Okay, I'm going to try to do this without opening a can of worms, so... here it goes.
Ladies, how important is it to you that a guy be of the same denomination as you are? I.E. Baptist - Baptist, Lutheran - Lutheran, etc...
Would it be a deciding factor in whether or not you get to know a guy?
Do you think it would be a damper on your relationship?
If you were okay with being parts of a different denomination... would you seek to change him at any point in the relationship, or do you think a relationship can thrive despite the difference?
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This question is born of a little scientific curiosity. I've seen a few (not a lot, but a few) profiles on here that have a 'Must be ___' attachment to them (both for men and women). I would like to see how the forum-going crowd responds.
Oh, and please, please, PLEASE keep it civil. I'm not asking you why you are a part of your denomination, or why you think another one is wrong. Be nice, even if you have to give a simple yes or no answer =)
" It matters to me if my date does not like my style of worship or is a staunch follower of a denomination that practices things that I would consider idolatry or false gospel. Like praying to Mary, saints, thinking baptism is mandatory for salvation, handling snakes, name it and claim it, prosperity gospel, word of faith, etc."
That's a very narrow minded, self centred, intolerant and blinkered view on faith. To suggest praying as Mary and The Saints did to God is wrong is nothing short of blasphemy. Only a fool would be so stupid as to tempt fate by condemning those who offer up special prayer to God and consider their place in heaven is so self assured they need make no honest and sincere efforts to gain that place. That kind of attitude is both unhelpful and the breeding ground for contempt and conflict amongst our brothers and sisters.
Jesus (Sr Faustina) and Our Lady (Lourdes, Fatima etc) have told us what they expect of us in various apparitions, revelations etc since the bible. Events which have been well and truly tried and tested. Who but a fool could ignore them and fiddle whilst Rome burns proudly proclaiming "I'm all right Jack"!!
You need to take another look at what the word faith means and represents. Is it really so wrong to continue praying for our dead brothers and sisters as we did when they were alive just to ensure beyond doubt they are in heaven? Is it so wrong to pray to God as Our Lady and The Saints have done in honour and respect for what they represent and the faith that they may be able to intercede for us in petition to Jesus?
It's not about worshipping false Gods and idolatary. There is only ONE God, we all just interpret him differently. As long as it's good, honest and sincere worship, who are we to condemn one another and on what basis do we have the right to cast the first stone at another denomination?
We should live and learn each day from each other and our faith will grow regardless the apparent denomination. If we cast any of our brothers and sisters by the wayside we can be assured we too will be cast aside and rightly so. Is it so difficult for us to pick and choose ALL the good things from various denominations and use them in our own lives. Open your heart and mind and it will flood with knowledge and love. Close it and all you will see is darkness and ignorance.
The really important thing about faith in any denomination is to have it. We can work on the rest that's what relationships are all about. Be it with our partners, or God himself.
So before you go condemning anyone or anything, ask yourself what jesus would do in that situation. You can be sure he would not sit here arguing all day about dotting the i's and crossing the t's or being pedantic over who said what in the bible. If it's good DO IT!
There are many roads to God and we will all (hopefully) get there in the end. :prayingm:
I would like to answer Maverick. There is only one way to heaven. "Denominational" differences aside, only one way,
5 Jesus answered, �Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit.
16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
John 3:5/16- Only ONE way.
As for differences, sometimes they can make life interesting. And sometimes they can make life insufferable. It is the choice of each as to what is acceptable or not.
I attend a non denominational church that is considered to be quite charismatic. Before that I attended a church of Christ. They are completely different and quite honestly, I could never date someone who was had core church of Christ beliefs. It is especially important to have the same beliefs when married and having kids because you would have to decide how you would raise your kids (denominational..or non denominational speaking)
