Can anyone recommend any books that explain the different branches of Christianity e.g. Methodism, Calvinism, C of E, Presbyterianism &c?
128621
Here's a good online source for that: http://www.religioustolerance.org/christ.htm
82678
Here's a ton I found earlier, quite randomly: \nhttp://www.adherents.com/largecom/fam_christian.html\n\nIt's ironic you ask! :)
141362
The bible is based entirely on mythology.\n\nConstantine's version of "Christianity" is mostly pagan and adapted from his childhood & lifelong religion, Mithraism.\n\nConstantine invented his universal pagan religion, that included Hebrews' religion, in an attempt to end violence inspired by the different religious factions that existed throughout the Roman Empire.\n\nIt worked for a quite a while until protestants were invented.
541822
christian religion follow god \nbuddism follow stons and pagans
158507
Thanks for suggesting the 4 key points baptism, salvation, requirements at Lord's Supper (communion)& hierarchy. Following, is what the “The Churches of God in the Fellowship of the Son of God, the Lord Jesus Christ”, publish about those topics:-\n\nBAPTISM\nFollowing conversion and the accompanying baptism in the Holy Spirit into the one Body, the Lord’s command is that the disciple should then be baptised by immersion in water and received into a Church of God.\nAnyone seeking fellowship who is already baptised as a believer into the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, would not be rebaptised. Infant sprinkling is unacceptable as unscriptural. (Matt. 28:18-20; Acts 2:41-42, 10:47,48; 1 Cor.12:13)\n\nSALVATION\nAt the new birth, through personal acceptance of Christ as Saviour and Lord, a person becomes a child of God, and a member of the Church which is His Body, into which he is baptised in the one Spirit. (John 1:12; 1 Cor. 12:13, 2 Cor. 5:17; Gal 3:26,28)\nNo person, born again, and therefore baptised into the Church which is the Body of Christ, can ever be lost again. Therefore the teaching of the falling away of believers, so far as eternal life is concerned, is false. (John 10:27-30; 1 Cor. 3:15)\n\nLORD'S SUPPER\nThe Breaking of the Bread is held on the first day of the week, the Lord’s day. At the beginning of the service, a brother goes to the table and, first for the bread and then for the wine, gives thanks, breaks or pours, then distributes for all to partake. Only those who have been baptised by immersion as disciples, and have been added to the church are eligible to partake of the bread and wine.\nBrethren then offer worship and thanksgiving by the Spirit of God, through the Great High Priest over God’s House, and in the heavenly sanctuary. This constitutes the holy priesthood service of the people of God. All are encouraged to say the Amen, but beyond this and the singing, sisters take no audible part in the meeting for the Breaking of the Bread, or on any other occasion when the assembly meets ‘in Church’. On all such occasions sisters have their heads covered. After the worship is over a brother may minister  the Word. (Acts 2:41,42, 20:7; 1 Cor. 11:2-18, 20-29, 14:34-38; Phil.3:3; Heb: 10:19-22)\n\nHIERARCHY\nAt least two overseers or elders are associated with every  church, and wherever possible, deacons also. Overseers meet regularly for prayer and discussion, and separately with the deacons. (Acts 14:23; Phil. 1:1; Titus 1:5)\nThe Churches are grouped in recognised areas, corresponding in principle to the groupings of New Testament Churches in Roman provinces. The overseers in each area (usually termed Districts) meet regularly for consultation, on the principle that local overseers deal with matters in their own church, and overseers collectively at District level with matters affecting the Churches in the District. Any matter beyond the capacity of local overseers, or any  failure on their part in judgement, would go to overseers at District level for counsel and help. (2 Cor. 8:1,19; Gal. 1:2; 1 Pet. 1:1, 5:1-4)\nOverseers in a country may meet by arrangement. Overseers of all the Churches world-wide meet at regular intervals. By this means, unity of teaching and practice is maintained throughout all the Churches. (Acts 15; 1 Cor. 4:17, 11:16; 2 Cor. 8:19-23; 1 Pet. 5:1-4 )\nThere is no system of clergy and laity. All the brethren are encouraged in the exercise of their gift. The apostle Peter described himself simply as a ‘fellow elder’. The Church of God in Philippi comprised only of saints, overseers and deacons. (1 Cor. 14:26-33, 40; Eph. 4:10-13; Phil. 1:1; 1 Pet. 5:1)\n\nFrom the scriptures referenced, and their similar approach to other topics, they appear to be closest in doctrine and teachings as the original churches Jesus and the Apostles built.\n\nA major indicator of closeness in discipleship to Jesus is the demonstration by this church of
438612
Given the results of the midterm elections, and given the fact that large groups of American evangelical Christians seem to have changed voting patterns and abandoned Republican candidates, I'd nominate David Kuo's book, _Tempting Faith: An Inside Story of Political Seduction_.\n\nIt was on the NY Times Bestseller list the month before the elections, and even folks who don't read much heard about this book, since it got mass media coverage.
