Which church?

"Every day people are staying away from church and going back to God."

Gentle Reader,

Well the Pope beat me to the punch! My book "Which church?" is barely underway when Pope Benedict goes medieval on those of us who wish to worship God in peace and tranquility and states for the world "The Roman Catholic church is the only church that God accepts and all other have no way of salvation except through the "Pope and His church"  based on the scripture. [more on that later ]

There is so much that is wrong with this picture that I have only despair for those real believers who wish to serve the creator of the universe . If you want the real story you have to buy my book but here just a wee taste to whet your appitite.

The Encyclopedia of American Religions lists 1,588 religious denominations, sects, faith groups, organizations, etc. Most are currently operating in North America; a few are defunct but have been recently active. The vast majority of them consider themselves to be Christian. Some of these groups believe that they are the only true Christian church. But how does one find out which denomination really is? Some possibilities one might consider:

Perhaps one of them is the true church.

Perhaps none of them are. All of the Christian denominations may have strayed so far from Jesus' original intent, that all may be deeply flawed.

Perhaps many faith groups are different manifestations of the true church - even though their rituals and practices differ.

Perhaps a historical faith group, now defunct, was the rightful owner of that title. There have been a lot of religious genocides down through the ages, perpetrated by which ever religious group was in power.

Perhaps Jesus did not intend to found a church at all; in that case, there has never been a true church.

Well talk more another day Gentle reader, in the meantime:

When we are finished Gentle reader, you will have the evidence of who has been faithful and who has strayed from what God intended. May you follow the Lord of heaven with all your heart. The choice is yours.

"That I may know Him." Ah, I long to know

Not just a Christ of far-gone years ago;

Nor even reigning on a heavenly throne,

Too high and distant to be really known.

I long to know Him closely; this is how-

Alive-and in this ever-pressing "now";

Communicating His all-conquering power,

A living One, within my heart this hour,

Who now no longer lives from me apart,

But shares His resurrection in my heart.

Love, Denis