why is Christianity, divided into so many different expressions?

Answer 1

You mean Denominations ?

The reason there are different denominations within Christianity is because the Bible allows for us to have differences of opinions. Within Christianity there are very few essential doctrines that define what it means to be a Christian. These essential doctrines are,

Jesus is both God and man (John 1:1,14; 8:24; Col. 2:9; 1 John 4:1-4).
Jesus rose from the dead physically (John 2:19-21; 1 Cor. 15:14).
Salvation is by grace through faith (Rom. 5:1; Eph. 2:8-9; Gal. 3:1-2; 5:1-4).
The gospel is the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus (1 Cor. 15:1-4; Gal. 1:8-9).
There is only one God (Exodus 20:3; Isaiah 43:10; 44:6,8)
God exists as a Trinity of persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. (See Trinity)
Jesus was born of the Virgin Mary (nature of incarnation)
As long as a church believes in these essential doctrines, then it is Christian. However, there are many things in the scriptures that have been interpreted in different ways. For example, what day of the week should be worship on, Saturday or Sunday? Should we baptize by sprinkling or baptize by immersion? Do we take communion every Sunday, once a month, or once a year? The answers to these questions do not affect whether or not someone is a Christian. It is in these issues, and others like them, that denominations are formed. It does not mean that one denomination contradicts another. It means that though they agree in the essentials, they differ in some nonessentials. This is permitted in Scripture:

"Now accept the one who is weak in faith, but not for the purpose of passing judgment on his opinions. 2 One man has faith that he may eat all things, but he who is weak eats vegetables only. 3 Let not him who eats regard with contempt him who does not eat, and let not him who does not eat judge him who eats, for God has accepted him. 4 Who are you to judge the servant of another? To his own master he stands or falls; and stand he will, for the Lord is able to make him stand. 5 One man regards one day above another, another regards every day alike. Let each man be fully convinced in his own mind," (Rom. 14:1-5).

Sadly, there is another reason for denominational differences and that is the failure of Christians to live according to the will of God. The truth is that we are all sinners and we do not see things eye to eye. It is an unfortunate truth that denominational differences are due to our shortsightedness and lack of love. But, the good thing is that God loves us so much that He puts up with our failures. There waits for us, in spite of our differences, a great reward in heaven. Neither salvation nor damnation is dependent upon our differences. Our salvation is based on our relationship with Christ.

With Love in Christ

Answer 2

I agree completely with Lion Of Judah. This is a good comment, but I would like to add that Satan has been around for as long as the first man Adam and Eve and has learned much about deceiving men.
Therefore, one tactic he is using is that of creating multipul religions so that a person can't easily see the one true religion.
Example: when you look at the stars at night how do you know you are looking at a particular star?
By educating yourself on reading the night sky and by using strong instruments to focus in on the one you are looking for. So it is with finding the correct religion. Educate yourself in scripture and focus in on Jesus Christ. He will give you the ability to see the one true God.

Answer 3

We're all individuals, each with our character and tastes. Therefore it makes perfect sense for like-minded people to foregather and worship God together in a way that fulfills their needs. The loud, happy-clappy, Pentecostal-type services are no "better" or "worse" than the quieter, more meditative a capella-music services or the imposing organ-and-choir format. Different denominations place different emphasis on parts of the basic doctrine, and those who agree with those emphases gather to them.

The important thing, though, is what is found in Ephesians 4, the basics of Christian doctrine: One Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all who is for all and in all and through all.

Answer 4

Something to reflect the person or peoples. Founder or followers. Relate it to subcultures and the need to be different or the need to have greater understanding or unity. People seem to seek alternatives for many reasons however so who knows really.

Answer 5

Well, the good thing is that folks are experiencing Christ. Many different churches teach many different ways to celebrate Jesus. Some folks however get caught up in the church and forget the real reason that they are there in the first place.

Answer 6

For the sake of variety perhaps. It makes christianity more interesting not boring.

