More That Unites Than Divides
Across the diverse Christian traditions — Catholic, Orthodox, Protestant, Ethiopian — there is a vast core of shared belief. Before exploring the differences in canon or practice, it is worth pausing to celebrate what unites every believer in Jesus Christ.
The Foundation: The Nicene Creed
Most Christian traditions affirm the Nicene Creed (325 AD / 381 AD), which summarizes the essential beliefs of the faith:
We believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible. And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God, begotten of the Father before all worlds; Light of Light, very God of very God; begotten, not made, being of one substance with the Father, by whom all things were made. Who for us men and for our salvation came down from heaven, and was incarnate by the Holy Spirit of the Virgin Mary, and was made man; and was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate; He suffered and was buried; and the third day He rose again, according to the Scriptures; and ascended into heaven, and sits at the right hand of the Father; and He shall come again, with glory, to judge both the quick and the dead; whose kingdom shall have no end. And we believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord and Giver of Life; who proceeds from the Father; who with the Father and the Son together is worshipped and glorified; who spoke by the prophets.
Core Beliefs We Share
The Trinity
One God existing eternally in three Persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This is not a contradiction but a revelation — a glimpse into the very nature of the God who is love, because love requires relationship.
The Deity and Humanity of Jesus Christ
Jesus is fully God and fully man. Born of the Virgin Mary, He lived a sinless life, died for our sins, rose bodily on the third day, and ascended to the Father. He is the only way to salvation (John 14:6).
Salvation by Grace through Faith
We are saved not by our own works but by Gods grace, received through faith in Christs atoning work. This grace transforms us and calls us to a life of good works done in love.
The Resurrection
Christs bodily resurrection is the cornerstone of Christian hope. Because He lives, we too shall live (1 Corinthians 15).
The Authority of Scripture
All Christian traditions affirm the Bible as Gods inspired Word, though they differ on the exact list of books. The Scriptures are “God-breathed” (2 Timothy 3:16) and useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness.
The Sacraments
Baptism and the Lords Supper (Eucharist) are practiced by nearly all Christian traditions as means of grace and obedience to Christs commands.
The Great Commission
Jesus commanded His followers to “go and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19-20). Evangelism and discipleship are central to the Christian calling.
Holding Unity in Diversity
The apostle Paul wrote: “There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all” (Ephesians 4:4-6). While we may differ on matters of canon, church governance, and worship style, we are united in Christ. Let us celebrate our shared faith even as we learn from our differences.