Articles
Why so Much Religious Division?
Why so Much Religious Division?
The Bible is our ultimate authority. “All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Yet sadly, one reason for so much religious division today is that people are following at least 7 different standards of authority.
1) Prominent religious figures. People like Buddha, Krishna, Muhammad, Charles Taze Russel, and Joseph Smith have led people astray from the authoritative teachings of Scripture. Even Christian leaders with good intentions have led people astray when the Christians they teach give more allegiance to their preacher than the Word of God. The Bible warns heavily against false teachers (Deut. 13:1-5; 1 Tim. 4:1; 2 Tim. 4:3; Acts 17:11) and too many ignore these warnings. 2) Feelings. Some read the Bible, but allow their feelings (typically interpreted as promptings by the Holy Spirit) to guide them. They follow their hearts even when what they feel contradicts the Bible. Someone recently told me about his preacher who started his own church with worship on Saturday instead of Sunday, simply because he “didn’t want to be a typical church.” The Bible warns heavily against trusting our feelings to guide us (Proverbs 28:26; Jeremiah 10:23; 17:9). 3) Other writings. Some believe other writings hold near or equal authority to Scripture like the Book of Mormon, the Jehovah’s Witness Watchtower publications, the Koran, the Apocrypha, and the Catholic collections of apostolic traditions. But none of these writings were recognized as inspired by Jesus or His apostles and they all contradict Bible teaching.
4) Family tradition. Some people base religion off what they’ve always done in their family. Jesus said, “He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me…” (Matthew 10:37a). (5) Angelic beings. Men like Joseph Smith and Muhammad claim to have been given revelations by an angel. Paul says, “Even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light” (2 Cor. 11:14) and “Even if we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you a gospel contrary to what we have preached to you, he is to be accursed.” (Gal. 1:8). 6) Perceived personal revelations. Some believe the Holy Spirit speaks to them personally and tells them what to do. Yet oddly, there are no accompanying miracles to prove it, the revelation they get is often inconsistent with the revelation in Scripture, and inconsistent with revelation given to others who believe the same Spirit is talking to them. 7) Church councils. The Mormons have their 12 apostles, the Catholic church has synods, and other churches have more informal boards of directors to vote on doctrine. All authority has been given to Jesus (Matt. 28:18). No council of man can overturn the counsel of God.
True unity will only be possible by committing to one unified standard of authority. “So then, brethren, stand firm and hold to the traditions which you were taught, whether by word of mouth or by letter from us.” (2 Thess. 2:15)
