Christians, like ice cream and automobiles, come in all sorts of flavors and varieties. During the 2,000 year history of the Christian faith, many well-intentioned (and many not-so-well-intentioned) believers have separated from other believers for one reason or another. Often, these separations are due to differences in belief and/or practice, such as predestination, biblical inerrancy, and baptism. Also, over the span of time, dozens of Bible translations have been produced, and occasionally Christian groups see themselves as distinguished from other groups because they adhere to specific biblical translations.

Our objective over the next several weeks is to outline some of these dividing lines so that we might:

1. Understand our own tradition more clearly,
2. Appreciate the diversity within our own congregation, and
3. Value the beliefs and practices of other Christian groups, if and when appropriate.

Week 1: Bible Translations

Over the span of time, dozens of Bible translations have been produced, and occasionally Christian groups see themselves as distinguished from other groups because they adhere to specific biblical translations.

Week 2: Modern Bible Translations

We should remember that English is not the only world language. Dozens of English Bible translations exist, but none is appropriate for all people. The Bible is to be understood by everyone!

Week 3: What do you think you know?

As preparation for the class, we examine what we know about various groups of Christians pop-quiz-style.

Week 4: Lutheranism and Anglicanism

We begin our study of denominations as Christian groups by taking a look at Lutherans and Anglicans.

Week 5: Presbyterianism and Methodism

We continue our study of denominations by discussing Presbyterians and Methodists.

Week 7: Anabaptism

We continue our study of denominations as we talk about Anabaptists.

Week 8: Reformed Churches

We take a break to talk about Reformed Theology and its impact on modern Christianity. John Calvin and Ulrich Zwingli emphasized the entirety of God's plan (the creation, the fall, and Christ together - as opposed to previous emphasis on the cross), and believed that the church needed to be organized and involved in its culture.

Week 9: Baptists

We resume our study of denominations as we talk about the 17th century roots of Baptist groups and the distinctives that identify groups as Baptists.

Week 10: Types of Baptists

We continue our discussion as we learn about the different flavors of Baptists, and where we fit into the mix at Woodruff Place.

Week 11: The Restoration Movement

We learn about the many denominations that fall under the Restoration Movement. Also known as the Stone-Campbell movement, it began in the 19th century American frontier, and is based on the principle of Christian freedom.

Week 12: The Restoration Movement (continued)

We continue our study of denominations as we talk more about the Restoration Movement churches and their theological distinctions from other Christian groups.

Week 13: The Holiness Movement

The Holiness Movement began in the 19th century and emphasized personal holiness and the pursuit of "entire sanctification." Many churches and famous evangelists have roots in this movement.

Week 14: Church of God of Anderson, Indiana

 

Week 15: Where We Stand

 

Week 16: Church of God of Anderson, Indiana (Continued)

 

Week 17: Roman Catholicism

 

Week 18: Non-Denominational Christians