As someone who has walked many paths—socialism, veganism, Islam, and eventually Christianity—I have seen firsthand how ideological divisions can fracture societies and hinder progress. My journey from being a devout Muslim and an active leader in organizations like CAIR and the Muslim Forum of Utah to embracing Jesus Christ as my Savior has taught me one crucial truth: in today’s world, Christians cannot afford to let denominational differences divide us. We must focus on our shared belief in Jesus Christ, the Son of God, as the cornerstone of our faith.
A Fractured Christian World
Throughout history, denominations have sprung up due to doctrinal differences, cultural contexts, and interpretations of scripture. While theological discussions are important, they should not become stumbling blocks that alienate believers from one another. Whether Protestant, Catholic, Orthodox, or non-denominational, all Christians share a common foundation: belief in Jesus Christ as the Savior who atoned for the sins of humanity.
In Matthew 12:25, Jesus said, "Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation, and every city or house divided against itself will not stand." This warning applies to the body of Christ today. As the world grows increasingly hostile toward Christianity, we cannot afford to waste time and energy arguing over denominational differences while ignoring the urgent need to spread the gospel and defend Christian values.
My Own Journey to Christ
I grew up as a Muslim in Iran, indoctrinated to see Christianity as a corrupted religion. After moving to the United States and becoming involved in Islamic advocacy, I began to see the inconsistencies within Islam. The Quran’s portrayal of Jesus as merely a prophet, rather than the divine Son of God, left me with more questions than answers. Through years of study and reflection, I found the truth in the New Testament, where Jesus declared, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6).
When I became a Christian, I initially struggled to find a denomination where I felt fully at home. It wasn’t until I realized that my faith wasn’t about the label on the church door but about my relationship with Christ that I truly began to thrive spiritually. Today, as a member of the LDS Church, I embrace our teachings while recognizing the importance of unity with all Christians.
Focusing on What Unites Us
In a world where secularism, Islamism, and Marxism are on the rise, Christians must stand together. The values that unite us—faith in Christ, the sanctity of life, traditional family values, and the pursuit of moral righteousness—are far more significant than the doctrinal nuances that separate us.
The Apostle Paul reminded the early church in Galatians 3:28, “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.” This principle remains as relevant today as it was 2,000 years ago.
We can honor our denominational traditions while working together to promote Christian values in our homes, communities, and nations. Whether it’s through charitable service, public advocacy, or simply living as examples of Christ’s love, we must focus on what unites us as followers of Jesus.
The Perils of Division
The dangers of disunity are evident. When Christians quarrel over denominational differences, we weaken our collective influence and give our enemies—be they secular ideologues or Islamist radicals—more opportunities to attack us. Division makes it easier for anti-Christian forces to dismantle the moral and cultural fabric of our societies.
The early Christians faced persecution from both the Roman Empire and Jewish authorities. Yet, they thrived because they remained united in their faith in Jesus. We must follow their example, especially as modern Christians face increasing marginalization.
Moving Forward
As Christians, we must remember that our ultimate goal is not to prove our particular denomination right but to glorify Jesus Christ and make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19). In my experience as an Iranian-American Christian conservative, I have found that true strength lies in unity. Denominations are tools, not chains—they should enrich our faith, not limit our fellowship.
Let us put aside our arguments over secondary matters and focus on what truly matters: our shared faith in Jesus Christ, our commitment to His teachings, and our mission to spread His gospel to a world in desperate need of hope.
References
- The Holy Bible, King James Version
- Gallup. (2023). Decline in U.S. Christianity Continues at Rapid Pace. Retrieved from https://news.gallup.com
- Pew Research Center. (2023). The Future of World Religions: Population Growth Projections, 2010-2050. Retrieved from https://www.pewresearch.org
- Schaeffer, F. A. (1981). A Christian Manifesto. Crossway.
- Whitehead, A. L., & Perry, S. L. (2020). Taking America Back for God: Christian Nationalism in the United States. Oxford University Press.
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