My Church is Better Than Your Church: Let’s Argue and Fight!

As someone who has observed the Christian church from many perspectives, I’ve noticed a troubling division among various factions, reminiscent of a “My church is better than your church” mentality. This defense of differing beliefs often leads to debates, arguments, and even fights among followers of Jesus, each asserting their own correctness. One might expect more harmony among those worshipping the same deity.

Yet, there is significant dissent among believers, with infighting over who holds the “correct” interpretation despite this not being the essence of Jesus’s teachings. He focused on introducing people to God. I’ve witnessed discussions between believers about which church is the best turn sour, causing pain and sometimes even escalating to physical confrontations.

Is this truly what Jesus sacrificed for? So that His followers could argue and fight over minutiae? However, I shouldn’t dismiss these intricate details entirely, as they are often proclaimed to be the line between salvation and damnation. But can one justify sending another believer in Jesus to hell over differing beliefs? It seems absurd and doesn’t look good to non-believers observing such exchanges. Why would anyone want to join such a contentious group?

This reminds me of a church history class I took, which traced the lineage of churches from the Roman Catholic Church. With each new revelation of information, a new faction or church emerged. Throughout the course, it was noted how each church claimed its revelation superseded previous ones, declaring their truth to be the ultimate and asserting, “It is done.” Essentially, they rejected any further revelations. Yet, God continued providing new insights, leading to more churches and movements. This pattern persisted until the end of the course, with another church claiming its truth as the ultimate revelation, declaring, “Now, it is done.” I couldn’t help but react with skepticism, yet I continued my studies and committed to my training as a minister.

Instead of arguing, I propose that we start embracing love. Consider adopting the “Love of Jesus” mindset, which encourages loving our fellow believers wherever they are in their journey and extending that love to non-believers as well. Who do we think we are? If we are believers in Christ saved by grace, then our actions should reflect that.

Here are some churches known for experiencing infighting among each other:

