Why are there Muliple Christian Denominations?

Twin-go

Why is there more than one Denomination of Christianity?

Is there anything more to them than socio-cultural and geographical differences?

Which one is the one true Christian Church? They can't all be right.

antiskeptic

Twin-go wrote: »

Why is there more than one Denomination of Christianity?

Because people are individuals faced with the most complex of entities (God). In those circumstance a variety of views are likely to ensue and agreement need not be reached.

Is there anything more to them than socio-cultural and geographical differences?

Many denominations are represented here and we share the same social and cultural backgrounds. And live more or less in the same place. So no.

Which one is the one true Christian Church? They can't all be right.

The true Christian church is the one defined by God. Many of the denominations are agreed on the essentials of what it takes to belong to that church - even if they differ on what might be classed as non-essentials.

Take Protestantism and Roman Catholicism. Many denominations in Protestantism would eschew infant baptism. They see it as utterly irrelevant and not something that is required for salvation. Roman Catholicism, on the other hand see's infant baptism as a very important thing - yet they wouldn't go so far as to say a person cannot be saved if they are not baptised.

Diverse viewpoints but unified to an extent on essentials.

homer911

antiskeptic wrote: »

Many denominations are represented here and we share the same social and cultural backgrounds. And live more or less in the same place. So no.

I think antiskeptic is saying that social and cultural backgrounds have no relevance to the existence of multiple denominations, but there is a lot of differences, sometimes on the essentials of salvation, but more often on the non-essentials

Onesimus

Read the whole of Matthew. Then the Acts of the Apostles, then read the writings of the Early Church fathers, then look at the split between East ( orthodox in 1012 ) and then the heretical split of Protestantism in the 16th century and then so and so forth up to today were we have more than 30,000 splits and heretical groups and sects today all of which claim to be the true Church.

The Key component to finding the true Church is through a study of Early Christianity/history from beginning to end.

Onesimus

Newsite

Twin-go wrote: »

Why is there more than one Denomination of Christianity?

Is there anything more to them than socio-cultural and geographical differences?

Which one is the one true Christian Church? They can't all be right.

There is only one true Church - that of the Lord. Nothing to do with socio-cultural this and that - it is because man has departed from the truth and the example of Christ, and gone about to establish his own religions, doctrines and churches. Because he loves the dark (pride, self-righteousness, pomp, riches) more than the light (the one true 'church' - Jesus Christ). 'But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them'.

At the very beginning, the first few hundred and even the first say 5,000 believers who had been converted by the apostles and others, were all in agreement: As per the Acts of the Apostles themselves: "And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common".

This was, indeed, the perfect state for believers, and one which was wished for forever: 'That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me'.

Even as early as 55 AD (a mere couple decades after Jesus died), Paul, who was called by God Himself to preach the Word to his fellow man, saw that people were already divided, and establishing their own churches and beliefs, i.e. turning from the immutable Word of God to form their own 'righteousness'.

This wasn't because they didn't know any better, or what the truth was, but because they sought to establish their own way to God. "For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God".

And this continued from the first century, from the very first believers, to today - with the result that we have such heresies as Catholicism, various strands of Protestantism, Methodists, Mormons, Jehova's Witnesses, what have you.

In short, religion - as we know it in the sense of 'this one and that one' - is itself a lie.

'As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.'

lmaopml

OP, I think there are very many Christians out there of various different denominations that are very 'real' Christians - it's a way of life too, not soley writing on the dotted line.

I also believe there is really one Church that containes the whole of the truth that the gates of hell will not prevail, - as it was written - none of it's members can judge, or indeed 'know' the fate of anybody, least of all themselves...It's a journey, not a ticket sold to success for members only.

..the Spirit of God is at work always and everywhere, giving those nudges to recognise him in others too, and most likely he will surprise us very many times over on our path.

strobe

It's the result of a long history of grabs for power and influence by enterprising and persuasive individuals, probably.

Overheal

there are also different denominations of judaism and islam. Sure thats how the kingdom of Judah came about. Among many other things.

hmm, research @_@

Festus

The fallen nature of humankind since the incident in the Garden has left us with a propensity towards sin. In particular pride and disobedience.

