To all Christians: Why do we do exactly what Paul told us not to do?

Question

1 Cor 1:12
What I mean is this: One of you says, "I follow Paul"; another, "I follow Apollos"; another, "I follow Cephas[a]"; still another, "I follow Christ."

we could change only a few words and this perfectly apply today

What I mean is this: One of you says, "I follow LUTHER"; another, "I follow CALVIN"; another, "I follow THE POPE[a]"; still another, "I follow Christ."

when will we learn that Christ does not want us divided
as long as we believe Christ died for our sins and is our Lord and Savior the rest are secondary issues that we can disagree on but do not need to separate

Answer 1

Thats a very good question. All of the denominations just bring decention among christianity. I think it comes down to interpretation and then the pride of them thinking that their view is the only right view. There is no hazy interpretation of the main point of salvation and the point of christianity but people get so caught up on all the secondary interpretations and they let it get in the way.
I think we do it because humans are pridefull. We don't like to admit that our interpretation of something might not be totally correct and so we divide into a different church because of it. Thats my best guess.

Answer 2

One small correction. It was not the tree of knowledge. It was the tree of knowledge of good and evil. In eating our first parents declared themselves arbiters of right and wrong. And we're still doing the same thing today. But your strongly felt attitude isn't based on truth. It's up to you to despise Christianity if you want. But the reason you've given doesn't fit. Critics of the Church have claimed a lot of things, some with justification. But calling Christianity anti-intellectual? That one won't stick. Just check out the histories of the major universities in Europe and the US. You'll find they were founded by Christians.

Answer 3

It's the problem of interpretation and translation. These all depend on an individual and his personal experience. Some people are born into a church and grow up with it and are afraid to leave. It's not so much a matter of belief but of personal bias. There are also cultural differences. If everyone were able to transcend their own worldy experiences they would all find themselves at the same place and be in common union.

Answer 4

I think Martin Luther said it best,

"...By any consideration of body or soul you should never say: I am Lutheran, or Papist. For neither of them died for you, or is your master. Christ alone died for you, he alone is your master, and you should confess yourself a Christian. But if you are convinced that Luther's teaching is in accord with the gospel and that the pope's is not, then you should not discard Luther so completely, lest with him you discard also his teaching, which you nevertheless recognize as Christ's teaching. You should rather say: Whether Luther is a rascal or a saint I do not care; his teaching is not his but Christ's."

Answer 5

We are studying Corinthians in Sunday School. Paul does say in Cor. that these are his beliefs and not the Lords. The Catholic Church has based most of their beliefs on Paul's teachings. ( I have not said anything bad about the Catholics!)
We all are different in the way we do things however as long as we accept Jesus as our Lord ans Savior that is what counts.

Answer 6

I agree with most of what you say. I do think that their are many things that are up for discussion. I also think that their are many that are not.

We need to be flexible in worship style, music, dress, and freedom should be prominent in the Church.

We do not need to loose the message of salvation and can not forget the reformation of the Church. Men died so that you could have your Bible and understand salvation. Many would have kept you ignorant and subjugated to the clergy.

The only way to the Father is through the Son. I will not pray to a man or dead saint for forgiveness of my sins. I believe this is a form of false religion I can not support.

We must be careful not to fall in with those that would change the message (Mormons, Jehovah's Witnesses) and others in that type of cult.

I guess you may group me in with those who cause division and thats alright with me. I stand with Christ, John had problems in his day with agnostics telling half truths and he stood against them.

Answer 7

I follow Christ and the bible....however, Martin Luther got it right.

I would consider myself a Calvinist........but I am a Christian first & foremost. I agree along the same lines as Calvin.....but I do not worship the man....I worship the Lord Jesus Christ

Answer 8

I follow the Pope who is a member of the Body of Christ just like me and all baptized people. There are some who say they are of the body but are not. It does NO GOOD to be one in "error".

Answer 9

I totally agree. The problem is, we're all human and like doing things different ways. Some people like the quieter prayer book forms of worship, others like the "Happy- clappy" style. Like in a family, we're all bro + sis. but we're not alike. As long as we all acknowledge Jesus as Lord & Saviour, I suspect the rest will be sorted out when we see Him.God bless U. Hope this helps.

Answer 10

You're exactly correct.

Although I grew up Catholic, I am now Baptist because I don't agree with the Catholic Doctorine.
I consider myself a Christian, one who follows Christ.
Religion is man made to pick and choose what applys to them.

Jesus never intended for Christianity to be separated.

Paul preached one Gospel to all people, he didn't tell the Greeks to believe one thing and the Romans to believe another, etc.

This is what's wrong with Christianity today.


Unity in the Body of Christ

Ephesians 4
1As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. 2Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. 3Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. 4There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to one hope when you were called— 5one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.