I've been in churches that have broken up and those that have remained stable. Yet one theme I see constantly running through churches and Christian forums are Christians who vehemently disagree - about Scripture, about prophecy, about whether we're to act or be passive, and about the color of the moon.
I know that not all have the Holy Spirit and that there are false brethren. But why so much disagreement among professing believers?
I'm curious to know others' beliefs about this.
It's an interesting question, especially when the Bible clearly says it shouldn't be that way. One thing I am convinced in my studies of Christian history is that it's nothing new. There were far more controversies in the New Testament than people like to admit. Furthermore, after NT times bickering and opposing doctrines persisted, often times leading to deaths of many up through the middle ages. Even before the emergence of Protestantism, there were controversies and dire consequences for coming up on the wrong side.
Exploring why these things happen is easy to brainstorm, but hard to pinpoint. So I will just brainstorm, but ultimately, I think it comes down to Man's ego.
Brainstorming:
The Bible was divided into verses, this leading to focus on one particular verse instead of the overall point. For example, many can quote John 3:16 but few can discuss what the overall discussion was about.
Doctrines arose to try to explain what the Bible doesn't fully explain. For example, the Trinity, Birth of Christ and Easter (the latter two on when exactly they occured).
Pet doctrines. For example, faith, Grace, water baptism, baptism, holiness, love, prophecy. Some folks focus heavily on them and believe they hold prescident over the others. I am probably guilty (even though I am right ) because I focus on Grace and faith heavily.
Ego. Some folks just have the need to be appreciated and look smart or spiritual. There is nothing wrong with jumping into a debate as iron sharpens iron. But some folks want to be a leading guru. That leads to other wanna be gurus challenging them.
(I love debating, but not as much I used to. I think it's healthy as long as your motive is right. Ask yourself, "what am I looking to get out of this exchange"? Then examine your answer.)
Hatred for God's chosen preachers/prophets or servants. They were persecuted all through the Bible and even today not many trust the pastor as much as they trust their own family.
Different translations and versions? Maybe up to a point. But I doubt that's as big a problem as other things.
Satan... Well, yea... He's behind it most of it. I just wonder how actively. He probably doesn't push every button that can be pushed; he just probably pushes the right ones and lets us do the rest.
Again, none of this is doctrine... It's just brainstorming, which is throwing ideas out there. And I will say I may be guilty of a few.