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The degree to which denominations differ and their acceptance within Christianity varies widely.

The degree to which denominations differ and their acceptance within Christianity varies widely.

To speak of Denominationalism may presume that some or all Christian groups are, in some sense, versions of the same basic thing regardless of their distinguishing labels. Not all churches agree to this; for instance, the Roman Catholic and Orthodox Churches do not include themselves under this term, as the implication of interchangeability in the term "denominationalism" does not agree with their theological teachings.  

To speak of Denominationalism may presume that some or all Christian groups are, in some sense, versions of the same basic thing regardless of their distinguishing labels, as branches of the same identical tree, grown from the same root, producing the same kind of fruit. Not all churches agree to this; for instance, the Roman Catholic and Orthodox Churches do not include themselves under the term "Denominations", as the implication of interchangeability in the term "denominationalism" does not agree with their theological teachings.  

There are some groups which practically all others would view as [[Apostasy|apostate]] and therefore not legitimate versions of Christianity. Others may be seen as [[Heresy|heretical]], even by some churches of their own denomination. To be a heretic means only that one holds an erroneous doctrine of importance, not that one has renounced (apostatized from) the Christian faith.

There are some groups which practically all others would view as [[Apostasy|apostate]] and therefore not legitimate versions or branches of Christianity (John 15:1-6). Others may be seen as [[Heresy|heretical]], even by some churches of their own denomination. To be a heretic means only that one holds an erroneous doctrine of importance, not that one has renounced (apostatized from) the Christian faith.

[[Category:Christian Terms]]

[[Category:Christian Terms]]