We are living in a time of unprecedented drive toward unity and conformity of religious thought. The drive towards unity (or ecumenism) has been increasing throughout the 20th century. Through the charismatic movement and the efforts of the Vatican, Protestant denominations are putting aside their differences and focusing on common points rather than points of doctrine. It is argued that all people serve the same God, and tolerance for different viewpoints is an essential ingredient for peace.

As a result, ecumenism is the new order of the day. It is acknowledged that people have a spiritual dimension, but all religions, regardless of what they believe, are seen as one—a kind of smorgasbord of spiritual choices to fill the spiritual needs of the individual.

However, there is naturally friction as each major religion sees things differently. For example, Jesus is God in the Christian religion, while in Islam and Buddhism Jesus is only a good man or prophet. Judaism rejects Jesus’ claims to be the Messiah, and New Age doctrine says He is here on the earth now, and has made multiple appearances throughout history.

Christians also hold to doctrinal differences based on their denominations. However, the differences between denominations are played down, and only the common points are discussed. The question, “Why are there so many denominations?” seems to imply that there is no need for denominations at all—that we are all just one big Christian family. 

It is true that those that believe in Christ, regardless of denomination, are children of the same Father, and brothers and sisters in Christ. And it is true that differences in doctrine cannot and should not prevent Christians from praying together, helping each other, and loving each other. But it is also true that the Word is to be the guide for all Christians. Any differences in doctrine must be brought to the Word of God for examination with an open mind, so that the Word and the Word alone will dictate our doctrinal beliefs.

This is the unity Christ wanted for His followers. Never did He mean that we could believe whatever we wanted about a particular doctrine, for Christ Himself quoted the Word and lived by it.

The confusion among Christian denominations explains why atheists and agnostics see religion, and especially Christianity, as a spiritual crutch. It seems that each person interprets the Word to suit his or her fancy, and that truth is unavailable, unattainable, and perhaps even non-existent. Truth becomes relative to each person’s perspective and experiences.

Two Kinds of Unity
The ecumenical unity sought by most religious and political leaders today can only be achieved at the expense of God’s truth and only through compromise. Unity at all cost is the driving force of their religious endeavors. This false unity is not based on God’s Word, but on dogma and experience:
1.    Dogmatic unity is the binding of people together through principles and doctrine. Dogmas can include words of the church fathers, sacraments, and liturgies.

2.    Experiential unity is found when emotions or supernatural happenings become the unifying factor. This type of unity can cross Biblical, doctrinal, and cultural barriers, bringing people together in a communal emotional high. Read about unity across denominations and even religions

In these last days, it is crucial that we determine whether we are following the true Holy Spirit or a counterfeit. Read about true unity

For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy, for I have espoused you to one husband that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ. But I fear lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him (2 Corinthians 11:2-4).

This article is adapted from Truth Matters by Professor Walter J. Veith, an international speaker who has studied Biblical issues in-depth in his quest for truth. His popular series Genesis Conflict brings the debate between Creation and evolution to a new climax as he dissects the arguments with a scientific eye. His highly-acclaimed series Total Onslaught sheds light on the state of the world today as we move to a one-world government and an anticipated apocalypse.