A Denomination?

drummergirl · 05-19-2004, 10:05 AM

Ok, so I'm sure they're not going to make a Forum for Sects, but I am always curious way people refer to the RC as a denomination of Christianity. I'm pretty sure we are a sect. When people use the word denomination I think Protestant, not Catholic. So, this leads to a thought...can we call our churches "non-denominational"?

ICTHUS · 05-20-2004, 04:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by drummergirl

Ok, so I'm sure they're not going to make a Forum for Sects, but I am always curious way people refer to the RC as a denomination of Christianity. I'm pretty sure we are a sect. When people use the word denomination I think Protestant, not Catholic. So, this leads to a thought...can we call our churches "non-denominational"?

No. We are not a denomination. Nor are we a sect.

Dictionary.com defines 'sect' thusly:

1. A group of people forming a distinct unit within a larger group by virtue of certain refinements or distinctions of belief or practice.

2. A religious body, especially one that has separated from a larger denomination. (Note from me: under this definition, Protestant denominations such as the PCA and ECUSA could be called 'sects')

3. A faction united by common interests or beliefs.

We are not a 'distinct unit' within a larger group (i.e. the Church). WE ARE the Church, and all Protestant denominations are only part of the Church by virtue of their imperfect communion with us.

We did not separate from a larger denomination.

And we are not a faction.

This, the word 'sect' is inappropriate to describe the nature of the Catholic Church.

By the way, the title 'non-denominational' is asinine to the extreme, as they are, in effect 'denominations unto themselves'

goldenchild · 05-20-2004, 06:24 PM

We are THE Church. Therefore we cannot be a denomination, as that would make us A Church.

drummergirl · 05-20-2004, 09:19 PM

ok, I was trying to be humorous with the non-denominational thing...since we're not a denomination and all...guess that didn't work.

I will say I can understand why we wouldn't be considered a sect, I had just always heard we were. Point taken on that.