Why is Christianity so diverse
People use different standards to measure others (sometimes themselves and mostly others). For most, the Holy Bible always has been the measuring tool. We are expected to adhere to every single rule mentioned in the Bible. The Bible was written to an audience that spanned over 2500 years and for many different situations and contexts. But we are expected to follow all these rules mentioned in the bible. Every single denomination in Christianity has its own statement of faith extracted from some portions of the bible. For everybody, their faith is the right and only way to heaven.
Is this a problem?
Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Buddhism etc. are different religions with their own Gods and faith. Their differences caused misunderstanding, hatred and even wars. This exactly is happening inside Christianity with the only exemption of faith in Jesus. Christians are hard working to pull Christians into their denomination. The actual true Gospel is lost in this fight. The differences in faith have become the primary discussion everywhere. I personally believe Satan has cleverly planted this poison in our minds and winning this game.
So, what is true Christianity
Jesus just wanted us to hate our sinful self and then accept and trust him. His measuring tool always was the motive in our inner heart, you can easily see this in the bible.
A few examples:
- The poor lady’s offering in the synagogue. Jesus did not see what every other person gave. He was very happy to see the lady give everything she had. Her love of God was awesome.
- A prostitute cleansing his feet with the expensive perfume. When everybody else criticized her, Jesus did accept this. He did not even think about the source of income as our current churches do.
- Peter wishing Him not to suffer. Jesus said “Go away, Satan.”
Jesus always saw what we actually wanted and then either criticized or appreciated us only based on our inner motives.
This easily gives a definition for Christianity:
”A way provided by JESUS CHRIST that helps us out of sin and live a life that Jesus lived. This life is to have true love and clean intentions towards God and others plus give others the good news.”
This is never mentioned or concentrated in most denominations. I am from a Pentecostal background where we have enormous pride that we are the best of all Christians. We hate jewelry, movies etc. But is this what we really have to abandon? No. We really have to abandon pride, hypocrisy, anger and all the other display of sin. This is the same situation at every other denomination. They have their own rules and understanding to misguide people.
And the Holy Bible?
A great book written by many authors in a span of 2500 years, truly inspired by the Holy Spirit. This was absolutely the only medium through which we all have known the gospel.
But what are we doing with the Bible? We claim that this is the only word from God and even quoting a word outside the bible for reference has become blasphemy. We literally worship this book.
Remember, Jesus had prophesied many important things. The Holy Spirit was his promise to us to be our comforter and guide. He mentioned about the fall of Jerusalem, the tribulation, his coming and a lot more. But he did not mention anything about a book that has to be followed strictly by his people.
When the Levites were starving (as they should not work for money), it was fair for the other eleven tribes give one tenth of their earnings so that the Levites could live. How does this apply to our current situation where rich Pastors with 500 earning members receive one tenth of their member’s income, making them even richer. Remember, none of the apostles collected tithes and none had a lot of money. This is one result of having the Bible as the rule book.
So, Do I stop reading the bible?
Never. This bible is a wonderful resource of God’s word written by many men who were with Jesus and have experienced Jesus more than all of us. This is the only source of God’s direct words to us. Let us just not judge other fellow Christians by bible verses. Let God do the judging.
Consider Mother Theresa. If this person can dedicate her whole life for Jesus, loved others more than herself and was worshipping an image of God, I really do not think God will be mean to her by letting me enter heaven for not being an idol worshipper and not her for being a catholic. The God who saved me is full of love and is a very fair Judge.
Does this mean, “No Rules!” ?
Absolutely not. Remember, God always looks at the inside of our hearts. Let us forget our differences and join hands to give others the good news : “Jesus took our punishment and paid for all our sins. We can be free!!!”.
