Why Do We Have Denominations?

Denominations are a common characteristic that is associated with Christianity in America. Some prime examples include Baptists, Methodists, Presbyterians, Pentecostals Lutherans, and Mormons. It has been something that all Christians alive today grew up with and have become the norm in Christian society. Each denomination has a certain characteristic that distinguishes themselves from each other, but no one ever asks why do we have denominations or are they necessary. These questions, when asked, produce some rather disturbing results. Denominations are unnecessary and are actually detrimental because they divide Christians as a people and should be replaced with unity.
To understand why denominations are unnecessary and detrimental, one must
Jesus never wanted His Church to be divided. He prayed specifically for unity in John 17:21 “That they all may be one…” (KJV) Paul preaches against divisions in the church in Ephesians 4 and speaks of being like-minded and of one mind in Philippians 2:2 (Sizemore 39). What would unity in Christianity look like today? A unified Church would be not be associated with any denomination. It would be focused on loving others, putting aside differences, and the relationship with Christ. Church would have to come together in order to achieve this by shutting down church buildings in areas and making a different use of them, while all the churches in the area coming together as one body and worshipping as one. It would also involve helping each other and reaching out to the community to help others know Christ. As a result of coming together as one, Jesus says in John 17:21 “…that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.” (KJV) Christians will begin reaching more people than ever before and ever imagined. Paul also states in Ephesians 4 that unity of the faith results in bringing the Body of Christ to the measure of the fullness of Christ. So much would be obtainable once unity is achieved in