WHY ARE THERE SO MANY DENOMINATIONS?
Christianity has thousands of denominations, many of which hold completely opposite beliefs. Skeptics often point out that, unlike Christianity, the scientific world does not contain nearly as many conflicting opinions. But the Bible says: "For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints." (1 Corinthians 14:33).
In the New International Version, the word "confusion" is translated as "disorder." The Greek original uses the word "akatastasia" (with the last syllable stressed), which means not only "confusion" and "disorder," but also "instability" and "disturbance"—first in the political sphere, and then in the moral sphere. In other words, if Christianity is truly the only way, it should not be marked by confusion and instability in its views and opinions.
According to some estimates, there are about 40,000 Christian denominations in the world. The logical question then arises: "How can Christianity be the only true faith when there are so many disagreements about the same truth?" This is an important question that requires a thorough answer. If our children believe that any church labeled "Christian" is true, they will be unable to discern which ones are false and may easily be misled. Such confusion and disagreement may also provoke in them a negative reaction—perhaps even leading to the abandonment of faith altogether.
First, the question must be asked: "What is a Christian?" After all, not every person who calls himself a Christian truly is one—just as not every organization bearing the name qualifies. Here we are speaking of denominations such as Protestantism (consisting of thousands of variations), Roman Catholicism, Eastern Orthodoxy, Mormonism, Jehovah's Witnesses, Christian Scientologists, Unitarians, and many others. Within this group, some believe that Christ is God, while others claim He was merely a man; some affirm that there is one God, while others believe in many gods; some insist that a person needs redemption from sins, while others do not regard this as a necessary requirement. Much could be said about the convictions and beliefs of these various groups and sects.
If we define any group as Christian, it certainly creates the impression of completely opposite views on doctrine. Imagine an enterprising person who decides to open a charitable organization in order to obtain tax-exempt or low-interest tax status. Although he presents his enterprise as a non-profit, in reality he runs it as a business for the purpose of making a profit. This does not mean he is engaged in genuine charitable activity. Such a person is a fraud who, on paper, pretends to have noble intentions under the guise of charity. It does not matter how he identifies his enterprise—the fact remains that his activities contradict the legal name of the organization.
In the same way, we must turn to the teachings of Christ, based on the Scriptures, to test any convictions and beliefs.
Although there are differences in minor opinions—insignificant to salvation—among some confessions and denominations, this does not disqualify them as false doctrines. The Lord, knowing our human nature, did not wish to provide us with every smallest detail; otherwise, we would cling to liturgical rules more than to a personal, living relationship with Him. Therefore, the Bible reveals to us only what is most necessary for our redemption and salvation.
The word "Christian" occurs three times in the New Testament: "... And the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch." (Acts 11:26); "Then Agrippa said to Paul, ‘You almost persuade me to be a Christian.’" (Acts 26:28); "Let none of you suffer as a murderer, or a thief, or an evildoer, or even as a busybody in other people’s matters. Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God because of it." (1 Peter 4:15–16).
According to the teachings of the Bible, the followers of Jesus Christ were called Christians because their conduct, behavior, actions, works, thoughts, and words testified to it. Based on historical evidence, the Early Church Christians held to five fundamental doctrines:
1. One God
"To you it was shown so that you might know that the Lord, He is God. There is no one else besides Him." (Deuteronomy 4:35); "Hear, O Israel: the Lord is our God, the Lord is one!" (Deut. 6:4); "... Before Me there was no God formed, nor shall there be after Me." (Isaiah 43:10); "Thus says the Lord the King of Israel, and His Redeemer, the Lord of Hosts: I am the first, and I am the last; besides Me there is no God" (Isaiah 44:6).
2. The divinity of Jesus Christ
"Jesus said to them, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was born, I AM.’" (John 8:58). Thus, Jesus explicitly refers to Exodus 3:14: "And God said to Moses: ‘I AM WHO I AM.’"
Some argue that Jesus Christ never directly called Himself God. Certainly not—for it is not in God’s nature to boast or to demand worship. Instead, He revealed His divinity through actions and teachings: when He forgave sins, placed Himself above the Sabbath (that is, above the Law), and indirectly declared it in His words, such as:
· "My Father and I are one." (John 10:30);
· "Jesus said to him, ‘Have I been with you such a long time, and yet you have not known Me, Philip? He who has seen Me has seen the Father. So how can you say, ‘Show us the Father?’’" (John 14:9).
