I’m reposting this (from a few months ago) because I forgot about it, and like this post, and I want some comments people. So, comment already! Isn’t it interesting to look back even a few months and read things you’ve written and see already how your thoughts have grown and are shifting…I can see it when I read this.

So, why do you think there are so many Christian church denominations in the USA? I’m really just thinking about some of the possibilities. I have heard various theories and thoughts, from different viewpoints. But, I’m just wondering what your opinion is, whomever you are. What, for example, regardless of what you believe, would you say if someone asked you this question about denominations?

This summer I read Philip Yancey’s book, “Disappointment with God: Three questions no one asks aloud.” The title sounds shady, but it was one of the best books I have read to date. I have two special moments this book brought into my life, so I’ll share really quickly.

1. I was at a Starbucks, and the gal making my coffee asked me what I was reading, I quickly held it up, not realizing that on my book in huge dark letters was “DISAPPOINTMENT WITH GOD.” Her face immediately shifted into a defensive mode and she started to kind of question me and I felt this weird sensation come over me. Like, I got defensive back. I wanted her to know that I am a firm believer in God, and in reality, the book made me understand Him more. This gal, I’m sure with good intentions, I could tell, was trying to sort of defend God in an “I’m offended that you’re offended with God” way, and I suddenly realized that this is what it feels like to be doubting God and to have someone respond very rigidly to honest searching. It was not a good feeling. I’m thankful for that experience to hopefully keep me more aware of that feeling. Good motivation, and a firm belief in truth are fabulous, wonderful things, but it’s all about the delivery I guess. It helps keep me humble.

2. I went to a Christian book store to look for this Yancey book. And I couldn’t find it, so I went up to the customer service desk, and the guy was looking for it and couldn’t find it, but kept repeating, “I know we have one here somewhere….” And next he stood up, and went walking around the entire store shouting out, “HAS ANYONE SEEN DISAPPOINTMENT WITH GOD? DISAPPOINTMENT WITH GOD? ANYONE??? ANYONE?” I enjoyed that shenanegan. I ended up getting it at Borders and having a really interesting conversation with the sales guy and even had a lunch invitation!

Okay, my point here is that I loved this book. Relating this back to denominations, Yancey talked about how it seems to him that God keeps parts of Himself, well, depending on what you personally feel, sometimes, quite a bit of Himself, kind of “hidden” from humanity so that we develop a deep, seeking passion and faith for Him. I absolutely can see that. Especially after revealing Himself so intimately, openly, obviously, and visibly to the Israelites, and receiving doubt and irritation in return. Yancey said something like, “Maybe this type of relationship didn’t create the love that God so deeply desired from us.” And so He changed the way He interacted with humanity. Firstly in Himself and the Prophets, but then in His son Jesus, and finally through His children, those who believe in Him. So, Yancey I think referenced denominations in this discussion, and how this was also a result of God keeping Himself a beautiful mystery (in my point of view), and vulnerably allowing humanity to seek Him out and not constantly reaching down and correcting and openly intervening. This has left us with some unknowns. And therefore each man can read the same thing and come to slightly different conclusions, leading to denominations and the like.

What do you think?