Roman Catholic Church
The Roman Catholic Church, the largest Christian denomination, asserts that it is the one true church founded by Jesus Christ. Catholics believe that salvation is obtained through faith in Jesus Christ, participation in the sacraments, and adherence to the teachings of the Church. Catholics emphasize the necessity of the sacraments, particularly baptism and the Eucharist, for salvation. The Catholic Church teaches that it holds the fullness of truth and grace, and while non-Catholics can achieve salvation, it is ultimately through the Catholic Church.
Eastern Orthodox Church
The Eastern Orthodox Church shares many beliefs with Catholicism but differs in ecclesiology, theology, and liturgical practices. Orthodox Christians emphasize the importance of Holy Tradition alongside the Bible. The Orthodox Church claims to be the one holy, Catholic, and apostolic church, maintaining the true faith and sacraments as handed down from the apostles. It asserts that the fullness of salvation is found within the Orthodox Church through participation in the sacraments and adherence to its teachings.
Lutherans
Lutherans emphasize salvation by grace through faith alone, based on the teachings of Martin Luther. While Lutherans recognize other Christians as part of the universal church, they stress the doctrine of justification by faith as the central tenet of salvation.
Anabaptists (Including Mennonites and Amish)
Anabaptists stress adult baptism, pacifism, and a simple lifestyle. They advocate for a separation of church and state and emphasize community living and discipleship. Anabaptists believe that true faith is evidenced by a life of discipleship and adherence to Jesus’ teachings, particularly regarding peace and communal living.
Anglican Communion
The Anglican Communion is a global network of churches whose roots are in the Church of England. Anglicans adhere to a middle path between Roman Catholicism and Protestantism, embracing both scripture and tradition. Anglicans generally believe in salvation through faith in Jesus Christ and the importance of the sacraments. They emphasize using the Book of Common Prayer and often highlight their unique liturgical and historical heritage as essential to their identity.
Calvinism (Reformed Churches)
Calvinists emphasize the sovereignty of God, predestination, and salvation by grace alone through faith. Some Calvinist factions assert that only those predestined by God will receive salvation, emphasizing the doctrine of “limited atonement” as a key belief.
Presbyterian Church (USA) and Other Presbyterian Denominations)
Presbyterianism is rooted in Reformed theology, emphasizing God’s sovereignty, the authority of Scripture, and salvation by grace through faith. While Presbyterians do not claim exclusivity, they emphasize predestination and the covenantal relationship with God as central to salvation. Like the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA), different branches often uphold more conservative theological positions.
Baptist Churches
Baptists stress the authority of the Bible, believer’s baptism by immersion, and salvation through faith alone. Many Baptists emphasize the necessity of accepting Jesus as Lord and Savior as the only means to salvation.
Quakers (Religious Society of Friends)
Quakers emphasize inner light, direct experience of God, and the importance of community and peace. Quakers generally do not claim exclusive beliefs about salvation but emphasize living in accordance with Jesus’ teachings, particularly regarding peace, simplicity, and equality.
Eastern Catholic Churches
Eastern Catholic Churches are in communion with the Roman Catholic Church but follow Eastern Christian liturgies and traditions. These churches maintain the belief that they share in the fullness of Catholic faith and sacraments, offering a distinct Eastern expression of Catholicism while upholding the authority of the Pope.
Methodism
Methodists emphasize salvation through faith, the importance of personal holiness, and social justice. Methodists generally believe in the possibility of universal salvation but stress the necessity of a personal relationship with Christ and the pursuit of sanctification.
Episcopal Church
The Episcopal Church is part of the Anglican Communion, known for its balance between Catholic and Protestant traditions. It emphasizes scripture, tradition, and reason as the foundations of faith. The Episcopal Church believes in salvation through faith in Jesus Christ, the sacraments, and a commitment to social justice and inclusivity. While not claiming exclusivity regarding salvation, Episcopalians emphasize a broad and inclusive understanding of the Christian faith.
Swedenborgian Church
The Swedenborgian Church is based on the writings of Emanuel Swedenborg, emphasizing a spiritual interpretation of the Bible and the inner meaning of scripture. Swedenborgians believe in the possibility of salvation for all, emphasizing the importance of living a life according to divine truths and the inner transformation of the soul.
Unitarian Universalism
Unitarian Universalism is a liberal religious movement that values individual search for truth and meaning, drawing from various religious traditions. While not traditionally Christian, Unitarian Universalists emphasize a personal search for truth over dogmatic beliefs, often rejecting the exclusivity of any single path to salvation.
Restoration Movement (Churches of Christ and Christian Churches)
The Restoration Movement seeks to restore the New Testament church’s practices and unity among Christians. They emphasize the Bible as the sole authority for faith and practice. Many within the Churches of Christ believe that adherence to New Testament practices, such as baptism by immersion, is essential for salvation, and they often reject denominational labels.
Seventh-day Baptists
Seventh-day Baptists observe the Sabbath on Saturday and emphasize believer’s baptism and congregational governance. They believe that observing the Sabbath on the seventh day is essential to true Christian practice, alongside a personal commitment to Christ.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons)
The Latter-day Saint movement includes various groups, most notably the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS), emphasizing modern revelation, additional scriptures, and temple practices. LDS Church members believe in accepting the Book of Mormon and following the teachings of living prophets as essential for exaltation and eternal life in the presence of God.
Advent Christian Church
The Advent Christian Church, a smaller Adventist group, emphasizes the Second Coming of Christ and the authority of the Bible. They believe that salvation is granted through faith in Jesus Christ and that the Second Coming will usher in the resurrection of believers for eternal life.
Seventh-day Adventists
Seventh-day Adventists emphasize the observance of the Sabbath on Saturday and the imminent return of Jesus Christ. They believe true believers will adhere to the Sabbath and other specific teachings, distinguishing themselves as part of the remnant church awaiting Christ’s return.
Jehovah’s Witnesses
Jehovah’s Witnesses emphasize the use of God’s name, Jehovah, and a literal interpretation of the Bible. They reject the Trinity and emphasize the coming kingdom of God. They believe that only 144,000 faithful believers will reign with Christ in heaven, while others who adhere to their teachings will enjoy eternal life on paradise Earth.
Reformed Episcopal Church
The Reformed Episcopal Church (REC) originated in the 19th century as a response to perceived theological and liturgical liberalism in the Episcopal Church. It emphasizes Reformed theology within an Anglican framework. The REC maintains that salvation is by grace through faith alone, strongly emphasizing scriptural authority. They uphold traditional Anglican liturgy and doctrine, viewing their interpretation as a purer form of Anglicanism.
Christian Science
Christian Science, founded by Mary Baker Eddy, emphasizes healing through prayer and understanding of spiritual reality, as taught in the Bible and Eddy’s writings. Christian Scientists believe that true salvation involves understanding the spiritual nature of reality and practicing healing through prayer, viewing physical reality as an illusion.
Unity Church
Unity is part of the New Thought movement, emphasizing positive thinking, affirmative prayer, and a metaphysical understanding of Christianity. Unity does not claim exclusivity but emphasizes spiritual growth and enlightenment through understanding divine principles, often focusing more on personal transformation than traditional salvation concepts.
Church of the Nazarene
The Church of the Nazarene is a Wesleyan-Holiness denomination emphasizing sanctification and living a holy life through the power of the Holy Spirit. Nazarenes believe that entire sanctification, a second work of grace following conversion, is essential for Christian living and spiritual maturity.
Assemblies of God
The Assemblies of God is a Pentecostal denomination emphasizing baptism in the Holy Spirit, evidenced by speaking in tongues, and active participation in spiritual gifts. While open to the broader Christian community, they emphasize the importance of Spirit baptism and spiritual gifts as integral to a fully realized Christian life.
Pentecostal and Charismatic Movements
Pentecostals and Charismatics emphasize the work of the Holy Spirit, spiritual gifts, and a personal relationship with Jesus. Many Pentecostal groups assert that receiving the baptism of the Holy Spirit, evidenced by speaking in tongues, is a sign of true faith and essential for living a Spirit-filled life.

