|
Christian Salvation?
by Thomas
Doubting
| During my discussions with most Christians
regarding my lack of belief, sooner or later I am usually presented with
the fact that I am not saved and risk an eternity of damnation. Indeed,
when I was a Christian, eternal salvation was something I did not take
lightly. After all, what sane person would risk an eternity of damnation
by turning away from God or questioning His precepts? Regardless, many
well-meaning Christians tell me that I need to turn to the Bible for my
answers, that, somehow, via the rule of faith, God will once again
"inspire" me to find the true meaning in those sacred words.
Ever the quick study, I decided to take those
Christians up on their advice and once again found myself back in the
Bible trying to figure out how one is "saved." Logic would
dictate that obtaining this salvation would be fairly straightforward and
laid out in one easy-to-understand book—especially if said creator of
this book wanted to make sure His followers were indeed "saved."
Of course, upon investigation I found that this is not the case. One
Christian denomination tells us the "saved" were predestined.
One tells us that baptism is required. Another says baptism is a ritual
and that salvation comes through belief in Christ’s sacrifice. Others
say Christ’s sacrifice alone is enough. Yet another stresses good works
or the grace of God. In fact, depending on which denomination of
Christianity one subscribes to, any combination of the following bible
verses can be used to justify how one is saved: |
|
By Hearing the Gospel & Belief in God: John 5:24: "He that heareth my word,
and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life".
By Baptism: John 3:5: "Jesus answered, ‘I tell you the truth, no one can
enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit.'"
By Grace & Faith, not Works: Ephesians 2:8,9: "For by grace are ye saved through faith…not
of works."
By Faith & Works: James 2:17: "Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being
alone."
By Keeping the Law: Matthew 19:17: "... if thou wilt enter unto life, keep the
commandments."
By Belief in Christ: John 3:16: "…whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but
have everlasting life."
By Belief and Baptism: Mark
16:16: "He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that
believeth not shall be damned."
By Words: Matthew 12:37: "For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by
thy words thou shalt be condemned."
By Calling on the Lord: Acts 2:21: "whoever calls upon the name of the Lord shall be
saved."
Not Works but by Grace & Baptism: Titus 3:5: "Not by works…but
according to his mercy…by the washing of regeneration." (Note: some
denominations will say the washing refers to Christ’s blood and sacrifice.)
Now I’m sure some critics will say I’m taking those verses
"out of context." Well, to those critics I ask that a
"context" be clearly defined and followed among Christians before you
criticize my observations. If these rules were clearly defined among Christians,
one would not see various Christian denominations debating the ritual of
baptism, women as preachers, interpretation of scripture, and the Trinitarian
concept. Putting those critics aside for the moment, this leads us to the
present day state of affairs among the various denominations of Christianity.
Granted, I’m no theologian, but one would think a perfect God who knows
"everything" would have foreseen what these contradictions would do to
his followers’ faith. One would think that a perfect God would have directed
His followers to write one sacred book. One would think that this one
book would detail just exactly how one is to be "saved" and that this
plan would be uniformly followed—at least among Christians. More importantly,
one would think that Christianity would agree on just exactly how one is
"saved." Of course, once again confusion reigns!
|
Christian Denomination
|
Authority
|
How one is "saved"
|
Can Women Preach?
|
Number of Members
|
|
Southern Baptists
(Endnotes 1, 2 & 17)
|
Southern Baptists generally subscribe to a literal
interpretation of the Protestant Bible; some liberal sects do not.
Authority is left to each local church.
|
Baptism (by immersion) seen as a public testimony to
the commitment to Christ (infant or pre-conversion baptisms not
practiced); some require baptism, some do not. Belief in God, eternal
covenant between the Father and the Son about the redemption of the elect,
repentance of sin. Communion is seen as symbolic.
|
Conservatives say no, liberals say yes. Currently
subject to much controversy.
|
15,619,912
(USA)
|
|
Christian Science
(Endnotes 3, 4, & 17)
|
Interpretation of Scripture and rules outlined by Mary
Baker Eddy in the Manual of The Mother Church (1895) and Science
and Health with Key to the Scriptures (1875).
|
Salvation is seen as rescue from materiality. They deny
the existence of sin and think Christ was man. Communion is taken to be
the union of God through prayer, and baptism the continual presence of
regeneration.
|
Do not have ordained ministers. Women can help conduct
services.
|
Exact numbers not available per
founders’ instructions |
|
Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod
(Endnotes 4 & 17)
|
Literal interpretation of the Protestant Bible.
