There just seems to be too many different Christian denominations. All these different expressions of one belief in Jesus Christ – Protestant or Catholic; Evangelical or Orthodox; Baptist or Methodist; Snake Handling or Non-Snake Handling!
Why do we need so many? Why can’t we all just get along? Can’t we agree to disagree on these minor matters that divide us and find a sense of unity?
Sometimes I hear questions or statements along these lines. I have even heard people imply that so many different denominations with different expressions of belief have confused them about who God really is. Why hasn’t God unified His church? Maybe you have wondered something like this before too. There was time I struggled with the idea. But the truth is that denominations celebrate our inner unity while allowing distinctive outward expressions of our faith.
Bruce Shelley does an excellent job of explaining how “denominationalism” actually promotes unity, not division:
“The word denomination…was an inclusive term. It implied that the Christian group called or ‘denominated’ by a particular name was but one member of a larger group —the church— to which all denominations belong.
The denominational theory of the church, then, insists that the true church cannot be identified with any single [church] structure. No denomination claims to represent the Whole church of Christ. Each simply constitutes a different form —in worship and organization— of the larger life of the church.
The denominational theory of the church [has] several fundamental truths:
First, considering man’s inability to always see the truth clearly, differences of opinion about the outward form of the church are inevitable.
Second, even though these differences do not involve fundamentals of the faith, they are not matters of indifference. Every Christian is obligated to practice what he believes the Bible teaches.
Third, since, no church has a final and full grasp of divine truth, the true Church of Christ can never be fully represented by any single ecclesiastical structure.
Finally, the mere fact of separation does not of itself constitute schism. It is possible to be divided at many points and still be united in Christ.
Thus, the denominational theory of the church looked for Christian unity in some inward religious experience and allowed diversity in the outward expressions of that personal faith. …In the end, then, the denominational form of the church has marked the recent centuries of Christian history, not because it is ideal, but because it is better than any alternative the years have offered.”
Thank you Dr. Shelley for helping me to better understand denominations as a way for us to celebrate the diversity that God has created within us. Having different denominations allows us to provide different expressions that meet the diverse needs of diverse people! Let’s celebrate the fact that God has created us to enjoy different things and that we can all agree to the fundamentals of loving Christ and His Word even if we have slightly different ways of church governance, methods, and outward practices.
What additional thoughts would you share on the issue of denominations?
