In modern days, the word “witness” is most commonly associated with the court system. As a witness, an individual is required to give testimony describing their perspective of an event, a testimony that could determine the innocence or guilt of the person on trial, known as the defendant. In most cases, multiple witnesses would be called to speak in an attempt to reach the truth, as some may have seen more than others.

All testimonies are considered. After all, since witnesses are human, it is impossible that one witness could know the complete description of the event or the entire truth.

However, when testimonies conflict, a court case could extend for long, unbearable periods of time, resulting in a wearisome, unproductive situation. This scenario holds true in the spiritual sense.

Essentially, Christians are witnesses. Just as there are different perspectives to an incident, likewise Christianity is composed of various denominations and traditions. We are, however, united by one event, the event of Jesus Christ. It is our duty as witnesses to give testimony in order to save the innocent defendant — Jesus. Our Lord Jesus is on trial by humanity, a trial whose sentence could mean life or death. This divine defendant takes not the form of the historical Jesus but rather the Jesus in the soul of our neighbours. His fate hangs by a thread, a fate that only the witnesses and the discovery of the truth can change. Unfortunately, history has shown that the different branches of Christianity — the different witnesses — have not acted cooperatively. Rather than working communally to attain the truth by listening to each other’s views and revelations, Christianity’s denominations have become infamous for attempting to usurp the attention of the worldly courtroom, with each denomination claiming that their testimony is supreme. This testimony takes the form of Christian service, prayer, and tradition, with the latter being the ultimate factor of Christian disunity.

In the 16th century, Martin Luther’s Ninety-Nine Theses attacked various dogmas and traditions of the Catholic Church, particularly the sale of indulgences or graces that limit one’s time in purgatory. In theses, Luther promoted the concept of “salvation by faith alone,” and though flawed, this concept called for Christians to become less concerned with rituals and become more focused on principles.

However, the Catholic Church refused to consider Luther’s proposals and deemed him a heretic, initiating the Protestant Reformation, the birth of new Christian denominations, and European religious wars. This also led to widespread rejection of the Catholic faith and the establishment of different ecclesiastical communities. Interestingly enough, Luther had not intended to separate from the Catholic Church but rather reform it in response to corruption. Thus, it is probable that if the Catholic Church had responded differently, the current divisions in Christianity would not exist.

It is ultimately pride that separates Christians, a pride entrenched with the attitude of “I am right. You are wrong.” On the contrary, as in a courtroom, a witness or Christian denomination cannot be completely correct or completely understand the truth that is God.

Just as some witnesses can provide more information, likewise, some denominations may understand the mystery of God more than others, but this does not necessarily guarantee the defendant or Jesus’ acquittal. As it is more beneficial to respect and understand each witness’ perspective during a trial to attain more knowledge, so too must Christians respect and understand each other’s traditions and differences.

Fortunately, this attitude of respect among witnesses has been adopted by the Catholic Church in recent years. Pope Benedict XVI, for instance, has begun talks with the Anglican Church in hopes of uniting the two, and much progress has been achieved in attaining Christian unity through other conferences. With these efforts of communication, perhaps all Christians will continue to be witness to Jesus and save Him from being denied and rejected.

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