The Biblical Gathering Forum

Why are there so many denominations?

This subject has come up countless times in discussions with friends and with those who claim apostolic tradition. This is an honest question. Before we begin I would like to point out a couple of thoughts; first, I absolutely believe that there are sincere believers in every communion who truly are seeking and serving God as best as they know how. Secondly, it is also important to know that having ones name on a church roll does not guarantee salvation. Let’s examine the WHY to this question. Now, in order to understand why Christianity broke up into so many divisions, we have to honestly review church history. By doing so we will find schisms, dissensions, heresies, and apostates during the entire two thousand years of the Christian church. Since we cannot mention every instance of division . . . Let’s take a brief overview.

After the disciples died the early church passed through a terrible baptism of intense persecution but what truly altered the church was its acceptance by pagan Rome. The church withstood the early onslaughts of persecution but as it gained acceptance it gradually adopted pagan rituals and philosophies that were far more dangerous than external persecutions. Strange doctrines, holydays, patron saints and image worship were some of the things introduced into the church. Many pagans who converted to Christianity and who became leaders during these early centuries introduced these unbiblical practices. It is always easier to convert people to a new religion by allowing them the traditions of the past.

At the time of Constantine the Great in the 4th century there were five bishops of equal rank who had general oversight of the church. Five cities emerged as important centers of Christianity: Rome, Jerusalem, Antioch, Alexandria, and Constantinople. Although the Roman church was always highly respected, the churches in the East generally had more numbers and more authority than those of the West. By the 5th century, however, the bishop of Rome began to claim his supremacy over all other bishops and eventually assumed the role of overlord, and in later years, as the Roman Empire disintegrated, he acquired the power to rule the civil state. The Eastern Church refused to acknowledge the claims of the bishop of Rome as head of Christendom. The first major split was inevitable . . . this schism took place in 1045 which divided Christendom in two: Roman Catholic Church and the Eastern Orthodox Church.

Next, we come to the Middle Ages where certain men arose from within the church and called for reform. During the middle (Dark) ages, the church clearly needed reform; members of the clergy were illiterate, engaged in sexual relationships, lived lives of luxury and came up with several corrupt ways to pay for their luxurious lifestyles. Simony (which is the practice of selling church items) was sold to the highest bidder. They systematically used pilgrimages, relics and indulgences to support themselves and to finance the building of many elaborate cathedrals. During this time men like Wycliffe, Huss, and Savonarola attempted to reform the church but unfortunately their voices fell on deaf ears; that is until the Reformation. Luther posted his ninety five theses to the church door in Wittenberg, Germany intending to stir an academic debate which he hoped would lead the church to reform. Regrettably, however the church refused and as a result the Protestant Church was born.

As the Reformation spread throughout Europe the Protestant Church became divided through the continued study of the Bible and some more than others sought to eliminate unbiblical traditions that were still found within their churches. For example, the Church of England (Anglican) still had customs/ceremonies that resembled the Church of Rome and as a result, Dissenters, as they were called arose . . . one prominent Dissenter by the name John Bunyan wrote a Christian classic called Pilgrims Progress.

At this point, we could also mention the Puritans, Congregationalists, Anabaptists, Lutherans, Reformed churches and others who sought to return the Church back to its primitive (New Testament) roots. It appears that Protestantism’s passion for biblical purity became the major reason for its division. It is important to realize that the point of these divisions were never about Christ being the head of the church, about the Bible being the Word of God or that Salvation is by faith through grace alone but rather honest differences concerning the method of Baptism, the Lords Supper, the Sovereignty of God vs. Free Will in the matter of salvation, Spiritual Gifts and Ecclesiastical Governance.

Protestantism as a whole sought to return to simplicity of worship and the purity of Christ. This desire to draw closer to Christ, his principles and biblical practices was the desire of these early believers as should be the desire of every true Christian. As then, so it is now; many of these same issues divide Christians across the board. Something should be said about division: is it always bad . . . No? Division should not always be seen in a negative light for God has always called his people out of or away from something. Neither should we abandon our passion of scriptural integrity for the sake of unity. “Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you” (2 Corinthians 6:17) and “Suppose ye that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather division” (Luke 12:51).

The call for reform today continues to be heralded; though, the call is mostly being proclaimed by a faithful remnant and despite the many differences in beliefs and practices, Christians do make up the body of Christ. There is unity in the Spirit and there can be unity in diversity; however, this unity must always be based upon the truth of Scripture/sola scriptura. Jesus says:


My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand (John 10:27, 28).

For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father (Romans 8:13-15).

Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth (John 17:17).


In hindsight, it is easy for us to fault many who could have demonstrated a little more patience, discernment and effort for church unity but we should be grateful for the things that have been accomplished. Despite honest differences, let us hold on to those things which are true (the essentials)and joyfully remember that throughout history Gods true believers have always been those who worship Him in Spirit and in Truth.

Amen, a very good and important point; I believe that this can also extend into other areas as well. As in, people thinking that they have or are assured salvation because they are a good person, they were born into a good family, they tithe, they said a prayer one time, etc.

There is a difference between going through the motions of Christianity and actually being born of God.

Amen . . . well said!