Which leads to *my* theory which is that the decline of denominationalism is not because the denominations have strayed from their beginnings, but rather two factors: firstly, that while denominations have (by in large) formed based on theological differences, people are no longer either so theologically literate or so theologically motivated as they were in the past, so instead factors such as style of worship, child-care facilities, age range etc, become far more important for most people than theological differences, and these differences are not as denominationally based so people move around to whatever church has the things they want. The second factor of course is simply the pick-and-choose, consumer mentality which is prevalent in generations from the boomers down.
Cheers Linz
On 09/09/2004, at 0:18, Tom Stuart wrote:
I’m reading a book at the moment that suggests that a large part of the decline of denominational allegiance is due to the fact that most denominations have moved so far, or lost altogether, the original charism (for the sake of a better word) that brought that denomination into being.
That seems to suggest that all denominations have become indistinguishable in their nominalism.
I wonder how many people who go to the churches where I worship know of Wesley and Calvin. While I think many would not even know these characters names I am certain that no one could articulate the unique contribution these made giving birth to Methodism and the Presbyterian church.
I’d never thought of it that way before.
Tom
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