My Theological Struggle

Even after baptism, I struggled with my allegiance to my denomination. I read up on viewpoints of different theologies. Apparently, pentecostal churches tend to be theologically shallow. They focus on the "feeling" aspect and insist that everyone has to manifest the gift of "spiritual tongues" as a sign of baptism of the Holy Ghost, contrary to what I know! In fact, the bible tells us that when the Holy Ghost descended upon the apostles at Pentecost, they spoke in other tongues (which meant languages) and the crowd could hear them speak in their own languages, breaking the communication barrier! (Acts 2:4-8).

Pentecostals quoted 1 Corinthians 14:9-12 as evidence for their "tongues" but looking further at 1 Corinthians 14:9-12, 13:1 and 14:19, showed clearly that Paul never placed "spiritual tongues" as high a regard as the Pentecostals and Charismatics do nowadays. In fact, it's the 3 virtues of Love, Faith and Hope that are truly important. ! Cor 14:27-28 also reminded us to refrain from speaking "unknown" tongues without an interpreter. The crux is whether you are sure what you are speaking is from God or just gibberish.

Apart from the "tongues" issue, I was confused by the different forms of worship by Charismatics/Pentecostals and Protestants/Catholics. Apparently 1 Cor 14:26-40 favours the latter. However the former insisted that Psalm 149:3 encourages expressive dancing and worship. I, upon examining, realised that Psalm 149:3 was refering to their culture and definitely the Jews did not dance in a synagogue.

There are many scriptural and theological differences I read about but won't bring it up here. Soon, I was more inclined towards traditional, conservative Christianity. Despite having serious interpretational doubts on Matthew 16:18-19, I decided against the infallibility of the pope. Though Catholic theology is awesome, I cannot find satisfactory reasons from the Catechism of the Catholic Church to justify their doctrines of "Devotion to Virgin Mary", "Veneration of Images" and "Indulgences".

I believed in the 3 creeds: Apostle's Creed, Nicene Creed and Athanasian Creed. I recognised the need of 7 sacraments of which 2 are of a higher order (Holy Eucharist and Holy Baptism). Many Protestant churches failed to recognise the sacramental value of the Eucharist. 1 Cor 11:27-29 and John 6:53 tells us that the Holy Communion in church cannot be just a form of remembrance but rather consubstantiation.

It seemed that Anglicanism is the right choice after all the elimination done by me. Anglicanism's commitment to ecumenism also showed the aim to re-establish a united Catholic church in accordance to the will of Jesus Christ. Amen. I am not speaking on behalf of any institution or anyone but rather more of a personal opinion. God Bless You.