The Apostle Paul also affirms this truth:
· "who (i.e. Christ), being in the form of God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped; but He humbled Himself, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men and being found in the form of a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death on the cross" (Philippians 2:6–7);
· "For in Him (i.e. Jesus Christ) dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily." (Colossians 2:9).
3. Trinity
a. The Father is God
1 Corinthians 8:6 – “Yet for us there is one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we for Him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, through whom are all things, and through whom we live.”
John 6:27 – “Do not labor for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to everlasting life, which the Son of Man will give you, because God the Father has set His seal on Him.”
b. The Son (Jesus Christ) is God
John 1:1, 14 – “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God… And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.”
Colossians 2:9 – “For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily.”
Hebrews 1:8 – “But to the Son He says: ‘Your throne, O God, is forever and ever; a scepter of righteousness is the scepter of Your kingdom.’”
c. The Holy Spirit is God
Acts 5:3-4 – “But Peter said, ‘Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit… You have not lied to men but to God.’”
1 Corinthians 3:16 – “Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?”
The Three Hypostases Together
Matthew 28:19 – “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”
2 Corinthians 13:14 – “The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. Amen.”
4. Resurrection
"If Christ is not risen, then our preaching is vain, and your faith is also vain." (1 Cor. 15:14); "And if Christ is not raised, your faith is vain; you are still in your sins." (1 Cor. 15:17).
5. Salvation by grace
"For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not of yourselves. It is the gift of God, not of works, so that no one should boast." (Ephesians 2:8–9)
"...by the works of the law no flesh will be justified in His sight, for through the law comes the knowledge of sin." (Romans 3:20)
"I do not nullify the grace of God. For if righteousness comes by the law, then Christ died in vain." (Galatians 2:21)
"You have been cut off from Christ, whoever of you are justified by law; you have fallen from grace." (Galatians 5:4)
6. Gospel
"For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: how Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, was buried, rose again the third day according to the Scriptures." (1 Corinthians 15:3–4)
"Although if we or an angel from heaven preach any other gospel to you than the one we have preached to you, let him be accursed." (Galatians 1:8–9)
Based on these five postulates of the Christian faith, we can say that not all denominations adhere to each of them, which, in essence, defines Christianity. Moreover, there must be evidence of a life that bears witness to the presence of the Spirit of God in the believer’s heart.
For example, Jehovah's Witnesses deny the divinity of Christ, His physical resurrection from the dead, and salvation by grace. Mormons deny that there is one God, reject salvation by grace, and claim that Jesus is a created being rather than eternal—without beginning or end. Both of these denominations hold belief systems that are clearly contrary to the gospel.
If we examine disagreements, they are mostly with other religions rather than with denominations within Christianity. Now, let us look at some of those disagreements.
Today, there are many churches representing denominations such as Baptism, Pentecostalism, Methodism, Lutheranism, and many others, which in turn are further divided into various movements and variations. Among so many options, it can be quite difficult for a young person beginning their Christian journey to make the right choice if they are not sufficiently familiar with the teachings of Christ.
Therefore, it is important not only to testify to a person about Christ and share the Gospel with them, but also to guide them to a church where sound biblical teaching is faithfully taught. By examining the teachings of some denominations, we can conclude that they uphold the basic tenets of faith presented above.
There are several features that do not affect a person’s salvation, yet may lead to various deviations from the truth. For example, among the main denominations mentioned above, there is diversity in the methods of water baptism, the regulations for receiving communion (or the Lord’s Supper, also called the Eucharist), church governance, worship styles, and spiritual experiences.
Have you noticed that even the terms for the same sacrament differ across denominations? This is why I have used several terms that practically mean the same thing. It would be unfair to label certain denominations as heretical merely because of differences in the form of worship. I am deeply convinced that there are sincere, God-fearing people in all denominations who uphold the basic tenets of the faith. They believe in one God, the divinity of Christ, His suffering on the cross, death and resurrection for the atonement of our sins, and salvation by grace through faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.
In other words, different denominations share more agreements in Christian doctrine than disagreements. As we can see, there is still unity among Christians, though not uniformity.
First, it is important to note that a huge number of Christians belong to just a few major and widely recognized denominations. Consequently, when we talk about more than 40,000 denominations, most of them are likely small movements or sects that cannot even properly be called denominations. We cannot claim that there are more than 40,000 versions of Christianity.
