How has Christianity, a faith based on the teachings of the bible, divided into so many demoninations?

Answer 1

What he said.

Plus

Inflection. I've heard "preachers" out in public shouting Gospel making Jesus sound like a mean and vindictive man. They said all the same words but they made it sound completely different.

If something as simple as that can be changed in open view like that, what about everything that is taught at a much more subtle level?

Answer 2

Because the Bible has been translated so many times, because books have been added and subtracted, and because there are so many different interpretations on which verses are the most important and which just don't matter at all any more.
(Check out the $5 a plate shrimp fry and pork barbecue at your friendly neighborhood fundamentalist church this Saturday!)
I do what Genesis says the Lord did. On the sabbath day, He rested. He didn't get all dressed up to go listen to some speeches.

Answer 3

Because the Bible is a book and can be interpreted in many different ways. People have done just that. Each division of Christianity has it's own differences that somewhere along the line they felt were important enough to separate themselves. Sometimes they were big differences and sometimes it was over something petty, but really who can say who is right?

Answer 4

Because, they can't even get along with each other, much less with the rest of the world. They have sanctioned genocide slavery, bought disease, destroyed native cultures and created
world discord. Why would anyone think they could agree on much within their own faith.
They don't cringe when the US bombs the hell out of Muslims, but let a Missionary get whacked and then there is a huge out cry. The fact that the missionary is there interfering and not very welcome never seems to pop into Christian heads. Another martyr to extol!

We can only be thankful that they are not united!

Answer 5

For hundreds of years, Christianity has been tied to power. Rulers used religion to keep their people in check. The more members a certain church had, the more sway they had, the more money they had, and the more power they had. The different denominations have sprung up because of that, among other reasons. Leaders of churches sometimes split based on power struggles. Also, the Bible can be interpreted many different ways. Different regions of the world who came upon Christianity at different times accepted different parts of the Bible, different gospels, or just translated words differently. This led to arguments, and eventual splitting of the church. At one point, King Henry VIII of England decided to create his own version of Christianity. Story goes, he was married to a woman, Catherine, who hadn't given him any sons, or heirs to the throne. Henry tried to divorce her, but permission was not granted by the church (Catholicism, divorce was illegal). Since he was desparate for heirs, King Henry VIII divorced himself from the Catholic church, creating a new version or denomination of Christianity called the Church of England. Major difference? The king called the shots, not the religious leader.

The denominational strife between different sects of Christianity has been a major factor in politics. Because the church has been so closely tied to state (religion and politics), power struggles have led to splits in the religion.

Christianity also has many denominations because the bible isn't accepted by everyone in its entirety. For example, Judaism and Christianity are based on the same bible, just not all of it. Same G-d, same basic principles, but definetely not the same religion.

There have been hundreds of books written on this. It's a really interesting topic! Ultimately, I think Christianity has so many denominations for the same reason we will never have a world religion: religion is tied to culture, tradition and politics. Until the world agrees on a common origin, common ways of life, and a common government, religions will continue to diversify, even within themselves.

Answer 6

Because man has put in his own interpretations on the bible.People are quick to join a church and hear the preacher say "this is what this verse means".And then jump on the band wagon and say "yeah I believe it too".Just read the bible on your own without outside influences and get to the TRUTH.There's alot to take in.I know it's hard to figure out which denomination is the right one.
Thanks
Rev. Jason Petty

Answer 7

Really really good question; I ask this all the time when I get hit up by Jehovah's witnesses who are choosing to be hypocritical.

It's because of man.

Man has altered the teachings of the bible to suit their own needs.

It's as siimple as that.

It's for this reason, although I believe in god, will not go to church. The hypocrisy is staggering and confusing to me at best; just keep your faith in god and that's all that matters.

Answer 8

it's all based on the interpretations of man. some might see thinks one way and another group See's thinks differently. ( basis of most wars in history ) like Jesus said where two or more are gathered in prayer i will be there. that's why i don't go to church prefer to be a lone christian. don't need a preachers interpretation of the word. i can do that myself.

Answer 9

People interpreted the bible in different ways...even just small disagreements caused people to split and start new churches...

Answer 10

This just proves to me that there is no "God". Because they can just write a bible to suit their beliefs, it's crazy sh*t and I can't understand why so many people have fallen for it.