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With thousands of denominations worldwide, it can be challenging for outsiders to determine which Christian churches remain faithful to the biblical teachings and the Word of God.
Before the Protestant Reformation, there were primarily two main churches: the Eastern (Orthodox) and the Western (Roman Catholic). Of course, various smaller groups, such as the Waldensians, Lollards, and Hussites, existed throughout history as well.
The Reformation, with its significant emphasis on salvation by faith and grace alone, also led to the separation of a large portion of the church body. Further governmental reforms, such as the separation of church and state, eventually led to the emergence of even more denominations. It has often been remarked humorously that anyone can create a denomination in the United States, and people have indeed done so.
Church history matters and is essential to study in order to gain a proper understanding of our faith. Loraine Boettner argued that if someone seeks to know God and His involvement in the Church, they must be familiar with church history.
From the writings of early church fathers such as Ignatius, Polycarp, Augustine, Irenaeus, Clement of Rome, and Justin Martyr to documents like the Didache, Christians today have many resources to study and discover how Christianity was originally practiced.
Certainly, Protestants today rightly emphasize salvation connected to genuine regeneration of the soul (being born again), but the renewed interest in orthodox Christianity is noteworthy. Recently, the New York Post published an article noting an increase in American membership in the Eastern Orthodox Church, especially among young men.
Studying church history sheds light on several issues that may divide denominations today, such as worship practices in singing or liturgy. The growing interest in certain Orthodox faiths suggests that believers are seeking a more historically grounded biblical Christianity.
While the Protestant Reformation was monumental in refocusing the church on Scripture (and rightfully so), it is often overlooked that many Reformers themselves were traditional in their practices.
For example, John Calvin wore the Geneva robe and personally did not care much for lighting candles during worship or for the elaborate attire of certain high-church traditions. However, he emphasized these were not issues worth fighting over. He openly criticized Anglican John Hooper, who defied his bishop over required clergy attire and was eventually arrested. For Calvin, this was an unnecessary dispute.
The Reformers were openly critical of the medieval period of the church, but most held a deep respect for the early church, with both Calvin and Luther admiring the works of Augustine.
Studying church history also provides new insights into pivotal issues, such as the sacraments—whether baptism or the Eucharist, commonly referred to as Communion.
Yes, the church fathers and historical Christians were fallible human beings, just like us today. Nevertheless, it remains essential that we have at our disposal writings from leaders who were contemporaries or disciples of the apostles, such as Ignatius and Polycarp, as well as early church manuals like the Didache.
Theology, and most importantly, biblical studies, matter greatly. Yet church history, often overlooked, should be a priority for believers eager to dive deeper into understanding God and His providence throughout history.
If we seek to know how God works in our creation, we must study church history.