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Why We Belong: Evangelical Unity and Denominational Diversity
Denominations. The word itself often sparks strong reactions, causing us to wonder if there are merits to our factions and if it’s possible to come together as one. Showing how denominational affiliation can be natural without being negative, and how evangelical identity can help rather than hinder Christian unity, Why We Belong explains both the personal and doctrinal reasons each of the following contributors fit not only in their church, but also in the Demonstrating that Christians have significant reasons for identifying with a denomination, this book also helps us see and belong to something much larger than our own traditions―the family of God.
256 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 2013
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
November 12, 2015
This was a well written, well thought out book that for me completely missed the point that I was probably looking for. The book goes to great lengths to allow 6 representative voices of 6 denominations (Anglican, Methodist, Baptist, Lutheran, Pentecostal, and Presbyterian) to articulate why they belong the different denominations. They write well, but all of them tend to basically focus on the denomination high points (Anglican and Lutheran on their historical underpinnings, Pentecostal for their distinctive in worship, and Presbyterian for their doctrine). While this isn't bad per se, I struggle to see why this shows at all "Why We Belong". Very sadly for me the last 3 pages of the book gets to the question of how now should we live and answers it humbly and well. The problem is that then the book is over, and I wonder overall what was the point of the book in the first place.
I see conversation of unity of the Body of Christ, especially around the text of John 17, as a large challenge to be met by denominational Christianity in our current age. It is a vital hurdle, and yet I feel this book missed a good chance to contribute to it.
Maybe other voices in the community like Niebuhr would speak to the question that I am seeking to honestly wrestle with.
I see conversation of unity of the Body of Christ, especially around the text of John 17, as a large challenge to be met by denominational Christianity in our current age. It is a vital hurdle, and yet I feel this book missed a good chance to contribute to it.
Maybe other voices in the community like Niebuhr would speak to the question that I am seeking to honestly wrestle with.
February 19, 2024
Next book read. Found this on my shelf and honestly have felt convicted about how best to navigate discussions about different denominations and lately i have found myself being intellectually snobby as a Presbyterian. (Shocker right lol) anyways this read was timely:
1. “That the unity of the church is itself a doctrine is frequently forgotten.”
2. “As we have seen the unity of the church is itself a doctrine and is linked to God’s ultimate end of glorifying himself; to Gods eternal purpose of cosmic reconciliation to union with Christ, and to the doctrine of the church.”
3. “The Christian church is created in and through the gospel; it is not and cannot be united with those who deny the gospel, the deity of Christ, or any other core truths of faith.
4. “In short, one’s story matters.”
5. “Can we say that these are all true to the words in Ephesians 4 that proclaim there is “one Lord, one faith, one baptism”?.”
I really enjoyed this read. I am Presbyterian and seeking ordination in the PCA. But my childhood roots come from Baptist and Methodist circles. This book highlights the beauty of faithful denominations and their traditions. Each chapter is written by a different person on how and why they are in the denomination they are in. We see the rich heritage of Pentecostalism, Baptist, Methodist, Anglican, Presbyterians and Lutherans. Great read especially if you want to appreciate denominations more outside your own. It even addresses the main lines that have walked away. Yet those of us who remain faithful to scripture must continue to present the gospel. 8.4/10 highly reccomend.
1. “That the unity of the church is itself a doctrine is frequently forgotten.”
2. “As we have seen the unity of the church is itself a doctrine and is linked to God’s ultimate end of glorifying himself; to Gods eternal purpose of cosmic reconciliation to union with Christ, and to the doctrine of the church.”
3. “The Christian church is created in and through the gospel; it is not and cannot be united with those who deny the gospel, the deity of Christ, or any other core truths of faith.
4. “In short, one’s story matters.”
5. “Can we say that these are all true to the words in Ephesians 4 that proclaim there is “one Lord, one faith, one baptism”?.”
I really enjoyed this read. I am Presbyterian and seeking ordination in the PCA. But my childhood roots come from Baptist and Methodist circles. This book highlights the beauty of faithful denominations and their traditions. Each chapter is written by a different person on how and why they are in the denomination they are in. We see the rich heritage of Pentecostalism, Baptist, Methodist, Anglican, Presbyterians and Lutherans. Great read especially if you want to appreciate denominations more outside your own. It even addresses the main lines that have walked away. Yet those of us who remain faithful to scripture must continue to present the gospel. 8.4/10 highly reccomend.
October 21, 2019
A very interesting and enlightening work on the value of Christian denominations. The author begins with a biblical understanding of church unity. The following section highlights leaders from various denominations on why they are members of that particular group. It is interesting to note from reading these accounts how much unity actually exists between the various denomination. The final section on the Rise of Denominations is worth the price of the book.
May 8, 2023
I enjoyed reading how six evangelicals from different denominations answered the question, “Why I am an evangelical and a ______,” filling in their denomination in the blank. Some of the six were better written than others. I also found the most value in the final chapter, which gave a history of the major movements in Christianity from Jesus up to the 21st century and talked about how denominationalism has changed in the past few decades with the rise of parachurch organizations.
May 12, 2020
This was a great book on denominations. I thought it covered the distinctions better than offering solutions for best practices to coexist though. I’d recommend this to pastors or people try to determine what denomination they fit best into.
February 10, 2025
Holy cow, this was just an incredible book that presents well the differences in specific denominations while keeping the focus on unity within the church.
Just a great read
Just a great read
October 6, 2013
The essays presented in this volume reflect the diversity of the Protestant religions, it starts with an explanation using Ephesians showing why unity among believers is important, it is simply drawn with leaders in every denomination. Even within the 6 main denominations, you have more than 20+ disagreements on particular stances of belief. Why I am an Evangelical and an Anglican is written by Gerald L Bray, ..and a Baptist by Timothy F. George,..and a Lutheran by Douglas A. Sweeney,..a Methodist by Timothy C. Tennent,..a Pentecostal by Bryon D. Klaus and ...a Presbyterian by Bryan Chapell. Each section was 20-30 pages long, and even though all the main themes were covered, I could see how each of us has our own religious belief, which might also not fit neatly into a group.
It will help you understand the importance of our common evangelical faith,and our respective distinctives. We are not through defining new divisions and categories in our own denominations.
Interesting and written in a very readable manner, simple but with lots of references to ponder. Very confusing on the one hand but helpful and hopeful on the other. J.L. Packer says “Taste and See”
It will help you understand the importance of our common evangelical faith,and our respective distinctives. We are not through defining new divisions and categories in our own denominations.
Interesting and written in a very readable manner, simple but with lots of references to ponder. Very confusing on the one hand but helpful and hopeful on the other. J.L. Packer says “Taste and See”
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews