Christianity is a complex religion. Since Martin Luther attempts to reform malpractice in Catholic churches, there have been proliferation of Christians denomination, especially Protestant.
To exacerbate the issue, the various denominations do not co-exist peacefully, there have been many debate on who is the most righteous one. This situation is similar to the twelve disciples of Jesus who are arguing whom among them is the greatest. (Luke 9: 46 – 50)Furthermore, the bible also urges unity among Christians (1Cor 4: 15 –> 15Even though you have ten thousand guardians in Christ, you do not have many fathers, for in Christ Jesus I became your father through the gospel.)
This never-ending debate will not only confuse new Christians but also detriment Christianity in the long run. For one, the arguments of correct denomination are reserved for theology academics (i.e. only pastors, priests, and those who study theology can fully grasp the logic behind every argument). Further, such differences in interpretations/revelations of the Holy Bible could break the fellowship among Christians. How can we defend our faith, if we are disintegrated?
While there are many small ritual details causing unnecessary rift, there should be common basic understanding about Christianity, namely:
1. The concept of Trinity: God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit (or Holy Ghost).
2. The concept of Salvation through the blood of Jesus Christ. He died on the cross to redeem mankind from sin.
3. Jesus Christ is the Messiah, the Son of God (born from virgin Mary). He was resurrected and ascend to Heaven on the third day.
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P.S. I attended either City Harvest Church or GRII, and consider myself to be part of both Churches (despite their differences). Influential Pastors in my life: Kong Hee (City Harvest); Stephen Tong (GRII); Rick Warren (Saddleback Church).
3 Comments
June 17, 2008 at 4:26 am
Mmm, good post. Mostly, I think, different denominations come from personal preferences that highlight one part of Scripture over another. As long, as you say, the core beliefs of Jesus’ teaching, His life, and the meaning of His death and resurrection are the foundation, there shouldn’t be a big deal made about what I or you prefer on the side. And, for the most part, I think this is what happens. Sure I think that Joel Osteen etc. are off track and are leading others from the true Gospel. However, I need to make sure that I’m on track in word and in dead and pray that God will open the eyes of those who are being led astray. Love God – Love others. May you enjoy God forever and ever.
June 17, 2008 at 4:46 am
My friend,
You utterly missed the point of what Jesus was teaching in that scripture: “Do not stop him, for whoever is not against you is for you.”
Mormons claim Christ and do works in his name. In your rush to devalue the Mormon church, you conveniently left off the complete name of the church. It is not “The Church of Latter-Day Saints”, but “The Church of JESUS CHRIST of Latter-Day Saints”.
Take all the issue you want with whether they are your brand of “Christian” or not, but you can’t discount that they at least claim to play for the same team as you!
Extra-biblical teaching clearly depends on which century you are talking about, indeed many of the teachings and beliefs that you yourself hold would be completely unrecognizable by those early Christians, whose writings in the Bible you claim to follow.
No wonder Christians are so confused. They can’t stop beating each other down long enough to fight for a common cause!
May 21, 2009 at 3:16 am
gazelem,
in the passage cited, the teaching that is being done is correct in form, but wrong in motive. this is not at all the same thing as the mormon church including jesus’name in their religion ordoing works in his name. their gospel is altogether different.
mormon doctrine teaches that there is more than one god, and that their god was once a man, and that it is possible for men to become gods.
this is in direct contradiction to both jewish and christian doctrine and teachings. it is all together a different religion.
we dont have to make enemies out of mormons themselves to point out that the are not christian. i have more than a handful of mormon friends. it is not “intolernat” to point out that what they believe cannot logically or semantically be christian. indeed, to “tolerate” something means i must at the very least disagree with it.
i would also like to know what teachings that were mentioned above would be unrecognizable to the early church. please cite your sources.