I am still curious about opinions on the topics presented in my previous post.

Also, on denominational variety: I had a thought. Our Lord would have us do many things. It seems logical to suggest that every denomination was born of a perceived shortcoming in the execution of God's will.

A group of believers starts a new denomination to address that specific perceived shortcoming. As a result, is it fair to say that, when all denominations are cumulatively viewed as one whole body of believers, we are more completely executing God's will here on earth?

As an example: Christ implores us to spread his good news. My local Seventh Day Adventist Church consistently has an awning at festivals in the county's town centers. My Baptist church does not. I am grateful the SDA folks are out there. I think this is one example of many. Every denomination has a sort of "specialty". So long as foundational doctrine is sound, I say it's largely a good thing that different denominations stress different things.

Of course some denominations have some doctrinal problems (SDA may qualify, depending on a given church's extent of their emphasis on their "prophetess"), and may be more harm than good to the larger body, even if their specialty is one that's needed.

As usual, just food for thought.