Wednesday, September 18, 2002

As I read "What's in a name? A lot, if it's a church" by the Rev. David Epps [The Peachtree Citizen Review, Aug. 30] I had several thoughts of my own. First, I enjoy reading opinions by the Rev. Epps and I realize he was having a little fun with the many names of churches in our country, but I couldn't help think a little more seriously about the issue.

When I accepted Christ back into my life and came back into the Church five years ago, I often wondered what made a person go to one church over another. Why do some go to the Presbyterian Church down the road, while others go to the Baptist, while still others go to the Methodist? Why such division among Christians?

I started asking myself some tough questions and found some tough questions and found some tough answers. I wanted to know how the first Apostles worshiped and how those who studied under them worshiped before the Bible was even compiled. I figured there cannot be a better way to find a church than to study the earliest of Christians, ones who walked with Jesus and those who followed his resurrection.

I don't think Jesus intended for there to be over 30,000 different denominations (a figure I have heard quoted several times) which increasingly divides Christians across the world. The problem as I see it [is] we have so many self-proclaimed Christians in the modern world seeking to find a church to fit their own beliefs, instead of a church where through self-sacrifice and faith we have to conform to the teachings established by Christ himself.

I researched a few churches mentioned by the Rev. Epps wondering when they were formed and why. The original Presbyterian Church originated between 1534 and 1560, but the Presbyterian Church in America came into existence in 1974 while the Presbyterian Church (USA) established itself in 1983. Why? The different splits are much more complicated, but often centered on liberal versus conservative issues. I found myself asking, "Is this the way John Calvin envisioned the growth of his Presbyterian Church?"

I found the Pentecostal Free-Will Baptist Church which came into existence in 1959, while the International Pentecostal Church of Christ was established in 1976. Then we have the International Pentecostal Holiness Church which was founded many years earlier in 1898. Again, the subtle differences in worship and theological beliefs keeps the division growing. Still I ask why?

It is evident to me Christ made it abundantly clear through scripture the establishment of one Church, established by Him. What do you think Jesus would make of all the names for churches?

Jesus stated to Peter, "Upon this rock I will build my church and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it" (Mt. 1618). Ask yourself the question, Do you believe your church is the one Christ was referring to when he made this statement? If so, why? Jesus went on to further explain in John 10:16 that others will fall out of the "fold," but will be brought back and there will be "one Shepherd and one flock." One does not equal over 30,000.

We should ask ourselves what St. Paul meant when he taught in Corinth that "there should be no divisions among you, but that you should be united in the same mind and in the same purpose" (1 Cor. 1:10).

In my walk I was challenged to find the "fullness of truth" and this quest would bring me home to the Church established by Christ. The painful part of this journey was the realization we ALL cannot have the truth, for there is only one truth. I make the same challenge to all Christians today.

We all can attest to our love for Jesus Christ, but take the time to study the history of your church and ask yourselves the difficult questions. Is this the church established by Christ? Are these the truths supported by Christ's teachings?

I am in full support of the ecumenical movement to bring denominations together and I pray one day we can all worship together reflecting the "One Body" often referred to in scripture. Again, the Rev. Epps asks, "What's in a name?" I would have to agree with the statement, "A great deal."

Rick Walker

Holy Trinity Catholic Church

Peachtree City

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