Please do not take offense but, why are there so many Protestant denominations?

Question

I do read the Bible and I believe in Christ but I am a Catholic who was raised Protestant. I am wondering if the Holy Spirit helps you to understand the Bible then why are there so many different interpretations? Could it just be we have different syles of worship and prayer, yet still serve the same Lord?
Peace Be With You,
Debra

This was not meant as a criticism or to start a fight, I was just curious. I believe that we just have different "Worship styles" what do you think?

Answer 1

I think it's mostly because of Luther. When he split from Catholicism, he set the precedent that it's okay to split from a religion you disagree with. Instead of trying to reform the Church from within, he left it and formed his own. Ever since, Protestants have been following his example whenever there is a difference in interpretation. And since interpretations are based on one's culture, up-bringing, philosophy, and personal experience, there are many of them. Thus while we all have the same purpose - serving the Lord and one another - we have many different denominations, as a result of our different understandings of the specifics of religion.

Answer 2

Since the Protestant religion was started by an act of protest against an established religion, it only seems natural that people would continue in the same tradition.

The Puritans broke off from the Anglicans, seeking to reform the church. As the Puritans in the New World alienated some of their believers, dissenters (such as Anne Hutchinson) broke off and formed splinter and rival groups.

Certain groups were formed because they were too far away from the main church, and their circumstances were much different then their mother denomination. This created many denominations that were very geographically isolated, thus they did not conform to the beliefs and traditions of the mother church. Over time, this caused a new denomination.

Denominations also came into being when a nation made a state religion. This happened in England and in American states like Massachusetts.

In more modern times, denominations do come into being because of differences in styles of worship/prayer, but there is also an influence by the many different religions -- some combine Judaism, Buddhism, or New Age religions into their worship styles.

Hope that helps.

Answer 3

The protestants over the years changed so much, you are right. I was raised protestant where woman didnt wear pants, make up, or jewlery. There was no mixed bathing ( swimming of different sexes) They were very very strict. Now when I go to visit my mom the same people are doing all those things and still believe they are going to heaven. What did God change his mind over the years? In my opinion, We all serve they same God just the text of the Bible was and is interpeted differently by the breakdown of the different denominations. (also I think the ministers found that they could open up there congregations and increase the offerings if the lightend up on the wearing of pants etc. etc. etc.) The Holy Ghost or Spirit actually is an interpreter from us to God and vice versa. I believe if you believe in God, live the best possible life you can live, and ask for forgiveness and Jesus into your heart. Regardless of which denomenation youre on the right path, its all in youre faith!!!!

Answer 4

For most who would profess to be Protestant, the differences between beliefs are quite wide and profound. Catholic heirarchy is set up virtually the same as the Roman government of the first century. It was set up partially as a means to not go against the Romans, by the leaders of the jewish sects then in power. In spite of the christian flavor of the church, it still held to many of the rituals, and beliefs of the jews...as well as adopting the methods of geneology, sanctification of individuals, and elevating of humans...all of which ran contrary to scripture from the begining. Martin Luthor, and a host of others at various times, who knew of the falsehoods and perpetuated wrongs of the church, chose to move away from the Catholic dogma and try and find a more correct path. While that "path" has been being refined ever since...it has also become distorted, confused, and more. People take their freedom and decide that they can make scripture include and be what they want it to be. Instead of it directing and molding their lives, they mold and direct it.
Probably the only foundational aspect of this was the dedication of the translators to finding the most correct translations, and combining them into the cannon that we now call the Bible.
It is not that the truth is not there...it is more, are we trying to find something that fits us...or are we trying to find what God wants us to be. That is the crux.

Answer 5

Yes the Holy Spirit helps us understand the Bible, but I don't know why there's so many interpretations other than Satan is the father of confusion. There are alot of different denominations. Some are right on with the word of God, but have different doctrines. The main thing is Jesus and the truthful teaching of His word the Bible. That's basically why I attend a nondenominational church. Jesus and Bible.

Answer 6

I am sure that we all try to serve the same Lord, yet we are all very different people. We interpret and understand Scriptures based on our own life stories. For me, we need to stay focused on God, and not get caught up in which denomination or interpretation is the correct one. There is only on Body of Christ.

Answer 7

Debra.

The Word of God teaches what? ONE DOCTRINE. OK? What is this ONE DOCTRINE? It's the New Testament. So many denominations do the same thing, what is it? They're local church gives you what? A list of that churches rules of Di's and donuts. OK? What did they just do? They ADDED to the Word of God with more "doctrine".
Ever read about "false doctrines..false teachings".?

You think church bi laws is not false doctrine?

EXCUSE ME......................

Jesus Christ died on the cross for what? FREE us from bondage of laws. church doctrines is what? BONDAGE that the local church put you under. GOD DIDN'T DO IT.

IT IS NOT OF GOD..IT IS OF MAN. !!! man made doctrines.

YES, there is a right and wrong. God Himself made this absolutely abundantly clear.

Now. One can ask, why is there so many denominations? Because they didn't like the church man made do's and dont's and started they're own local church with they're own do's and dont's.

read the last page of the bible about adding words to this Book. What are people doing? ADDING doctrines to the bible. Putting man under what? Bondage, that Christ Free'd us from.

You think 20 different churches with 20 different doctrine are all following God's Word?

I have read nothing about how they are. In fact, I have read just the opposite.


Good Question.

Answer 8

THE HOLY SPIRIT will help you to understand the bible.the different interpretations is called religions..ever body is difference and has difference believes.that why it is important to be lead by the holy spirit.the bible says ask and you shall recieved.he will give you the understanding if you ask him..

MAY THE LOVE OF GOD BE WITH YOU AND GIVE YOU PEACE..

Answer 9

Because, there is no absolute way to worship God. And, because of this people went out and started their own churches. Of course, instead of embrassing these differences in worship, we tend to fight and argue over silly things, really.

Answer 10

...and we have a winnah, ladies and gentlemen! we all serve the same God, Christ died for ALL of us, and he did not set up or found any particular denomination...there is more to do with customs, styles of worship, demeanor (some are loud and exuberant, some are quiet and contemplative), than any huge 'theological differences...'