Unity of the faith - at what cost?

[St. SteVen]

The call for doctrinal unity has gone out across the centuries.
Are we there yet? (not by a long shot)

Where is the problem?
Perhaps it is in the assumption that the unity of the faith is doctrinal unity.

- Can there be unity of the faith that overlooks doctrinal differences?
- Does the Body of Christ have room for differing views on doctrine?
- What would the church look like if we didn't label differing views as BAD or FALSE doctrines?
- Is a differing view unbiblical simply because it doesn't agree with our own biblical position?
- Can two opposing views BOTH be biblical, if there is biblical evidence to support each view is given?

[

 

[amigo de christo]

The call for doctrinal unity has gone out across the centuries.
Are we there yet? (not by a long shot)

Where is the problem?
Perhaps it is in the assumption that the unity of the faith is doctrinal unity.

- Can there be unity of the faith that overlooks doctrinal differences?
- Does the Body of Christ have room for differing views on doctrine?
- What would the church look like if we didn't label differing views as BAD or FALSE doctrines?
- Is a differing view unbiblical simply because it doesn't agree with our own biblical position?
- Can two opposing views BOTH be biblical, if there is biblical evidence to support each view is given?

[

When will this man called stephen stop bringing rebellion unto this people . You are in danger steven .
The time to cease and dissest from your actions and to relearn the scrips for yourself is RIGHT NOW .

 

[Ezra]

The call for doctrinal unity has gone out across the centuries.
Are we there yet? (not by a long shot)

Where is the problem?
Perhaps it is in the assumption that the unity of the faith is doctrinal unity.

- Can there be unity of the faith that overlooks doctrinal differences?
- Does the Body of Christ have room for differing views on doctrine?
- What would the church look like if we didn't label differing views as BAD or FALSE doctrines?
- Is a differing view unbiblical simply because it doesn't agree with our own biblical position?
- Can two opposing views BOTH be biblical, if there is biblical evidence to support each view is given?

unity is hard to obtain out side denoms to many eyes and attitudes .over the years i have attended many different denoms in a visit . for the most i have been welcomed with open arms.. however welcome is all many will not allow anyone to sing or anything with the service..unless your part of the circle. how soon we forget there is one Lord one Faith one Baptism that works in and through all .

john 17 Jesus prayed we be one in him the question isss can Pentecostals aaaand baptist meet under the same roof. respect each other doctrine beliefs . it can be done but it takes minding the spirit

 

[ShineTheLight]

When will this man called stephen stop bringing rebellion unto this people . You are in danger steven .
The time to cease and dissest from your actions and to relearn the scrips for yourself is RIGHT NOW .

St. Steven sure likes to ask a lot of questions. Some of them you'll have to do what 2 Timothy 2:23 says. He has the church of Sardis on him.

 

[St. SteVen]

St. Steven sure likes to ask a lot of questions. Some of them you'll have to do what 2 Timothy 2:23 says. He has the church of Sardis on him.

I'm not the one with "foolish and stupid arguments". - LOL

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[Brakelite]

Humility and service is the answer, I think.

Maybe we disagree over the rapture, or something else, but do we disagree over how to give a meal to the hungry person? How to give the cold person a blanket?

I think that if we truly have humility, we will serve each other without all the conflict, since we won't be emotionally invested.

We argue and debate over points of theology and all, but when we serve together, we work side by side without disputations.

Much love!

Jesus made it clear what the criteria were that demonstrated true faith. And by the way, this is a biblical precept, not just NT.
CARE FOR THE WIDOW.
LOOK AFTER THE FATHERLESS.
FEED THE HUNGRY.
WELCOME THE STRANGER
CLOTHE THE NAKED.

You said serving together is a witness to unity. I would go a little further. When we serve, it's a unity between ourselves and Jesus. The above criteria is what we will all be judged by. Not theology. Not doctrine. However, a better theology and a sound doctrine absolutely goes a long way in empowering true loving service.

 

[Brakelite]

Barney, when I see this, I have to ask, "Why should it be this way? Why ISN'T the Holy Spirit leading us toward unity? Are we assuming something about the Holy Ghost's job description that just isn't true?"

Anyway, something is broken, and I don't know how to fix it.

Are you sure the holy Spirit isn't leading God's people to unite? Perhaps there is simply to many of us who are hard of hearing.

 

[St. SteVen]

Unity of the faith - at what cost?​

The call for doctrinal unity has gone out across the centuries.
Are we there yet? (not by a long shot)

Where is the problem?
Perhaps it is in the assumption that the unity of the faith is doctrinal unity.

- Can there be unity of the faith that overlooks doctrinal differences?
- Does the Body of Christ have room for differing views on doctrine?
- What would the church look like if we didn't label differing views as BAD or FALSE doctrines?
- Is a differing view unbiblical simply because it doesn't agree with our own biblical position?
- Can two opposing views BOTH be biblical, if there is biblical evidence to support each view is given?