Lutherans stress education through adherence to doctrine.
|
Grace alone through faith, belief in Christ’s
sacrifice; baptism is "generally" required. Lutherans believe
that Christ’s body and blood are present "during" communion
(i.e., consubstantiation).
|
Missouri Synod, no. Some liberal sects, yes.
|
Missouri Synod: 2,582,440
(USA)
|
|
Eastern Orthodox
(Endnotes 4, 5, & 17)
|
Bible, tradition, and the first seven Church Councils
up to Nicea II.
|
Christ’s resurrection and purity of faith, baptism,
but not works. The Holy Eucharist and confession are seen as acts of
worship and spiritual healing. Believes Holy Spirit proceeds from
the Father, through the Son (i.e., filioque).
|
No
|
225,000,000
(World)
|
|
Oneness Pentecostal
(Endnote 6)
|
Literal interpretation of the Bible with a focus on New
Testament salvation.
|
Accepting Jesus; baptism in the name of Jesus; speaking
in tongues, and adherence to the rules of the "community"
essential. One must also be "born again." Oneness Pentecostals
do not affirm the traditional notion of the Triune God.
|
Some liberal sects yes, most no.
|
Conflicting data, over 1,000,000 estimated
(World)
|
|
Roman Catholic
(Endnotes 4, 7, & 17)
|
Pope, church councils, and the Catholic Bible which
contains seven additional books compared to the Protestant version.
Truth is found in scripture, as interpreted by the church.
|
Merit gained through God’s grace, belief in Christ’s
sacrifice, and baptism. Good works performed under the influence of the
Holy Spirit. Believes the Eucharist becomes the body and blood of Christ
and the change is permanent (i.e., transubstantiation).
|
No
|
1,043,000,000
(World)
|
|
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
(Endnotes 3, 8, & 17)
|
Literal interpretation of the The Book of Mormon
which was written by Joseph Smith after receiving knowledge from an angel.
Future revelations through modern day prophets.
|
Christ’s sacrifice saves all who obey the law.
Baptism and obeying the law (10 Commandments). Baptism is considered
essential for the dead and the living, even though the rites will not
finally save them. Communion is symbolic and Mormons do not believe in the
Triune God.
|
No
|
11,300,000
(World)
|
|
Jehovah’s Witnesses
(Endnotes 3, 8, & 17)
|
Literal interpretation of New World Translation
of the Bible (their own translation).
|
Faith and works, 144,000 "elect" will be
saved. Non-elect must earn salvation via works; baptism seen as symbolic.
Only those who believe they are of the 144,000 "elect" may
partake of communion; therefore, the instruments are just passed around
but no one partakes because the elect are not known at this time.
|
No
|
14,800,000
(World)
|
|
Quakers
(Endnote 17)
|
The Holy Spirit inspired the writing of the Bible and
the Holy Spirit will help you to understand it.
|
Some "Friends" believe Christ was divine;
some do not. All emphasize Christ’s teachings. Friends do not believe in
sacraments or baptism. Salvation is not through Christ’s sacrifice;
rather, it’s through spiritual growth and the emulation of Christ.
|
Yes
|
Conflicting data, over 1,000,000 estimated
(World)
|
|
Church of Christ
(Endnote 10 & 15)
|
Literal interpretation of New Testament Scripture only,
Old Testament is used for historical reference.
|
To be saved one must hear the word, believe in Christ,
repent, confess, & be baptized—God’s grace is also key. Baptism is
practiced at adulthood and the Lord's Supper is an act of thankful
remembrance to be carried out weekly. Musical instruments are prohibited
by scripture.
|
No
|
2,000,000
(World)
|
|
Disciples of Christ
(Endnotes 12, 16, & 17)
|
Adherence to New Testament scripture only, Old
Testament is used for historical reference. Some sects believe in literal
interpretation, some do not.
|
Salvation is similar to the Church of Christ though the
Disciples will accept transfer baptisms. The Lord's Supper is an act of
thankful remembrance to be carried out weekly. (Disciples of Christ broke
with the Church of Christ and generally are more liberal. Neither sect
affirms creeds or doctrine.)
