It is remarkable and notable that Christianity has developed the same two major kinds of sects as were around in gospel times. Catholicism/Orthodoxy is like Sadducceism, a sect for the secular and the governments, while Protestantism is like Phariseeism, a scripture-embracing, scripture emphasising sect for those who like to be seen as more religious than the other sect. In between is something more akin to Essenes which is like the baptism of John the Baptist, more for devoted truth-followers, and then there is the kingdom of God itself which is preached by Christ himself. John the Baptist recommended the latter, even over his own teachings. This is the pearl of great price worth giving up all the rest and all the establishment and mainstream acceptance to achieve it. It means truly believing in the Christ himself, Jesus, the Son, and holding constantly to his teachings.
