According to the Center for the Study of Global Christianity there are over 635 Christian denominations in the United States alone (Wilson, p.145). Why are there such a diverse number of denominations that all come from the same foundation, from one religion? How and why did the Christian Church divide into denominations? Ted A. Campbell, assistant professor of Church history at Duke University, explains denominations this way: end results of various theological/social/political/ecclesiastical movements that took shape over several years, perhaps decades” (Campbell, p . 33-35). Each branch of Christianity stems from a different idea or belief regarding an individual or group of people's interpretation of the Scriptures and/or its application. The churches of the first century evolved from the apostles traveling from city to city and country to country, expanding Christianity and meeting in their homes. As these house churches grew in number and distance, the understanding and application of the apostles' teachings began to differ. The language, culture and traditions of the people have influenced their understanding and practice of these Christian tenants. Thus began the first foundations of denominationalism. The first truly organized Christian “denominations” occurred in 1054 AD, when something called the Western-Eastern Schism, or the Great Schism, occurred. This schism, or split, in the Church occurred after many years of disagreements between the Roman church, which led Western Christianity, and the church of Constantinople, which led the Eastern (Greek) church bodies. The Great Schism caused... half of paper... ld. 1 November 2004: np SIRS Issues Researcher. Network. 25 November 2013. “Roman Catholic”. Religions of the world of the Toucan Valley. 1 November 2004: np SIRS Issues Researcher. Network. November 26, 2013. Campbell, Ted A. “The New Wesleyan Denomination.” Christianity today. March 11, 1991: 33-35. SIRS problem researcher. Network. November 24, 2013Daniels, Roger. “Oriental Orthodox Churches”. American Immigration: A Student Companion. 01 December 2001: np SIRS Issues Researcher. Network. 16 Dec 2013Flatt, Lizann. Religion in the Renaissance. St. Catharines, Ontario: Crabtree Pub., 2009. Print. “Main Christian denominations”. The World Almanac and Book of Facts 2013. 01 January 2013: 706+. SIRS problem researcher. Network. November 25, 2013.ProQuest Staff. "Chronology of Religion". Timing of major issues. 2013: np Researcher on SIRS issues. Network. November 24, 2013. Wilson, Mike, ed. Christianity. Farmington Hills: Greenhaven, 2008. Print.