Though not every Christian church or denomination is the same, if they are following the Bible, the differences may not be worth the amount of division that we see in the world today. The big issue here is how scripture is interpreted. It’s pretty obvious that every sect of Christianity believes they’re right. The churches I’ve seen having the most growth and changed lives seem to be the ones that are also able to work with other churches in reaching out to the community in a non-condemning way. This should not be mistaken for condoning sin!
Not all churches that call themselves Christian are. Consider some cult-like congregations that have been led in a group suicide. Consider too the many who pervert the Bible for their own selfish gains or mistreatment of others. There are churches out there teaching all roads lead to God and calling themselves “Christian”—which is clearly not what the Word teaches. Some “Christian” churches even follow someone other than Christ. There are the ones who pick and pull scripture that they feel comfortable with, choosing to keep the “good” stuff and leave out the “bad”.
“But avoid foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they generate strife. And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient, in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth, and they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will.” (2 Timothy 2:23-26)
About a year ago, I spent hours reading up on various denominations. Most of the mainstream Christian denominations have very similar beliefs. So if most of these churches adhere to the Word and believe the interpretation they follow, not including or excluding anything that is written, then who is actually right? There are some great resources for clearing up interpretations of scriptures out there. One I use most often is my Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance. This book breaks down the Greek or Hebrew origin of the words helping to clarify points (specifically in my King James Version Bible). Those who really dig in and study will probably find out the Bible is not as confusing as they once may have thought.
So, as far as disagreements regarding religion, tradition and scripture; how much of it will really matter if Christ were to come today? I really don’t know. God will be the one to judge. We can only work out our own salvation with fear and trembling (Philippians 2:12). I believe the enemy would much rather have denominations spend more time arguing and in discord than working together to reach people for Christ. I’m not suggesting all denominations ought to agree with each other, but it would be nice to find common ground so we can gain enough respect to win others over to truth if it’s lacking.
“Finally, brethren, farewell. Become complete. Be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.” (2 Corinthians 13:11)
Scripture reference is quoted from the NKJV.