Christianity began as one faith nearly 2,000 years ago as Jesus walked the Earth. From its early beginnings, one faith developed multiple branches and divisions, sparking events such as the Great Schism between the Eastern and Western Churches in 1054 and the Reformation in the 16th Century. It may be ironic to people now that a faith devoted to love, forgiveness and charity would turn into fellow Christians in great conflicts and wars, such as the 30 Years War. History remembers the warring European states fighting in the name of the same Christian God, as well as the prejudice and discrimination of Catholic immigrants in the 19th century. Why did this happen? When did hatred and prejudice overcome Christian brotherhood and love?
As I began to formulate my faith and began to enter the Catholic Church, my mother would constantly say whenever someone said hateful of another person's religion, "there are multiple paths to Heaven." Could it be that simple? Each faith it seems, such as the Catholic aspect to Christianity, asserts their god to be the true God.
Over spring break, I was invited to a Protestant, non-denominational praise and worship celebration. At first, I didn't now exactly what to expect. I knew, however, it would not mirror the same message or theological principals of Catholic adoration. Going into it with an open mind, I realized there was something that made it easy to connect with. The celebration was what it was: a celebration of life and devotion to a higher being. The Christian principles were all present that as a Catholic I could relate to. People waved their hands, people sung, people smiled. Compared to the structure of a Catholic celebration, it was removed of all the barriers some Christians complain prevent them from becoming closer to God.
While I remain a practicing Catholic, I believe that regardless of which faith one chooses to practice within the spectrum of Christianity, they are no more or less Christian than any other Christian. Christians should remember the basic principles and teachings of Jesus Christ in the Gospels and focus on what unites us, not divide us. How Christians decide to practice their faith is up to them, so long as they share the Golden Rule: "Love thy neighbor." This experience opened my Christian world view and made me feel happier knowing that Christianity can truly open the hearts of many. To be Christian is to be United.
