Drawing Beliefs from Multiple Christian Faiths

[campion91]

Hello, I'm wary of classifying myself as a certain type of Christian. I have had experience in the Roman Catholic Church (9 years of Catholic School) and I actively attend both an Eastern Orthodox church and a Evangelical community Church. I have family from both these denominations, but have never felt pressure to "declare for one side" for lack of better words. I'm curious what you theologians think of drawing from multiple Christian Faiths to form my own beliefs? I can give more specifics if necessary.

Thanks,
AM

[Jin-Roh]

I had a pretty ecumenical teacher for Church history and two other courses. I've found myself in a similiar boat that you're in.

I think that it's a very good idea to draw from multiple sources, if for no other reason, to remain humble and to "cross-check" certian beliefs.

I also think it's useful to examine tradtions from epistemic persepective. In otherwords, don't just understand what they believe, but how they justify those beliefs. It helps you sort through the morass a bit and understand why some groups can't communicate with others very well.

[ApologiaPhoenix]

Hiya Campion. Thanks for the question. Sorry I lost track of it. It's been hectic around here. Let's get to it.

Is it wrong to draw from multiple sources? Not at all! All I recommend doing is check every source against Scripture and see if it holds true.

Don't know where to go yet for church? I wouldn't worry about it. Pick some church that is orthodox in teaching and you like and you think you can make a difference in. You won't find a church where you agree with everything, but you can find one you agree with most at.

Hope this helps!

[TheAnalogman]

Hello, I'm wary of classifying myself as a certain type of Christian. I have had experience in the Roman Catholic Church (9 years of Catholic School) and I actively attend both an Eastern Orthodox church and a Evangelical community Church. I have family from both these denominations, but have never felt pressure to "declare for one side" for lack of better words. I'm curious what you theologians think of drawing from multiple Christian Faiths to form my own beliefs? I can give more specifics if necessary.

Thanks,
AM

That sounds pretty cool! I'd like to hear more. My theology is pretty much a mix of EO and Wesleyan with a bit of NPP thrown in for good measure. Welcome to TWEB, btw.

[campion91]

Thanks guys. You were real helpful. I think for now I'm just gonna go to both. I go to one when I'm with my father and one when I'm with my mother. I know lots of people at both and have made lots of friends. When discussing this with my father he remembered a story of an evangelical minister who went on retreats to an Orthodox monastery and one day came across the question about whether he should convert. The monks said "No, you do good for God where you are."