I apologize in advance, as the preceding list is shared as an example in extreme generality and not intended to provoke fighting.

When Christians encounter differences in beliefs with those from other churches, it is essential to approach these interactions with grace, humility, and a focus on love. Here are some tips to help exercise the “Love of Jesus Mindset” when engaging with other believers who may think differently:

1. Listen Actively

    • Seek to Understand: Take the time to listen to the other person’s perspective truly. Ask open-ended questions and show genuine interest in their beliefs.
    • Avoid Interrupting: Allow others to express their thoughts thoroughly before responding, demonstrating respect and patience.

2. Practice Humility

    • Acknowledge Limitations: Recognize that no single person or church has all the answers. Be open to learning from others and admit when you don’t have all the answers.
    • Be Open-Minded: Be willing to consider new perspectives and understand that differences can enrich your faith journey.

3. Focus on Common Ground

    • Emphasize Shared Beliefs: Highlight the core tenets of Christianity that unite believers, such as faith in Jesus Christ, love, and grace.
    • Build Bridges: Find ways to connect and collaborate on common goals, such as community service or shared worship experiences.

4. Communicate with Kindness

    • Use Gentle Language: Speak with kindness and compassion, even when discussing differences. Avoid harsh or judgmental language.
    • Respect Differences: Respect others’ beliefs, even when disagreeing. Recognize the sincerity of their faith and the value of their perspective.

5. Pray for Unity and Understanding

    • Pray Together: Whenever possible, pray with those from other churches, asking for God’s guidance and unity among believers.
    • Seek God’s Wisdom: Ask God for wisdom and understanding to navigate differences in a way that honors Him.

6. Demonstrate Love in Action

    • Serve Together: Engage in acts of service alongside believers from other churches, focusing on Christ’s love and compassion.
    • Show Generosity: Be generous with your time, resources, and encouragement, reflecting Christ’s love in tangible ways.

7. Reflect on Jesus’ Teachings

    • Follow Christ’s Example: Reflect on how Jesus interacted with those different from Him, showing love, mercy, and acceptance.
    • Prioritize Love Over Doctrine: Remember that the greatest commandment is to love God and love your neighbor as yourself (Matthew 22:37-39).

8. Promote Peace and Reconciliation

    • Be a Peacemaker: Strive to create peace and reconciliation in conflicts, embodying the Beatitudes’ call to be peacemakers (Matthew 5:9).
    • Forgive Freely: Practice forgiveness and let go of grievances, fostering a spirit of reconciliation and healing.