Secondly, many differences are often human inventions or approaches that do not reflect the teachings of Christ Himself. Consider any field, including science, and you will see that even when facts are presented, people still interpret them differently. It is unfair to claim that there is complete unity and absolute agreement in the scientific world. The difference is that these disagreements are not as openly visible as they are in Christianity. Just as in any field, differences in the views of Christians do not make Christianity a false or incorrect faith.
It is also worth noting an important detail. While we should not have dissentions over unimportant views, as Scripture tells us, doctrine plays a crucial role in matters of salvation. When serious divisions arise, they can only be caused by sin. The Apostle John warns us about this, saying: "… if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the Blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin." (1 John 1:7). In other words, if we do not walk in the light as Christ does, we lose unity in fellowship.
The Apostle Paul calls people who cause divisions carnal: "... Since there is envy, strife, and divisions among you, are you not carnal and behaving like mere men? 4 For while one says, ‘I am of Paul,’ and another, ‘I am of Apollos,’ are you not carnal?" (1 Corinthians 3:3–4).
Moreover, Paul is not saying that there is no place for disagreements. Addressing the Corinthian Church, he writes: "For there must also be factions (divisions) among you, so that those who are genuine may be recognized among you." (1 Corinthians 11:19). Paul himself "vigorously refuted the Jews publicly, proving from the Scriptures that Jesus was the Christ." (Acts 18:28) and "… on three Sabbaths he reasoned with them from the Scriptures, 3 explaining and proving that the Christ had to suffer and to rise from the dead, and saying, ‘This Jesus, whom I preach to you, is the Christ.’" (Acts 17:2–3). However, Paul did this out of the pure desire of his heart, not to fight for position or pursue any selfish goals, as other false prophets, false teachers, and false apostles did.
If a person's heart is stained with sin and he pursues his ambitions, this exposes the cause of divisions. James also addresses this: "Where do wars and fights among you come from? Do they not come from your lusts that war in your members? 2 You lust and do not have, so you murder and covet and cannot obtain. You fight and war. Yet you do not have, because you do not ask. 3 You ask, and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your passions (pleasures). 4 Adulterers and adulteresses! Do you not know that the friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. 5 Or do you think that the Scripture says in vain, ‘The Spirit who dwells in us yearns jealously’? 6 But He gives more grace. Therefore He says: ‘God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble. 7 Therefore submit yourselves to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.’" (James 4:1–7).
Based on this passage, we can see that as soon as the desire for money, influence, or power arises, a person begins to act like the world. We observe this clearly in the example of the Roman Catholic Church. After the official adoption of Christianity by Rome, religion became a political and economic tool for power and influence. Later, the concepts of patriarchy and papacy emerged, leading to false teachings such as the forgiveness of sins through various manipulations and the sale of special grants by the pope for the remission of temporal punishment in purgatory. These grants were known as indulgences.
Unfortunately, the Church has witnessed many negative outcomes when hierarchical power is established. The cause of division is not always the parishioners or lay members, but most often those who occupy prominent positions. In pursuit of their own goals, they introduce false teachings and abuse their ecclesiastical (church) authority.
The history of Christianity records many heroes of faith who opposed the false teachings of the so-called "Official Church," such as Peter Waldo, John Wycliffe, Jan Hus, Martin Luther, John Wesley, and many others. The "Official Church" considered them rebels and rioters, yet they stood up for God’s truth.
It is sad to see how movements that began with purity and zeal can become tainted with various vices, compromising with sin and worldly culture. Therefore, it is necessary to provide solid spiritual nourishment to our children and to the congregation of believers, so they can be grounded in faith and gain discernment of spirits.
In the local church, it is important to have not just motivational speeches from eloquent speakers or skilled psychologists, but sincerely believing and decent ministers who teach the Word of truth soundly, without fear of people—those who can convey the basic tenets of faith according to the Word of God. We live in a world that cunningly blurs the boundaries between walking with God and following the patterns of this world, which may lead the soul into error and destruction.
In conclusion, to answer the question, disagreements exist in every sphere of human activity, as people possess a fallen, sinful nature. However, the truth of Christ remains unchanged, and nothing can suppress it. The Bible and the Church as a whole have endured much enmity and hatred, yet have survived through the ages, waiting for their Savior—Who is coming into this world as the Judge of the living and the dead.
Are you ready to meet Christ?
Your servant in Christ,
Max Volkov
