 The Fallacy of Denominationalism: Part II
by Eric Schlange, 8/1/04
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If you recall from my previous article, we’re looking at the problems caused by denominationalism (the idea that my denomination or church body is superior to all others) and exploring solutions to these problems. In this article, we’re going to examine denominationalism’s root causes and peek into possible solutions to these issues. Part three of this series will focus on a more in-depth look at these solutions.
Denominationalism exists for two different reasons; the first and most apparent being doctrinal differences. Since a doctrine is a set of principals used to define who is a “believer” and who is not, the issue of doctrine is no small one. It’s no stretch to postulate that at some point between Jesus’ ascension and today, two Christians disagreed on a point of doctrine and chose to part ways because of this difference. Take this disagreement and multiply it over two thousand years and millions of Christian leaders and the result is what we see today—many different Christian groups preaching various doctrines, all from the same Bible.
Granted, Biblical interpretation isn’t always the easiest thing to do correctly, especially when we’re struggling with our worldly flesh and its interpretation of God’s Word. (As the Apostle Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 3:19, “For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God's sight.”) And when one church believes that speaking in tongues is an essential part of being saved and another doesn’t believe God even gives the gift of tongues today, an issue will arise. You might also take the issue of baptism: should it be a sprinkling, or an immersion? Is it required for salvation, or is it a symbolic act following salvation? How should these differences be handled, when both sides feel very strongly about what their beliefs? With man, this sort of thing is impossible. But remember that with God, all things are possible! (Mark 10:27).
In the New Testament, we see church leaders meeting together when theological differences arose (such as Acts 15, the council in Jerusalem to discuss whether Gentile Christians should be required to live by Jewish laws.) If unity is the goal, this is the correct way to handle things when theological differences arise. Those with opposing views need to prayerfully and humbly meet together, asking God’s Holy Spirit to work in their hearts to teach them His truth. The beautiful thing about doctrinal differences is their potential to bring Christians together to humbly seek God’s truth. To paraphrase John 16:13—God is truth, and when we seek him, he will guide us into this truth.
Denominationalism also stems from our selfish, comfort-driven culture. People simply want to “attend church” where they are most comfortable… where the music, message, and people are just right. Did God intend for Christians to shop around their local church scene until they found the most comfortable one, trying them on like shoes in a store? I would submit that God’s plan for the church includes believers being stretched as they come into contact with people who are outside of their comfort zone… learning humility as they take part in activities that aren’t necessarily their “style” but are just what other members of the community need. It’s tough to be humble and Christ-like in church when you continually mold the entire experience around your fleshly desires.
I could debate the pros and cons of the market-driven “seeker service” approach, but that’s not the point here. The point is that the world’s culture and “wisdom” reinforces denominationalism. And just like our solution to doctrinal beliefs, we find that in this case God’s truth is the only remedy. What did Jesus say? “For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it; but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.” (Matthew 16:24-25) As we stop seeking our worldly desires and start seeking God on a personal, relational level, our hardened hearts will begin to soften, allowing Him to teach us His truth and guide us into a life that is immeasurably better than what we have without God! (Ephesians 3:20)
So the question remains: are we willing to let disagreements or selfishness guide the formation and ministry of the church on a local level? Or can we work through differences together and step out in faith to embrace the goals which Christ has for the Church? The solution for our heart problem is simple and powerful—allow God to work on it through the truth of His word and the power of His Spirit!
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