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Division and Denominations


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Why is the church divided by denominations?

Posted by Omegaman 2.0 on the September 4th, 2007

Why are there so many denominations? Why is the church divided?
divisionhalfsm.jpg I see these questions occasionally in chat. They are good questions. It is a question Christians have, especially new believers trying to choose their first church. It is a question non-believers have too. For them, it is evidence that Christians cannot even agree on what the Bible says. Truthfully, they are right. In the chatroom, we see this frequently. We have debates over doctrines and understandings, thankfully most of it is good natured, though often passionate. It is also stimulating intellectually, it drives people to the pages of scripture to see what the bible does indeed say about things, so, these differences can have a positive effect. Imagine if we all agreed! Would that necessarily guarantee we were correct, or could we all agree on the same misunderstandings?

Jude 1:17-19 But you, beloved, ought to remember the words that were spoken beforehand by the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ, 18 that they were saying to you, “In the last time there shall be mockers, following after their own ungodly lusts.” 19 These are the ones who cause divisions, worldly-minded, devoid of the Spirit.

Notice that in the passage above, divisions are not a good thing. Notice though, that Jude says that these people who cause divisions, are mockers who follow their unGodly lusts, and do not have the Spirit. These people, if we were to follow after them, would lead us away from the things of God. If you separate from your brethren to hang instead with your buddies at a bar, that is real division, not to be compared with denominations at all.

1 Cor 11:18-20

18 For, in the first place, when you come together as a church, I hear that divisions exist among you; and in part, I believe it. 19 For there must also be factions among you, in order that those who are approved may have become evident among you.

In the above passage, Paul speaks of another kind of division. This one is also not a denominational division, he is addressing division among those gathered together at one place. The passage has a negative feel to it, as though Paul is disapproving of it. You see that in his statement “and in part, I believe it”. Then he goes on to say that these factions have to exist! The reason: So you can distinguish between those who are sound in the faith, and those who do not have approval. Again, in this case, division is a good thing, not a bad thing.

So, what is a denomination anyway?

Look at the following definitions from Mirriam-Webster Dictionary:

3. NAME, DESIGNATION; especially : a general name for a category

4. A religious organization whose congregations are united in their adherence to its beliefs and practices.

Didn’t see that one coming did you? Notice that a denomination is a uniting factor, not a dividing factor! There is a running joke between on of the other chat administrators and I, about Calvary Chapels. Calvary Chapels are a group of churches, who are self described as non-denominational. In the definitions above, denomination has to do with the name of something. Calvary Chapels have the name Calvary Chapel - obviously. As far as I know, they are united in their beliefs and practices. Do some CCs sprinkle while others dunk? No. Are there any CCs that teach the Jesus will not return for His church until after the great tribulation? I haven’t heard of one. Are their CC’s that do not believe in the perpetuity of the gifts of the Holy Spirit? I don’t think so. If it looks like a duck, walks like a duck, quacks like a duck, chances are it is a duck.

So what is going one here? Why would a group of churches, who are united in belief, practice, and name, claim to be non-denominational? I have a theory. I believe that it is about marketing. Denominationalism, has a bad reputation. It smacks of stodgy old ways, inflexibility, to some, it is judgmental, rigid, organized religion. To be non-denominational, is hip. It sounds like you stand apart. It is similar to what we have in the states politically, when you register as a non partisan. It sounds like you are independent - have your own thoughts and views. It makes you different. Of course, in the real world, you are unique, just like everybody else.

We have a church near were I live. It used to be called the First Baptist Church, or something like that (I always wondered where the second Baptist church is, but that is another story). Lately, they took down the familiar name plaque, and put up a very colorful one, now it is called Sonlight Christian Center, or some such thing. Marketing again, I suspect, who wants to hang out with Baptists? Of course, they still are Baptists, but they ‘needed’ a hipper name.

So, am I against denominations? Am I against independent churches? Am I against churches that say they non-denominational but are not? I am not against any of those things. Let’s look at another passage:

1 Cor 1:10-1310 Now I exhort you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all agree, and there be no divisions among you, but you be made complete in the same mind and in the same judgment. 11 For I have been informed concerning you, my brethren, by Chloe’s people, that there are quarrels among you. 12 Now I mean this, that each one of you is saying, “I am of Paul,” and “I of Apollos,” and “I of Cephas,” and “I of Christ.” 13 Has Christ been divided? Paul was not crucified for you, was he? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul?

