Religion 212 - Discussion Seven - Week 7

Why Can’t We Just Get Along?
Explain at least three reasons why there are so many divisions / denominations in the Christian religion.

One of the reasons why there are so many divisions/denominations in the Christian religion is because the world of Christianity is divided into five segments: Roman, Constantinople, Alexandria, Antioch and Jerusalem. Further religious power in the Western hemisphere is more centralized, organized and controlled under the Roman Pope (Bishop of Rome) as centralized authority.

Secondly, the Christian sees in the Eastern hemisphere had no equivalent organization as the Western hemisphere or centralized control to keep a sameness in the serving of God in a structuralized pattern. Further the Eastern segment did not recognize the Roman Pope’s claim to universal authority over the church or diverse branches. Also, Eastern Christendom would not accept the absolute claims of the papal system and because of this this allowed diversity and interpretation of the Nicano-Constantipolitan Creed.

Further, because of differing interpretations of biblical acceptance regarding the Holy Spirit, the papal claim and whether Eucharistic bread should be leavened or unleavened this lead to a conflict between the East and West that resulted in both excommunicating each other. Because of this and the treatment by the crusaders of the people in Constantinople in 1204 and the destruction of the altar and sacred icons in Hagia Sophia, the Church of the Holy Wisdom and the contempt shown when prostitutes were placed on the throne reserved for the patriarch. This was the last reason that caused the Orthodox Church to end its communication with Rome and subsequently caused them to go a different path with claims to be the true and correct descendant of the apostolic Church. As such, the acts of separation allowed acts of diversity, divisions and differing forms of prayer, service and belief in God.

Explain what is meant by the term “synoptic gospels”, and discuss why this term is important for Christians when reading the Bible.

The Synoptic Gospels are differing viewpoints by Matthew, Mark and Luke of Jesus’s origins, life, teachings, accounts, ministry and miraculous deeds and as such when viewed in parallestic viewing and reading it reveals different organization with similarities in the composing of verse and message relayed for the increasing and propagating of faith. Further because of its seemingly indirect correlation and literary interdependence of using the Gospel of Mark as a source and a hypothetical document called Q this helped these gospels explain the gospel of Jesus and still stand as a enigma.

Thank you.

Felicia

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Synoptic_Gospels

Response to Co-student

I agree that people are people wherever you go ... they are different, diverse and unique. As such, they disagree about a lot of things especially about serving God and religion.

One thing I like about the synoptic gospels they are explanatory, concise, moving and helps stimulate faith and loyalty for God is and Jesus is. Also, I enjoyed reading your post.

Thank you.

Felicia

Response to Professor

The concept that is prevalent regarding God is that he is the Father of Jesus and the only God that we have and know. Per the Holy Trinity it states that in the One God there are three divine persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. In my understanding, God is immersed in all three for Jesus states we can only be saved through him, and that all is made possible by his Father, and if God is of all then he is also within Jesus and the Holy Spirit.

Thank you.

Felicia

Response to Co-student

God is always the main focus as well as the love, honor and service to him. Once again, my post does not indicate there is more than one God. There is always going to be just one Heavenly Father.

Thank you.

Felicia

Response to Co-student

I agree that the Christian people have divisions and disagreements but they are a force that comes together irregardless and stands as one. All partake of the sacraments which are holy in itself for it is a promise to me and I will always love my Father for sending Jesus to save us.

Thank you.

Felicia

Response to Professor

I believe that yes there is a difference between "Christian Divisions" and "Christian Diversity". Per my thought the words itself express indicative purpose to separate and acknowledge the difference. Divisions indicate the separate aspects in Christianity and allow the ability to worship differently, follow different methodology in practicing and exhibiting their faith. Diversity allows the different cultural origins and spiritual approach to be significant and different.

Thank you.

fm