Numerous times people have written, prayed, and preached words of thanksgiving for the various denominations so abundant in America. Although there is nothing wrong with our love for the religious freedom enjoyed in this country, Paul condemned party spirits and religious division when he listed dissensions among the works of the flesh. It is just as much a work of the flesh as fornication, adultery, drunkenness, murder, etc. Since our soul will be in jeopardy if we are guilty of this sin it makes good sense to understand what it is. Thus, dissension takes place whenever two or more parties are created by drawing a line between what one believes.
Dissension also encourages others to choose sides.
Extra-Biblical uses of this term are not much more abundant than what we find in the New Testament. In secular Greek Herodotus uses this word to describe what happened when a commander changed sides in the middle of a campaign. The church at Corinth had serious problems with dissension. Paul began his letter declaring that he was against religious divisions among followers of Christ. Now I exhort you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all agree, and there be no divisions among you, but you be made complete in the same mind and in the same judgment.