That is a type of denominationalism that is not good. We do what these people are doing when we start gathering around a personality, like an author of a series of books, a famous preacher, or even the teachings of a great theologian from church history. Paul is pointing out, that there is only one church. All those who have been forgiven their sins through Jesus’ sacrifice, are the one church. It matter not what you call the church, who pastors it, who founded it, where it is, what language they speak, which Bible version they prefer, what worship style they employ, or whether they meet in a beautiful building with hardwoods and stained glass, or an old factory, storefront, or even a home. If Christ is preached and they believe the Bible, I am united with them, not divided from them. How can there not be denominations? When their are different countries and languages, customs and tastes, there will be denominations. When everybody belongs to one denomination, all agreeing, you can be sure that something evil or something wonderful has happened. If Jesus has returned for us, then it is something wonderful, until that day, their will be divisions based on preferences, understandings, languages customs, and sadly, even skin color.

When you are a mature Christian, you will recognize the oneness of the church and stop focusing on petty differences. Do you give offerings only at your church? If so, why? Are there not other churches that have needs greater than yours? When Paul traveled in the first century, the offering he gathered were for other churches, those who were able, helped those who were needy. That is unity. Giving of your substance to other brothers and sisters, because you recognize that they are family.

I am honored to be a part of Worthychat. Here, we come together from around the world. We are of different denominations, yet here, we are united. Do we squabble? Of course we do, what family doesn’t? Most husbands and wives squabble at times, yet, they remain one flesh, a unity. Differences do not mean you are divided, they just mean there are differences. We are human, God made us as individuals, not clones, celebrate the differences.

1 Cor 12:12-2712 For even as the body is one and yet has many members, and all the members of the body, though they are many, are one body, so also is Christ. 13 For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free, and we were all made to drink of one Spirit. 14 For the body is not one member, but many. 15 If the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I am not a part of the body,” it is not for this reason any the less a part of the body. 16 And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I am not a part of the body,” it is not for this reason any the less a part of the body. 17 If the whole body were an eye, where would the hearing be? If the whole were hearing, where would the sense of smell be? 18 But now God has placed the members, each one of them, in the body, just as He desired. 19 And if they were all one member, where would the body be? 20 But now there are many members, but one body. 21 And the eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you”; or again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.” 22 On the contrary, it is much truer that the members of the body which seem to be weaker are necessary; 23 and those members of the body, which we deem less honorable, on these we bestow more abundant honor, and our unseemly members come to have more abundant seemliness, 24 whereas our seemly members have no need of it. But God has so composed the body, giving more abundant honor to that member which lacked, 25 that there should be no division in the body, but that the members should have the same care for one another. 26 And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it. 27 Now you are Christ’s body, and individually members of it.

I would like to end with one final thought (I could go on and on, but I am feeling merciful tonight). People like to gather with others who are like them, the feel comfortable and part of something. Try to be accommodating in that way toward others, make them feel welcomed. But when you go out to look for a church to be part of, you will be tempted to find one, that suits your tastes and your beliefs. I am all for that, but I would like to caution you to keep things in perspective. Sound doctrine is more important that the style of worship or how nice the facilities are. If you try a new church, give it a chance, attend it three times at least, unless in is plainly scripturally unsound. If you have a personal belief about something, and you want to be around others who share that belief, don’t make it the central thing if it is a peripheral issue or not even a scriptural one, find a church that teaches the Bible, as it is, not with massaged meanings to make it fit what you wish it said. It is O.K. to be uncomfortable too, it can stretch and grow you. O.K., so that was two final thoughts, sue me.

Thank you for taking the time out of your busy life to read this, now go into the chatroom and join the one body, your brothers and sisters in Christ. Omegaman

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Hello and Good Morning, Brother...

 

Thanks for this thought provoking writ. All this is worth serious meditations for sure.

 

Some time back, I discovered there were over 33,000 different "religions" and "denominations" at that time. It's probably much higher now because with every small difference in theological opinion, a new religion or denomination is born.

 

I'd just like to offer up a rather simplistic answer to the first question you posed in this writ that I believe to be the truth, no matter how simple of complicated the answer:

 

"Why are there so many denominations? Why is the church divided?"

 

To me, the answer is very simple. The remedy? Not quite so simple. But the answer is, the reason there are so many religions and denominations existing within religion today is because the church has failed to recognize God given authority. In doing that, they also fail to "subject" (humble) themselves to such an authority. Therefore, "to each his own" became the new norm, no matter the name over the door.

 

It was inevitable. saTan tried to confuse the church while Paul yet walked the earth. All it took was one fella to dream of a reason to create "his own" church, and, walaa. Followers galore.

