How many differing "denominations" (sects?)are there of Christianity?

Question

How many of them claim to have "the one true way"?

Answer 1

All Christians hold to certain core doctrine that define the religion; deity of Christ, forgiveness of sins, salvation through faith onto works, etc. If someone claims to be a Christian and does not hold to these core doctrines which are explicit in the Bible, then they are not really a Christian and fall instead into the category of "cults".

Within Christianity, there are certain doctrines that are not explicit but must be inferred. The method of Predestination, how people are Called, etc. This is where major denominational breakdowns occur such as Catholic, Baptist, etc. These divisions center around those areas where the Bible is not clear and allows us to differ while still falling within the pale of orthodoxy.

A further level of division comes from cultural and style divisions. Some churches sing only hymns, others use modern music. Some use the NIV translation, others require the NKJV, Some have a hierarchical church government while others have a church led by an elected board of elders, etc. These are differences only in personal preference and have nothing to do with doctrine. You could consider them cosmetic.

In the end, the Calvinistic, anamilemialist, Young Earth, Reformed Presbyterian is just as much a Christian as a Arminian, premilenial, Old Earth, United Methodist.

Answer 2

The Christian Source Book [New York: Ballantine Books] reports that there are over 21,000 denominations and sects.

Answer 3

There are many many denominations to count. They are all claim to be the one true way. Examples Jehovah's witness, catholic, baptist, protestant, 7 day Adventist, Mormon, Amish, Quaker, Methodist, Presbyterian, latter day saints, church of Christ scientist, roman catholic, Greek Orthodox catholic, episcopal, Anglicans, evangelical, etc..... as you can see these are just the ones I got off the top of my head.

Answer 4

Christianity and religions are not the same thing. Christanity is a way of life after you accept Jesus as your savior and live according to the word of God.

There are countless different religions that do not even teach the true word of God and mis lead people away from God. Christianity is very clear. In order to get to heaven, you must accept Jesus as your savior, as the one who died on the cross for your sins. Repent of your sins daily, and turn you life over to Jesus. You must be born again through acceptance of Jesus as your savior. There is no other way into heaven.

John 3:3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.

Answer 5

How Old Is Your Church?
If you are a Lutheran, your religion was founded by Martin Luther, an ex- monk of the Catholic Church, in the year 1517.

If you belong to the Church of England, your religion was founded by King Henry VIII in the year 1534 because the Pope would not grant him a divorce with the right to remarry.

If you are a Presbyterian, your religion was founded by John Knox in Scotland in the year 1560.

If you are a Protestant Episcopalian, your religion was an offshoot of the Church of England founded by Samuel Seabury in the American colonies in the 17th century.

If you are a Congregationalist, your religion was originated by Robert Brown in Holland in 1582.

If you are a Methodist, your religion was launched by John and Charles Wesley in England in 1744.

If you are a Unitarian, Theophilus Lindley founded your church in London in 1774.

If you are a Mormon (Latter Day Saints), Joseph Smith started your religion in Palmyra, N.Y., in 1829.

If you are a Baptist, you owe the tenets of your religion to John Smyth, who launched it in Amsterdam in 1605.

If you are of the Dutch Reformed church, you recognize Michaelis Jones as founder, because he originated your religion in New York in 1628.

If you worship with the Salvation Army, your sect began with William Booth in London in 1865.

If you are a Christian Scientist, you look to 1879 as the year in which your religion was born and to Mrs. Mary Baker Eddy as its founder.

If you belong to one of the religious organizations known as 'Church of the Nazarene," "Pentecostal Gospel." "Holiness Church," "Pilgrim Holiness Church," "Jehovah's Witnesses," your religion is one of the hundreds of new sects founded by men within the past century.

If you are Catholic, you know that your religion was founded in the year 33 by Jesus Christ the Son of God, and it is still the same Church.

Answer 6

Billions and Billions and they all claim to have the inside information. Everyone else is wrong--they are right.

Answer 7

Roman Catholics believe they are members of "the one true church".