Answer 7

* People want to monopolise God
* Interpretations of scriptures
* Freedom of worship practices
* History, politics or geography
* Too many Bible versions

Answer 8

Jesus answered the question about why there would be so many different sects of his religion before he ever died starting true Christianity.

It is found in a parable in Matthew chapter 13:24-30 (parable)
Another parable set he before them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man that sowed good seed in his field:
but while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares also among the wheat, and went away.
But when the blade sprang up and brought forth fruit, then appeared the tares also.
And the servants of the householder came and said unto him, Sir, didst thou not sow good seed in thy field? whence then hath it tares?
And he said unto them, An enemy hath done this. And the servants say unto him, Wilt thou then that we go and gather them up?
But he saith, Nay; lest haply while ye gather up the tares, ye root up the wheat with them.
Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of the harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather up first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them; but gather the wheat into my barn.

Then in verses 36-48, he explained who that enemy was that sowed all the false seed. Satan the Devil.
Then he left the multitudes, and went into the house: and his disciples came unto him, saying, Explain unto us the parable of the tares of the field.
And he answered and said, He that soweth the good seed is the Son of man;
and the field is the world; and the good seed, these are the sons of the kingdom; and the tares are the sons of the evil [one];
and the enemy that sowed them is the devil: and the harvest is the end of the world; and the reapers are angels.
As therefore the tares are gathered up and burned with fire; so shall it be in the end of the world.
The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that cause stumbling, and them that do iniquity,
and shall cast them into the furnace of fire: there shall be the weeping and the gnashing of teeth.

Divisions are one of the fruits of the flesh. Galatians 5:20, 21
Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are [these]: fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,
idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousies, wraths, factions, divisions, parties,

The men who started the teaching that the resurrection had already started back in the 1st century were put out of the first century church by Paul. Today nearly ALL Christian sects follow this heresy and claim Jesus started taking people elsewhere back then when he himself returned to heaven.

2 Timothy 2:16-18
But shun profane babblings: for they will proceed further in ungodliness,
and their word will eat as doth a gangrene: or whom is Hymenaeus an Philetus;
men who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already, and overthrow the faith of some.

1 Timothy 1:18-20
This charge I commit unto thee, my child Timothy, according to the prophecies which led the way to thee, that by them thou mayest war the good warfare;
holding faith and a good conscience; which some having thrust from them made shipwreck concerning the faith:
of whom is Hymenaeus and Alexander; whom I delivered unto Satan, that they might be taught not to blaspheme.

John 14:3 (Jesus second coming was time for them to get resurrected)
And if I go and prepare a place for you, I come again, and will receive you unto myself; that where I am, [there] ye may be also.

This is the first resurrection, but the rest of the dead (except the judges/kings/priests) live not until the thousand years comes.

Revelation 20:5
The rest of the dead lived not until the thousand years should be finished. This is the first resurrection.

Hence, the Bible says those in hell (grave) are dead (not alive) and they get out to come back (to earth).

Revelation 20:
13, 14
And the sea gave up the dead that were in it; and death and Hades gave up the dead that were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works.
And death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death, [even] the lake of fire.
7-9 (Satan is released back to earth after the 1,000 years to test these dead who have been in hell/Hades/grave)
And when the thousand years are finished, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison,
and shall come forth to deceive the nations which are in the four corners of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to the war: the number of whom is as the sand of the sea.
And they went up over the breadth of the earth, and compassed the camp of the saints about, and the beloved city: and fire came down out of heaven, and devoured them.

So, there are countless religions as someone has to confuse people as much as possible to see that few, even supposed Christians, gain eternal life. Matthew 7:21-23.

Debbie

Answer 9

Doctrinal differences............

Example:
Baptists vs. Pentecostals.

I am a Baptist who believes in eternal security. Pentecostals believe that a person can lose their salvation.

Are we both going to heaven?

Yes.......even if they don't think so sometimes

Our common denominator is Christ.

Answer 10

ppl are human with different opinions...we see that even in small families,,