For the former, it is certain heresies and schisms [divisions] are of all others the greatest scandals; yea, more than corruption of manners [hypocrisy]. For as in the natural body a wound or solution [dissolution] of continuity is worse than a corrupt humor [infection], so in the spiritual. So that nothing does so much keep men out of the church, and drive me out of the church, as breach of unity. [brackets mine]
Francis Bacon, 1561-1626, The Essays, 3. Of Unity in Religion (Penguin Books, 1985, p. 67)
Is there any truth in the idea that divisions in the Christian church drive people away? What, if anything, can be done about it?
If Harris wins….
1 hour ago
Yes it is
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I am afraid I have no idea where you are coming from. Could you explain?
DeleteDivisions indicate a lack of love. That being the case, divisions drive people away. Who wants to a part of someplace where love is not important enough to bridge divisions.
ReplyDeletePeople who are more interested in exalting themselves than exalting God. Which is sad.
DeleteIt is sad Mike. Sadly, some think that doctrinal purity about non-essential issues often display a lack of love.
DeleteMy problem is, while I try to do my best I can, I cannot believe I am right on every non-essential issue. It is one thing to feel confident you have the basics right and another to believe you have every detail absolutely figured out. Especially given there is so much disagreement in these areas.
DeleteWell said Mike. Do you feel that the Calvinism v. Arminianism debate is an example? Books are written an sermons preached that seem to divide people on the issues that accompany these views. It is sometimes hard to see the debate as one done with great love.
DeleteIt does seem that history is rife with denominations and sects that have arisen because of disagreements over things nonessential.
There is probably few more explosive issues in theology than the Calvinism v. Arminianism debate. There are people with strong, vocal opinions on both sides. I believe this is n important issue worth discussing, but not worth dividing over. I base this on the fact that I consider the essentials are the things put forth in Scripture as such (i John 4:2,3, 1:10; Galatians 1:8,9) and I see no such indication for Calvinism v. Arminianism. Also when (like my current church) you have both groups present in the congregation, it tends to civilize both sides a bit.
Delete"I believe this is n important issue worth discussing, but not worth dividing over."
ReplyDeleteWell said Mike.
I do think of the reformers though. Many held most of the the core Roman Catholic theological views when they broke away. Mostly not because of justification by faith alone but more against papal authority.
Indicative of how many denominations formed by breaking away from other ones. The issue of who will be in charge and submitting to such leaders always seems to be an issue.
Then there is the whole idea of the selling of bricks for the new church ... I mean the selling of indulgences. ツ
There is no question that one of the basic issues in divisions is who gets to be in charge. Sometimes it seems to be the only issue.
DeleteI also have asserted that Protestantism did not go far enough in rejecting the Roman Catholic mechanical view of authority. The idea one has authority merely based on who you are historically descended from or who we are ordained by. This results in things being divided over just because our group has always divided over those things, rather then a careful consideration whether they really merit it. I am convinced that moving away from this mechanical idea of the church would help make divisions easier to deal with.
Well put Mike. I have said that Evangelicals have more popes than Catholics. We call them Senior Pastors. ツ
DeleteI hate to admit it, but in too many cases I have to agree with you. We need leadership, but the function of leadership should be to help people think through what they believe and why they believe it for themselves, so they really understand it. Not tell them what to believe. This is dangerous because if you encourage people to think things through for themselves they may not come up with your answers. But I know of no other way to build strong Christians.
DeleteAgree. Sadly the Roman Catholic Church influences Evangelical thinking on church authority structures even today.
DeleteUnfortunately, there is a lot of truth in that.
DeleteThe UMC that I am a member of does not believe in transubstantiation but has an altar. The reach of Roman Catholicism is much greater than we think.
DeleteWhat do you see as the significance of having an altar?
DeleteThe significance seems to be an expression of bad theology. Makes sense for Roman Catholics who believe that they re-sacrifice Christ in the Mass. Makes no sense for churches who do not believe that.
ReplyDeleteA few of my thoughts on the subject:
+ What makes a Table an Altar?
+ dead vs living sacrifices