Whatever Happened to Mainline Denominations?

I had finally distributed the books this week, but figured out that I am short a few. Most of you should have the book anf if not I will order your copy and it will be here shortly. I will email you a digital copy so that you can keep up.

Thank you guys for your patience, I am posting a little late due to a video I was finishing for my third cousin's memorial service.

This last Sunday we started discussing the first chapter. Before we actually got into discussing the first chapter we looked at the questions posed by Campolo in his preface:

Do evangelicals have an image problem?
What is happening to our theology?
How well do we relate to the rest of the world?
What does the future hold in store for us?

I acknowledged that these questions will be addressed by Campolo throughout the book. We started by trying to clarify what we would be talking about when talking about evangelicals and denominations. I first started by describing the different faith traditions in Christianity. I did this to show that not all Christians are the same and also to show the common bond that believers have. I described Christianity as somewhat of a tent with three traditions, Roman Catholicism, Eastern Orthodox, and Protestantism. We talked about the differences and I tried to recognize each traditions' legitimacy as many I feel discount Roman Catholicism and Eastern Orthodox based on hearsay and interpretation.

We discussed what different denominations were represented and talked about the distinctive aspects of the Quaker/Friends such as:

- The origin of the name of Quaker/Friend
- Anabaptist connection
- Not a tradition of non-tradition rather a non-traditional way observing some of the sacraments
- Historical connection with slave abolishment, early feminism, and other social movements
- Open worship as a form of communion

Tony defines this chapter by denominational and evangelical but we decided that what we have experienced is smaller denominational churches and larger non-denominational churches. We agreed that the section on social issues and the shifting power went hand and hand. We recognized, in respect to financial support, that it is easier to financially support a young, zealous student than a missionary that comes around only so often. We were glad to report that our church supports both type of missionaries.

For the section on conversion versus socialization we who grew up in the church had plenty to share. One thing that was expressed is sometimes the what some may see as a "mild" testimony in which those of us who grow up in the church may have compared to those who are new converts. Many of us cannot say we were drug addicts, murderers, or thieves, well most of us. We didn't spend that much time in frozen methodology, so if you have something to share-go for it. Have a great week and see/hear from you next week when we discuss chapter 2, "How Did Evangelicalism Get So Big?"