 

Unity now stands as a virtual impossibility. However, there has always been only one Holy Spirit. May we all do away with our preacher worship and search for truth.

 

Thanks again, Sir (one of these days I'll learn your name, lol) for this writ.

matt

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Guest Johnnydaath

Posted

Very well stated and backed by scripture . Thanks

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I would like to say a few things about what you said if I might Omegaman. Generally speaking I believe much of what you said is of the Lord but (and you knew there was a but didn't you LOL) you left off seeming to think that denominations are okay. I disagree wholeheartedly if that is what you really think. Denominations lead to division. Why? Because if I don't believe what they believe I must either submit and suppress what the Lord has laid on my heart otherwise OR leave to go find a denomination that is more in line with the Lord's will (as I understand it). There is something very wrong with that paradigm of how to deal with differences of belief as practices in today's denominational church environment. I should be able as a Christian to believe differently than you do and practice that difference - even teach or promote that different belief without feeling a need to separate to do so. Like friends or family do in real life. The Pastors of today most often act as though they are Kings over the churches they operate in where it's their way or the highway. That is certainly not of God. Just saying. Carlos

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jesus chirst no made denomination.but leaders made thre own doctirine to follow jests.who is following jesus chirst and abiding him that type denomination we should follow thanks

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Guest BacKaran

Posted

The apostles never made a denomination as they are not a or the leader of Christ's Church, Christ is. Your pastor is not the head of your church, he's under the head ship of Jesus. Cults, man made religions take the focus off Christ and put it on themselves, the saints, a prayer, a product or a twisted verse of scriptures. One needs to read the bible and know thy enemy. When I visited a few churches, I took notes about what the pastor said and what he didn't say. I had to leave my church of 15-20 yrs because in my notes, i had nothing on sin, redemption or the blood of Christ. I reviewed my notes of preachers who's conventions I attended, again, nothing on Christ's redemption, the need for me as a sinner to repent etc. Ask questions of your shepherd's messages and teaching from the bible. Just going along with the crowd isn't going to get one in to heaven.

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On 6/12/2015 at 5:40 PM, carlos123 said:

I disagree wholeheartedly if that is what you really think. Denominations lead to division. Why? Because if I don't believe what they believe I must either submit and suppress what the Lord has laid on my heart otherwise OR leave to go find a denomination that is more in line with the Lord's will (as I understand it).

Sorry to not respond in a timely manner, I did not realize that anyone was commenting or even finding this posting. I am not sure, from what you wrote in it's entirety (that I did not quote about) that you really disagree wholeheartedly, since much of what you said is along the same spirit that I said. Where I will disagree (somewhat) with your disagreement, is with your comment that that denominations CAUSE divisions. 

I think the cause is, that some Christians are operating too much in the flesh. I attend a church, where I disagree with some things that my pastor says, and with what many in the rest of the body there believe. I have these dine with these people, and they with me. We support each other with prayer, with our efforts, and with our funds as seems good. The are my friends and family. 

I came to that church, from a different denomination, that believes and practices things differently. They also are my family. There are many local churches, that I have never attended, that are my brothers and sisters in Christ, they are also my family. I am separated from them physically by distance, but we are NOT divided.

When I send money to support hurting churches, in other parts of the country or the world, I do that because they also are family, which I have never met, but we were united when the Father adopted us as His children. 

Division is not, in my opinion, caused by denominations, division is when shallow Christians are more devoted to their denominations, than they are to the body of Christ. That is a choice, no one is divided, unless they cut their brothers and sisters off, an ultimately, if and when we do that, where does the fault lie?

Is Christ divided? I do not think so. Are we not his body? Yes! If we are not united, then that means that some of us, have performed a self amputation. They will know we are Christians by our love!

Thank you for reading and your thoughtful comments on my blog.

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These are so old I wonder if any one sees them.  Anyway, we are not the church, Christ is, we are the body of Christ.  The different denominations interrupt this and the body of Christ becomes divided.  These denominations will pay for this at the proper time.  There is false teaching in every denomination.  The Bible God's word is the proper forum for the truth, when properly defined translated.

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I try and look at denominations as different flowers in God's garden. We all like some flowers better than others and may prefer our own garden to be populated by certain kinds but to me it's like the apostles, they were all different, some would have been easier to get on with than others.

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"Why are there so many denominations? Why is the church divided?"

