Denomination can be defined as religious division caused by false teaching, so the case could be made that its origin traces back to the beginning of creation, with the account of Cain and Abel. Abel followed correct doctrine with his sacrifice, as God ‘respected’ it, whereas Cain chose to alter whatever instructions God had issued on the subject, choosing instead a different doctrine or ‘denomination’, and offering a sacrifice which God did not ‘respect’, one in which God had not ordained. (Genesis 4:3-5) Most denominations today attempt to follow some things taught or practiced by Jesus and His apostles. But these have been added to or modified to fit human ideas. We see this practice exhibited, even in the Old Testament. Israel “feared the Lord” (seemingly giving God some worship), yet they also served other gods, according to the nations around them (2 Kings 17:32-33). Mixing truth with non-truth makes discernment of God’s desired worship much more difficult, and “worshipping in vain” much more of a danger. (Matthew 15:9). Having earned his B.S. degree from Ohio State University in Business Administration, John had just begun a career in that vocation when he met Charlene, whom he soon married in the Spring of ‘74. John, a life-long Lutheran and Charlene, a member of the Church of Christ had some decisions to make concerning their respective faiths. Encouraged by his wife and others, including his dear friend and minister at the Fishinger and Kenny Rds. Church of Christ in Columbus, Ohio, Gene Carrell, John decided to let the Scriptures speak on the subject. One point seemed to trouble him the most—his baptism as an infant. Since all the examples he could find from the Scriptures described adult individuals who, after coming to belief, would repent, confess and agree / submit to baptism—infant baptism made no sense (how could he, as an infant make these decisions?) After several years of investigation and study of the Scriptures, John was convinced the Bible does indeed speak of a different kind of church than the one he grew up in. In fact, this church was different than any of the religions or churches of its’ day—even the Jewish religion or church, with its’ God-ordained animal sacrifices and specialized priesthood, was replaced by God with this church. For this church ushered in a New Covenant, instituted by Christ Himself, through a “once-for-all” sacrifice of Himself on the cross, offering permanent forgiveness of sins and a priesthood made up of all believers with direct access to God. John found himself wanting to be part of this Church of Christ. Following his obedience to the Gospel and being added to Christ’s church (not by any individual, but by God Himself, according to the Scriptures, Acts 2:47), John developed a passion for writing and teaching, particularly on the subject of modern denominations as compared to the Scriptures and to this New Testament church of Christ. His denominational background has given him a unique perspective, in this instance, to author the first of five volumes on “Denominations: From God Or Man?”

The author sees many reasons why there should be unity among evangelicals and union of Bible-believing groups who hold similar convictions and traditions. He believes that the trend to build barriers between Christians should be reversed, and that Jesus came to tear down those barriers. This book offers guidelines to work for a spirit that takes seriously the one mission in the one church: to advance Christ's one kingdom. -- from back cover.

Listen to any news broadcast today and the message comes through loud and clear: Islam is a religion of violence and behind every Muslim there lurks a potential terrorist. Islam is a threat to values of the Christian West. They are like oil and water. Clearly, they don't mix. Oil & Water: Two Faiths One God confronts these popular perceptions head-on. With keen insight and gentle understanding, it explores the differences between Christianity and Islam, as well as the many things these two enduring faith traditions hold in common - including, first and foremost, their belief in and desire to be faithful to the one, true God; their shared roots and scripture (from the Jewish faith); and the spiritual values of peace and social justice. Written for Christians by Muslim world-religions scholar Amir Hussain, the book is divided into two parts. Part 1, provides an overview of the Islamic faith and of the lives of Muslims in North America today. Chapters focus on the place and identity of Muslims in society, as well as on the importance and role of Muhammad, the Qur'an, and basic beliefs and practices (The Five Pillars of Islam). Having provided a foundation for understanding, the book moves on, in Part 2, to explore key points for dialogue today, including issues of violence and jihad, the roles of women and men, and the mystical tradition within Islam. The final two chapters look at interfaith dialogue and the practical aspects of being good "neighbours." In all of this, the book invites the reader to a place of reconciliation, to a place where the truth and value of each of these great faith traditions can be recognized and honoured by the other. In the end, the metaphor of oil and water is an interesting one for the reality of conflict and the hope for reconciliation between Islam and Christianity today.