 

[DJT_47]

There is one truth not multiple truths so opposing views can't both be right: someone's right and someone's wrong. So, can right and wrong coexist?

 

[stevesonthebay]

The call for doctrinal unity has gone out across the centuries.
Are we there yet? (not by a long shot)

Where is the problem?
Perhaps it is in the assumption that the unity of the faith is doctrinal unity.

- Can there be unity of the faith that overlooks doctrinal differences?
- Does the Body of Christ have room for differing views on doctrine?
- What would the church look like if we didn't label differing views as BAD or FALSE doctrines?
- Is a differing view unbiblical simply because it doesn't agree with our own biblical position?
- Can two opposing views BOTH be biblical, if there is biblical evidence to support each view is given?

I don't think its doctrinal. At least the core message of the Gospel. You have to remember Christianity was growing pretty fast and the bible had not yet been completed. There were letters and fragments around. But primarily it was the Gospel.

The Gospel transformed people as the spirit of God came upon them. The same spirit that inspired the New Testament. As Paul had insisted that this was the renewing of the mind and spirit that made Christians one under Christ.

So really it was not so much the words but the spirit and mind of the believers who were unified. Their disposition in humbleness and sacrifice for God. No longer of the world but living out Gods Kingdom.

Remember the people did not fully understand Christs words. It was not until the spirit of God came upon them that their eyes were opened.

So in that sense I think we can unify as Christians. In doing so I think if each person is born again then they will have the same beliefs as there is only one truth and not many.

In fact disgreement that lingers and causes division and for churches to seperate is a sure sign of something wrong. It does not matter what that conflict is over or who is right or wrong. Just having that division is bad fruit and a sign that something needs addressing.

Theres room for healthy questions and clarifications of doctrine. But there has to be strong leadership as well to nip in the bud false ideas. Especially today in that people are taught to question everything and that there is no single truth to be found.

I always though that as a Christian I could meet another Christian on the other side of the world and regardless of culture we would have unity of mind and spirit. At least I think thats how it should be.

 

[Wrangler]

There is one truth not multiple truths so opposing views can't both be right: someone's right and someone's wrong. So, can right and wrong coexist?

Here, there is confusion over what is true with one's opinion or preference or principle to focus on.

Suppose, one group says "save the whales" and another says to "hug trees." This is not a matter of right or wrong. Then there is the next level of detail, the heretics who agree we need to "save the whales" but prefer to do it in a manner inconsistent with the main group.

Again, it is a matter of opinion that course A will result in a better outcome than course B - and not a matter of truth versus falsehood. Because of our temporal nature, we cannot experiment in this regard. We must choose a single path at any point in time. Example. FDR dealt with a society that was largely isolationist. America could have easily stayed out of WWII, which would have led to the Axis powers victory.

 

[Triumph1300]

America could have easily stayed out of WWII

People forget that the Red Army was the first to enter Berlin.

 

[DJT_47]

Here, there is confusion over what is true with one's opinion or preference or principle to focus on.

Suppose, one group says "save the whales" and another says to "hug trees." This is not a matter of right or wrong. Then there is the next level of detail, the heretics who agree we need to "save the whales" but prefer to do it in a manner inconsistent with the main group.

Again, it is a matter of opinion that course A will result in a better outcome than course B - and not a matter of truth versus falsehood. Because of our temporal nature, we cannot experiment in this regard. We must choose a single path at any point in time. Example. FDR dealt with a society that was largely isolationist. America could have easily stayed out of WWII, which would have led to the Axis powers victory.

We're not talking about whales but rather truth or non-trurh which includes half truth, and it's about definitive issues of scripture. You can have all the opinions you want when it comes to scripture, but in reality there is the truth, and everything else therefore is obviously not true. The biggest issue of division is salvation. How is one saved? What must a person do? The scriptures are clear yet there are many opinions that propagate untruth resulting in unsaved souls. Are some of the opinions partially right? Yes! But being partially right won't save your soul. Is there one way that can be gleaned from the scriptures that is true? Yes! Can all ways be true that opinions are based on? No. There is one truth, and everything else must therefore be untrue, and few there be that find it.

 

[Wrangler]

We're not talking about whales but rather truth or non-trurh

Sadly, you don’t grasp the point.

The biggest issue of division is salvation. How is one saved? What must a person do? The scriptures are clear yet there are many opinions that propagate untruth resulting in unsaved souls.

You really believe denominational divisions over salvation CAUSES unsaved souls - that a denominations doctrine overpowers Christ’s God to choose who to save? Wow!

 

[St. SteVen]

There is one truth not multiple truths so opposing views can't both be right: someone's right and someone's wrong. So, can right and wrong coexist?

Would you surrender your own beliefs in the cause of doctrinal unity?