If you follow Oneismus lead you will see that disagreement became disobedience and led to splits.

No doubt if you follow the lines since the so-called Reformation you can see that within the Protestant and non-Catholic sects there is near constant dissention such that the count is in the tens of thousands and rising.

That's a bit general and some virulent anti-catholics may take exception and display their pride but that's the nature of it.

PDN

Festus wrote: »

The fallen nature of humankind since the incident in the Garden has left us with a propensity towards sin. In particular pride and disobedience.

If you follow Oneismus lead you will see that disagreement became disobedience and led to splits.

No doubt if you follow the lines since the so-called Reformation you can see that within the Protestant and non-Catholic sects there is near constant dissention such that the count is in the tens of thousands and rising.

That's a bit general and some virulent anti-catholics may take exception and display their pride but that's the nature of it.

So basically that reads as, "We're the one true church, everyone else is sinful, wrong and in a sect, and if you don't agree with me then you're full of pride and virulently anti-catholic."

How could anyone fail to be won over by such sweet reasonableness and ecumenical charity?

Kevin Duffy

Because people make up all sorts of things as they go along to suit their own agendas.

PatricaMcKay2

Festus wrote: »

The fallen nature of humankind since the incident in the Garden has left us with a propensity towards sin. In particular pride and disobedience.

If you follow Oneismus lead you will see that disagreement became disobedience and led to splits.

No doubt if you follow the lines since the so-called Reformation you can see that within the Protestant and non-Catholic sects there is near constant dissention such that the count is in the tens of thousands and rising.

That's a bit general and some virulent anti-catholics may take exception and display their pride but that's the nature of it.

No mention there of the Byzantine Orthodox, the Anti-Chalcedonians and the Church of the East there, all of which have remained very much the same for centuries while Roman Catholicism has changed pretty radically at times.

alex73

Newsite wrote: »

And this continued from the first century, from the very first believers, to today - with the result that we have such heresies as Catholicism, various strands of Protestantism, Methodists, Mormons, Jehova's Witnesses, what have you.'

So which branch is the non heretical one? Let me make a stab you are evangelical or Presbyterian?

I suppose you would see the Orthodox Church as Heretical aswell?

Newsite

alex73 wrote: »

So which branch is the non heretical one? Let me make a stab you are evangelical or Presbyterian?

I suppose you would see the Orthodox Church as Heretical aswell?

The fact that you are looking to 'branches' for the truth is telling. I know it's human nature to want to belong to something, but why do people always seem to feel the need to slap labels on others? I'm not a member of any church. Certainly not Presbyterian. If anything, Baptist.

alex73

Newsite wrote: »

The fact that you are looking to 'branches' for the truth is telling. I know it's human nature to want to belong to something, but why do people always seem to feel the need to slap labels on others? I'm not a member of any church. Certainly not Presbyterian. If anything, Baptist.

So basically you are not a member of any Christian Church, you sit on the fence and say 99.9% of Christians believe in a heresy.

Newsite

alex73 wrote: »

So basically you are not a member of any Christian Church, you sit on the fence and say 99.9% of Christians believe in a heresy.

How could anyone claim I sit on the fence after reading what I wrote above?!

I believe in the only one true church - that of Lord Jesus Christ. Not tradition or man-made doctrines.

yutta

Newsite wrote: »

How could anyone claim I sit on the fence after reading what I wrote above?!

I believe in the only one true church - that of Lord Jesus Christ. Not tradition or man-made doctrines.

Exactly. All the other churches are heretical. Whilst some do teach part truth (most notably the high anglicans), most (such as the westboro baptist church and similar offshoots) are a disaster and will result in millions of souls being lost.

alex73

Newsite wrote: »

How could anyone claim I sit on the fence after reading what I wrote above?!

I believe in the only one true church - that of Lord Jesus Christ. Not tradition or man-made doctrines.

If you are saying that 99.9% of denominations are heretical then it seems your one true church is very small.

wolfsbane

Twin-go wrote: »

Why is there more than one Denomination of Christianity?