Do you ever wonder what the difference is between one denomination and another? Why are there so many kinds of Baptist or Presbyterian or Lutheran churches? Where do those names come from, anyway? You can find answers in this concise but comprehensive guide. Learn about the leaders, teachings, and history of most of the church families in America. In addition to membership statistics, you'll find... a brief explanation of how the denomination began a short summary of its teaching on God, the Bible, the church, and other important topics a quick overview of some of its distinctive characteristics Whether you're looking for a new church or enriching your fellowship with believers from other traditions, you'll be much better prepared with this revised and expanded edition of The Complete Guide to Christian Denominations.

There are three major religions in the world today: Christianity, Judaism and Islam. Though these three belief systems intertwine throughout history, they are in fact extremely different in both basic structure and ultimately, In deity. Many people have claimed over the years that the God of Judeo-Christianity is in fact the same god of Islam. However, due to key points of differences in their respective religious texts, As well as the nature of God versus Allah in the everyday life of those who practice these religions, it becomes clear that God is in fact a completely separate entity from the Islamic Allah, despite the fact that Allah is the Arabic word for 'God.' in his provocative and inciting work, Three Religions, One God? Author Michael Carpenter inspects the basic tenets of each religion meticulously and shows through textual and well as situational evidence and critical thinking that not only is the god of Christianity and Judaism different from the god of Islam, but that the god of Judeo-Christianity is in fact the one true god, And The deserver of your love and allegiance. From exploring the lives of Muhammad and Jesus to decoding the predictions For The end of the world, Three Religions, One God? offers insightful and challenging debate that will inspire readers to make their own foray into the realm of comparative religion. Michael resides in Missouri and is the proud father of two children. Due to four years of service in the United States Air Force, he is a man who likes knowing how things work and enjoys probing intellectual and spiritual discovery.

Religions in today’s culture seem to be multiplying. Have you ever wondered why certain religions believe and practice what they do? Or how they view the Bible? This volume delves into these and other engaging questions, such as: How can a Christian witness to people in these religions? Do these other religions believe in creation and a Creator? How do we deal with these religions from a biblical authority perspective? Many religions and cults discussed in this first volume openly affirm that the Bible is true, but then something gets in their way. And there is a common factor every time—man’s fallible opinions. In one way or another the Bible gets demoted, reinterpreted, or completely ignored. Man’s ideas are used to throw the Bible’s clear teaching out the window while false teachings are promoted. This book is a must for laymen, church leaders, teachers, and students to understand the trends in our culture and around the world where certain religions dominate, helping you discern truth and guard your faith. When you understand a religion’s origins and teachings, you are in a better position to know how to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ as you take the good news to those in false religions.

Western history would be unrecognizable had it not been for people who believed in One True God. There would have been wars, but no religious wars. There would have been moral codes, but no Commandments. Had the Jews been polytheists, they would today be only another barely remembered people, less important, but just as extinct as the Babylonians. Had Christians presented Jesus to the Greco-Roman world as ''another'' God, their faith would long since have gone the way of Mithraism. And surely Islam would never have made it out of the desert had Muhammad not removed Allah from the context of Arab paganism and proclaimed him as the only God. The three great monotheisms changed everything. With his customary clarity and vigor, Rodney Stark explains how and why monotheism has such immense power both to unite and to divide. Why and how did Jews, Christians, and Muslims missionize, and when and why did their efforts falter? Why did both Christianity and Islam suddenly become less tolerant of Jews late in the eleventh century, prompting outbursts of mass murder? Why were the Jewish massacres by Christians concentrated in the cities along the Rhine River, and why did the pogroms by Muslims take place mainly in Granada? How could the Jews persist so long as a minority faith, able to withstand intense pressures to convert? Why did they sometimes assimilate? In the final chapter, Stark also examines the American experience to show that it is possible for committed monotheists to sustain norms of civility toward one another. A sweeping social history of religion, One True God shows how the great monotheisms shaped the past and created the modern world.