I would imagine most people known that South Carolina is located in the Bible Belt. This term is used to describe many southern states which are known to have a large population with a religious affiliation, specifically some type of Christian association. This can be seen in the number of churches that one passes on the way to church. I have 3 churches within what I would consider walking distance and maybe 7+ within a two mile radius.
So, I have been trying different churches in the area to find where I fit in. Sadly, there are no Christian Reformed churches in the area. The denomination has its roots in Dutch tradition, so this doesn’t surprise me after all I haven’t met any VanderWals or VanderSlutes or Vander anything else while being down here (My home Church website). However, I have seen many different denominations represented while being here. I know of three catholic churches. I passed a Greek orthodox and Presbyterian while going down town Spartanburg. There is a Baptist church every block or so. I am also located next to a Nazarene church. Those are just the ones I have noticed while driving around. There is an uncountable amount that you could find via Google, which would range in size and beliefs.
I think that is a great feature to Southern culture. It reminds me of home. West Michigan is known for having churches within a block, which basically believe the same things. I have talked to many that think this shows Christians to be a stubborn bunch that can’t agree on anything. I personally disagree. I don’t think any one person other than Jesus Christ can know exactly what God desires in our personal faith walk. So, each congregation has to do their best to interpret what the Word tells them. I believe logically, this is what leads to different styles of worship, preaching, mission, giving, beliefs about minute details of the Bible, and giving of the sacraments.
It is this way with any religion or philosophy. Another example is chiropractic philosophy. There can be two students in a philosophy class who both agree on what is a subluxation, but then vibrantly disagree on whether to give nutrition advice to their future patients. To an outsider, these students would sound crazy, but philosophy is important to everyone in all areas of their lives and people are sensative.
Have you ever been told you are judgmental, proceeded to deny this, while at the same time judging the person that told you that? I use this example since I believe everyone is very sensitive and hostile in protecting their beliefs even if they are silly or unproven. And I think this is alright and even can be good.
If we tried to prove everything we believe in by inductive and deductive reason, we would never live the very lives we were trying to defend. I believe that is the reason why we listen, read, think and grow. So, back to my original comment about the many churches I pass on the way to church. Even though they believe very similar things, each congregation has a different style, and it is great that they all exist. Through these individual churches, the Church of Christ is being expressed every time people gather in those buildings. I think that is the beauty and wonder Paul was talking in I Corinthians 12: 26-27
26 If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.
27 Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it (NIV).
