What about all the Denominations?
Now and then, the charge is levelled that Christianity has a massive problem because of “all the denominations”.
Or perhaps we come across a group that present themselves as Christian but they have a name we don’t know, and we’re wondering if their teachings are actually Christian or not.
What do we do?
How to tell:
Most of us Christian denominations are all members of the same family, just with cultural differences: different styles of service and music. We might not agree on everything (eg how and when to baptise), but we all follow the same Lord Jesus above all others.
There are a few specific groups (eg Jehovah’s witnesses) that claim to be Christian and yet are not. This is not a matter of preference or culture, nor does it mean we hate the people in those groups. It just means that Christianity is defined by Christ, not by any human including ourselves.
When wondering about a group claiming to be Christian, it’s worth thinking about what kind of differences matter:
- Do they treat the teaching of Jesus and his apostles as having authority over all other church teachings?* (The teaching of Jesus and his apostles essentially includes the whole Bible, because of how they draw upon the previous Law and Prophets. For one example, see Matthew 5:17-20)
- Do they agree how we should interpret and apply specific parts of the above teachings?
- Do they have differences in optional traditions and practicalities?
Point 1 problems – we love these people, but their teachings aren’t Christian.
The only denominations that are ‘less Christian’ are those that add or remove stuff from point 1: If they *devalue* the teaching of Jesus and his Apostles found in the Bible, or add extra teachings or people **that they put at the same authority as the Bible** (eg the Pope), that is not Christian teaching because it isn’t from Christ. It’s no surprise that the interpretation of the message is different if *the message itself* is changed!That doesn’t necessarily mean that any individual person in one of these groups doesn’t know Jesus…it just means that the official teaching of those groups is unchristian and unhealthy. This also includes groups whose leaders try to ‘insert themselves’ between you and Jesus by claiming that only they can tell you the true meaning of his teachings. Galatians 1:8-10 shows that even the Apostles viewed the original message having more authority than any later thoughts they may have.
- Groups like Jehovah’s witnesses, Mormons, Spiritists and “Christian Science” all have problems in this area- they add other equal-to-the-Bible authorities which contradict Jesus and his Apostles. And then there’s the Catholic Church that also adds a lot of their own traditions or leaders that they treat (in practice) as equal to the teachings of Jesus and the Apostles. How much their church gatherings commit to those extra teachings will vary from local church to local church and many of their adherents aren’t committed to the differences, but at the very least it’s a big issue.
- There are also some charismatic churches who have started to put ‘the leading of the holy spirit’ as having equal or greater authority (in practice) than the message that the Holy Spirit gave to the biblical authors. The Holy Spirit does speak, but he is not inconsistent with himself so we should treat his confirmed messages through Jesus’ apostles and prophets as having more weight than new and untested messages that people claim are from him. Sometimes a particular leader convinces everybody they are ‘specially anointed by the spirit’ and can change all kinds of things. Some of these are scammers, whose message generally focuses around saying whatever people want to hear while promising them God’s blessings in return for financial donations. All these practices, whether well-meaning or not, put some other teaching on equal authority with the teaching of Jesus and his apostles. These other teachings are not Christian because they do not flow from Christ and his handpicked apostles.
- Some new churches and some older denominations use modern culture to edit and take away from Jesus and his apostles’ teachings, usually where these teachings feel difficult or culturally uncomfortable (eg on marriage and sexuality). Groups that do this are known usually as ‘progressive’ christians, though usually they avoid any labels as much as possible so that they can keep on adapting. Sadly the Church of England and Methodist churches seem to be going this way in their highest leadership. Not all the local churches from those older denominations have made the same jump as their highest leadership, though. It’s messy, but Jesus can still operate in mess so don’t be too dismissive of the person even as you are cautious of the teaching.
Thankfully, this still leaves loads and loads of faithful churches, including many from older denominations who have stayed faithful at local level even if the highest leadership above them hasn’t.
Most denominations are brothers and sisters in Christ.
Point 2 – Brothers and Sisters with disagreements
- Sometimes there are disagreements on point 2: how to interpret or apply specific Biblical teachings. Most often this occurs in places where a passage is difficult to interpret…or perhaps because it is clear but very countercultural for us.
- Brothers and sisters can disagree and they’re still Christian because they haven’t added or removed any of the message itself, we are all still trying to obey Jesus. I’m sure I’m wrong on some issues too! (If I knew which ones, I’d change my mind!)
- The lesson here is “don’t worry, we’re all believers. And if the disagreement comes up, do be open to hearing both sides, be willing to be unsure, and pray for wisdom”. Proverbs 18:17 is good to remember, and the whole of Romans 14:1-15:7 is a valuable set of teachings on how to deal with differing applications or issues of conscience by fellow believers.
Point 3 – Brothers and Sisters with stylistic differences
A large number of denominations (eg Baptists, Pentecostals, Evangelicals, Congregational Churches and so many more) just differ by point 3 from my list above – only optional traditions and practicalities. For example, Jesus didn’t say exactly how we should do the bread and wine and some denominations do it one way and some another. We have freedom in these issues, so as long as nobody claims ‘our way is God’s only way’ it’s all acceptable. These denominations are Christian brothers and sisters.
Last Note: Don’t fall for the claim of ‘disunity’ without a difference!
It’s worth noting that sometimes people say ‘there are tens of thousands of denominations!’ and imply that “each of those thinks they are the only true church, so who should we believe?”. A common claim on the internet. Well the person to believe is Jesus and his apostles over every human claim…but I also want to make a note about how denominations get counted. Some people (including governments, who care a lot about things like taxes and charity numbers) count a denomination as basically any independent organisation. For example, two church gatherings that agree on all three of the points, even down to having near-identical culture and music preferences, but operate as separate charities with independent names…are sometimes counted as *different denominations* in some surveys, just because they are independent organisations. Just because two churches don’t have a single leader over both of them or share a registered charity number, doesn’t mean they disagree on anything. So please don’t mistake independence for disunity.
Conclusion
When you come across a group that claims to be Christian but seems a bit different, think:
Do they treat the teaching of Jesus and the apostles as having authority over all other teachings? –> If no, individuals might know Jesus but the actual teaching is not Christian.
Are there interpretations that we disagree on? –> Listen to both sides, learn from each other and pray for wisdom, but unless the disagreement alters a ‘point 1’ issue (like what ‘counts as’ scripture) they are still Christian.
Are there only practical or stylistic differences? –> Then let them have their freedom, without anyone being obligated.
I hope that helps!