In a searing critique of contemporary Christianity, questions have been raised about the legitimacy of major denominations such as Catholicism, Seventh-day Adventism (SDA), and Jehovah’s Witnesses, arguing that none can truly claim to have been founded by Jesus Christ.
Far from embodying the original Church that Christ spoke of in Matthew 16:18 — “I will build my church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it” — these religious bodies are accused of building human empires steeped in pride, control, and manipulation. The argument posits that, once men began constructing religious institutions in Christ’s name, they diverted from His true mission and message.
The Roman Catholic Church is singled out as the root of much of this deviation, introducing practices that critics argue have no scriptural foundation. Among these are the veneration of saints, the worship of Mary, the elevation of the Pope as Christ’s earthly representative, and traditions such as kneeling before statues, which detractors label outright idolatry.
Seventh-day Adventists are also not spared. The movement, while breaking away from Catholicism, is criticised for what is described as an “obsessive legalism” — placing undue emphasis on Saturday Sabbath observance, to the extent that it is seen as a prerequisite for salvation. Furthermore, the writings of Ellen G. White, a central figure in SDA history, are said to be revered almost as highly as the Bible itself, a charge SDA adherents often reject but critics maintain nonetheless.
Jehovah’s Witnesses face equally sharp scrutiny. Their translation of the Bible, known as the New World Translation, is accused of being altered to suit their theology, including the denial of Jesus Christ’s divinity. Moreover, doctrines such as the claim that only 144,000 people will attain salvation are described as misinterpretations and distortions of Scripture.
The overarching criticism is clear: these denominations did not emerge from a desire to purify the faith but were born of power struggles, doctrinal arrogance, and human pride — the very forces that have historically fractured the Christian Church.
The critique suggests a sobering alternative: what if all the energy expended in defending denominations had instead been devoted to returning to the pure gospel — centred solely on Christ, His cross, and His Word? No popes, no prophets, no watchtowers, no salvation-by-Sabbath — only the simple, transformative truth that Christ alone is the foundation of His Church.
At a time when many believers cling fiercely to denominational identities, this viewpoint issues a stark warning: defending man-made institutions may obscure the true Gospel. The call, therefore, is not to protect religious labels, but to return wholeheartedly to Christ Himself — forsaking the monuments of human pride for the living Church He alone promised to build.
Get a premium automobile insurance coverage for your vehicle for as low as #15000 only and claim up to #3,000,000 in damages @Zenith Insurance To signup: WhatsApp/Call: +2349028313757
