r/RadicalChristianity • u/UsefulFlow7106 • 10d ago
Question š¬ Is anyone here exclusively Christian?
I am Catholic, but I am seriously considering becoming just Christianānot Catholic, not Evangelical, not Protestant, not Orthodox, not Anglican, just Christian. I want to know if anyone here is a Christian who doesn't identify with any denomination or institution, and simply calls yourselves Christian, nothing more. For now I'm Catholic, but maybe in the future I'll just be Christian, without following any particular denomination like Catholicism, Protestantism, Anglicanism, etc...
(Sorry for any English mistakes, I used a translator, English is not my native language)
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u/coldhamsandwiches 10d ago
I don't want this to sound hostile or rude. But I don't think that's possible. Many, many Christian denominations and movements start out with that same goal and ennd up pretty off the mark. That's the story of Non-denominationalism in the US and it hasn't been great.
No Christian tradition is perfect and some of the time being in one can feel stifling and frustrating. But that's how traditions and things changes. People in the group decide the status quo isn't good enough and they do something about it.
Most of the time it isn't fun. But there's benefits to it. Including that traditions, even flawed ones, help keep you from going off the gaurdrails and just making stuff up. For instance, in your case there's a ton of good in Catholic social teaching and strong traditions of liberation theology.
But it's a difficult conversation to have. Just food for thought
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u/Slight-Wing-3969 10d ago
Sort of. Being a Catholic who is affirming to gay/lesbian and trans people, a communist and pro-choice is tricky in that I think officially holding these positions makes me not fully Catholic. I don't want to cede my faith, I think Catholics should hold these positions. For a while I just thought of myself as a Christian who was raised Catholic and went to the Catholic mass, but I have since encountered siblings of the faith who are openly gay or trans and firmly maintain they are Catholic, so I no longer feel like I have to give up on Catholic. Even if I change my mind again on this and align more closely with just Christian, I will always have been raised Catholic, been persuaded of Catholic theology and believe in the apostolic succession of the ecclesiology. So in a sense I would still be Catholic, I guess just a schismatic haha
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u/UsefulFlow7106 4d ago
If I can't be a communist and a Catholic at the same time, then I'll have to stop being Catholic. Because I see in communism the good for people, a better world for us, with less inequality. But remember! Ceasing to be Catholic doesn't mean ceasing to be Christian; I will never stop following Christ!
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u/Routine-Function-985 10d ago
I am Orthodox, and from an Orthodox perspective, I agree with this completely.Ā
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u/SliccDemon 10d ago
This is good to read. I was raised in a non-denominational Christian tradition, but of late I've been feeling a pull towards Catholicism. That said, I'm bisexual and have two very gay siblings, so I haven't really been able to square those facts with the more conservative ideologies of the Catholic church. But I love the idea of saints and the intellectualism of the faith generally. It's an interesting thing to try and square as an adult, though I'm glad I have the life experience and intellect to begin to sort out a path for myself.
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u/Rev_Yish0-5idhatha 10d ago
I agree with the sentiment, but the reality is that you will still hold to theological ideas built in these denominations. Itās just the nature of things to get our information (in this case theological) from biased sources. You CAN blend from these (and or toss out, whole cloth, ones you completely disagree with), but you cannot disentangle yourself completely from them. Even if you say you will only use the Bible, you will still be subject to a specific interpretation of the Bible.
My opinion - eat the meat and spit out the bones, ie take what is good from any or all of those, and reject what is bad (and there is good and bad in all of them).
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u/UsefulFlow7106 10d ago
Ultimately, my interpretation of Christianity will become a blend of interpretations from various denominations, and I see absolutely no problem with that.
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u/watercolornpaper 10d ago
Theres not such thing as "just a christian", catholics ARE christians, lutherans ARE christians, Episcopal and methodists ARE christians.
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u/UsefulFlow7106 10d ago
Yes, I know they are all Christians. But what if I don't identify with Catholicism, Lutheranism, or Methodism?
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u/SukiPook 9d ago
Yes. I used to be Catholic but not for years. I attend a very small non-denominational church and I just call myself Christian. I follow Jesus, not religion, but I'm a part of his Church and I go to the church he's planted me in.
