|
 If
ever utopian dream of "one-world, one culture" were
realized, it would produce a "unity" of sorts even in
"religion". But the quality of the "unity"
in this purely human religion could be no higher than that of
the non-descript "blah" of mediocrity. A stream can
rise no higher than its source.
People
differ in religion because their backgrounds differ, their
characters differ, their knowledge differ. These differences are
projected into their desires, and what they believe to be their
needs. With most people religion is purely subjective; chosen,
shaped, and colored to suit each differing individual. With such
people there is little hope for oneness other than an artificial
and superficial "unity in diversity."
To
achieve this pseudo-oneness various "binders" must be
used. Organic ties may be woven, by which individuals are
integrated into a "system" and made to feel their
functioning as a Christian is wholly dependent upon this
"system". Denominational or party loyalty becomes the
adhesive. We must continually stress the individual obligation
of each Christian unto the Lord, or even God-ordained
congregational activities may degenerate into party loyalty, or
churchanity."
In
like vein statements of "I believe" (credo) may become
the adhesive for a union that is sectarian and creed-bound.
People are bound to one another on the basis of "Baptist
usage" "Augsburg Confession" or "Church of
Christ doctrine" — and "like precious faith"
becomes the way the "majority of churches of Christ in
Texas" do it, instead of the God-orientated "one
|
|
faith" of EPH.4:5.
Neither
organic ties, "church" doctrine, nor the hypothetical
"unity in diversity" plea can produce the oneness for
which Christ prayed. (JOH.17:21-f) True "oneness" is
an inner substance, a characteristic of each part that makes for
cohesion rather that adhesion. Mud adheres to a boot, but
snowflakes cohere in a snowball. There is a mutual
attractiveness, a oneness of substance that binds (1) the
sincere Christian to Christ, the Saviour and perfect example;
and (2) those of like precious faith to one-another. If we must
designate some adhesive or "glue" it will likely be
the "attitude" or "desire for unity" on the
part of all true Christians.
God's
people will find unity in their willingness and desire to
objectively consider His will — to reach outside of themselves
for truth. Here is the only hope for unity among differing
people. Those who close the door to fair and honorable
consideration of differences in the light of God's word must
bear the responsibility for perpetuating division. Every effort
to squelch honest convictions, or to make "party"
loyalty, or "traditional doctrines" the standard for
"unity" is rejection of and a slap at faith in God and
the divine standard.
We
are appalled at both the seeming lack of interest in unity, on
the part of some; and the willingness of others to forsake God's
plan in order to obtain a damning union in error. Where are
today's "more noble" ones?
[Previous
Article] [Next
Article]
|