|
Yes
|
Conflicting data, over 1,000,000 estimated
(USA)
|
|
Church of England
(Anglican or Episcopal)
(Endnotes 4, 11, & 17)
|
Catholic or Protestant Bible interpreted through church
authority and the rule of faith.
|
Salvation through grace as well as personal
responsibility; belief in Christ’s sacrifice and baptism. The Lord’s
Supper is seen as symbolic.
|
Some yes, some no.
|
68,000,000
(World)
|
|
Methodist
(Endnotes 4, 12, &18)
|
Founded by Reverend John Wesley; desire to follow the
Protestant Bible interpreted by tradition and reason; worship varies by
denomination.
|
Both faith and good works belong within an
all-encompassing theology of grace; communion and the baptism of infants
and adults are practiced though not necessarily essential to salvation.
|
Most allow women as pastors
|
11,708,887
(World)
|
|
Seventh-Day Adventist
(Endnotes 3, 13, &17)
|
Literal interpretation of Scripture, prophecies and
writings of founder Ellen White. Seventh-Day Adventists observe Saturday
as the Sabbath.
|
Generally, baptism via
immersion is essential; also works via "investigative judgment".
God reviews each persons’ works and each person is judged for
faithfulness or unfaithfulness. Jesus does not forgive their sins, but
shows their penitence and faith to God. The Lord's Supper is a
participation in the symbols of the body and blood of Jesus, though Christ
is present. |
Most no, some yes.
|
11,300,000
(World)
|
|
Presbyterian Church
(Endnotes 4, 14, &17)
|
The reformers based all of their claims on "sola
scripture," the scriptures alone; therefore, the Bible is the
inspired and inerrant word of God and guides all.
|
Baptism seen as symbolic ritual; salvation through God’s
Grace; belief in Christ’s sacrifice, emphasis on works and "The
Great Commission". Believe that The Lord’s Supper is seen as
symbolic though Christ is present in spirit.
|
Yes
|
3,700,000
(USA)
|
|
United Church of Christ
(Endnotes 4, 16, &17)
|
Scripture is inspired in thought and word and is the
supreme and final authority, though most do not subscribe to a literal
interpretation.
|
Baptism seen as symbolic; faith in Christ’s sacrifice
and God’s grace. The Lord’s Supper is also seen as symbolic.
|
Yes
|
Conflicting data, over 1 million estimated
(USA)
|
According to the 2001 edition of the World Christian
Encyclopedia, there are 33,800 Christian denominations around the world.
Just trying to research 16 such denominations was extremely challenging. Not
only did I find variation between denominations, but also many times I found
conflicting information within the same denomination on how one is saved. If
these various groups cannot even agree (and believe me, some argue among
themselves!) on a few basic beliefs, how can they seriously expect any outsider
to consider their claims as valid?
Naturally, as I was looking at "how one is saved" I
started to wonder what they were being saved from and where they went when they
were saved. I found that "most" were being saved from some sort of
hell that the Christian God created to punish the sinners and non-believers. In
addition, "most" believers seemed to be convinced they were going to
be rewarded at death with an eternity in some type of heaven. Past that, the
only consistency I found seemed to be more confusion:
|
Denomination
|
Stance on Heaven
|
Stance on Hell
|
|
Southern Baptists
|
Viewed as a paradise with Christ and God for all
eternity, often depicted as being filled with mansions and golden streets.
|
Dante’s Inferno type hell, suffering for eternity.
|
|
Christian Science
|
Basically a state of mind.
|
Basically a state of mind.
|
|
Lutheran
|
Unending joy of being with God in Heaven.
|
Dante’s Inferno type hell, suffering for Eternity.
Some sects see hell as a separation from God.
|
|
Eastern Orthodox
|
Viewed as a paradise with Christ and God for all
eternity.
|
Precise form of punishment not known.
|
|
Oneness Pentecostal
|
The imminent return of Christ, a pre-tribulation
rapture, the millennial reign of Christ, the final judgment, and the new
heaven and the new earth. In other words, heaven on earth after earth is
cleansed.
|
Lake of fire, eternal fires, Dante’s Inferno,
suffering for eternity, etc.
|
|
Roman Catholic
|
Viewed as a paradise with Christ and God for all
eternity.
|
Used to believe the level of torture in hell will be
dealt in accordance with the seriousness of the individual's sin. Most
individuals who are not destined to hell first suffer punishment in
purgatory where they are "cleansed" and then admitted into
heaven. On July 28th, 1999 the Pope decrees that hell is:
"the pain, frustration and emptiness of life without God."
