Christianity is centered on one message: the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. But over 2,000 years, Christians have expressed that faith in different ways—leading to what we now call "denominations."
What Are Denominations?
Denominations are like different branches of the same family tree. All Christians believe in Jesus, but they may have different traditions, ways of worship, or interpretations of certain parts of the Bible. These branches include groups like Catholic, Protestant, and Orthodox churches..
Why Did They Split?
The early Church was united for several centuries, but as time went on, cultural differences, language barriers, and theological disagreements caused divisions:
The Great Schism (1054 AD) split the Church into Eastern (Orthodox) and Western (Roman Catholic) traditions, mostly due to cultural and leadership disputes.
The Protestant Reformation (1500s) occurred when some Christians questioned practices in the Catholic Church and called for reform. This gave rise to Protestant groups like Lutherans, Baptists, Methodists, Conservative (Non-denominational) and Charismatic (like Pentecostals).
Jehovah’s Witnesses broke away in the late 1800s, forming a group with distinct teachings about God, Jesus, and the end times. Most Christians do not consider this group part of mainstream Christianity.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons) began in the early 1800s and introduced additional scriptures and teachings. Many Christians view these teachings as outside historic Christian doctrine.
Each split was complex—sometimes political, sometimes spiritual—but all were driven by a desire to follow what people believed was the truest form of Christianity.
Are They All Really Christian?
Most denominations that hold to the core message of the Gospel—believing that Jesus is the Son of God, died for sin, and rose again—are considered Christian.
However, some groups are often considered outside mainstream Christianity. These groups may call themselves Christian but teach a different gospel than what Jesus' apostles, especially Paul, taught in the New Testament. This is not a judgment of individuals, but a clarification based on doctrine.
Groups Often Considered Outside Mainstream Christianity
These groups use Christian terms but differ significantly in belief:
Jehovah’s Witnesses – Do not believe Jesus is God or that He rose bodily from the dead. They have their own translation of Scripture and deny core biblical teachings.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons) – Teach that Jesus is a created being and spirit brother of Lucifer, and that humans can become gods. They follow additional scriptures not found in the Bible.
Unitarian Universalists – Do not believe in the Trinity or the divinity of Jesus and often do not see the Bible as authoritative.
Christian Science – Views sin and death as illusions and rejects traditional understandings of salvation and the atonement.
New Age / Progressive Christianity – Often denies the supernatural elements of Scripture, the resurrection, and Jesus' divinity. These movements typically merge spirituality with modern philosophies, departing from biblical Christianity.
Christians are encouraged to exercise discernment and examine teachings carefully. While spiritual curiosity is good, many believers caution that these movements may use Christian terms but lead away from the person and truth of Jesus as revealed in the Bible.
Does It Matter Which One?
It can, depending on what you're looking for—but it doesn’t change the heart of the Christian faith. Christians are encouraged to read Scripture, seek truth, and find a community that helps them grow spiritually.
Unity doesn’t always mean uniformity. Christians believe God can work through many expressions of faith to draw people closer to Him. However, it is also wise to be aware of teachings that deviate from the Gospel message.
In Short: There are many denominations because people throughout history have tried to understand and live out their faith in different ways. Despite the differences, they all point to the same Jesus—as long as they hold to His identity, death, and resurrection. But Christians also believe it’s important to know the difference between reinterpretations and the true Gospel message handed down through Scripture and the early Church.