[UntoHim]

For there must be factions among you in order that those who are genuine among you may be recognized.
1 Corinthians 11:19 (ESV)

It's quite interesting the diversity of translations we see with this Greek word αἵρεσις hairesis (from which we get the anglicized "Heresy") Most of us are probably familiar with KJV's transliteration of "For there must be also heresies among you" and the NASB and ESV "For there must also be factions among you", however there are a number of other equally accurate (in my opinion) translations as well - "Divisions" (NLT), "Differences" (NIV) and "Divisions" (NET). There is equal diversity with this Greek phrase δόκιμος dokimos - γίνομαι ginomai - φανερός phaneros - - - "which are approved may be made manifest" (KJV), that you who have God’s approval will be recognized!" (NLT) "so that those of you who are approved may be evident." (NET) "that the approved may become manifest among you." (Darby).

There is little doubt that by the time the apostle Paul penned 1 Corinthians that there were significant divergences in teaching and practice among Christians, even, apparently, within the church in Corinth itself. However, there is also little doubt that Paul did not consider this divergence as a negative thing, but actually as something positive and necessary for the good of the church. I don't think it's too much of a stretch to think of today's situation as any different, accept for the fact that we have had about 2,000 years for the divergences to multiply exponentially.

This, of course, is not a blanket acceptance, much less approval, by me of all the denominations within Christianity, only a recognition of the principle (for lack of better term) that we see the apostle Paul give forth to the Corinthians in the 1st century. Conversely, I no longer subscribe to Witness Lee's blanket condemnation of "poor, poor Christianity".