United Church of Christ — a comparison of the doctrine of 17 current religions
Prepared by and presented by Rex Bennett
An overview of the beliefs of the United Church of Christ
- United Church of Christ:
- Atonement — They believe that Christ died on the cross for us and was resurrected. Spiritual or physical resurrection is a matter of personal choice, not a matter of doctrine.
- Baptism — Baptism is administered usually at the time of confirmation and reception into the membership of the church. Infants are presented for baptism by their parents or “sponsor”. Baptism is usually performed by sprinkling.
- Did Christ organize a church while on earth? — Some members may believe that he did and others say no. Every true church is a Church of Christ. Christ is the sole head of the United Church of Christ, which is His church.
- Ecclesiastical authority — Ordination to the ministry is given by local association in cooperation with the local church. In 1972 a stated homosexual was ordained. Women are also ordained. The priesthood of all believers is accepted.
- God — God is a member of the Holy Trinity with Christ and will judge all men. He is an Eternal Spirit. There is no dogma concerning any physical nature.
- Heaven and Hell — Many do not believe in Heaven or Hell. They believe that pieces of bliss or punishment after life are only speculation. God will judge us righteously and promises eternal life to the faithful.
- Holy Bible — The Bible is used for reading in worship services and gives inspiration for the church’s’ work in the world. No version of scripture has to be taken literally.
- Holy Ghost — The Holy Spirit is “creating and renewing the Church of Jesus Christ, binding in covenant the faithful people of all ages, tongues, and races.”
- Holy Trinity — They believe in the Holy Trinity. Their statement of faith says, “We believe in God, the Eternal Spirit, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” The Holy Spirit is considered separately.
- Is membership in a church needed for salvation? — The United Church of Christ is Christ’s church but not the only one. Being a member of the church does not guarantee salvation. Every true church is a Church of Christ.
- Life after death — There is no doctrine about heaven or hell as good or bad eternal dwelling places. The promise is that God will judge us righteously and give eternal life to the faithful.
- Marriage — Many believe that adultery is the only basis for divorce and remarriage, though there are some who feel otherwise. There is no statement of faith regarding the institution of marriage.
- Miracles — The majority of the church membership believe that the stories in the Bible should not be taken literally. No scripture has to be taken literally, because much of the Bible is figurative.
- Future status of non-believers in Christ — The most important thing is how we live our lives, not what church we belong to. We are children of God, and our status in the future is left up to God.
- Pre-existence of man — Most do not believe in an existence before birth, but there may be some that do. This is a matter that is left up to the individual, and is not a matter of concern for the church.
- Purpose of life — Our purpose is to be servants of God, in the service of men, to proclaim the Gospel to the world, resist evil, and share in Christ’s baptism and eat at his table, and join with him in his passion and victory.
- Resurrection — They believe in the resurrection but there is considerable division among the members as to the nature of the resurrection. Some believe that it will be physical and others believe that it will be spiritual.
- Revelation — God can speak directly to anyone He chooses as a prophet. He can also make His will known to individuals. God may speak to men in any way that He chooses.
- Sacrament — Unleavened bread and fruit of the vine should be used in the Lord’s supper. Usually it is observed on a weekly basis. It is observed as a memorial, not as a sacrament.
- Satan — They do not believe that Satan is a physical individual or being. Evil is the result of human actions and natural consequences.
- Second Coming of Christ — They are more interested in Christ among us in the present than in a future reality. Most do not believe in a final rapture. Emphasis is placed upon the Kingdom of God here and now.
- Vicarious work for the dead — No work for the salvation of the dead is performed. The dead are in God’s hands and it is not up to mankind to intervene on behalf of those that have died.
- Virgin birth, immaculate conception — Most members do not believe in the Virgin Birth. The “Statement of Faith” makes no reference to the manner in which Christ was conceived, or born.
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