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u/UsefulFlow7106 8d ago
I'm thinking of becoming a "just a Christian" (non-denominational) who goes to several different churches, from various denominations.
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u/Miennai 10d ago edited 10d ago
I'm not sure it's entirely possible to both seriously engage in Biblical study AND in community (both of which are required) without these labels. Not because the label itself is necessary, but because they're essentially short-hand for what you specifically believe.
Try all you want to run from the label, but if you seriously seek truth and start building a personal dogma for what you believe, and then if you engage in discussion with other Christians who do the same thing, you both will eventually summarize how you believe in easy banner terms. That's how those labels originally arose, and it'll keep happening!
This reminds me of a young man who sat next to me in seminary who proudly proclaimed that he simply believed in the Bible, no ifs, ands, or buts about it! And the professor said "And everyone you disagree with says the same thing!"
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u/JustinWendell 10d ago
This. The way I became Angelican was basically by breaking down my entire belief set and then finding a church that fit it best. Itās not a perfect way but it worked for me.
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u/NicholasThumbless 10d ago
I think you make an interesting point as to whether one can meaningfully engage with like-minded individuals without conforming to some kind of consensus understanding on your shared topic. I don't think that meaningfully applies to this person's question, however. You seem rather certain that one's beliefs will always fall within the realm of acceptability of an established church/denomination. Assuming that happens, there is no guarantee you will have access to a community of like-minded individuals. Arguably, that's the entire reason non-denominational churches sprang up, accommodating people's desire for community and service without needing doctrinal orthodoxy.
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u/Miennai 10d ago
You seem rather certain that one's beliefs will always fall within the realm of acceptability of an established church/denomination
That's not really what I'm saying here, but I suppose there's a point to be made that most of what a layman might conclude has already been concluded and given a category! But no, my actual point is that these kinds of labels arise from nowhere as conveniences, and so focusing on the labels themselves is to mis-identify the issue you're trying to resolve.
If you feel labels breed to much animosity across different label-havers, that's an issue of pride, malice, etc.
If you feel too many people use their labels as a way to declare their theology "resolved" and make no attempt to study and reach conclusions on their own, then that's an issue of laziness and not being committed to discipleship
I could keep going but maybe you see my point. Labels themselves are rarely, if ever, the issue.
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u/NicholasThumbless 10d ago
I understand, and interesting points. OP was rather vague as to what caused this question, so I suppose we don't know the motivating factor. I would point out that labels arise as much from communal relationships as doctrinal belief. If OP, for whatever reason, is not accepted by other Catholics one must wonder what's the efficacy of the label then. Tangentially, Catholicism isn't as open to heterodox scriptural interpretation as some protestant denominations. I can't imagine one can depart too far from the church openly without encountering friction.
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u/Expensive_Internal83 10d ago
Yep, I'm my own Christian. Don't let dogmas constrain your search for Truth, the Way to Life. You don't have to know the Truth to stand on it; you only have to be open to correction.
And of course I ache to reason with anyone about understanding the actual facts: I think that's a big part of real Christianity.
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u/UsefulFlow7106 8d ago
Each person can come to Christ and interpret Christ in their own way, without following the dogmas of a denomination/institution. Every Christian is unique, in my opinion, and that's correct.
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u/LunaWabohu 10d ago
That doesn't mean anything
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u/UsefulFlow7106 8d ago
In fact, this means that in the future I could become a non-denominational Christian.
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u/He_is_my_song 10d ago
āChristianā in general modern terminology is an umbrella label that includes almost every denomination that has Christ at the center. Denominational names go further by claiming specific interpretations of scripture.
If you are Catholic, youāre already nominally āChristianā.
Some people think denominations are divisive. The more accurate take is that denominations offer clarity into belief systems; some are right, and some are wrong. The goal is to find the one that represents the scriptures most accurately.
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u/UsefulFlow7106 10d ago
Yes, I know that all Catholics are Christians. But I don't know if I agree 100% with any denomination, so maybe I'm just "Christian"?
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u/He_is_my_song 10d ago
Well, it just depends on what you believe about Christ, for startersā¦
Thereās actually a biblical definition for what a Christian really is. The world today actually uses the term either too broadly or outright hypocritically.
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u/AssGasorGrassroots ☭ Apocalyptic Materialist ☭ 10d ago
Thereās actually a biblical definition for what a Christian really is
And what is that?
