Just as a human body, though it is made up of many parts, is a single unit, because all those parts make up a single body, so it is with Christ. — 1 Corinthians 12:12
Sometimes we simply assume that no sooner did Jesus leave than the church began. We judge the past from our perspective of the present.
But Father Richard Rohr, in one of his daily meditations, reminded us of how it started: During Paul’s lifetime, the Christian church was not yet an institution or a centrally organized set of common practices and beliefs. It was a living organism that communicated the gospel primarily through relationships.
So, the splintering of the modern church into a jillion denominations/congregations might not necessarily be so bad. People come from different backgrounds and environments. They see things differently. So why not form congregations where they feel at home?
The downside of that, of course, is when one of those churches, big or small, believes it to be the best or only true church–and many do. The upside is when a congregation develops positive relationships–perhaps worships with or serves alongside–with another church. Respect, learning, and celebration are just a few of the fruits. (Taking that a step farther, the biggest upside is when people from different religions dare to worship or serve together.)
The body of Christ isn’t broken. People are. And one way for healing and wholeness to happen may come from celebrating our faith diversity. When we truly do that, we discover just how large Jesus’ heart is.