Christian Church

The term Christian Church expresses the idea of Christianity (the Christian religion) seen in its role as an institution. The phrase "the Church" in its widest sense (as "the Body of Christ") has a similar breadth.

In practice the monolithic "Christian Church" has fragmented almost from its beginnings. Over the centuries many individual Christian churches have emerged, each functioning in their own institutional manner and often viewing each other as sectarian or heretical. Thus definitions of the one "true" Christian Church may vary widely.

It is worth noting, however, that despite this fragmentation, most Christian denominations have historically recognized themselves as only a small part of the church at large, often seeing themselves as differing from other denominations in small, though significant, matters.

Compare and contrast Christendom, the Church Militant and ecumenism.

The term Christian Church may also refer to a denomination within Christianity, especially the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Independent Christian Churches/Churches of Christ or the Christian Church of North America.

See Also

List of Christian denominations