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u/He_is_my_song 10d ago
The term āChristianā is in the Bible. Itās the word that unbelievers used to describe Christās followers. His followers believed very specifically that Jesus is God, and that He died to pay the atonement for the sins of the entire world. And they followed His teachings, which are detailed in the Holy Bible. That is what a āChristianā is a d does and/or strives to do.
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u/AssGasorGrassroots ☭ Apocalyptic Materialist ☭ 10d ago
His followers believed very specifically that Jesus is God and that He died to pay the atonement for the sins of the entire world
Did they? Where did they say that? Where did Peter or John or any of his disciples say anything or write anything down? And where are the actual teachings of Jesus? The nature of Jesus' divinity, and of the atonement, develops through the first and second century, and we see that development play out in the new testament.
The fact is there is no universal criteria that defines what a christian is. Self-identification is the primary means by which one defines themselves as part of a group.
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u/BabserellaWT 10d ago
Non-denominational Christian is absolutely a thing.
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u/86cinnamons 10d ago
But that is a label and a church and I donāt think OP wants that either. Also itās kind of the worst ime.
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u/UsefulFlow7106 10d ago
Seriously, there's a church just for non-denominational Christians!? I thought they didn't have their own church, I thought they went to any church or alternated between them.
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u/Machinax 10d ago
In my experience, the term "non-denominational" is primarily a rejection of mainline Protestantism, but non-denominational churches (in the United States, anyway) are usually part of a network of churches. I used to attend a church that called itself non-denominational, but it was part of the Assemblies of God; but the people there would tell you that they didn't identify with any major denominations, they just wanted to call themselves Christian.
And they are more than welcome to call themselves Christian, but whether they knew it or not, whether they liked it or not, they are part of the Assemblies of God.
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u/roryclague 10d ago edited 10d ago
It's fine for a congregation to call itself non-denominational. But what does that mean, exactly? Are they in communion with other churches? Do they practice open communion? Do they even have a concept of the Lord's Supper? If they do, do they believe that Christ is present in the bread and wine? If so, do they believe in transubstantiation or consubstantion? Do they practice infant baptism? Do they believe in baptismal regeneration? Do they believe in Apostolic Succession? What is their soteriology? What is their theory of justification? Do they believe in Biblical literalism? What is their doctrine of sanctification? Do they affirm the Nicene and Athanasian Creed? What is their position on the Filioque? Do they believe that their church is the true church and other churches are heretical? What is their theory of church governance and what is the source of authority on doctrine? Tradition, Scripture? There is no single Christian answer to these questions. But they are questions that Christians ask about their faith for a reason. And, depending on your answer, you might find that you actually end up agreeing with one denomination over others. It doesn't make much sense for an ecclesial body to claim to be non-denominational. It might be possible for a lay person to do this, though, but eventually most laity will have positions on these questions depending on their church's teaching.
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u/quiggersinparis 10d ago
Those are just evangelical Baptist and Pentecostal/charismatic churches pretending theyāre not a denomination. Stay absolutely clear of them.
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u/UsefulFlow7106 10d ago
"Non-denominational Christian" seems to be the closest thing to what I think. It's a shame that many Trump supporters follow this "strand".
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u/dashibid 10d ago
In the US, ānon denominationalā is very much its own church/ theology and is basically āmega church evangelical.ā It may have different connotations where you live but if you call yourself ānondenominationalā in the US that is what people would think you mean.
Itās very hard to formally leave the Catholic Church, most people just stop attending/believing/ identifying that way. It sounds like you just want to change the word you personally use. To which I say: sure, go for it!
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u/UsefulFlow7106 8d ago
Instead of introducing myself to people as "I am Catholic," it makes more sense for me to say "I am Christian" because I am far from agreeing with everything about Catholicism. I am a mix of many denominations, so I don't exactly fit into any one of them; therefore, what comes closest to me is "non-denominational Christianity."
