Why are Christian denominations a good idea?

Answer 1

Christian denominations are not so much a good idea as a necessity. Denominations exist because of differences in opinion. These differences in opinion and arguments over who is right and who is wrong result in rifts in churches and tears between Christians of good intent. This is generally what forms denominations. A great example of this is the difference between the Roman Catholic Church and the Orthodox communion of churches. The whole thing (which was as much a political issue as a religious one) was caused by a debate as to who should have power, and over the wording of the Christian creed decided in Nicaea and Constantinople (In the Catholic Church the phrase "I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the Giver of Life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son" is used, whereas in the Orthodox Churches "And the son" is absent).

Denominations however could be argued to be good if one realizes that having a like minded group of Christians who share common beliefs in one group is good. It is a help rather than a hindrance to salvation. Problems arise when theological and power based debates come in.