Which one is the one true Christian Church? They can't all be right.

Only a few claim to be the one true Church - the Roman Catholic, Jehovah Witness, Mormon and some others.

Most happily accept that, while they differ on several points with other denominations, many denominations are one in Christ. For example, I'm a Baptist and regard many other denominations/churches as just as Christian as mine. They may err (in my view) on several points, but not on the doctrines necessary to saving faith.

So there are not 30,000+ churches claiming to be the only true Church - just a few power-obsessed cults.

The one true Church is found in many churches scattered throughout the world.

********************************************************************
Hebrews 12:28 Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear. 29 For our God is a consuming fire.

Newsite

alex73 wrote: »

If you are saying that 99.9% of denominations are heretical then it seems your one true church is very small.

Exactly.

If it was big, I'd be worried.

**
"The prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests rule by their own power; and My people love to have it so. But what will you do in the end?"

Simtech

Onesimus wrote: »

Read the whole of Matthew. Then the Acts of the Apostles, then read the writings of the Early Church fathers, then look at the split between East ( orthodox in 1012 ) and then the heretical split of Protestantism in the 16th century and then so and so forth up to today were we have more than 30,000 splits and heretical groups and sects today all of which claim to be the true Church.

The Key component to finding the true Church is through a study of Early Christianity/history from beginning to end.

Onesimus

So which, assuming I will not read the above, is the true church in your opinion?

Simtech

Newsite wrote: »

There is only one true Church - that of the Lord. Nothing to do with socio-cultural this and that - it is because man has departed from the truth and the example of Christ, and gone about to establish his own religions, doctrines and churches. Because he loves the dark (pride, self-righteousness, pomp, riches) more than the light (the one true 'church' - Jesus Christ). 'But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them'.

At the very beginning, the first few hundred and even the first say 5,000 believers who had been converted by the apostles and others, were all in agreement: As per the Acts of the Apostles themselves: "And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common".

This was, indeed, the perfect state for believers, and one which was wished for forever: 'That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me'.

Even as early as 55 AD (a mere couple decades after Jesus died), Paul, who was called by God Himself to preach the Word to his fellow man, saw that people were already divided, and establishing their own churches and beliefs, i.e. turning from the immutable Word of God to form their own 'righteousness'.

This wasn't because they didn't know any better, or what the truth was, but because they sought to establish their own way to God. "For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God".

And this continued from the first century, from the very first believers, to today - with the result that we have such heresies as Catholicism, various strands of Protestantism, Methodists, Mormons, Jehova's Witnesses, what have you.

In short, religion - as we know it in the sense of 'this one and that one' - is itself a lie.

'As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.'

So if religion is a lie, how shall I find the truth?

lmaopml

Simtech wrote: »

So which, assuming I will not read the above, is the true church in your opinion?

That, my friend will be written on your heart, and you will have to do the groundwork yourself, for yourself - Ask a Catholic and they will say the Old Orthodox Catholic and Apostolic Churches contain the fullness of faith....which I am a member of.

- There are old Churches, there are new Churches, there are reformed Churches and lately very 'New Age' Churches - A bit of history learning is important.

A lot of history, but the first step is prayer, and ultimately God is judge so no need to fret..

Simtech

lmaopml wrote: »

That, my friend will be written on your heart, and you will have to do the groundwork yourself, for yourself - Ask a Catholic and they will say the Old Orthodox Catholic and Apostolic Churches contain the fullness of faith....which I am a member of.

- There are old Churches, there are new Churches, there are reformed Churches and lately very 'New Age' Churches - A bit of history learning is important.

A lot of history, but the first step is prayer, and ultimately God is judge so no need to fret..

Good answer, I had a little chuckle.

I'm not so sure that there is anything written there. I hope that my individual form of prayer might be enough if indeed there is anyone listening and if there is then I hope He's in a good mood the day I am judged .

Newsite

Simtech wrote: »

So if religion is a lie, how shall I find the truth?

http://bible.cc/john/14-6.htm

Simtech

Newsite wrote: »

http://bible.cc/john/14-6.htm

Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."

