Question:
I have been struggling with understanding why Christianity has over 250 denominations, when Islam only has 1?  Remember, Sunni Muslims do not recognize Shiites as Muslims, nor Sufi's, Bahaiis, or any other form of Islam.  Sunni is the only Islamic religion, as per the Sunnis, and a Sunni will justify this by syaing that 95% of the world is Sunni.  So why are there 250 denominations?  I compared it to the different castes in Hinduism; is this right or wrong?  It seemed logical growing up to compare it to this?  I think I may not be right though!!

Answer:
Thank you for your question. I know that many Muslims wonder why there are so many different "churches."

Jesus said, "Beware of false prophets. They come to you disguised as sheep, but in their hearts they are vicious wolves. You will know them by what they produce. "People don't pick grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles, do they? In the same way every good tree produces good fruit, but a rotten tree produces bad fruit. A good tree cannot produce bad fruit, and a rotten tree cannot produce good fruit." (Matthew 7:15-18) On the other hand Jesus said, "If you hold to my teaching you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth and the truth will set you free." (John 8:31-32)

Jesus said false prophets would come but they would look like sheep and be part of the flock. History gives ample evidence that Jesus was speaking the truth. This is a big part of why there are so many denominations.

For example some people who call themselves Christian have taught that you should pray to Mary. This is of course Idolatrous and blasphemous. Christians who wanted to follow what God said had to separate from people who would worship false gods or in this case make Mary a god. So sometimes there are different denominations because it shows who is following God and who is not. In this way it is similar to the divisions between Sunni and Shiite and groups like the Nation of Islam.

But you shouldn't think all denominations can be explained this way. Some denominations exist because they were churches that began in certain countries and so their worship or structure reflects their culture. They may have no Biblical disagreements and be united in what they teach but they remain separate organizations because of outward circumstance. They however really don’t form two churches but one.

So the fact that there are many denominations doesn't please God just as making counterfeit money doesn't please the government who issues the real thing. As Christians when we look at denominations we go back to the words of Jesus and try to follow them in our lives and in our churches. Jesus said, "If you hold to my teaching you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth and the truth will set you free." (John 8:31-32)

Side note: On the Hindu Caste system. The denominations are not about class or social standing or spiritual hierarchy. By and large the issues are truth. They also are not just a salad bar and you can just pick one for preference. They vary in how much or in what degree they try to remain faithful to the Word of God.