Unity in diversity is a central concept of classic Christianity. One of the major ideas separating it from other monotheistic religions is that Christians believe God is three distinct, diverse persons who together are one God. Threeness in oneness is a mystery we cannot fully grasp, but we accept it because the Bible shows us that it is true.

Marriage is another form of unity in diversity in Christianity. God created men and women to be different, and when they come together in marriage, they provide completeness to each other because of their diversity. When they also come from different socioeconomic and/or cultural backgrounds, the richness of their unity is greater. Yes, it becomes harder for the two to become one, but the hard work pays off as they maintain their distinct, diverse personhood while gaining more understanding of each other.

Jesus asked for another kind of oneness. In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus asked the Father to make his followers "one as we are one" (John 17:11). Unfortunately, Christianity hasn't done that. In fact, it headed in the opposite direction, fragmenting over many different lines. It doesn't need to be that way.

That's not to say that we don't need different denominations. We do. Everyone does not worship in the same style, nor do they learn in the same way. So we have traditional denominations in which some draw closer to God while contemporary movements provide a different worship route for those who don't connect in a traditional way.

Denominations also form over ideas in the Bible that aren't clearly stated. For example, classic Christianity accepts Jesus' statement about being the only way to the Father as something clear and undebatable (John 14:6). It defines what Christianity is. But baptism is a different story.

Christians accept baptism as necessary, but don't always agree on the method. Since the Bible never clearly states "this is how to baptize," we are divided over our understanding of how to implement baptism.

It's not bad to be divided in our understanding of things like baptism, but it is bad when we allow diverse understandings to be divisive, to keep us separate from each other. Instead, we should use our diverse understanding to be a point where we can gain richness in our faith by seeking unity in spite of our diversity!

How much do you know about other Christian denominations? Is your circle of Christian friends diverse, or do they all go to your church?

I challenge you to make it a point to get to know people from different denominations. Explore each other's faith and see how it is similar and how it is diverse. Explore what the Bible says about your points of diversity. Gain a depth and richness to your faith as you begin to answer Jesus' prayer that all believers should be one, even as God is one.

Threeness and oneness. Unity in diversity. Difficult to grasp, yes, but well worth the effort!

Cheryl A.F. Okimoto is the creative director of Island Christian Guide. Expressions of Faith is a column that welcomes submissions from pastors, priests, lay workers and other leaders in faith and spirituality. E-mail faith@honoluluadvertiser.com or call 525-8035.