Christians: Do you know why there are seperate denominations?

Question

A bit ago I asked why some divide themselves into denominations, if they thought that their denomination was the most correct. http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=AhjjKp0ApbD.OqG8x07DiRrsy6IX?qid=20070316200401AA8Hmyz

A recurring theme to the answers was that their particular denomination was not more right than another, but just fit them best.

But this makes no sense. The reason why someone is a Lutheran rather than a Catholic, or a Baptist rather than a Lutheran, or a Seventh-Day Adventist rather than a Baptist... is that centuries ago, someone said "They're wrong. I know what the bible is really saying better than anyone else," and they managed to convince other people of this.

So I'll ask in another way. Is the only reason that you claim to be of one denomination over another because you were raised and/or swayed that way and haven't examined your belief, or because you actually feel that you are more accurate in your interpretation of the bible?

Really, I get that a lot of Christians are non-denominational. But they are still in the minority. Most Christians in this country claim to be of one denomination... and it is to those that I am addressing.

To the last Ent wife:
Can you give examples? What mission does a Presbyterian fulfill that a Methodist doesn't? And do you think if you asked them that they would say they are meant to only be partially effective in the world?

Answer 1

This is a reason why no religion is right...

Answer 2

Many people do not know why there are denominations or why they stick with them. There exist some very sophisticated psychological studies which show what holds people in these types of systems.

In addition there are tens of thousands of books in libraries across the world which address literally hundreds of reasons why religions, religious orders, denominations, sects, cults, have developed as they have.

Interpretation accuracy is not always that crucial and may prove a 'rational' reason or excuse for one group spliting from another. In many, many cases splits are not over interpretations; but rather over money, moral standards, political differences, family fights, fights between individuals, persecution, and the list goes on.

In addition the spirit of Almighty God is at work in the entire situation and knowing how God moves will explain more about some divisions then differences in church order.

There have in the past 2,000 years been more than 2,000 splits* from the Roman and Protestant churches. They include the above reasons and more. (*little differences where people left and came back on went into isolation.)

You might look again at the recurring theme in your prior answers. The thing you say makes no sense is one of the major keys. "Just fit them best," you might want to look at that again.

Finally it is my pleasure to report that I have departed from denominations, for much the same reason that I find here; the questions being not quite as thorough as they were condescending.

Answer 3

Okay - well without getting into a sermon about John Wesley and his theologies. Let me give you a few basics about our denomination to help you see why it fits me the best. Methodism is a Lay driven denomination. That means that our Laity our very involved! Here are some of the other BIG ones that keep me where I am at.
1. We believe in the BODILY ressurection of Jesus Christ.
2. We believe the baptismal covenant is an outward sign of an inward change. Baptism by water and by spirit and that it is part of a life long process of salvation.
3. We believe in the three stages of grace: previenient grace,sanctifying grace and justifying grace.
4. We believe in the sacrament of Holy Communion.
5. We believe in the Trinity
6. We believe in the virgin birth.
I could go on and on but basically I agree with the basic truths that the methodist church maintains. But I do not think that our ways are the only ways.

One of the only doctrines from other denominations that can get my knickers in a knot are churches that uphold the whole women can't preach doctrine. I have to ask what is the definition of a sermon?To tell the good news. What's the good news? Jesus Christ is risin. And who told the good news first ? A women. Besides I have a problem with people telling me that I shouldn't preach when that is going against what God has called me to do. And I take my orders from Him. Sorry but it's late and you got me started.

Answer 4

Denominations are abominations. My Bible says that we are to be the body of Christ and not divided.

Denominations came about because people cannot agree on
certain doctrines or practices. I will not go into that because it is wasted effort.

The two requirements of God are that we love God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength and that we love our neighbor as ourselves.

If that love actually existed between Christians worldwide we would have no denominational barriers. We could agree to disagree without being disagreeable.

In Heaven there will be no Baptists, Lutherans, Catholics, Episcopalians, Methodists or any other group -- the only ones
there besides the angels will be Christians. No Abominations
allowed!

Answer 5

Some denominations think they know better than another. It is just human nature to cause division in the Church. I personally feel its satanic in origin.

I think people choose a particular denomination because it was what their parents exposed them to, or it could be that some denominations are too strict or legalistic so they may prefer another form of worship under a different denomination and yes unfortunately, some teach error of the Scriptures like the snake handlers.

Answer 6

Denominationalism is the inevitable result of the manmade, unbiblical doctrine of sola scriptura. God placed full authority in His Church, not in a book compiled by that same Church. Christ knew that you cannot have truth without unity, and that you cannot have unity without true authority. Once you reject the authority of His Church and try to set up a different authority, false beliefs are certain to follow; and conflicting beliefs mean false beliefs because truth cannot conflict with truth.

The Bible tells us that the Church Christ founded is "the pillar and foundation of truth". This is a powerful analogy. Once you remove the pillars and foundation from any structure, it begins to become warped and weakened, and before long it collapses. Truth is no exception. It remains strong and reliable only within the context of God's Church. This is why God's Holy Catholic Church remains united in belief and united in worship throughout the world after 2,000 years, while the manmade tradition of denominational religion, only a few hundred years old, continues to self-destruct into ever more numerous denominations, where doctrinal chaos reigns. This ungodly situation is a direct violation of the stated will of Christ, "that they all may be ONE, even as I and my heavenly Father are ONE".
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Answer 7

Most of us belong to whatever denomination we were born into. I was born and baptized Prebyterian but I attend a Baptist church and consider myself Christian not Presbyterian. I think that as time goes on more people will agree with that and then we can put an end to this denomination business once and for all!

Answer 8

>>Is the only reason that you claim to be of one denomination over another because you were raised and/or swayed that way and haven't examined your belief, or because you actually feel that you are more accurate in your interpretation of the bible?<<

Here's the deal: as an anti-Catholic, I set out to disprove Catholicism, and instead became convinced, much to my horror, that it was indeed the One True Faith. I converted to Catholicism because that is where the evidence led me.

Answer 9

I was raised outside of any church. I always went to church with friends, so I went to many different churches. When I was in college, I visited different churches. In the last 8 years, my husband and I settled into the Catholic church. He became Catholic although he was raised Presbyterian. I have not been confirmed as a Catholic, but I feel that I am in the right place. Our families wonder about us, but we were led this way. I think it's about how individuals relate to God. The church itself is merely a manifestation of that relationship.

Answer 10

I didnt see your OP, but I will say that I think that my denomination is absolutly more right then any other, or else, wouldnt I go to another church? I go to a Independant Baptist Church, old time religion, and its good enough for me! I want a church that preaches the bible, the whole bible, and nothing more, nothing less. I have it, that is why I believe my church is right :) I dont even think all baptist churhes are right, unless they believe the whole bible!

Answer 11

Two schools of thought:

One, division is the Devil's work. He is trying desperately to break up the body of Christ.

Two, the Body of Christ is vast and diverse and has different missions in the World. The different denominations help to fulfill the different missions.

God bless!