Denominational Differences

Dear Victorious,

Some of my family are long time Catholics. Some have married Protestants. Of those, there are different denominations. Now we have a nephew who married a Jehovah Witnesses and a cousin who is dating a Mormon. The religious arguments that erupt at family gatherings are dreadful. With the holidays coming up this year, plans are for large family gatherings. How can we cope with all these differences?

Janie A. - West Newton, PA

Dear Janie,

The thing to remember is that God isn't Catholic. Or Presbyterian. Or Mormon. The thing is that mankind has made up all of the denominations. We keep coming up with them. The newer ones have always been heresy. Christians were persecuted centuries ago - for joining religions that we consider mainstream today. That is likely to continue until Christ returns.

The first thing we should notice then in our religious differences is how we are to regard them. Titus 3:9-11 gives the clearest direction that I know if. It says, "But avoid foolish controversies ... and arguments ... about the law (religion) because these are unprofitable and useless. Warn a divisive person once and then warn him a second time. After that, have nothing to do with him. You may be sure that such a man is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned."

All of the religions you mentioned seem to have Christ as their foundation. So rather than focus on the religious differences, I'd suggest you focus on the religious similarities. Make an announcement at the Thanksgiving table - that there will be no tolerance for religious argument. It doesn't honor God in any religion. Instead, ask everyone to say what they are grateful to Christ for. Or ask them to name one characteristic of Christ that they most appreciate.

If after you've gently tried to correct, then you must boldly confront. If you still get no cooperation, you can be sure the individuals who continue to argue religion are not righteous people at all. You should stop inviting them to family gatherings ... and you should tell them why. Perhaps you can lead them to Mark 9, where the chosen disciples questioned Jesus about what appears to be the first "break away" denomination. Jesus response? He said in Mark 9:40 that, "... if they are not against us, then they are for us." What He meant was that they may not have it exactly right. But they are focused on Jesus. So let us be glad for that.

May your holidays be happy. And may the spirit of Christ transcend all the religions at your dinner table!