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Because the religious world views the varying kinds of churches as a part
of the whole, it is not surprising the sectarian world views the church of
Christ as a denomination. However, it is truly sad that many within the
church of our Lord are asking, "Is the church of Christ a denomination?"
Before one can answer this question, there are several preliminaries that
must be considered.
First, some terms must be defined. What do the terms denomination, nondenominational, undenominational, and interdenominational mean? The term "denomination" means a part of the whole. A one dollar bill is a denomination of money. It is one denomination as is a five, ten, or twenty dollar bill. Each are a part of the whole money system of the United States. To nearly all religionists, various denominations such as Baptist, Lutheran, or Methodist are a part of the universal church of Christ. In their minds, all are Christians striving for heaven by different routes. The term "nondenominational" means not a denomination. The prefix "non" means not. Thus, when a church is nondenominational, it is not a denomination. The term "undenominational" is very similar in meaning. The prefix "un" means the opposite of or reverse of. Therefore, when a church is undenominational, it is the opposite of a denomination. Finally, the term "interdenominational" carries the idea of accepting all denominations. In actuality, many denominational groups use the term nondenominational when meaning interdenominational. Second, the term "church of Christ" must be considered. Several religious groups use this as a name. In many other countries, the Mormons are known as the Church of Christ. In Independence, Mo. where the "temple lot" is located, the Temple Lot segment of the Latter Day Saints are known as the "Temple Lot Church of Christ." Also, in some locations, the Independent Christian Church carries the name Church of Christ. Further, the churches associated with the Boston Movement are now known as the International Churches of Christ. In addition, in the 1960s, five denominations joined together to form the United Church of Christ. Finally, of course, there is the group with which many of us who are reading this are associated. Third, we must consider what we are speaking about. When we use the term "church of Christ," are we talking about the Mormons, the Christian church, the International Church of Christ cult, or the far-liberal United Church of Christ? Are we speaking about a group of people who are a part of "Christendom"? Or, are we speaking about the church of which we read about in the Bible? When I write these lines, I am speaking about the church of the Bible which existed before a single denomination. It is the church that was in the mind of God before the foundation of the world and was prophesied in the Old Testament. It is the church which was established upon the preaching of the apostles in the city of Jerusalem on the day of Pentecost fifty days after the resurrection of the Lord (Acts 2). It is the church which was planted first in Jerusalem, then in Judea, Samaria and the uttermost parts of the earth (Acts 1:8). This church was planted in the cities of Rome, Corinth, and Ephesus as well as many other cities and regions of the ancient world. She is known by such designations as the church of Christ, the bride of Christ, and the kingdom of Christ. She was prophesied by great prophets such as Daniel, Isaiah, Micah, John the baptizer, and the greatest prophet of all—Jesus Christ. Therefore, as we prepare to go into all the world to teach all nations concerning Christ and the church, the kingdom of God (Acts 8:12), let us be sure we understand the church of which we read in the Bible was not a denomination. |