(i.e., separation)
|
|
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
|
The highest levels of the Celestial Kingdom are
reserved for Mormon couples that have been married in a Mormon temple. The
couples can eventually become a God and Goddess; the husband will then be
in control of an entire universe. Christians who are non-Mormons and have
led exceptional lives will also spend eternity in the Celestial Kingdom.
|
Hell exists but very few people
will stay there very long. If you have not heard Christ's Gospel, you will
exist in a spirit prison. This spirit prison is where you wait to hear the
Gospel. |
|
Jehovah’s Witness
|
Heaven on earth after earth is cleansed. Only 144,000
people will be admitted into heaven. The rest will remain on the new
earth.
|
Hell is the grave where one waits with hope for
resurrection. Hell will be destroyed after the 1,000-year reign of Christ.
True sinners cease to exist.
|
|
Quakers
|
Up to individual interpretation.
|
Up to individual interpretation.
|
|
Church of Christ
|
It is a realm of peace and love. Much of the Biblical
description of heaven is metaphorical and humans do not now know its
features.
|
Generally, a separation from God. (some sects vary)
|
|
Disciple’s of Christ
|
Viewed as a paradise with God for all eternity.
|
Separation from God.
|
|
Church of England
|
Viewed as a spiritual state of being in the presence of
God.
|
Hell is not eternal torment; rather, it’s the final
and irrevocable choice made by man that ends in total non-being.
|
|
Methodist
|
Differing opinions, some interpret heaven as symbolic,
others believe heaven will be in the presence of God.
|
Differing opinions, some interpret hell as symbolic,
others believe hell will be a separation from God.
|
|
Presbyterian
|
The most current statement I could find comes from a
1974 paper on universalism adopted by the General Assembly of the
Presbyterian Church in the United States. It mentions judgment and
promises hope, acknowledging that the ideas of heaven & hell seem to
be "in paradox." This statement concedes how God works
redemption and judgment still remains a "mystery" to man.
|
(See heaven)
|
|
Seventh-Day Adventist
|
Heaven will be on Earth with Jesus after the
thousand-year reign. Seventh-Day Adventists believe Jesus is coming and
coming soon! This is clearly predicted by the prophesized signs apparent
in scripture.
|
There will be a thousand-year reign of Jesus with His
saints in heaven between the first and second resurrections. During this
time the wicked dead will be judged; the earth will be utterly desolate
without living human inhabitants, but occupied by Satan and his angels. At
earth’s close, Jesus with His saints and the Holy City will descend from
heaven to earth. The unrighteous dead will then be resurrected and judged
with Satan and his angels. Finally, fire from God will consume them all
and cleanse the earth.
|
|
United Church of Christ
|
Does not teach that heaven and hell are actual places
in the universe. Adherents make up their own minds about the nature of
heaven and hell through scriptural precedent, though most believe that
heaven and hell are states of mind.
|
(See heaven)
|
Quick recap: not only are Christians in disagreement regarding
how one is saved, they can’t seem to reach agreement on what one is saved from
or where the faithful go after they are saved. Moreover, every denomination I
researched has millions of followers, so no matter how you cut it, many people
who think they are Christians are going to a yet-undefined hell. That is, unless
the Christian version of God can get His followers on the same sheet of music!
Regardless of these contradictions, time and time again I have been told that
"faith" via the Holy Spirit has guided—and continues to guide—Christians
in interpreting their sacred scriptures correctly. Well, history will show you
that this "rule of faith" leaves something to be desired. For example,
take the concept of the Trinity:
 | 325 A.D.: Emperor Constantine calls to order the Council of
Nice and decrees that Christ is "consubstantial" (of the same
nature) with the Father.
|
| 381 A.D.: Emperor Theodosius calls to order the First
Council of Constantinople, there it is decided that the Holy Spirit proceeds
from the Father.
|
| 388 A.D.: Emperor Theodosius threatens punishment to all
who refute the Trinity.
|
| 451 A.D.: Emperor Marcian calls the Council of Chalcedon to
order, there it is decided that Christ has both human and divine natures.
|
| 680 A.D.: Emperor Constantine Pogonatus holds the Third
Council of Constantinople, there it is decreed that Christ has two wills.
|
| 1274 A.D.: At the Second Council of Lyons it is finally
decided that the Holy Spirit proceeds from the Father and Son. |
(Timeline adapted from The Councils of the
Church by Norman P. Tanner(2001) and The Encylopaedia Britannica
Online.)
