Are Denominations Back?

ARE DENOMINATIONS BACK? Yeah, kind of. 🤔

For several reasons, young Christians are more interested in denominational differences than they’ve been in decades. Five years ago, I wouldn't have expected Gen Z Christians to be hotly debating Catholicism versus Orthodoxy versus Protestantism, Dispensationalism versus Covenant Theology, the nature of Communion, complementarianism versus egalitarianism, and other theological distinctives.

But here we are.

Young Christians are asking better theological questions than they were ten years ago, but they're asking them in a more polarized environment. And that's both good and bad.

One reason for this trend is a renewed interest in theology, church history, and apologetics. Young Christians want to know that their tradition reflects the teaching of Christ and the Apostles, is rooted in Scripture, and has a place in the history of the Church. In a world full of uncertainty, many are looking for confidence in what they believe. Understanding doctrine and history helps them follow Jesus more faithfully.

This is good.

Another reason is the broader polarization of our culture. America is more divided by politics and social issues than it has been in decades. Our culture has become increasingly tribal, pushing people to rally around "my people" and oppose "those people." The result is more debating, demeaning, demonizing, proselytizing, and attacking other traditions, especially online.

Reformed Christians can be hardcore. Catholics, especially recent converts, can be even more intense. And some Eastern Orthodox... 😬 (And after decades of saying, "We're Christians just like you," even Mormons have become more open about defending their distinctive beliefs, such as polytheism, baptism for the dead, and the apostasy of all other churches. It's fascinating.)

Someone said this week, "The era of mere Christianity is ending." I hope not.

Ten years ago, it felt easier to unite around the gospel and treat many denominational differences as secondary issues. Evangelical Christians like me could easily find common cause and fellowship with gospel-affirming believers from other traditions. Today, that feels harder. The renewed interest in doctrine is encouraging. The spirit in which some of those conversations are happening is not.

This is bad.

So what can churches and Christian leaders do?

First, remember that there truly is a core to the Christian faith. Think the Apostles' Creed, the Nicene Creed, or Paul's summary of the gospel in 1 Corinthians 15. Christians from different traditions who confess Jesus as Lord are brothers and sisters. We should treat one another that way and work together in common causes, especially evangelizing the lost.

Second, teach theological triage. In the emergency room, doctors determine which cases require immediate attention and which are not life-threatening. Christians should learn to think similarly about doctrine. Was Jesus truly God? Did He rise from the dead? Must we turn from sin and trust in Christ? These questions matter far more than debates about predestination, church governance, or the mode of baptism. All of those issues are important. But we need to help people understand their relative importance.

Third, teach theology, church history, and your church's distinctive beliefs. This will strengthen your church, especially young adults, and help them feel confident in both its doctrine and historical foundation. Help them understand why your church lands where it does on various issues from both Scripture and history. If you don't, they'll be vulnerable to the loudest and most aggressive voices on social media criticizing your tradition. They need to hear clear, compelling reasons for their church's doctrines before someone else tells them why they should abandon them.

Don't get me wrong. I love Scripture and doctrine. I teach at a seminary and read church history for fun. I'm a Baptist for convictional reasons and believe our theology is the most faithful to Scripture. But I also see God's grace at work in other traditions and gladly call many Christians from those traditions my brothers and sisters.

So my prayer is that we'd keep the main thing the main thing, make much of Jesus, and learn to disagree like family rather than fight like enemies. “My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me.” - John 17: 20-21