How to Tell the True Church from the False

Abstract

"Have you ever walked around one of the great cities on this continent-say, Harare or Nairobi or Lagos-and been struck by the vast array of churches scattered thoughout? Lutherans, Presbyterians, Baptists, Pentecostals, Catholics, Methodists, Anglicans, Adventists, Holy Spirit churches, Apostolic Churches, Zionist churches etc., dot the urban and rural landscapes. of Africa. For many observers the multiplicity of denominations is the great scandal of Christianity. For others, the wide diversity of groups is a testimony of Christianity's dynamism and vigor. In this chapter we want to tackle BOme questions that explore the differences that divide Christianity and that wrestle with the vexing question of the boundaries of the true church. In the coUl'8e of our exploration we will seek to discover those essential marks or notes that distinguish genuine Christianity from her many counterfeits."