Why Are There So Many Christian Denominations? Answering Common Objections with Truth and Grace [Part III]

“There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.”
— Ephesians 4:4–6 (NIV)

In Part II, we began addressing some common objections, and we will continue from there in Part III. If you missed Part I or Part II, kindly check them out through the links below:

As promised, we’re continuing our journey of addressing some of the most common objections and criticisms related to Christian denominations, unity, and the role of the Holy Spirit. These questions often arise from sincere confusion, past experiences, or even deliberate critiques — and they deserve thoughtful, biblical responses.

Let’s dive in.

Objection 6: “Denominations are just man-made. That proves Christianity is a man-made religion.”

Answer:
Yes, denominations are man-made structures — just like buildings, worship styles, or mission organizations. But the fact that Christians organize differently doesn’t mean the faith itself is man-made.

God has always worked through human vessels in history: the writers of Scripture, church leaders, councils, missionaries, and yes, even denominational founders. That doesn’t mean those people invented the truth — they’re simply fallible instruments carrying out God’s work.

The core doctrines of Christianity — the divinity of Christ, the resurrection, the atonement, salvation by grace — are not man-made. They’re rooted in the inspired Scriptures, which transcend any denomination. Denominations may be imperfect, but God uses them to spread His perfect Gospel.

Objection 7: “Jesus said a house divided against itself cannot stand. Doesn’t that mean Christianity is doomed?”

Answer:
Jesus did say in Matthew 12:25, “Every kingdom divided against itself will be ruined.” But the context was about Satan’s kingdom, not God’s. Jesus was refuting the Pharisees who accused Him of casting out demons by Satan’s power. He was not talking about doctrinal disagreements among sincere believers.

The Church is not divided in the way Jesus condemned. Despite denominational differences, the Gospel still spreads, people are still saved, missionaries are still sent, and the Bible is still preached. Christianity has not collapsed — it has grown into the largest faith in the world.

A house divided by sinful rebellion will fall. But a house tested through disagreements and refinement will be purified and strengthened.

Objection 8: “If Christianity is true, why does it need councils, creeds, or reformations? Shouldn’t the truth be obvious?”

Answer:
Truth is eternal, but our understanding of it can grow and deepen over time. Councils and creeds were not inventions of new truth — they were clarifications of what Scripture already taught, especially in response to heresies.

For example:

  • The Council of Nicaea (AD 325) clarified the deity of Christ in response to Arianism.
  • The Reformation (16th century) was a return to the Bible, not a rebellion against it.

Even in the New Testament, the apostles called councils to resolve disputes (Acts 15), wrote creeds (e.g., 1 Corinthians 15:3–4), and urged the church to contend for the faith once delivered to the saints (Jude 3).

Truth doesn’t change — but clarity sometimes requires careful discussion, especially when truth is challenged.

Objection 9: “The Bible says God is not the author of confusion (1 Corinthians 14:33). So why is Christianity full of confusion?”

Answer:
This verse is often misused. The context of 1 Corinthians 14 is worship disorder — Paul was correcting chaotic church services where people were speaking in tongues without interpretation. He was not talking about denominational diversity.

God is not the author of spiritual chaos, false doctrine, or disorderly worship. But that doesn’t mean believers can’t struggle with complex issues, or interpret secondary doctrines differently. Human beings are limited and prone to error. The presence of multiple perspectives does not equal divine confusion — it reflects our ongoing growth and dependence on God.

Objection 10: “With so many denominations, how can I know which one is right?”

Answer:
This is an honest and important question. The answer isn’t to look for the “perfect denomination” — because none exists. Instead, look for a church that is:

  • Faithful to the Bible as God’s Word
  • Centered on Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior
  • Committed to the Gospel of grace — not legalism or works-based salvation
  • Living out love, holiness, and sound teaching

Many denominations meet these criteria. What matters most is not the label on the door, but the truth in the pulpit and the fruit in the lives of its people.

Ask yourself: Is the Bible being taught faithfully? Is Christ being exalted? Is the Gospel clear? That’s where you’ll find true Christianity — whether it’s Baptist, Pentecostal, Reformed, Anglican, or otherwise.


Having addressed many of the major objections people raise about Christianity and denominational differences, we invite you to join us in the next post, where we’ll explore “How to Discern True Christianity Amid Denominations.” We’ll walk through the key criteria for identifying authentic Christianity and also discuss why division cannot undermine the power of the Gospel.

You won’t want to miss this final installment — Part IV — as it brings everything together for a fuller understanding.

If you have any questions, objections, encouragement, concerns, or even criticisms, please don’t hesitate to share them in the comment section. We value your feedback and welcome respectful dialogue.

Now, on to Part IV.


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