I assume this is what I am meant to take from that. This harks back to my question about the child.

I will have to put some thought into this and start a thread tomorrow, I look forward to the debate.

lmaopml

Simtech wrote: »

Good answer, I had a little chuckle.

I'm not so sure that there is anything written there. I hope that my individual form of prayer might be enough if indeed there is anyone listening and if there is then I hope He's in a good mood the day I am judged .

He doesn't have 'moods' - lol...he knows you inside out.

You do, what you decide is best, and good luck..

Simtech

lmaopml wrote: »

He doesn't have 'moods' - lol...he knows you inside out.

You do, what you decide is best, and good luck..

Thank you kindly, I may need quite a bit of luck.

strobe

lmaopml wrote: »

He doesn't have 'moods' -

Does He not?

lmaopml

strobe wrote: »

Does He not?

No he doesn't - He lays down a few simple laws and some people find them hard to fathom. He sent his only son to give a message of how humankind can survive because he loves us, and thinks we're worth it. He became a baby, a toddler, a teenager and man, to understand us, to live properly as one of us! The one and only God, worth paying any attention to imo, even just if he surprises in love..and so long ago..

He was put to death, hated for spreading love, and hated for imparting wisdom, and most of all hated for 'who' he said he was!

Do you believe him?

That's the simple question....foundational...

lmaopml

strobe wrote: »

Does He not?

No he doesn't - He lays down a few simple laws and some people find them hard to fathom. He sent his only son to give a message of how humankind can survive because he loves us, and thinks we're worth it. He became a baby, a toddler, a teenager and man, to understand us, to live properly as one of us! The one and only God, worth paying any attention to imo - who requires his people to live 'in' the world for eachother...as he did before..

He was put to death, hated for spreading love, and hated for imparting wisdom, and most of all hated for 'who' he said he was! The 'son' of God...Radical, non-political, a non conformist..but a 'good' man.

Do you believe him?

That's the simple question...and requires a simple answer....

strobe

The one and only God, worth paying any attention to imo

"Best of all the Gods!?! What other Gods are there Crilly!?!"

"Ehh...false Gods..?"

lmaopml wrote: »

No he doesn't - He lays down a few simple laws and some people find them hard to fathom. He sent his only son to give a message of how humankind can survive because he loves us, and thinks we're worth it. He became a baby, a toddler, a teenager and man, to understand us, to live properly as one of us! The one and only God, worth paying any attention to imo - who requires his people to live 'in' the world for eachother...as he did before..

He was put to death, hated for spreading love, and hated for imparting wisdom, and most of all hated for 'who' He said He was! The 'son' of God...Radical, non-political, a non conformist..but a 'good' man.

Do you believe him?

That's the simple question...and requires a simple answer....

I mean, L, do you not think God has moods? Ye know, He is on record as being a bit narky about certain things, also about being really chuffed about other things. Are these not moods? Don't you think He has emotions, feelings, moods..?

lmaopml

strobe wrote: »

"Best of all the Gods!?! What other Gods are there Crilly!?!"

"Ehh...false Gods..?"



I mean, L, do you not think God has moods? Ye know, He is on record as being a bit narky about certain things, also about being really chuffed about other things. Are these not moods? Don't you think He has emotions, feelings, moods..?

LOL, no I don't think he has 'moods' Strobe. I think we find it difficult to think of God without assigning 'human' emotions on him. He's far far far superior than just 'moody' - that's a really dismal description. Probably the closest would be how we speak of his perfect justice...?

'The one and only God worth paying any attention to...'

Sorry, I'll clarify that by saying that out of any 'God's' people preach, false gods - pagan gods etc, love of money, love of self, love of anything but God the Father the Son and Holy Spirit is secondary. He is the only God - nothing else comes near Jesus Christ and the Trinity - In other words, if God has a son, than Jesus was it.....That's where our Christianity hinges...

I'm proud to say it hinges on belief in such a saviour - a real message of love, and to live 'in' the world, to look after it, but focus on the next...

...but that's just me.....rambling a quick answer before bed.....:)