Many churches: A paradox to Christian faith?

Abstract

“Many Churches” referred to in this paper as the myriad differing Christian churches (Catholics or Protestants), independent churches, associations, sects or denominations under the umbrella of Christian faith has been a stumbling block to several none Christians, atheists and truth seeking individuals who are the target of Christian mission. Even in the Philippines, voluminous members of many churches in the Christian faith have prejudices to other Christian groups, believing their church only bears the right to be called real Christians. This negative conviction threatens Christian faith and mission. Is “many churches” a paradox to Christian faith or a scandal to Christian mission? In resolving this dilemma, the researcher employs a descriptive type of research. By gathering information and Christians scholars’ ideas and opinions from theological books, commentaries, bible dictionaries, articles from religious and theological websites with exegetical study of the book of John 17:20-24, the writer was able to resolve that “many churches” is truly a paradox to Christian faith. Diversity of many churches seems to be contradictory to the prayer of Jesus for Christian unity but many churches as united by one faith, one mission, one goal, shining forth God’s glory, bonded by love, fulfils Jesus prayer of unity for a powerful impact of mission and growth for the body of Christ.