Himself - Matt 16, 18-19). Universal (no one can be excluded from membership). Apostolic (can be traced in history back to the Apostles to Peter as the first successor of Jesus).  

Answer 21

This site covers a wide range of topics and concerns with regard to Christianity and doctrines of the various faiths in addition to Biblical errors of certain church doctrines.  Hope it helps you in your quest for true knowledge and faith in Our Savior, Jesus Christ.

http://www.carm.org/

http://www.carm.org/questions/church_tru...

http://www.carm.org/questions_church.htm

Answer 22

I think the best way is to visit the different churches and ask questions.  Remember to ask God for wisdom.

Answer 23

First.... read the book of John in the Bible, it will tell you everything you could want to know about Jesus Christ, My Lord and Savior.  I'm glad that you have taken the step that you have and at the time in your life that you have as well.

After you have read the Book of John, begin every day alone, just you and God's Word the Bible.  STart by praying, try the Lord's prayer;

"Our Father" He is your Father and mine and He loves all of us.

"Which art in Heaven" that is exactly where HE is and where you will

        someday go.  He is making a place for YOU there as we speak.

"Hallowed be thy name"  Remember always....HE is God.  And HE is

        a Holy God.  And we need to be respectful to HIM always.

"They Kingdom come"  This is our hope and prayer, that He will come

        one day and take us Home to be with Him for Eternity.

"Thy Will be done" this is a statement from us to HIM that we want

        HIS perfect will to be in our Lives.  That we will abide by His Will

        Abide by all that He asks us to do everyday of our Lives.

"On Earth as it is in Heaven" This is a statement that we want His Will

        to be our Light and our path while we're here, because that's the

        everything is in Heaven.

"Give us this day our daily Bread"  This is our asking God to provide all

        our needs as we go about living our Lives for Him.

"And forgive us our Tresspasses" this is a request that God forgive us

        for all our sin, through the Blood of Jesus Christ on the Cross.  It

        is to ask God to cleanse us and make us whole, to purify us of

        sin, and then know that He will forget our sin.

"As we forgive those that tresspass against us"  In this we ask God to

        teach us to forgive others that sin against us, as God has

        forgiven our sin.

"And Lead us not into Temptation"  Life is tough and always will be, so

        we need to always be vigilant against temptaion to sin, so in this

        part, we are asking God to give us His strength to lean on and

        to look to Him for strength and wisdom, not ours, lest we fall.

"But deliver us from Evil"  This is a request that HE protect us, to be    

        our deliverer when we're afraid or tempted.  That we should

        always ask HIM to be our strength and Hope in this world.

"Amen"  The benediction to this parayer.  In short this prayer is a

        request from us, for God to fill us with His Holy Spirit.

There is no other way to be saved than through the Blood Od Jesus Christ, that He shed for us on the Cross at Calvary.  And a horrible death it was too, but He died to save us from our sin and to give us a chance to be saved and go to Heaven and be with Him for Eternity.

The Word of God tells us to pray without cessing and I have found that he is always near.  Prayer is simply talking to God and you can do this just like we are right now.  So talk to him, and then watch what He does in your Life.  He sure has done a lot in mine!!!!

    

Answer 24

Congratulations!!!!   I'm going to tell you the truth here....People that believe in Jesus and have faith in His word is what's most important.  As a Pentecostal Christian, I believe that Jesus is the son of God. I believe that he died on the cross to save us from our sins. I believe that he rose again and is in Heaven right now and that someday He is going to come back for his believers.  Start reading the bible and surround yourself with fellow believers. As a new Christian you are going to be ridiculed and people are going to tempt you and tell you that you're crazy....what you feel in your heart is the real thing! Go with it and accept it. Allow the work of God to continue touching your life!

Answer 25

(John 17:3) This means everlasting life, their taking in knowledge of you, the only true God, and of the one whom you sent forth, Jesus Christ.

Jehovah's Witnesses offer free home bible studies, if you go to watchtower.

org

click on the box to the right, your personal invitation and simply fill out the box and one of Jehovah's Witnesses in your area will come by at your convience and ofer you your personal home bible study.

the Ethiopian eunuch Acts 8:26-40

Acts 8:30,31 Philip ran alongside and heard him reading aloud Isaiah the prophet, and he said: “Do you actually know what you are reading?” 31 He said: “Really, how could I ever do so, unless someone guided me?” And he entreated Philip to get on and sit down with him.

So many people today look for a religion that fits there own personal need.  They like having there ears tickled.

Religious leaders tickle people’s ears by condoning practices that appeal to wrong desires, such as s*x outside of marriage, homosexuality, and drunkenness. The Bible clearly states that those who approve of such things and those who practice them “will not inherit God’s kingdom.”—1 Corinthians 6:9, 10; Romans 1:24-32.

To be sure, it takes courage to live by Bible standards, especially in the face of ridicule, but it can be done. Among Jehovah’s Witnesses are many individuals who used to be drug addicts, drunkards, fornicators, street fighters, thieves, and liars. Yet, they took God’s Word to heart and with the help of holy spirit made changes in their lives so as to “walk worthily of Jehovah.” (Colossians 1:9, 10; 1 Corinthians 6:11) Having made peace with God, they also gained inner peace and, as we shall see, a genuine hope for the future.

Hope this helps

Make the decision for yourself and don't listen to many negative comments you might pershaps see on this sight about Jehovah's Witnesses.  You have a mind, don't limp on others opinions, make up your own mind.

Answer 26

Congratulations, my brother in Christ!  Wow, you are much wiser and mature than so many adults on R&S.

I'm a member of the Church of Christ; it's non-denominational.  See the link below for information about it, why we believe what we do, bible studies, etc.

Whatever church you choose, make sure follows the bible's teachings.  God bless!

Answer 27

look for something non-denominational to study and learn from. Pray to God for guidance, and go from there.

Answer 28

I'm not getting smart or anything but how do you know your Christian?

The reason I ask this is because of your questions about the differences in Christianity. HAve you heard the gospel of Christ. (Mark 12:29)(Acts 15:7) (Luke13:3)(Acts 8:37)(Acts 2:38)