Finger Lickin' Denominations

The standard definition of BBQ is as follows: slow-cooked, smoked meat over an open fire. Whether the fire is from charcoal (with wood chips), or whether it's all wood, the result is the same: authentic BBQ. And it does not even matter what that fire is set in: it could be a hole in the ground, a simple kettle grill, or whatever contraption your imagination can conjure.

Now, while folks generally agree on that standard definition, there are many varied opinions on what real BBQ is. Denominations if you will. And each denomination claims they hold the true Doctrine of BBQ. A trite confusing.

For example, in North Carolina, pork is the only meat worth throwing in the pit. However, the state is literally split in half over their Doctrine of Pork.
East Carolina is all about going whole hog: cooking the entire pig, and they prefer zesty, acidic vinegar sauces (no ketchup). West Carolina, on the other hand, prefers pork shoulder (the cut used for pulled pork) and ketchup-based sauces. Travel to Texas, and you won't find any pork over their fires. Beef brisket is the standard. If you're talking ribs, Kansas City is known for their "wet" (sauced) ribs, while Memphis prefers their ribs "dry" (without sauce).

Now, as for me, I simply just enjoy BBQ in general. I don't really subscribe to one particular denomination over another. Just throw it on a plate with some beans and some slaw and I'm happy. As long as it's prepared (smoked) over a fire (no propane), I'm not going to call you a heathen.

A lot of this sounds familiar to Christianity. Jesus Christ is the standard, the definition, but beyond that we Christians like to devise doctrines and all sorts of reasons why our particular denomination is the authentic path.
Baptists like their Christianity wet. Catholics like their Christianity dry. Pentecostals like going whole hog. The list goes on...

Me, I'm just interested in Jesus, as I'm sure many of the founders of our various denominations were. I am not partial to one particular sect. I also think that it's too easy to get caught up in arguments on whose denomination is right against whose is not. That kind of sets us off on the wrong path, does it not?

I'll end with a joke I heard recently:
Two churches are built, one on each side of the street facing each other, in a small town. The one on the left is a Baptist church, while the one on the right simply touts itself as a Christan assembly (non-denominational). Now, as some time goes by, leaders from both churches start to think about joining together into one church rather than two. The churches agree, and a special meeting is held to determine what this new, united church should be called. Do they call the church Baptist or Christian? As those attending are discussing this, an old man stands up in the back of the room. He says in a gruff voice, "Now, listen. I've been calling myself a Baptist for all of my life and I'm not about to start calling myself a Christan."

Zap!