One Lord, One Church

The Church has divided itself.  You have Catholics, Lutherans, Presbyterians, Episcopalians, Baptists, Wesleyans.  There are many different reasons for a church to split, some serious, some stupid.  I know of a church that split into two because one half didn't like the color of the carpet when the chapel was renovated.  Stupid.

Many churches split because their teachings are different.  I grew up in a church that taught against alcohol and smoking.  They didn't teach communion or baptism.  The church I attend now is also against alcohol and smoking, but they practice communion (with grape juice) and baptism.  I know that Catholics practice communion with wine.  I know of churches that it's OK for members to smoke.

You have Christians today who argue with other Christians about these teachings.  Some believe that they are right and those others are wrong, not saved and going to Hell.  "The Bible says this," a group will shout and proceed to bash the others over the head, proclaiming how wrong they are.  Some denominations have even gone so far as to call other denominations as the "Antichrist."

So, who's right?

An outsider will look at us Christians and see us fighting among ourselves and be completely confused.  We are supposed to represent Christ to the world and lead the way to the truth, but what is the truth?  If the Church can't seem to follow one truth, then what is the truth?

Who is right?

Saint Augustine of Hippo once wrote:

"In essentials, Unity; in non-essentials, Liberty; in all things, Charity."

In other words, the Church needs to be unified in those teachings that are essential and in those non-essentials, we are free to believe what we will.  But in all things, we need to do in love (which is what charity means.)

So, what are the essentials?

The jailer in Phillipi asked that very question of Paul.

Acts 16:29-31

The jailer called for lights, rushed in and fell trembling before Paul and Silas.  He then brought them out and asked, 'Sirs, what must I do to be saved?"

They replied, "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved - you and your household."   

That's it.  That's all that is essential to salvation:  believe in the Lord Jesus.  Paul and Solas didn't say that the man had to follow a set of rules and regulations, or wear a certain type of clothing, or any other non-essential thing. As long as a church teaches the fact that to be saved one must simply believe in Jesus, they are a true church and are following God's command to them.

There can be good reasons for a church to split.  I presently attend a church that has a fairly traditional service.  We have an orchestra and choir.  The music is pretty contemporary, but we do sing the old hymns regularly.  I'm comfortable there.

But what if someone doesn't like orchestra music, but likes rap instead?  Not far away is a church that caters to those people who like rap.  Hard rock?  There's another church for them.  I've attended churches that offer Caribbean style music and worship.

The way we worship is a non-essential.  We have freedom to worship as we see fit and are comfortable.  Just because I prefer to worship with slower, older hymns doesn't make me any more (or less) saved than someone who prefers to worship with an electric guitar and drum set.

The Church (big C) needs to stop fighting between the churches (little c) and become unified in the command given us by Christ himself:

"Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation."