The two fastest-growing church bodies in the United States and Canada, according to a newly published report, are ones whose beliefs are known to conflict with traditional Christian teaching.
Jehovah's Witnesses and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, regarded by many Christians as cults, reported the largest membership increases in a year, according to the National Council of Churches' 2008 Yearbook of American & Canadian Churches.
Although Jehovah's Witnesses currently rank 25th in size with over 1.06 million members, they reported a 2.25 percent increase in membership since the publication of the 2007 Yearbook. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints – also known as the Mormon church – grew 1.56 percent and is listed by the NCC as the fourth largest “church.”
Notably, however, both Jehovah’s Witnesses and the Mormon church are not accepted within many Christian circles as part of the larger Body of Christ over a number of controversial beliefs that the two religions hold. Identification of the former religion as Christian, among other controversies, is debated largely due to their rejection of the Trinity, which most Christians regard as a fundamental doctrine. Latter-day Saints, meanwhile, are often criticized for their belief in “divine” books of scripture, aside from the Bible, including the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price.
Mormonism was formally listed under “cults and sects” by the Southern Baptist Convention – the largest Protestant denomination in the nation – but was more recently categorized among “newly developed religions” on the North American Mission Board apologetics page.
Other bodies in the newly published top 25 largest churches list that reported membership increases include The Catholic Church with a 0.87 percent increase; the Southern Baptist Convention with a 0.22 percent increase; the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church with a 0.21 percent rise; and the Assemblies of God with a 0.19 percent growth.
The greatest losses in membership were reported by The Episcopal Church, which dropped 4.15 percent in members, and the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), which decreased by 2.36 percent. Both denominations are currently wracked by theological differences and the issue of homosexuality.
American Baptist Churches in the U.S.A. and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America also experienced large losses in membership, dropping 1.82 percent and 1.58 percent, respectively.
"Some will wish to argue that the slowing growth rate is evidence of an increasing secularization of American postmodern society," said the Rev. Dr. Eileen W. Lindner, editor of the Yearbook. "While such an explanation will satisfy some, caution in drawing such a conclusion is warranted."
Lindner also observed that churches are feeling the impact of the lifestyles of Millenials – people in their 20s and 30s – who attend church but resist becoming members. Continue >>
Comments
The CHurch of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints has a membership of over 13 million which was incorrectly reported in this article.
It is the only one I know of after all my investigating that best adheres to the Christian teachings from the Bible, Debra
Que
I appreciate the thought and study you put into the subject, it was also very nice that you shared a part of that journey. God bless you all.
God's plan is that all would hear the gospel before He returns. You may think that's impossible, but we are very close. The world is a lot smaller today. Mass media, and even more and more people being called to the mission field and reaching distant and previously unknown tribes, cultures, and people.
Vince,
Regarding your comment: “I see a just and merciful God with a plan for those who have never heard the gospel”.
What does scripture have to say about this matter? Well to be frank, I hadn’t previously looked into it closely. Certainly I had heard certain vague references to men’s own consciences convicting them that there is a God, but I hadn’t followed that to its logical conclusion. But after a very long night of intensive bible study I can say that it’s rather plain what the “plan” is. Care to follow along with what I’ve learned?
Rom 2:11-16 “For there is no partiality with God. For all who have sinned without the Law will also perish without the Law, and all who have sinned under the Law will be judged by the Law; For when Gentiles who DO NOT HAVE THE LAW do instinctively the things of the Law, these, not having the Law, are a law to themselves, in that they show the work of the Law written in their hearts, their conscience bearing witness and their thoughts alternately accusing or else defending them, on the day when, according to my gospel, God will judge the secrets of men through Christ Jesus.”
Those without knowledge of the Gospel and the Law are judged by their conscience. If they violate their conscience then they have rebelled against their creator who gave us all the knowledge of right and wrong. (Conscience = literally “With knowledge”) Conscience is actually the Law written in our hearts. That their “thoughts” can “defend them” in the day of judgment,would certainly indicate that such is possible!
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It is also made clear that God has made Himself obvious to man through the general revelation of creation:
Rom 1:18-22 “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and wickedness of men who by their wickedness suppress the truth. For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. Ever since the creation of the world his invisible nature, namely, his eternal power and deity, has been clearly perceived in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse; for although they knew God they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking and their senseless minds were darkened. Claiming to be wise, they became fools”
The general revelation of God through creation spoils any possible excuse man may have in saying that he never knew there is such a thing as God, even without the benefit of specific revelation.
So who are these that “do not honor God” and whose own “consciences accuse them”? They are by nature “children of wrath…dead in trespass and sin…walking according to the course of this world” (Eph 2:1-3) And what is to become of these?
Rev 20:11 speaks of the Great White Throne Judgment of the unrighteous dead; of the great and small that are judged from the books according to their works. Rev 20:15 “And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.”
How does one’s name appear or not appear in this book?
Exd 32:33 “And the LORD said unto Moses, Whosoever hath sinned against me, him will I blot out of my book.”
ALSO
As the Lord said to John in Rev 3:5 “He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.”
< Overcome = GREEK “Nikao” meaning: come off victorious - of those that hold fast their faith even unto death against the power of their foes, and temptations and persecutions>
Certainly God is merciful, but He is also just. “And there shall in no wise enter in…any thing that defileth.” Rev 21:27
I apologize if I misunderstood you. I read your quote to telling me what I and the LDS believe. Your words--"This is absolutely contrary to your belief that a just and holy God might bend the rules and allow the "ignorant" or "deceived" into glory. "-- I see a just and merciful God with a plan for those that have never heard the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I know of no evangelical doctrine that allows for His mercy to be extend to those that would have accepted Christ had they had the opertunity in this life.
Again I am sorry, for the misunderstanding.
Our faith assures us that we are saved.
Our works prove we are saved.
Vince,
Back up there on both points.
I am only responding to your own words wherein you said: " But to say that God doesn't save the individual that never knew Christ and never had the chance to, is to take away from His Love and mercy."
As for being "judged by our works", I've not said not ever will say anything of the sort.
I think you are getting me confused with BigOnDrums who said ;" If works were not important, why would we be judged according to our works?"
RE: the former quote - please elaborate. By your most recent response you are either backpedaling from said quote, or it has been misunderstood.
Que - wrong again -
"This is absolutely contrary to your belief that a just and holy God might bend the rules and allow the "ignorant" or "deceived" into glory. God is absolutely holy and as such can abide no sin. It is ONLY Christ's blood covering us that makes us "as white as snow" before Gods eyes. If you don't have Christ's blood, you can't enter in. And not just ANY "Christ", but the one, true Christ. Simple as that."
I don't believe nor is it LDS Doctrine what you just said. In fact the Book of Mormon teaches that one can't be saved in ignorance. So I don't know where you got that thought from. And like some one with only part of the truth (cause you only have part of the scriptures given to man by God) I can agree with alot of what you said, but again you haven't explained how the bible can say Eph 2:8 "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: [it is] the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast." and then say that we are judged by our works. if that isn't a contradiction then I don't know what is. You need further revelation and inspiration from God. see prophets.
It is possible to be deceived.
Luke 21:8 And (Jesus) said, Take heed that ye be not deceived: for many shall come in my name, saying, I am [Christ]; and the time draweth near: go ye NOT therefore after them.
Following the TRUE Christ is of utmost importance. Jesus is saying don't follow these other "Christs".
Jesus further says:
Mat 7:21-23 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will (Christ) profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
<Iniquity - GREEK "anomia" to trangress the law either by willful contempt or by ignorance of it.>
Mat 25:41 "Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels"
This is a sobering thing! These that say but "Lord Lord!" would appear to be people that thought that they were right with God, doing works in His name and prophesying (teaching) in His name and all. But he says they've worked "inquity", which would be in this case ignorantly transgressing the law and they did not know HIM and are thus condemned.
This is absolutely contrary to your belief that a just and holy God might bend the rules and allow the "ignorant" or "deceived" into glory. God is absolutely holy and as such can abide no sin. It is ONLY Christ's blood covering us that makes us "as white as snow" before Gods eyes. If you don't have Christ's blood, you can't enter in. And not just ANY "Christ", but the one, true Christ. Simple as that.
bigondrums,
You said "Prophet, We believe that Jesus is the God of the Old Testament" So the God of the old testament is a different God? The same God that said "I am the same yesterday, today, and forever"?
As for my grandmother. I can only pray. I can't judge the condition of her heart, but I can see her actions and perceive what she appears to place greatest emphasis upon, which gives me reason to be concerned as to her true condition.
Has she placed her hope of salvation on her works or on Christ's blood? Does she depend on a eucharistic piece of bread to maintain her fellowship with God or does she believe Christ's words when he said "It is finished!"?
Jer 17:10 But I know! I, the Lord, search all hearts and examine secret motives. I give all people their due rewards, according to what their actions deserve."
Vince,
You are making the assumption that the liberty derived from grace alone gives rise to license. It may for the deceived half-hearted pew-warmer hoping for fire insurance, but not for the truly obedient Christian who "studies to show himself approved"
He would find that Paul writes in Romans 6:1,2,4: "What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid!... even so we also should walk in newness of life."
Also in Acts 26, Paul also testifies to King Agrippa that Jesus had commanded him: ".. I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both, of these things which thou hast seen...(and Paul) shewed first unto them (the Gentiles) that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance.
Paul preached "repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ."
What you call the "evangelical view" is actually no such thing. "All you need to do is accept Christ" is ALSO NOT the gospel. Saying a little prayer at an altar call with no change in your life avails nothing. This is what Jesus speaks of in Matt 13:5,6 in the parable of the sower; "..Some fell upon stony places, where they had not much earth: and forthwith they sprung up, because they had no deepness of earth, And when the sun was up, they were scorched; and because they had no root, they withered away."
A contrite and broken heart over one's sin is what repentance is; a turning from one's separated-from-God ways, placing our faith in Christ's redeeming work on the cross, Eph 2:8 "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: [it is] the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast."
Do you realize what this REALLY says? (and this was laid bare to my own heart only last year) that even our faith is the gift of God. It's not about us struggling to believe. HE gives us the faith, so I can't boast that I'm super faith-filled. What faith I have was granted to me by God! What's more, I don't have to give in to doubts, but place my trust wholly upon God to give me the necessary faith. (continued)
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But having been justified and brought in to right relationship with God, we aren't to stop there!
Jesus says in John 14; "Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater [works] than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father....If ye love me, keep my commandments....And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever."
If we believe on Him, we will love him and if we love him we will keep his commandments and what's more, we WILL do works! But these works are NOT THE BASIS OF OUR SALVATION - but merely an outward sign of our inward condition!
This is what James refers to when he says "and I will shew thee my faith by my works."
And our works is not all. As we leave behind these first principles regarding our redemption having been acccomplished, we are to "go on to perfection". Paul adjures us in Hebrews; "THEREFORE, leaving the discussion of the elementary principles of Christ, LET US GO ON TO PERFECTION, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, of the doctrine of baptisms, of laying on of hands, of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment..."
Don't keep rehashing the basics; We are to "grow in grace, and [in] the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ" 2 Pet 3:18.
Does all this sound like laziness to you? It sounds more like being "careful to put into action God's saving work in your lives, obeying God with deep reverence and fear." Phl 2:12
If works were not important, why would we be judged according to our works? Why would we be told faith without works is dead?
We are to follow the commandments of God. These are called works. We will be judged accordingly. We are not saved by our works, we are saved through faith in Jesus Christ. However, this does not negate our responsibility to follow His commandments.
Even satan and his dominions believe in Christ. They are not saved. You can say you accept Christ and believe in him, and then murder 5 innocent people in a shooting rampage. Are you still saved? If so, and works don't matter at all, then why do we do anything good after we've accepted Christ as our Savior?