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WHY THERE IS SO MANY DIVISIONS IN CHRISTAINITY?
Every body says that there is only one God, then why is it that we have different denominations like catholic, baptist, angilcan, methodist, pentecostal... are we humans trying to be superior over other or what went wrong? what was the cause and who divided it?
Are we like those about whom jesus told many will come in my name and saying there is God, he is god like that... are we churches fulfilling those scriptures?k..
Are we like those about whom jesus told many will come in my name and saying there is God, he is god like that... are we churches fulfilling those scriptures?k..
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Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Gayla on
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I think the reason lies in Pride...........
One of the last prayers that Jesus prayed was that we (his followers) be one....like he and the father are one.... how often do you see this happening????
In homes, in relationships, in churches....
Yet, the word stands...... it has not changed.... it is still the same desire today, that it was when it was first spoken.
We are only one.... but, Jesus stands as our example of what one.....can do, thru the power of God.
Let us begin to tear down the strongholds that seperate and divide......
and let us unite....as ONE> BODY.
THE BODY OF CHRIST.
Without schism..... without spot or wrinkle.....
Our bridegroom approaches.....
Can you hear the hoofbeats?
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Permalink Reply by Theresa on
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Dear Jinto :)
Unfortunately, each denomination believes that their church and their beliefs are the correct way in worshiping Jesus. Usually, the differences between the denominations are minor and should not be the cause of division between the various Christian groups. If all the Christian denominations focused on the similarities instead of the differences, then there would be great unity among them. The basics of Christianity should be the beliefs that Jesus was born of the virgin Mary, became a man and then was crucified and died. Finally, we believe as Christians that He rose from the dead. These are the core beliefs of our Christian faith. We may worship and praise differently, which is okay. However, as long we believe in the same God whose name is Jesus, and He is the One who saves us, then our differences should be less important.
Matthew 18:3 And he said: "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.
What we know about little children is that they are born without prejudging or biases and they do not have hate for people they know nothing about. The adults and people around them influence how they see and judge people. That is why Jesus said we need to be like the small innocent child to enter heaven.
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Permalink Reply by Nobody on
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What he probably means in Matt18v3 is that Children are, to a great extent, destitute of ambition, pride, and haughtiness They are characteristically humble and teachable. By requiring his disciples to be like them, he did not intend to express any opinion about the native moral character of children, but simply that in these respects they must become like them. They must lay aside their ambitious views and their pride, and be willing to occupy their proper station - a very lowly one.
Added to that. Jesus said in John 13 v 34. "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.
As a rule of thumb, I steer away from argument with christians over who is right. It serves no purpose and God cannot be glorified in arguments over him. Instead, pray that the HS will show you truth and his light will shine on all deception and pray for those who are being misled.
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Permalink Reply by Ginnybee on
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hello,
I think that the division is something that churches feel necessary in order to keep solidarity in each of the distinct church groups, because without it, chaotic ideas and beliefs can weaken one's faith. I don't think the separate denominations should treat the others with any disrespect, although they do that. Pride is certainly a problem. Everyone wants to be right and above someone else in some way. A church denomination becomes one tool that can be used for a person's self-righteous desires. So, you see, I don't think the divisions of the church are a completely bad idea, I do think that the people of the churches, their selves, create the negative atmospheres between different groups, brought on by natural, worldly intrusions of the spirit. The devil sees a way to chreate chaos and emotional separation between God's children through our differing perspectives of certain scriptures and he must drive the wedges deep in order to take our minds off of the real important things, which ultimately weakens our faith in the Word of God. It's a perfect condition for the devil to try and gain a strong-hold. We can defeat his efforts by setting our eyes on the bigger picture and simply obeying Jesus--Love one another. Still, the church gathers together for the sake of unity in fellowship, thus the people of each church must hold similar beliefs. Otherwise what whould the preacher preach? Does he please the smith family this week and the jackson family next? It wouldn't work.. Primarily, it's better to have denominational solidarity than to have no solidarity in the church. The devil could do what he is doing between the denominations, however, within each church, strengthening the turmoil amongst christians, as a whole, then we would have a total mess and completely distorted modes of faith. So, you see, I think denominations are important as long as they remain in a proper perspective and we christians can live with love in our hearts for one another, no matter what denominational identity.
