But there is for the most part no central authority. No Methodist or Presbyterian Pope so to say. We see that even a Protestant Church that affirms the creeds and has a clear statement of faith is being divided by controversy. A good example is the issue of non celibate homosexuals in the minsitry and whether to accept to blessing of same sex unions. Look at how many mainline Protestant denominations support abortion. Look at how many think liberal politics is the mission of the church rather than the Gospel of Jesus. I pray for all Protestants who are holding fast to the faith as given in Scripture and affirmed in the creeds. But more and more it seems they are being put aside in the name of appeasing the secular culture.
lastchance: "I pray for all Protestants who are holding fast to the faith as given in Scripture and affirmed in the creeds. But more and more it seems they are being put aside in the name of appeasing the secular culture."
Here, here!! I concur wholeheartedly! Our culture has taken a strong foothold in the American churches today and it is certainly a tragedy.
I would strongly suggest that this is not a reflection of the Protestant churches alone. The Roman Catholics have seen a steady decay apart from the Chruch in Rome as well. Even though there is a guise of solidarity in the RC church, there are probably as many factions as there are mainline Protestant churches (in my opinion).
I would also agree that there are many "non-denominational" Protestant churches who are off in the weeds. Without some fundamental creeds or pastoral qualifications, theology runs rampant in many of these churches.
Probably the primary cause in the churches erosion this past century is due to poor education (both secular and biblical). We have subjugated our children to government education this past century and look where we have gotten. Our public schools have now displaced the church in many ways. Regrettably, I see this even in my own thinking as I am a product of public schools. Though it is hard to break, all things are possible in Christ Jesus.
The social elites of this great nation knew exactly what they were doing when they hi-jacked the education of our children!