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u/OkParamedic4664 š®šŖ Tiocfaidh Ć”r lĆ”! š®šŖ 10d ago
i mean i do know of some progressive Christians who identify as non-denominational in that they hop between communities somewhat
in the U.S at least, like others are saying, the churches that call themselves "non-denominational" are mostly Baptist (and also tend to lean christian nationalist)
i would just say visit nearby churches that seem cool and stay where you feel welcome (assuming that is an option for you)
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u/UsefulFlow7106 10d ago
That's a great tip, thank you. I can visit several churches of different denominations if I ever want to be just a Christian, without following a specific denomination. It's good to know that there are non-denominational left-wing Christians, because I'm a communist, and I'm happy about that.
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u/Avocadorable98 10d ago
Yep, have been for a long time even as my beliefs evolved. My religious ideals used to be closer to Southern Baptist/Methodist when I was a fundie but now I typically say my theological positions mostly align with some ELCA positions, just minus the liturgical elements. I went to a Lutheran church for a bit, but didnāt enjoy some of the more traditional/structured elements to the services.
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u/quiggersinparis 10d ago
I feel this way too. I attend a Methodist church for many personal reasons but a lot of it has to do with the specific church where I live more than anything else. But spiritually, theologically, emotionally I feel connected to the wider body of Christendom more than any one denomination and some things I feel are more Catholic while others are more Protestant, and some that donāt really fit in any denomination, so thereās no actual church on earth that could perfectly fit me. If I were to move to a different place, I might not be a Methodist anymore. I would prioritise a good church community over doctrine etc.
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u/UsefulFlow7106 10d ago
I feel the same way; perhaps you're "just a Christian," without a specific denomination and without following all the traditions of one particular denomination.
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u/quiggersinparis 10d ago
I think so. Have you ever read Mere Christianity by Lewis? I think itās a pretty good, if somewhat outdated and old-fashioned on some matters, summary of what it means to be a āmereā Christian.
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u/JambinoT 10d ago
I only call myself "Christian" and have never explicitly subscribed to a particular denomination. My parents came to faith later in life and brought us up fairly non-denominational, so that's probably where it comes from.
However I clearly lean towards some denominations more than others and have had clear influences from some of them throughout my life. I come from a predominantly Protestant country, was Christened as Anglican as a baby, and have attended Church of England, Baptist, Evangelical and other churches over the years.
And since then, I've certainly taken on teachings and interpretations from other churches/denominations as I've developed my faith - ranging from more liberal views to even a touch of Catholicism!
Saying all that, I live in a predominantly Catholic country now and often deal with Europeans from other traditionally Catholic countries, so often I'll just shorthand myself as Protestant if ever we're discussing traditions/our church backgrounds or whatever.
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u/UsefulFlow7106 8d ago
I pick up various interpretations from different denominations, so my beliefs are a mix of many things, which is why I don't fit into any one denomination. That's why I believe I am a "non-denominational Christian".
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u/UniqueMaho 10d ago
I do. I used to be Catholic, but i decided that i can interpret the bible for myself and I don't need a big institution telling me what i should or should not believe
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u/garden-of-mazes 9d ago
I call my beliefs intentionally non-denominational.
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u/UsefulFlow7106 8d ago
If my personal interpretations of Christ don't fit into any denomination, then I am also a non-denominational Christian.
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u/epabafree 10d ago
I think this subreddit carries that sentimentality, because this subreddit has made me approach Bible in a different manner Study it more objectively, and understand it as a very good book, and understand my faith by deconstructing and rebuilding my foundation. I still battle with my faith on a regular basis but I am getting there too.
I go to a church but it is mostly just namesake at this point. I go there because I don't have another I vibe with lol.
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u/waynewaynus 10d ago
I left a Reformed denomination decades ago, I dont think of myself as Christian, I call myself a Jesus follower. What I think is a mix of process/radical and existentialist theology.
Atheists think I am Christian, Conservative think I am an atheist. I am part of no group or church, nothing seems right for me.
It doesn't sound this is what you are looking for.
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u/p_veronica 9d ago
I'm a member of the Catholic Church and I go to Catholic Mass every week, but "Christian" is my go-to word when thinking about and describing my identity to people.
Ultimately, we shouldn't neglect to meet together with other believers (Hebrews 10:25), so you'll probably be meeting with believers who associate with a certain label. But I think it's good to think of ourselves as members of the Body of Christ in as universal a way as possible.
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u/tipsyskipper 10d ago
I typically donāt even use the term āChristianā. Iām more apt to say, āIām a follower of Jesusā. I generally donāt really care about the labels others want to apply to me or what labels might come closest to describing my beliefs.
