Ecclesial Group VS Denomination VS Christian Types?
In contemporary thought, the use of the word's "Denomination" and "Type of Christian" can be used and often conflated. Unfortunately the word 'denomination' is equivocated to carry some sense of spiritual persuasion in a believer, when actually, it relates to a political-theological persuasion (that's not to say there isn't any ethical categorisation such as the adherences to the Real Presence, Infant Baptism, etc..).
The phrase "type of Christian" also causes linguistical chaos, and could lead others (especially non-Christians and laity) to think of Christendom as a segregated religion. When in reality the categorisation of what people mean by "type of Christian" (Baptist, Presbyterian, etc..) refers to their Ecclesiology, NOT denominational adherence.
What are the proper terms and definitions then?
Ecclesiology, refers to the body of Ecclesial doctrines someone believes. These are notions related to their "Doctrine of the Church". Like; polity, church-state relationship, corporate worship and other ideas relating to the spiritual and ethical practises of the Church. The placement of the Eucharistic doctrines under ecclesiology would also be an Ecclesial doctrine. It must also be importantly stated that doctrinal Loci can separate Christian groups (like Justification. Presbyterians and Baptist would hold to a different Justification and Covenantal model, and be considered under separate ecclesial groups).
Ecclesial doctrines have often separated Christian groups. For example, Luther's doctrine of the Eucharist stands in contrast to Calvin's doctrine of the Eucharist; hence the 2 separate Christian groups, Lutheran and Presbyterian (Reformed). Their ecclesial differences separated them.
Why though? The separation is necessary because the groups hold to different ways the Church should be run. There can be no unification amongst a Reformed Presbyter and Baptist Minister, as to who to baptise or how to teach the sacraments, because the massive doctrinal differences would cause confusion amongst laity.
Denomination, refers to a governing organisation that governs groups (often called presbyteries and synods). Its important to note, that not all ecclesial groups, believe they should fall under a denomination (Baptist, Pentecostals). And others only exist as a result of a denomination (Presbyterian, Lutheran, Anglican).
Basically, People are governed by 'Sessions' (a group of elders/pastors), this forms a church. Sessions are governed by 'Presbyteries' (a group of sessions). Presbyteries are governed by Synods and the General Assembly. The highest governor is labelled the 'denomination'. We have some in South Africa like; Presbyterian Churches United SA or Presbyterian and Reformed Churches SA. Other major ones include the
Presbyterian Churches United, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and the Anglican Church in North America (ACNA). As is apparent, the major ecclesial groups that belong to denominations are Presbyterians, Lutherans and Anglicans (not limited to).
Why should we worry about this idea...Because Christendom is often represented incorrectly. Its often said, "There are 50 000 Christian denominations!", so as to imply there are 50000 types of Christians. This is simply not true, because there is only one type of Christians; A covenanted member in God's redemptive plan, that trust in his Son for the remission of our sins and for an eternal rest. There may be 50000 denominations (governing organisations), because 1 denomination cant run every church in a country, and necessitates the existence of multiple denominations in a region.
While the conflation of the terms could lead to a small error of equivocation amongst the educated class, we see it often leads to theological laxity an confusion amongst laity. Its out duty as theologians to be precise, because "the law is a very precise endeavour" (Louis Litt) :)
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