By focusing on these principles, Christians can engage with others who hold differing beliefs in a manner that reflects the love and grace of Jesus. This mindset not only strengthens personal faith but also contributes to a more united and compassionate Christian community.

Spirituality and Churches

As the government continues to grow in strength and power, expanding ever further, it creates new ways to control the masses by brute force, enacting new laws, and monitoring and tracking our every move to ensure compliance or instill fear of punishment. Meanwhile, those who are spiritually inclined are also expanding.

Freedom of religion in the United States has afforded us the opportunity to play a particularly influential role in creating a better world for those of us who believe in a brighter future for our children, their children, and future generations.

We pray for a better life and a better world. People in the United States pray more than in any other nation, and even those who profess that there is no God, even 20 percent of those who profess no belief in God, can be found practicing prayer.

Within the medical community, the effect of prayer on healing and recovery is unrefuted; although it may be dismissed as a “placebo effect” in study after study, including double-blind studies, the results are consistently positive.

Churches have the most powerful impetus for change in the human condition. Every day, the less-than-desirables in the United States, the criminals, those who helplessly succumb to addictions, abusers (both legal and illegal), and other problematic members of society incredibly change their lives with the least amount of recidivism thanks to American churches.

Churches make the world a better place by reaching out to the disadvantaged, giving them a reason to live, and encouraging even the least of us to reach out and help to make the world a better place.

Thanks to churches, we see a reduction in crime, divorce rates, poverty, homelessness, drug and other addictions, depression, and other mental health issues.

Churchgoers tend to have a higher sense of obligation to do what is right, higher self-esteem, greater achievement among family members, and a more significant contribution to the community at large. They are more proactive and have happier, healthier families, increased immune systems, and greater life expectancy.

Spiritually minded individuals who profess a sincere connection to a higher power and regularly attend church, where they gather with like-minded people, live happier, more productive, law-abiding lives. They are more understanding, compassionate, and loving towards themselves and others.

The statistics reveal markedly and exponentially higher degrees of success and satisfaction in all areas of life among those who attend or gather together three times a month compared to those who gather once a month or less.

Many spiritually minded Americans who are ever-evolving into higher versions of themselves may have negative associations connected to the idea of church or a recognized religious gathering. The time has come for us to embrace the concept of religious freedom as part of our expanding consciousness.

Spiritual growth need not be a solitary journey. As we know, there is greater significance and more power for a better world when we combine our abilities with those of other like-minded individuals on a similar path.

We must ever be cognoscente about proceeding with such an idea in caution to prevent the interruption of our efforts by an oppressive ruling government.

Even though the founders of our country protected freedom of religion by declaring, “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof…” in the First Amendment to the Constitution, effectively establishing a separation between church and State, since then, there have been attempts to integrate the church and state, giving government the final say in specific affairs of the church.

The primary method for controlling the church was for the United States to offer a deduction for financial contributions, exempting the church from tax debt owed to the IRS through registration and filing for 501(c)(3) non-profit status. Churches volunteer to do so to increase the financial support of their members but also become a corporation in the United States, clearly aborting the separation of their church from the state.

A church, as a non-profit organization of the United States of America, achieves the status of a state-recognized licensed church. Doing so may waive its freedom of religion and its ability to remain separate from the state, allowing for government intrusion.

You can see it in action: churches being violated, shut down, priests, pastors, preachers, and teachers being forced to testify in court, violating the penitent privilege. Churches, which may have otherwise been considered sanctuaries, are now subject to having their perimeters breached in the name of the state, and many compromises are made by voluntarily striking a deal with the state.

Is there a better way?

If you can’t find a church in your community that would welcome an expansion explorer like yourself, perhaps it’s time to create such a venue.

Could you be a part of this spiritual awakening and expansion?

Let your church be the antithesis of all those other churches.

It is your privilege, and your responsibility, after a time of healing, if you are so-called. You might be the key to providing a safe environment for others to discover themselves, engage in their own deep inner work, and do so in any way they see fit while being loved and supported by others who are doing similarly individual work.

My wish for you, for all of us, is that there is a church where any one of us would feel welcomed and supported without fear of not being accepted or threatened nearby.

This is the next step.