Is Christianity divisive?

A common theme in that occurs in the conversations that I have with those who are skeptical about the church and about Christianity is "Christians and Christianity is arrogant, judgmental and so divisive. How can you say that there is only one right way". Maybe you are reading this and agree with their statements. So is that the case?

First, I believe that these comments often flow out of a misunderstanding about Jesus. Jesus never claimed to be a unifying force in human history. Jesus claimed to be a force for transformation and change in the most profound and possible ways, but He never expected that everyone would unite behind His claims and His message. Just look at what Jesus had to say in Matthew 10:34-39:

"Do not think that I came to bring peace on the earth; I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. "For I came to SET A MAN AGAINST HIS FATHER, AND A DAUGHTER AGAINST HER MOTHER, AND A DAUGHTER-IN-LAW AGAINST HER MOTHER-IN-LAW; and A MAN'S ENEMIES WILL BE THE MEMBERS OF HIS HOUSEHOLD. "He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me; and he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me. "And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me. "He who has found his life will lose it, and he who has lost his life for My sake will find it."

Jesus message and claim to be the only source of rescue, healing, and repair for our flawed and broken nature does divide people. Jesus was fully aware that His claims and message would either be enthusiastically embraced or violently opposed.

Second, I believe that these comments flow out of the reality that those who are skeptical of the claims of Christ have had the misfortune to run into His followers who do not reflect His character. The sad reality is that many followers of Jesus often are arrogant, judgmental, and divisive as they expect those who are not Christians to act like Christians, while at the same time allowing Christians to act like non Christians.

So, is the reason that Christianity is often viewed as divisive due to the claims and message of Christ; or is the reason that Christianity is often viewed as divisive because of His followers behavior? What attracted those who we would call seekers and what was undeniable to the skeptics and those who rejected the claims of Christ was the unity and love demonstrated by His followers. Maybe we should take that into consideration as we engage in conversations with those around us.

What do you think?