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Greetings to you in the name of our lord,
Sorry for being late to reply to your comment. Actually i was searching for the answers in contrast to what you have replied to the discussion topic and it took some time to find some of the answers. After all this days searching for answers there are many points that i cannot agree with you. Plz don't take it as an offence, because i feel that this website is for discussions and that is the reason i have joined this website. If i have hurt you in any ways then plz forgive me in God's name and let me know that clearly such that i don't repeat it again.
From the very first line you have said that churches feel that there should be divisions, but i don't think so because i cannot find any church which has the idealogy of divisions. I rather feel that it is we human beings that are trying to make changes for personal gain. where is the point of solidarity coming into it.you are telling that without divisions chaotic ideas and beliefs can weaken one's faith, can you make it clear for me! There is only one God. See for example consider that we have different denominations, but all the churches are not practising what is said in the Bible. One man comes and says something and people run after them thinking that that is the truth and the right way.
Now comes the point of solidarity, how can you make solidarity with someone who is not following what is said in the Bible, if you do then you are also worshipping other God. But the advantage of different denomintions is that they have their own stlye of prayer and many people will differ in the way of praying, some like many songs, some meditations, some preachings like that so on. people are on the streets canvassing people to come to their church, why even coming to home and asking by forceful actions. what is it?
A church denomination cannot become a tool for ones self-righteous desires. Many people commit mistakes, can you show me anywhere in the Bible jesus saying about church denominations. Jesus siad only one thing unless you baptize in m y name and does not have the mind of a child you cannot enter the KIngdom. what is a church? It is just a building there made by man, But the church becomes valuable when we people gather together in praising God because God comes to the church. It is said in the Bible, if two or more gather together in my name then i will be in their midst, and this words have been spoken by God and cannot change.
It is a shame that we for pride try to overshadow other groups in the society and try to become number one. what you said is right the devil is always trying to create differences and doubts among the righteous people, but as christians we should know how to overcome all the hardshops, we should put on the whole armour of God. From the time of Adam and Eve we human beings have continued to follow two thiings one is sin and the other one is telling excuses. No one is ready to accept their fault, but when telling this we must also know that we are not to judge anybody, if we judge others then we will also be judged.
The next thing is that the preacher is not preaching for smith family and jackson family, you got it wrong there, the priest is just a tool that has been used by God in delivering his message. Every sunday the priest speaks to everybody and you should listen it and tell it to others, are we doing that, the answer is NO. Faith without action is dead. God always wanted good things to happen but we have deviated from the path, but God says there is still time for you to come back to me. Any way thankyou for your comment, do keep in touch.
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Greetings, jinto,
I'm glad for your response, and no, you have not offended me. Actually, I think we stand mainly in agreement. The contrast that seems to stand out is that, correct me if I'm wrong, you believe separate denominations are formed for the distinct purpose of causing individual groups to undermine other groups. I do not see it the same way. I agree that as a result of division, many people become egotistical and develop poor attitudes toward other groups, but I say that depicts a result of division, not the soul purpose of it. Allow me to try deciphering this.
You proclaim that you'd rather feel that it is we humans that are trying to make changes for personal gain. I do not think we tried to create the differences. Rather, we are all on a journey of coming to understand better the things of the Lord, and along that journey, we had met with contradicting perspectives of certain scriptures. The instance of division, therefore, in my opinion, was not deliberate.
In the bible, Jesus tells His disciples to spread the gospel to those who have not yet heard the good news, but warns against ministering to those who have already settled in their beliefs concerning Him. Why so, you might ask. Well, I believe His reason for that was to reduce confusion, which can lead to spiritual weakness. Jesus also spoke parables concerning the issue. He said, in my own words, it would be inconceivable to pour new wine into old wineskins. Look it up and see what you make of the entire chapter. Check out Matthew 9:16-17.
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