If they're all getting their information and instructions from the same, infallible God, then there shouldn't be any disagreement at all. Yet there is enough disagreement among Christians to splinter Christianity into over 3,000 denominations -- some are merely contemptuous of each other, and some of them hate each other. Why?
2007-03-04 09:42:14 · 23 answers · asked by ? 7 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
More like: If there's only one God, why are there so many religions?
Answer: People. People like to disagree. People like to make up their own rules. Most of all, people like power. Also; religions often naturally evolve when followers are geographically seperated.
2007-03-04 09:45:50 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 2⤋
There are a variety of interpretations of the Bible. Denominations range from ultra-literal to ultra-liberal. To the best of my knowledge, Christian denominations, in general, get along. Sometimes there is some fighting, but it usually isn't that big of a deal. If there is hatred among denominations, it probably due to threats on belief. If you believe something strongly, and someone else belongs to the same religion and disagrees strongly, and the belief is important for something like entrance to heaven, then the fighting could be fierce. No one wants to believe they're going to hell or some other threatening belief, and hearing it from someone theologically close only deepens that pain.
2007-03-04 17:51:10 · answer #2 · answered by Hmmbop 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
We are serving the same God. I think it is a good thing that we do not follow religion, we follow God. I personally belong to a non-denominational church.
There is going to be disagreements between people. We are humans. The main thing is to serve God. If you do not like your church, go to other one or start up your own.
The greatest commandment is to love God and our neighbors. Luckily we do not get saved by the law, because we would not make it. We fall short from the glory of God and God provided us the way, Jesus. We accept Him. We need a Savior.
2007-03-04 18:06:09 · answer #3 · answered by SeeTheLight 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
it all changes when people take the Word of God, the Bible, and pick and choose what they want to believe.... and when they don't believe one thing compared to another.. they make a new denomination.... and then people in that one, disagree on what exactly they should be doing... and they split. Then of course, there are the denominations that profess the Word of God, and add a whole buncha man rules to the Word that arent in there, and take a bunch of stuff OUT of the bible, or teach opposite... I could go on and on. If people would just read the Bible and stop getting caught up in 'religion' and just have Faith... then there would be no need for 'religion' ... Jesus did not like the behavior or 'religious' pharisees for they 'acted' like they followed God, but Jesus could see thru their piousness....
2007-03-04 17:57:00 · answer #4 · answered by livinintheword † 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I don't see what that has to do with there only being one God. A study of the history of Christianity would show how different denominations developed. Some think they have something the others don't have. The difference between Lutheran, Episcopal, Presbyterian, and Methodist is insignificant, but there are major differences between Pentecostals, Catholics, "Church of Christ," JW's, and Mormons. The various breeds of Baptists are all about the same, they just differ in organization.
2007-03-04 17:48:23 · answer #5 · answered by supertop 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋
There is more difference in some Christian denominations than between a believer and non-believer and often their debate is more passionate. Its a mistake to confuse belief in God and existence of God with the acts of the denominations. I have to try and hold on to the thought that we all work together for God...and I do defend anyone's right to their beliefs or non-beliefs. Yeah, I am stuck in the middle...but at least I am not lonely. - tweetie
2007-03-04 17:49:07 · answer #6 · answered by Birdy 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Because, as God has told us, we are by nature sinful. As a result of that sin, we are prone selfish misinterpretations.
Luckily, you won't find alot of "hate" in most mainstream Christian denominations. The biggest rift would be between Catholics and others - this is largely due to ignorance rather than doctrinal difference.
2007-03-04 17:47:33 · answer #7 · answered by wigginsray 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
During the Reformation, when all the Christians were fixing the church, Christians were killing each other over picayune points of doctrine. The tradition continues.
When I lived in Oklahoma City, I drove a mile from my apartment to the main road. In that mile I passed 4 different churches, each of which I'm sure had the only way to approach God.
God is unknowable, and those who pretend to know are deceiving themselves.
2007-03-04 18:12:32 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
It has to do with church government more than with doctrine. All Christian denominations (Christian, not cults) believe the same thing about salvation and the nature of God... And that's what really counts not what you should wear to conduct a meeting or a mass...
Jim
2007-03-04 17:57:06 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
People have been using the Bible for centuries to justify wrong-doings by taking one verse, for example and building a doctrine/belief around it. You know if it's TRUE when it's supported elsewhere in scripture, and God's other Eternal Truths are not compromised by this "teaching". The problem is we don't HAVE the right to interpret scripture. Every time we DO there's division. Scripture interprets itself.
2007-03-04 18:04:30 · answer #10 · answered by lookn2cjc 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Jesus told His disciples that if people are not against us, it is OK that they believe differently. Same too with all of the denominations. I personally would prefer we all be one big family but realize that even in close families, people are different and see life differently.
So instead of looking at the differences, let us celebrate God Who brings us together.
2007-03-04 17:50:01 · answer #11 · answered by Mary W 5 · 0⤊ 2⤋