 

[Ezra]

The call for doctrinal unity has gone out across the centuries.
Are we there yet? (not by a long shot)

Where is the problem?
Perhaps it is in the assumption that the unity of the faith is doctrinal unity.

- Can there be unity of the faith that overlooks doctrinal differences?
- Does the Body of Christ have room for differing views on doctrine?
- What would the church look like if we didn't label differing views as BAD or FALSE doctrines?
- Is a differing view unbiblical simply because it doesn't agree with our own biblical position?
- Can two opposing views BOTH be biblical, if there is biblical evidence to support each view is given?

first off let me say this.. you propose a lot of different questions. but seem to come short of a solution's or answer


1. yes there can provided man can lay aside his in difference and looks for common ground. in fact i have done it... how ever there can be NO UNITY in doctrine if there is darkness in it. we been told to avoid the darkness.

2 different views? once again this depends can i have unity with j.w , Mormon Muslim or any thing else contrary to the Bible

3. mess concussion in today's world there has be some type order the Bible tells us tot to follow just any old doctrine
4 Is a differing view unbiblical simply because it doesn't agree with our own biblical position? yes and No

5 yes there can provided. i have been in Pentecostal services where it got crazy . i have a friend she is woman apostolic i grew up around her. when we talk we agree in common areas . for example i am Not certain the tongues spoke today.. is the same type used in the Bible days.. ( that is just me ) i dont shun those who speak today Church groups can still get together in fellowship of monthly services.. but there will always be those few. who do not like it .


the ball is in your court

 

[JohnDB]

The call for doctrinal unity has gone out across the centuries.
Are we there yet? (not by a long shot)

Where is the problem?
Perhaps it is in the assumption that the unity of the faith is doctrinal unity.

- Can there be unity of the faith that overlooks doctrinal differences?
- Does the Body of Christ have room for differing views on doctrine?
- What would the church look like if we didn't label differing views as BAD or FALSE doctrines?
- Is a differing view unbiblical simply because it doesn't agree with our own biblical position?
- Can two opposing views BOTH be biblical, if there is biblical evidence to support each view is given?

The SBC has had an answer to this....

They have a CONVENTION of like minded believers.

There are varying differences between each individual Church. No one tries to force their unique beliefs onto the others....or else you become dis-invited.

If you baptize babies....ok....just don't make it a platform at the convention. If you speak in tongues and swing from chandeliers....ok...



Those who have tried to force their unique doctrines on the rest have been uninvited and stopped from voting anymore.

 

[DJT_47]

Sadly, you don’t grasp the point.



You really believe denominational divisions over salvation CAUSES unsaved souls - that a denominations doctrine overpowers Christ’s God to choose who to save? Wow!

Absolutely! Are you saved by belief only, or faith only, or are unbelievers saved, or are you saved without baptism, or by substituting some other thing in place of baptism yet calling it baptism? Think about the myriad of denominations that believe and practice the above. Sadly you do not understand and don't grasp the point.

 

[JohnDB]

There is one truth not multiple truths so opposing views can't both be right: someone's right and someone's wrong. So, can right and wrong coexist?

Once you step outside of core truths....
We can allow for a lot of latitude.

For example,
When Jesus was on the cross you might believe He was croaking out the 22nd psalm OR He thought his Father was abandoning him.

Are the two variations of beliefs legitimate?
Yes.
Are they a reason to divide?
Nope!

Because good men with sound reasoning can make errors. "I am and have been wrong" is the first essential thought step in becoming a follower of Jesus....
It gets easier the more you practice it. The moment you stop....you cause division.

I have my beliefs....others have theirs. This is not a reason to not work with others or to not have fellowship. Its just a matter of interpretation. I will not be perfect until I reach heaven. Until that time....I'm completely imperfect and will have errors in beliefs even though I try not to....just like everyone else.

Claiming to have perfect theology is to claim to be God. Blasphemy.

Doesn't mean that I shouldn't share my beliefs....or stop others from sharing theirs.

It's kinda like shaving.
Each man that shaves has a particular way they accomplish the task. Canned cream, gel, oil, lotion, soap, single edge, cartridge, straight razor......electric.

My dad showed me cartridges and canned gel growing up. Then i discovered single edge shaving....much easier for my once per week shaving. And i showed my dad badger brushes and shaving soap....he loved the brush and soap. He has abandoned his gel because my way, to him, is so much better....
His face is still shaved....it never stopped being shaved in all the years I've known my father....it doesn't now either. He still shaves regularly.
And that's what it's all about. I didn't think less of him because he used gel. I showed him....he liked it...but he had never been shown the difference before with a good shaving soap. And he made a change.

People are all different....God calls each of us uniquely. I'm not going to interfere.

 

[DJT_47]

Would you surrender your own beliefs in the cause of doctrinal unity?

Not my own views; all taken from Scripture