Is There Any Such Thing as “True Christianity”?

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6 responses to “Is There Any Such Thing as “True Christianity”?”

1. 

   January 8, 2026

   matilddaa

   De-converting, a lightbulb moment for me was reading Paul’s assertion that he alone preached the true gospel. I was beginning to think outside my fundy box, allowing myself to wonder if he was just being arrogant about his oratory and jealous because other preachers got more bums on seats or bigger offerings on their collection plates. It states the obvious to say that division began in the earliest of times.- and has continued ever since I laugh now to read that the annual Week of Prayer for Xtian Unity will again take place this month internationally. It proudly announced a few years ago that it was celebrating its centenary – so obviously it ain’t acheived much in that time – churches continue to split and split again over doctrine!

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2. 

   January 8, 2026

   GeoffT

   I’ve been aware for some time now as to the difference in presentation between YouTube apologists and counter apologists. There is a gulf between them that is wider than the Grand Canyon in terms of credibility. If we discount obvious low level twerps such as Kent Hovind and Matt Powell, there is a range of apologists who, on the face of it, might appear to their supporters as reasonable and coherent (the likes of David Wood, Frank Turek, and more recently Wes Huff), but who are then ripped apart by people such as Dan McClellan, Paulogia, and many more. The big rabbit hole that the apologists are now disappearing down increasingly is, presumably because their actual arguments have been so completely and comprehensively debunked, is to attack credentials. It is becoming common now to ignore discussion of the evidence and to focus instead on the academic credentials, or not, of their opponent. Gary Habermas is a master at it, or at least spends entire interviews on the subject. I understand that one of the books in his masterful 😂 series on the evidence for the resurrection of Jesus (has there ever been a more graphic example of the ability of people to engage in the most time spent for the least result?) is dedicated entirely to the academic credentials of people he cites.

   I’m quite sure that every believer thinks that their Christianity is the true one, and no doubt there are groups sharing the same view. Again to allude to Monty Python and this time The Life of Brian (regularly voted the funniest film ever made), they make a farce out of the disagreements between the variously named political groups that are quoted in the film, where the Peoples Front of
   Judea hates the Judean Peoples Front and so on, and they all hate the Romans (though as someone points out the Romans have actually brought massive benefits to the region, including peace!).

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3. 

   January 8, 2026

   Barbara Jackson

   Xtianity is as you describe, various groups who think only their view is the holy view. Xtianity only grew because it was taken over by the roman emperor Constantine who required the Nicean council because Xtian groups were already disagreeing with each other and he wanted a unified front he could put forth as the Roman religion to give himself more control.

   Anyone who denies this has not read history.

   Xtianity like most religions is a tool created by cultures to control the people within their culture and to make a scapegoat of anyone who has different ideas. Judaism and Islam also have this problem. One need look no further than Galileo who was punished by the pope, made to recount his statements and then put under house arrest when he was an old man. Galileo was simply saying that Copernicus was right, the earth revolves around the sun not the other way around. He dared to say something Xtians did not like and was not in the bible.

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4. 

   January 8, 2026

   JT

   Bruce,

   You wrote “It is impossible to read the Bible without concluding that that Jesus and early church leaders were divided over what constituted true Christianity. Jesus, James, Peter, and Paul each had their own take on true Christianity. Who was right?”

   Although I get your overall message, I would like to point out a couple of things (each a brief summary that could contain much more detail):

   Christianity did not exist while Jesus was alive on earth, so any teachings of Jesus cannot be technically be called Christianity. His focus was on the Jews and the teachings of Christianity did not arise until years after His death (by Paul). The message from Jesus to the Jews was to believe that He was the Son of God, and here are some miracles to prove it.
   Peter and James continued Jesus’ message targeting the Jews with teachings involving works more than grace, with Paul coming on the scene later.
   Saul/Paul technically founded Christianity as we know it. He was the first one to teach belief in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus… with salvation coming through grace rather than works. He even refers to it as “my gospel” in his writings:
   Romans 2:16 – In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel.
   1 Corinthians 15:1 – Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you…

   Keeping all of that in mind, the Bible also tells us when the term Christian originated in Acts 11:25-2:
   25 Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus, for to seek Saul:
   26 And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.

   I said all that to point out that “true Christianity” was founded by Paul and based on his teachings, and I would agree with you that it most likely doesn’t exist in today’s time. I think you hit the nail on the head with the main issue in your closing:

   “A better explanation suggests that every Christian shapes, molds, and fashions God, Jesus, and Christianity in their own image”

   We have been trying to mold God into our image for about 2,000 years. With 200+ English translations of the Bible, I’m more surprised if you can find two Christians that totally agree on beliefs. Even my wife and I don’t see everything the same way, but we don’t let it affect our relationship.

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5. 

   January 15, 2026

   Asphalt-Type Person

   One man’s heretic is another man’s messiah.

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6. 

   February 1, 2026

   Bruce Clements

   Having been born and raised in the Seventh Day Adventist “Christian” franchise, I was taught that it was necessary to abide not only by “biblical” principles, but according to the teachings of their “prophetess” Ellen G. White.

   Some 50 years ago I renounced my baptism and my faith in Christianity as I don’t know what the term means.

   Further, while I’m no longer sitting on the edge of my seat waiting for The Second Coming, as is an essential part of Adventism, I think it will be interesting to see-if and when it does happen-those of his self proclaimed “disciples” Jesus does, and does not, recognize.

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