Expert: Bruce Gourley - 3/29/2004

Question
What is the oldest denomination ?   Why did the different denomination  begin?  thank you.


Answer
Hello Marshall,

The answer to your question depends on how you wish to define "denomination."  The New Testament Church was comprised of many different local churches scattered around the Middle East / Mediterranean world.  Each was located in a specific city, and each was different in composition; some were more open to Gentiles, some were more open to legalism, etc.  As the Christian faith continued to grow and spread geographically, differences between western and eastern churches grew more distinct.  In time the Roman Church was established as the leading church in the West, but the Syrian church remained distinct, and an Eastern Church began developing.  In addition, a number of smaller sects arose.  The Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox churches emerged as the dominant branches of Christianity for many centuries, until the Protestant Reformation broke the hold of the Roman Catholic Church in the Western world.  

It might be fair to say that since Christ's own 12 disciples had disagreements among themselves over spiritual matters, it was inevitable that the New Testament Church and beyond would not be able to be united in all matters of faith and practice.

Blessings,

-- Bruce Gourley
  www.baptistlife.com