Sharing a common belief is the foundation for culture.

Although there are many

denominations, all Christians follow the same basic beliefs. According to BBC**, all Christians
believe that there is only one God. They all believe that Jesus is the son of God, and that Jesus
died on a cross to save them from their sins. Christians also believe that there is eternal life after
death. Most denominations do not stray very far from this even though each denomination has its
own sub-culture.
Denominations all vary slightly from each other, and there are MANY different kinds.
For the sake of this paper, I am going to focus on two very popular denominations: Baptist and
Methodist. The doctrines of these two Churches are very similar yet very different. For example,
the Methodist Church is more liberal; the Baptist Church can be very conservative.
The Methodist Church developed from the teachings of John Wesley. Wesleys three
basic precepts that began the Methodist tradition consisted of: 1. Shun evil and avoid partaking
in wicked deeds at all costs, 2. Perform kind acts as much as possible, and 3. Abide by the edicts
of God the Almighty Father. (Fairchild, n.d.). ** Find someway to transition** With this in
mind, the basic beliefs of the Methodist Church are very similar to the Baptist Church. One of
the few major differences between them is that Methodists believe that all Christians are equal
and need to work together (all denominations of Christians) to spread the love of God. (Fairchild,
n.d.).
The Baptist Church is probably what most people associate when they think of the word
Christian. The Church focuses on a few key points: authority of scripture, baptism, autonomy,
and evangelism. Authority of scripture means that the bible is the ultimate authority for shaping a
persons life. (Fairchild, Southern Baptist Church Beliefs, n.d.). While baptism is a part of the
culture of Christianity itself, the Baptist Church is notorious for its belief that infants cannot be

baptized. Baptism is very symbolic in this Church. It is only done by immersion and it is seen as
an obedience to Jesus. Autonomy means that there is no one in charge of Baptist Churches. Each
church adopts their own pastor and staff, and the denomination cannot take their building away
from them. Evangelism, or mission work, is a vital part of their beliefs.
Becoming a member of the culture is more than a process, it's something you feel inside.
First youre born physically. Then spiritually when youre born, you move on from your past
and your troubles. You have a new life, a new perspective on things. (Harper, 2014). There are
specific steps that you can follow, such as the ABC's. A is to admit to God that you are a sinner.
B is believing that Jesus died on the cross to save you from your sins. C is confess to everyone
that Jesus is Lord, usually through baptism. Although the process is laid out to younger kids
through summer outreach programs, it's much more than that. Becoming a Christian is a lifestyle
change; it's a feeling in your heart. "Becoming a Christian is not all about rituals, going to
church, or doing certain things while refraining from other things. Becoming a Christian is all
about having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, through faith, is what makes a person a
Christian." (Got Questions Ministries, n.d.).
The Bible does a great job at giving reasons why people should follow Christ. For
example, And the ones on the rock are those who, when they hear the word, receive it with joy.
But these have no root; they believe for a while, and in time of testing fall away. (Luke 8:13
English Standard Version). But the Bible doesnt really tell why people find Christ and why they
choose to follow him. Being lost makes you feel like you dont have purpose. It feels like
youre going under. (Suzanne interview). Growing up in a religious household, Suzanne has
always been surrounded by the culture. Because of that closeness with the culture and constantly
being surrounded by it, she follows Christ. Growing up, I turned away from God. Ive cheated

and lied, Ive done it all. When I finally came back to Jesus was when I figured out that I
couldnt live my life without him. I didnt have anyone else to turn to but God. (Suzanne
interview). Tristan chose to follow Christ for a similar reason except Tristan wasnt raised in the
culture. (Tristan Quote). More information when Tristans Interview is transcribed.
How does this play into self-concept? Well, because this culture is a lifestyle, almost
every aspect of life. Communication is a big part of life that changes. Do you know how you
communicate differently with your parents than you do with your friends? It goes along those
lines. Being at church, Im in that mindset of ready to worship and open my heart up. At
church, Im more vulnerable about my Christianity. I talk about it more. (Suzanne interview).
(Find out more information on this)
Some of the social norms associated with this culture include: Church on Sunday.
Typically in the morning, youll have a worship service then hear your pastor speak. But for
college students its different. You can join bible studies and night worship services. Praying
every day, every night and morning. Getting into the bible every day is important too.
(Suzanne). This relates back to the whole idea of self-concept because you really have to see
yourself as part of this culture and want to be part of it to follow these social norms. It requires
time and devotion away from your friends and work. Some people who devote time and energy
into their religion are sometimes perceived as weird and socially awkward people.
Religious cultures are perceived very differently than you would think, especially Baptist
and Methodists. A study conducted by the Center for Missional Researched polled 1,210 adults.
Respondents were asked if their impression of Southern Baptists is very favorable, somewhat
favorable, somewhat unfavorable, or very unfavorable. (North American Mission Board, n.d.).
According to the study, 57% of adults interviewed reported that impressions of Southern Baptists

are favorable (both very and somewhat). The same research was conducted asking about
Methodists with the same results.
Although research shows that adults favor Southern Baptists and Methodists, the next
highest number on the poll is unfavorable. Baptists showing about a 23% unfavorable vote and
Methodists showing about a 29% unfavorable rate. This could be because of common
misconceptions that are associated with the cultures. Its a common stereotype that Christians
are very closed minded, they are very quick to just talk down to you and hit you with a bible.
There are people like that and they are very popular in the media. (Suzanne interview). A little
bad publicity can cause an entire culture to be stereotyped. For example, after the 9/11 attacks,
America was very quick to prejudge people who looked of Muslim descent.
There is one group in particular that is commonly associated with these cultures. The
Westboro Baptist Church (WBC). The church has been involved in actions against gay people
since at least 1991, when it sought a crackdown on homosexual activity at a local park. (Lewis,
2014). A lot of people view their behavior as unruly and outrageous. Westboro has even
protested funerals of fallen troops. Despite the Baptist Church name, WBC is unaffiliated with
the Baptist church. The Baptist World Alliance and the Southern Baptist Convention have each
denounced the WBC. (This is from Wikipedia. Sorry)**

___________________________________________________________

(in my opinion based on facts) a more liberal, more open and accepting church. On the
other hand, the Baptist Church is strict in their beliefs. Another example is that the

Baptist Church believes that once one has been saved, they cannot reverse it. The
Methodist Church recognizes that people have their own free will and can choose
whether or not to remain saved. (Ian., 2010).