为什么基督教有这么多宗派？哪个才是对的？
Why are there so many Christian denominations? Which one is right?
简答 Short Answer
宗派的存在反映了人类的有限和罪性，但核心信仰上大多数正统教会是一致的。重要的是分辨核心教义和次要问题之间的区别。
Denominations reflect human finitude and sinfulness, but most orthodox churches agree on core beliefs. The key is distinguishing between essential doctrines and secondary matters.
详细解答 Detailed Answer
宗派的数量确实令人困惑，但我们需要做一个重要的区分。在核心教义上——三位一体、基督的神人二性、因信称义、圣经的权威、基督的复活——所有正统基督教宗派都是一致的。这些由使徒信经、尼西亚信经等古代信条所表达的真理，是「大公信仰」的基础。
宗派的分歧主要在次要问题上：教会治理的方式（长老制、主教制、会众制）、洗礼的模式（浸水礼还是点水礼）、对末世的理解（千禧年前派还是后派）等。这些问题重要，但不涉及救恩的根基。
奥古斯丁曾说：「在核心事务上合一，在非核心事务上自由，在一切事务上有爱。」宗派的存在并不否定基督教的真理，正如医学界不同流派的存在不否定医学本身。关键是找到一个忠于圣经、传讲福音的教会，在那里扎根成长。
The number of denominations can be confusing, but an important distinction is needed. On core doctrines — the Trinity, Christ's two natures, justification by faith, biblical authority, Christ's resurrection — all orthodox Christian denominations agree. These truths, expressed in the Apostles' and Nicene Creeds, form the foundation of the 'catholic faith.'
Denominational differences are mainly on secondary issues: church governance (presbyterian, episcopal, congregational), baptism mode (immersion or sprinkling), eschatology (premillennial or postmillennial), etc. These matter, but don't affect salvation's foundation.
Augustine said: 'In essentials, unity; in non-essentials, liberty; in all things, charity.' Denominations don't negate Christian truth, just as different medical specialties don't negate medicine itself. The key is finding a church faithful to Scripture and the gospel, and putting down roots there.
📖 经文引用 Bible Verses
📚 推荐阅读 Related Readings
- •Mere Christianity, Preface (C.S. Lewis)
- •What is the Church? (R.C. Sproul)