RE: An interesting question I received, can Catholics be our brothers and sisters in Christ?
I've heard Roman Catholics say that Protestants are heretics and therefore not Christian, and l've heard Protestants say that Catholics are pagans and hence, not Christian. I don't belong to any denomination, I belong to Christ and anyone who has received Him, regardless of what church they attend, or even if they attend no physical church at all, is a brother or sister in Him.
I think your post expresses this very well. I look forward to the day when denominational infighting comes to an end.
Here's what the Apostle Paul had to say on this subject;
1 Corinthians 1:10-17 Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.
For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them which are of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you.
Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ.
Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul? I thank God that I baptized none of you, but Crispus and Gaius; Lest any should say that I had baptized in mine own name. And I baptized also the household of Stephanas: besides, I know not whether I baptized any other.
For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect.
@eyeofthestorm I used to share your sentiments exactly. This philosophy is comforting and warm. It is non offensive and seems unifying on the surface. Over time, however, I began to realize that it negates the need for dialog. If all that is needed to preserve unity in the church is to believe in Jesus and follow the bible, then there's nothing left to talk about. If there's nothing left to talk about, then there's no reason to address the paradox inherent to this idea. Which is the fact that the bible doesn't teach that belief in Jesus and following the bible are all that matter.
I write this as an invitation to step back from your comfort zone and start asking the hard questions. A good starting point would be to take a closer look at the same verse you quoted above (1 Corinthians 1:10-17). Now ask yourself at exactly which point in your life did you decide that adopting the nondenominational label was anything other than divisive by its very nature. Then start seeking sermons from nondenominational pastors not associated with yours. Then ask yourself if they all "speak the same thing" and/or are "perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment." If you don't shy away from the answers that you don't like, you will greatly benefit later on.
I speak from experience for your benefit and all who may read this. No trolling going on here. Peace be with you!
Well said. Upvote, love that passage! Yes and amen.