So, after 1,274 years of church councils, the concept of the
Trinity was finally defined. Considering that many denominations consider belief
in the Trinity to be essential to salvation, one has to wonder what happened to
those believers while the church figured all this out? Moreover, there were many
cultures on earth before Christ, including the Egyptians (2925 B.C.) and the
Sumerians (3100 B.C.). One has to wonder if the Christian God simply pitched all
those people into hell because this Trinitarian notion was yet to be thought of?
Another interesting fact that I came across relates to the
Christian ritual of baptism. Up until roughly 354 A.D., the Church did not place
a great emphasis on infant baptisms. That is, not until St. Augustine of Hippo
(354 – 430 A.D.) decided otherwise. In his 3 book series titled "On
the Merits and Forgiveness of Sins, and on the Baptism of Infants,"
Augustine explains why he thinks un-baptized infants are bound for hell: "If
you wish to be a Christian, do not believe, nor say, nor teach, that infants who
die before baptism can obtain the remission of original sin." Augustine
believed (as do many denominations today) that un-baptized children are sent
straight to hell due to the notion of "Original Sin." Well, that’s
all good and fine, but it’s too bad no one explained this to all those
un-baptized infants who allegedly got sent to hell!
Regardless of these conundrums, one has to wonder why two of
the keys to salvation were not clearly defined in the Bible in the first place?
If the Trinitarian concept and the ritual of baptism were clearly defined
in the Bible, there would not be denominations throughout history that keep
disagreeing on them. Is it too much for a non-believer to ask why a God that
could allegedly create "all this" could not inspire His prophets to
write one book that is uniformly adhered to by His followers? In my opinion,
suggesting anything less puts limits on a supposedly limitless God.
In addition, this tradition of confusion continues today. Most
Protestants and Catholics believe that the Holy Spirit proceeds from the
Father and the Son equally. In contrast, most forms of Eastern Orthodoxy believe
the Holy Spirit proceeds from the Father, through the Son. In addition,
recently the Roman Catholic Church has ruled that it will not accept Mormon
baptisms due to the Mormon’s concept of the Trinity. In the Mormon view, the
Trinity is three separate entities, whereas, in the Catholic view, God the
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are all one and the same. Certainly both
denominations can’t be right, yet, they both gather under the banner of
Christianity.
Keeping with the theme of confusion, during my research I
discovered that the Southern Baptists have recently reaffirmed that women will
not be allowed to be pastors. Much like many other Christian denominations, the
Baptists base this affirmation on the following Bible verses: 1 Corinthians
14:24, "Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not
permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as
also saith the law" and 1 Timothy 2:12, "But I suffer not a
woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence."
Flying in the face of this Baptist decree is the ministry of Anne Graham Lotz.
On June 3rd, 2001, the television program 60 Minutes ran a segment
titled, "The preacher's daughter: from child to marriage to being a
preacher, the life of Anne Graham Lotz as Billy Graham's daughter." In
this segment Mrs. Lotz defends her ministry and bases it on the following
Biblical passage: John 20:1-8, "But go to my brothers and say to them,
`I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.'"
Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples…"
It is Mrs. Lotz’s contention that since Christ instructed
Mary Magdalene to spread the "Good News," this gives women the divine
authority to be ministers today. Now I’ll be the first to say I respect Mrs.
Lotz for challenging the blatant sexism that still pervades much of
Christianity. Still, I find this story amusing because what we have here is
another case of dueling Bible verses where each passage is being used to justify
the individual parties’ respective stance. Not only that, but both verses come
from the same "inspired" Bible and are being interpreted differently
by members of the same denomination of Christianity!
So this brings us full circle back to the "rule of
faith." I don’t think it’s too unreasonable to doubt this so-called
rule. Since its inception until present day, Christianity can’t seem to agree.
