by Kyla Ho Yin Chan

Created on: July 08, 2009   Last Updated: July 11, 2009

This is almost an 101 question to every non-Christian nowadays. Thanks for the variety of denomination, non-believers find Christianity a divided spirituality with confusing principles. As a studious believer drilled in theology literatures, I am pleased to clear the clouds and fogs covering the truth for you. The truth is yes, there are essential principles to which all Christians agree.

To solve this problem, we need to know the root of the problem. The cause of this question is difference among denominations. We can begin by looking at the most fundamental doctrine of Christianity.

The most basic doctrine of Christianity is the identity of Jesus Christ, the uniqueness of Father God and the Trinity issue. Although numerous sects and cults disagree on the identity of Jesus Christ, all branches of Christianity believe in the unique Father God. We believe in one God only, who named Himself Yahweh. We believe that He has the sovereignty of all and created everything in the world. We believe that He sent His only son Jesus Christ for salvation. All Christians will agree that Jesus Christ redeemed us from sins and we have reconciled with our Father God. We will be in heaven for eternity because of the reconciliation. Basically, all Christians share this same belief.

So what's the reason for the rise of different denominations?

The Christian doctrine was built up according to the Bible and teachings cumulated from the apostle era. However, people did different interpretations of the Scriptures and led to development of denominations with their own traditions. Apart from the principle of salvation, Jesus Christ's single commandment for all is to love God and love others as we love ourselves in greatest effort. Without violating these basic doctrines, interpretations of the Scripture are harmless and should be treated as a sign of harmony embracing our difference as humans. Christian denomination should never be seen as rebellion or a kind of conflict among the believers. Denominations never really argue and compare themselves to each other. They rarely claim one's interpretation is better than others. Take Church music as an example, some denominations prefer classical organ and piano music while others went modern with band sounds and pop tunes. None of them are harmful as long as the basic aim is achievable love God through the music.

Therefore, simplicity is the way out of this complicated issue and sticking to the only fundamental rule reigns all - God loves us, He sent His only Son Jesus Christ to redeem our soul and be reconciled with Him, living happily in eternity.

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