Mmm...my main point was the last sentence you have here. When I say that we need to focus on being Christians--I mean that the core beliefs are the most important and we should focus on our similarities rather than our differences sometimes--because fighting and not talking to one another doesn't help the rest of the world or further the cause of Christ. Sure, on some issues I wish we could agree a little more, but I don't think it makes someone unsaved or saved based on whether the women wear headcoverings or not, use wine or grape juice for communion, sing hymns or contemporary music at church, listen to rock music or not, worship in a home, school, or actual church building, eat meat or not, etc. We can have differences and still work together and get along to do what is right without condemning one another.Ayn Rand wrote:But how can we focus on being "just" a Christian? I think that these so called "extra" things are core to each denominations identity and being. It seems to me when people are saying we need to focus more on being "just" a Christian they're really saying we need have views closer to them.
I know for Orthodoxy there are a lot more core issues than just what might be called the "basics" that we believe the Church needs to be in agreement about and I imagine it's the same with many other denominations as well.
But all that being said yes it is unfortunate when denominations fight, we should be able to work together on some things despite our differences.
Yes, denominations all have beliefs and traditions that make them unique and give them an identity, and they don't always need to give those up. I think various denominations appeal to different groups of people and it is a tool that God uses to manifest Himself to all people because each denomination has a different environment where some people may fit in better than with other denominations. And each denomination often has different focuses and traditions that help certain people understand the gospel better or feel more comfortable in worship. Yeah, I sometimes have issues with certain views or beliefs, but unless they violate the core issues (I personally prefer the Apostle's Creed), I will not claim that they are not Christians.