Returning to the Teachings of Jesus as the Foundation for Christian Unity

1. Introduction

Christianity today is marked by deep divisions—denominational, doctrinal, cultural, and institutional. While all Christian traditions claim allegiance to Jesus Christ, disagreements over beliefs, doctrines, and theological interpretations have fragmented the Church and weakened its witness in the world.

Through our ongoing online study on the origins of Christianity, we have arrived at a significant insight: the primary cause of division within Christianity is the shift from the teachings of Jesus to belief-centered and doctrine-centered systems. We believe that a return to the teachings of Jesus himself offers a realistic and powerful foundation for unity, renewal, and revival within Christianity.

This position paper presents our core understanding, its biblical basis, and its implications for the future of Christian unity.

2. The Core Insight

The earliest message of Jesus was not a system of beliefs to be accepted, but a way of life to be lived.

Jesus proclaimed:

The Kingdom of God as a present reality and invitation

God as a loving Father

A call to repentance (a change of mind and direction)

A life shaped by love, forgiveness, humility, justice, and obedience to God’s will

However, as Christianity developed historically, the focus gradually shifted:

From following Jesus → to believing about Jesus

From practicing his teachings → to defending doctrines

From transformation of life → to correctness of belief

This shift, though often well-intentioned, has led to divisions that Jesus himself neither taught nor encouraged.

3. Jesus and Unity

Jesus prayed explicitly for unity among his followers:

“That they all may be one… so that the world may believe” (John 17:21)

Importantly, this unity was not based on uniform theological formulations, but on:

Shared relationship with God

Shared commitment to Jesus’ way of life

Shared love for one another

Jesus consistently placed obedience to God’s will above religious identity, tradition, or doctrinal precision:

“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father” (Matthew 7:21)

4. Teachings of Jesus as Common Ground

Despite doctrinal differences, all Christian groups accept the authority of Jesus. His teachings therefore represent the widest and strongest common ground available to the Church today.

Key teachings that unite rather than divide include:

Love of God and neighbor

Forgiveness and reconciliation

Care for the poor and marginalized

Integrity, humility, and mercy

Non-judgmental attitudes

Faith expressed through action

Focusing on these teachings allows Christians from different backgrounds to walk together without first resolving centuries of theological disputes.

5. Distinction Between Faith and Belief

We affirm that faith, as taught by Jesus, is relational and lived, not merely intellectual assent to propositions.

Belief often asks: What must I accept as true?

Faith asks: How shall I live in response to God’s love?

Re-centering Christianity on lived faith rather than abstract belief opens space for unity, growth, and authentic discipleship.

6. Implications for the Church Today

If the Church returns to prioritizing the teachings of Jesus:

Unity becomes practical and achievable, not theoretical

Discipleship replaces denominational loyalty

Spiritual transformation takes precedence over institutional survival

Christianity regains moral credibility and spiritual vitality

This does not require abandoning theology or tradition, but placing them in a secondary role, subject to the spirit and message of Jesus.

7. Our Position

We affirm that:

Jesus’ teachings are the original and essential foundation of Christianity.

Christian unity is best pursued through shared obedience to Jesus rather than enforced doctrinal agreement.

Revival within Christianity will come through a return to Jesus’ message, not through further fragmentation.

An open, humble, and practice-centered approach can bring believers together across denominational boundaries.

8. Conclusion

The future of Christianity does not lie in winning arguments, refining doctrines, or defending identities, but in rediscovering and living the way Jesus taught.

By returning to Jesus—his words, his vision of God, and his call to transformed living—the Church can move from division to unity, from decline to renewal, and from confusion to clarity.

This is not merely an academic proposal, but an invitation to walk together in the way of Jesus.