Types of Christianity?

Are there two different Christianities? Actually, it’s a poorly worded question that reveals a great deal.

Often we look at what “other” Christians are doing, decide whether it is good or bad, and then dispense with determining if those Christians are similar to us or far too different from us. It’s easy to do. I have spoken out loud and written that I struggle with this very idea. I see what some Christians believe and how they act towards others and I’m left wondering if we worship the same God. Are our Jesuses the same person? Are we reading the same Bible? Yet, the question remains, how is it possible that we not only come to different conclusions, but often conclusions that are in direct conflict with each other — polar opposites.

I struggle with grasping how I can be a part of the same religious faith with those who I perceive act with cruelty towards immigrants, those that are LGBTQ+, people of different faith traditions, and more. Where does cruelty fit into what it means to be a follower of Jesus? Yet these same people will claim they are following Jesus — some may even point to Scripture to back up their beliefs. But it is the exact opposite of everything I hold dear. And I point to Jesus as well, often backing up my beliefs with Scripture. How is this possible for two people to claim the same religious faith, but have it practiced so very differently and in fact in direct opposition to each other?

That is the question that there is no good answer for. There’s no simple answer. No spinning it. No nothing.