I'm a Buddhist, but I'm curiously drawn to reading the Bible and feel a certain comfort in reading and holding it.
In Buddhism we do have different schools and styles, but for the most part, we respect each others denominations and see them all as valid.
I find Christians seem to have much sharper divisions. I don't really know why because, as an outsider the differences seem slight, and don't warrant a separate church.
But in Christianity we see people from different denominations who won't worship together or even recognise each other as on a true path to heaven.
Are Catholics going to hell? Are protestants going to hell? Lutherans? Baptists? Seventh Day Adventists?
I suspect, if Christianity is true, then you can all go to heaven... and then you will HAVE to get along!
Anyway, a question or two!?
♥ Why?
♥ Is my impression of Christianity way off, or is it as bad as it appears?
♥ How would you change it if you could?
1.Why do we have different denominations?
We tend to like complicating stuff and build tribes off of a thought leader that agrees with what we envision the church structure to be or to focus on. I call it following commentaries.
Its not a new thing, I would study the letters of Paul in the Bible(
Romans, 1 Corinthians, 2 Corinthians,
Philemon,
Galatians,
Philippians,
1 Thessalonians, 2 Thessalonians, Ephesians, Colossians, 1 Timothy, 2 Timothy and Titus). but especially 1 Corinthians 1, which addresses division in the church. Some follow teaching of certain men, but God's wish is unity. And they is a shell of what the church is made of (some apostles, some teachers, etc), but its all to support and strengthen the discipleship and mission of all of us as one body. Unfortunately, its the pride of men's wisdom that ends up resulting in division.
What determines a Christians is simply one following Christ. That means that they believe in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus sent from God born of Mary, and the receiving of the Holy Spirit which is shown through discipleship of the Word. That's it. That's salvation, through Jesus not based on what we do,wear, etc. Everything else are commentaries. Some people recognize this and its in the message of that denomination, some people don't and you also see it in that denomination.
2.Is your impression way off or as bad.
Historically it is bad, there's a great book called "Protestants", at least on that end, that talks about how different denominations came about and historical influences. Idk about books on Catholicism or Orthodox. But I'm sure they have their own problems.
But at most it has created meaningful discussions and awareness about the history of the Church. It also helps me better understand my understanding of the Church, and things that can be done to bridge unneeded gaps between us as believers.
So its bad, definately not off, but isn't hopeless. For the most part, we do see each other as valid as long as what they are teaching is not against the core belief for a Christian. Someone believing that we should keep the Sabbath doesn't go against anything or if they decide to keep any dietary laws, or wear certain outfits, or highlight certain attributes of the Word. Again as long as they recognize that those things are of commentary and not for salvation, its fine. The rebuttal though is sometimes people are more loyal to the denomination than the gospel, to the point that they do compromise their faith.
3. How would you change it if you could?
I mean, the division is not the fault of the Gospel of Jesus, but the byproduct of living in this world filled with factors outside a church service. People grow up in different cultures, have different experience, and uphold different views on how we should gather, what should we promote, etc. Everyone is responsible for what they harbor in their heart as well as knowing what God stance are on things. That's why i pray everyday, that we all keep our hearts in check with what God said.
But the one thing I think would bring more unity, other than just everyone individually keeping the faith, is learning more on Church History. More promotion of learning not only the Bible but also the formation and transformation of how we gather. Leaders of the church shouldn't only be charity organizations, but also equipped the saints with knowledge and awareness of history. Not just of one's own denomination, but on those outside ourselves to bring more meaningful conversations and not just see those as "others". Alot of times, people just repeat things, but not understand where that understanding may have been sourced from.
That's one thing I appreciate about the forum. That I can talk to people who are open to discuss things outside their way of thinking in cases where I may not have had that much opportunity.