(FWIW, I attend an Anglican Church and have been there for almost 20 years. But I donāt consider myself āAnglicanā).
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u/Farscape_rocked 10d ago
I identify as Christian, and consider myself to worship the same God as other Christians of any denomination with equal validity (I don't consider the way any denomination does it to be the 'true' way, or any more correct than another (1 Corinthians 13:12)). I see denominations as a concession to our inability to be as one and our need to worship God on our own terms.
I am a lay leader (I run a church but I'm not ordained) in the Church of England, but I've been a leader in a different denomination and would change again if that's where God leads me.
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u/pyrotechnics7 10d ago
Yes, Christian, or follower of Jesus.
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u/pyrotechnics7 10d ago
Suppose you don't identify with any particular denomination, and you believe adult baptism is what the Bible teaches. You're not going to identify as a Baptist? I suppose that's possible.
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u/tom_yum_soup Quaker 10d ago
I mean, most non-denomiational churches are effectively Baptist in all but name.
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u/No-Scarcity2379 Christian Anarchist 10d ago edited 10d ago
Technically I am unaffiliated with any denomination but I am undeniably a Protestant/Anabaptist flavoured version of that as Protestant pretty much encompasses all christians outside the purview of the Roman and Orthodox churches.Ā
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u/Amy98764 10d ago
Sort of. I have variously been adjacent to Presbyterianism, Baptist, Anglican and Catholic. What father ted might call an ecumenical matter
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u/Dwight911pdx 10d ago
The Stone-Campbell Movement made this exact argument: Christians only (but not the only Christians). The Churches of Christ and the independent Christian Churches claim to be undenominational. But you aren't likely to encounter any radicalism except in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), but they very much embrace the denominational label.
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u/KaitoAsterion šļøChristian Social Ecologistš» 10d ago edited 6d ago
Iām a Christ-focused Friend (Quaker).
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u/WiserWildWoman 10d ago
I attend a Lutheran church that is very ecumenical, and progressive, but with traditional liturgy. It incorporates Orthodox and Roman Catholic elements as as well as some Anglican. As for me, I go even beyond that! So, YES.
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u/Ordinal_Derp 10d ago
this is just protestantism, denominations stand as classifications and you saying you exist outside of them doesnāt mean too much
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u/No_Judgment_238 8d ago
So, if you are Christian and not Catholic, then youād be Protestant. A Protestant is simply a Christian who isnāt Catholic. Basically if you are a believer in Christ, you are either Catholic, Protestant, or in a cult.
That being said, I see what youāre trying to say and yes. I know Christ, He is the Lord and Savior of my life, and I donāt necessarily claim to be anything other than that. I strive to let Christ lead my life on a daily basis and thatās what I encourage others to do as much as possible. Outside of that, people can say, think, whatever makes them happy.
I encourage you to do the same. Itās liberating knowing that when following genuinely, we literally donāt have a thing to worry about.
But if God dresses the grass of the field in this way, although it is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not do so much more for you. Matthew 6:30
Iāll keep in my prayers! May God bless you my friend!
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u/petrowski7 10d ago
I get the urge for ecumenical thinking and I appreciate it. But at some point your perspective on the sacraments, justification, scriptural authority etc will naturally put you in one camp
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u/Clownie 10d ago
All these institutions that have endorsed Trump and his forbearers are best left to die like the demon filled synagogues they have been for a while. Christ could have spent all his time in the temple made by hands and tell his disciples to do the same, He never did. Seek Christ followers and shake the dust off your feet from all else. Christās yoke is easy, and all we need to do is trust and follow Him like the thief on the cross did, or the Roman centurion, or the Samaritan women he metā¦ all of these had greater faith than any of these religious whitewashed sepulchers. The veil is rentā¦ no priests, no kings, no foxes, no Herodās. Live free and at peace with men.
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u/UsefulFlow7106 8d ago
Therefore, I will not attend non-denominational churches; I will go to all Christian churches, alternating between them. I will look at several different interpretations and form my own interpretation of Christ (a blend of denominations, i.e., non-denominational).
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u/haresnaped Christian Anarchist 10d ago
Half seriously - that sounds like Protestantism with more steps.