Although I don't have an answer to that though question I see an analogy on the Scripture I can´t elaborate to make it simple:

1) Abraham willingly and humanly "saved" Lot (when he was kidnapped) with the help of 300 men he found inside his household and with 3 friends (and warriors) he had (that were also rewarded with the things they kept, after the waring job finished).

2) Abraham spiritually "saved" Lot when Sodom and Gomorrah were bound to be destroyed by two angels commanded by God. He made a plea when God told him those cities would be utterly destroyed and Abraham begged God to spare the life of those few He would find...

 

 

I see the same "physical" salvation some churches think THEY have with their dogmas, sectarianism and dogmatical bias and the Lord is an image of what Abraham did for his relative Lot: He would save those He knows are worthy to be SPIRITUALLY saved, since denominations "saved" from other denominations, and the spiritual one is received from God and His Son.

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On 8/25/2017 at 7:42 PM, Fred Eans said:

These are so old I wonder if any one sees them.  Anyway, we are not the church, Christ is, we are the body of Christ.  The different denominations interrupt this and the body of Christ becomes divided.  These denominations will pay for this at the proper time.  There is false teaching in every denomination.  The Bible God's word is the proper forum for the truth, when properly defined translated.

Hi Fred, like you, I only just came across this blog entry this year, in my case because I am new to Worthy.  That said, I would like to comment on Omegaman's blog entry And your comment on it.

On the whole I appreciate what Omegaman wrote and am in agreement with him; on the whole.  I believe "Denominations" are an unfortunate reality but need not always be a divisive factor.  This leads me to your comment.

You are correct that "we are the body of Christ," but you deny that very truth right before speaking it by saying, "we are not the church."  The "Church" and the "Body of Christ" are synonymous, they are the same thing by different titles.  Anyway, that self-contradiction is part of the reason we have denominations.  If we cannot even be consistent in our own thoughts and understandings, then how are we all, as the Body, to be consistent and united?  And so, while it is correct to say that the Bible, God's Word is "the proper forum for the truth, when properly defined translated," who determines what "properly defined" is?  Who determines what properly "translated" is?  And on what basis?

When you write that "There is false teaching in every denomination," you are correct.  The reason for that is simple, no one, no individual, no denomination has a 100% Accurate Understanding of God and His Word.  God is infinite as is His wisdom and knowledge whereas we are finite.  Our finite minds are simply incapable of comprehending all there is of God, His nature, His plan, His ways, etc.  Our ability, our attempts to understand God, while in this flesh, is going to be limited.  Think about it.  God is infinite while we are finite.  The difference between God and us is the difference between finite and infinite, which is to say infinite.  That is not to say we can not understand anything about God.  We can.  Even unbelievers can understand some things about God because He reveals Himself through His creation, cf. Psa 19:1; 97:6; Romans 1:18ff.  Then there is the fact that He also reveals Himself through His Word.  But again, even there we have an infinite God being revealed through a finite means: Human Communication.

Omegaman is spot on when he says, " People like to gather with others who are like them, the feel comfortable and part of something. "  That is a part of our very human nature.  We naturally tend to gather with those who are "like us," who think "like us."  And since there is no one who has a 100% correct understanding of God and His Word, we will naturally tend to gather with those who's limited understanding most corresponds with our own.  That is not to say we are divided against our brethren who disagree in non-essentials.  Myself, I consider myself a ReformedBaptiCostal.  That said, I am most comfortable in a Reformed Church but will, if there is not one around, attend a Baptist Church or even a conservative Lutheran church or so-called, "non-denominational" church.

Denominations exist because of our own incomplete understanding of God, that's all.  There is nothing for the Denominations to "pay for" at the "proper time."  Denominations are not what cause division within the Body but are a reflection of it.  As long as we members of the Body can remember what I believe it was Augustine said, "In the essentials unity, in non-essentials, liberty, and in all things charity," then we'll be ok.  In that light, let us come together, study God's Word and where there are differences in understanding, let "iron sharpen iron" that we might all learn and grow closer together in our Lord.

 

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Like the comments. I believe the Spirit leads and we follow. John 3:7-8, "'You must all be born again.' The wind blows where it wants to and you hear the sound of it, but you don't know where the wind comes from or where it is going. It is the same with every person who is born from the Spirit." Isaiah 54:13,  "And all thy children shall be taught of the Lord; and great shall be the peace of thy children." John 21:21-22,"When Peter saw him, he asked, “Lord, what about him?”.  Jesus answered, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me.” We are only to follow Jesus Christ, it is none of our business what other followers do. We are used by God in His way, for His purpose, and His Glory!

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