| Crosswords: Convoluted Christianity |
By Richard Prow ~ rpcrosswords@gmail.com
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Within Christianity there exists approximately 33,000 different denominations. It is difficult to get an accurate count given that some 300 new denominations emerge each year. These divisions within the faith have occurred because of theological, monetary, social and family disputes. In just 2000 years Christianity has become a nightmarish pie chart.
The divisions within Christianity began to take place shortly after its’ conception. In his letters to the churches of his day the Apostle Paul expressed deep concern over disunity in the faith. (See Ephesians 4:3 and Colossians 3:13). Paul feared that a break in fellowship would not only hurt believers but would also keep unbelievers from coming to the faith. Christianity, he knew, would not be attractive if its’ leaders were publicly at odds.
Surely the condition of the Christian faith in today’s’ time is not what Jesus had in mind when He prayed for unity among future believers (John 19:20-23). Jesus understands men’s hearts enough to know that we will not agree on all issues, but He does expect us to agree on one thing. Himself.
If fellow believers would come together over the central truth of the Gospel - that forgiveness and salvation from God can be found through a relationship with Jesus Christ - we would do a much better job at fulfilling the Great Commission. Unbelievers are searching for the truth, and with 33,000 variations and counting, the truth can be unfortunately difficult to find.
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