371122
Christianity contains the true teachings of Jesus Christ. Christendom takes the teachings of Christ and corrupts them. For example: Jesus taught that his Father, Jehovah, is the only true God. ( John 17:3)  He also said his Father is greater than he is. (John 14:28) Christendom twists that around and either makes Jesus equal to God or they make Jesus God himself.\n\nJesus taught his followers to love their enemies. Those in Christendom have participated in some of the world's bloodiest wars.\n\nJesus taught his followers to "go and make disciples of all the nations." (Matt. 28:19 20) The clergy of Christendom is happy just to have people attend their churches so they can get money from their followers.\n\nChristendom is apostate Christianity.
445101
There is an excellent magazine that comes out every two months that can help.  It is called "Israel My Glory."  You can preview some articles to get a feel for it, and subscribe at the following link:\n\nhttp://sites.silaspartners.com/CC_Content_Page/0,,PTID306608|CHID556140|CIID,00.html\n\nThey really help to get a Jewish perspective of the Christian faith, and its Jewish roots.\n\nAlso, if you'd like, Alfred Edersheim was a biblical scholar who write four excellent resources.  Many Christian bookstores carry his works as a four-volume set.  He was Jewish, and had converted to Christianity.  His works can help you along those lines as well.\n\nHope that helps!
397358
1)Hinduism--Vedas, Baghavita(sp.), Upanishads Piranhas.\n\n 2)Zoroastrianism--Zend Avesta.\n\n 3)Judaism--Torah.\n\n 4)Buddhism--Tipakata\n\n 5)Chinese religion(Both Confucian & Taoist)--I Ching.\n\n 6) Christianity--Bible\n\n 7) Mandeanism--Book about St. John the Baptist(can't remember what it is called).\n\n 8)Islam--the Koran.\n\n 9) Sikhism--Guru Granth Sahib\n\n 10)Bahai--Kairatai(sp.)
116025
http://www.usccb.org/nab/bible/1corinthians/1corinthians13.htm
138354
Like you the Gospel of Thomas would probably be at the top of the list.  I would add the Gospel of Mary and parts of the book of Epiphanius (specifically book 33 of The Medicine Chest).  I also skimmed the Malleus Maleficarum if that counts.\n\nInteresting Question, I hope you get some more answers.\n\nRegards,\nArmus
487674
http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/product?item_no=916943&p=1008728
138011
The differences are very slight between certain denominations.\n\n To get a very thorough understanding you should read this book...\nhttp://www.biblebelievers.org.au/7chindx.htm\n\nTo know more click here...\nhttp://groups.yahoo.com/group/bibletruths_forbelievers/\n\n God bless you.
262932
Why is "The DaVinci Code" not fiction anymore? I missed that announcement...Anyhoo, if you want to hear solid evidence for Christ, I suggest reading The Case For Christ by Lee Strobel. I am reading it right now, so I can't tell you too much about it, but he talks to all sorts of scholars, some Christian Bible Scholars, some atheists like himself. He presents the evidence (eyewitness, documentary, corroborating, rebuttal, scientific, psychological, circumstantial, and fingerprint evidence). I'm still in the chapter about eyewitness evidence, but it is really, really good. Reading this is a great way to get multiple views, so you can choose.
61621
I love it. Have over 20 books on the subject, and still want more! Do you have any good book suggestions ?
253078
There are not a lot of differences.  The mainstream CoC generally do not allow musical instruments in church worship.  The other big difference is calvinism.  While there are some exceptions, overall the Baptist denomination is Calvinistic.  The CoC is not Calvinistic.  The CoC believes in free will and that God does not choose who goes to heaven or hell.  Calvinism says that God decides who goes and who does not, therefore Christ did not die for everyone but only for the elect (those He chose to go to heaven).  Calvinism does away with free will.  Calvinism also says a person can never lose their salvation once they have it while the CoC believes one can lose it and turn their back on God.
185693
There are countless denominations here are a few.\n\nBaptist\nMethodist\nLutheran\nCalvinist\nPresbyterian\nPentecostal Apostolic\nUnity\nMormon - though radically different from mainstream\nJehovah Witnesses\nCatholic\njust to name a few