I can understand following along blindly without knowing about these
denominational differences. Still, after a thorough examination of the evidence,
it is literally beyond me how anyone can keep their faith. Though I may disagree
with Christianity in general, I still respect the Christian’s right to
practice his or her religion. I only ask that Christians extend the same
courtesy to me and realize I did not turn to agnosticism on a whim. In fact, I
have spent a great deal of time researching my decision, and it is my hope that
most Christians will not interpret my frustrations with Christianity’s hellish
doctrine (or Christianity in general) as a personal attack. Regardless, my
position can be best summed up by the words of Robert Green Ingersoll: "Every
sect is a certificate that God has not plainly revealed his will to man. To each
reader the Bible conveys a different meaning."
Concluding Note:
I am anticipating critics who may say that
"such-and-such denomination does not believe that." To those critics I
ask that you check other sects within your denomination before you accuse me of
falsehoods. Generally, I tried to chart what the majority of sects within a
denomination believe, so it’s quite possible your particular sect may have put
their own spin on certain beliefs. For example, while researching the Baptists,
I came across conflicting information regarding the definition of hell. Finally,
I decided to call two Baptist Churches for verification. The first pastor I
talked to affirmed that hell was indeed eternal torture and subsequently invited
me to attend services; whereas, the second pastor cited the Reverend Billy
Graham’s accounting of hell which is akin to a separation from God.
Also, I drew heavily on www.Adherents.com regarding the
number of members within a denomination. When that website failed to provide me
clear information, I then consulted whatever reference book was handy at the
time. It was not my intention to provide an accurate number regarding adherents.
Rather, the numbers serve to illustrate the point that no matter which
denomination one is discussing, membership is literally in the millions and is
therefore what I would deem as "significant" regarding those who are
saved and damned.
Finally, references to scripture were taken from the King
James Version of the Holy Bible.
Endnotes:
 | [1] "Southern Baptist Convention" Encyclopædia
Britannica Online.
<http://search.eb.com/bol/topic?eu=70701&sctn=1>
[Accessed 28 October 2001].
|
|
| [2] Southern Baptist Convention. 28 October 2001. http://www.sbc.net/default.asp?url=aboutus.html.
|
|
| [3] Barrett, David B. Sects, Cults & Alternative
Religions. New York: Sterling Publishing, 1996.
|
|
| [4] Melton, J.G. Encyclopedia of American Religions
(5th Ed.). New York: Gale, 1996.
|
|
| [5] "Eastern Orthodoxy" Encyclopædia
Britannica Online. <http://search.eb.com/bol/topic?idxref=479137>
[Accessed 28 October 2001].
|
|
| [6] "Pentecostalism" Encyclopædia Britannica
Online. <http://search.eb.com/bol/topic?eu=60609&sctn=3>
[Accessed 28 October 2001].
|
|
| [7] "Roman Catholicism, history of" Encyclopædia
Britannica Online.
<http://search.eb.com/bol/topic?eu=117864&sctn=1>
[Accessed 28 October 2001].
|
|
| [8] "Mormon" Encyclopædia Britannica Online.
<http://search.eb.com/bol/topic?eu=55122&sctn=1>
[Accessed 28 October 2001].
|
|
| [9] "Jehovah's Witness" Encyclopædia
Britannica Online.
<http://search.eb.com/bol/topic?eu=44484&sctn=1>
[Accessed 28 October 2001].
|
|
| [10] "Christ, Church of" Encyclopædia
Britannica Online.
<http://search.eb.com/bol/topic?eu=84566&sctn=1>
[Accessed 28 October 2001].
|
|
| [11] "England, Church of" Encyclopædia
Britannica Online. <http://search.eb.com/bol/topic?eu=33224&sctn=1>
[Accessed 28 October 2001].
|
|
| [12] "Methodism" Encyclopædia Britannica
Online.
<http://search.eb.com/bol/topic?eu=117347&sctn=1>
[Accessed 28 October 2001].
|
|
| [13] "Adventist" Encyclopædia Britannica
Online. <http://search.eb.com/bol/topic?xref=11963>
[Accessed 28 October 2001].
|
|
| [14] "Reformed and Presbyterian church" Encyclopædia
Britannica Online.
<http://search.eb.com/bol/topic?idx_id=437983>
[Accessed 28 October 2001].
|
|
| [15] Church of Christ. 28 October 2001. http://www.church-of-christ.org.
|
|
| [16] Disciples of Christ. 28 October 2001. http://www.disciples.org/about.htm.
|
|
| [17] Rosten, L., ed. Religions of America: Ferment and
Faith in an Age of Crisis. New York: Simon & Schuster, 1975.
Date published: 02/27/2002 |
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