April 9, 2008...8:11 am
Christian Unity in a Post-Christian World
In the early 1800’s men from various denominational backgrounds with no connection to one another all hit on the same idea. That idea was that Christians should work towards the unity for which Jesus prayed (John 17), rather than be separated by their various denominations. This movement has come to be known by the terms “The Restoration Movement” or “The Stone-Campbell Movement” (so named after two of the most significant leaders). One of the groups to emerge from this movement is the churches of Christ.
Unfortunately what developed over time within churches of Christ was a mentality that said “Yes, we want to unite with you, as long as you interpret the Bible the way that we do”. In other words, we want unity on our terms. This, however, was in contrast to the early ideals of the movement that said “In essentials, unity; in opinions, liberty; in everything, love.” Thus churches of Christ, for the most part, separated themselves from the larger Christian movement often deeming themselves as “The only true Christians”.
Ironically there is now a movement afoot to do just what those restoration leaders intended – unify all who follow Christ. However, this movement seems to be much more of a grass roots movement. It is happening in interdenominational Bible study and prayer groups. It can bee seen in cooperative efforts by Christians of all stripes in humanitarian efforts in the name of Jesus within their communities.
This does not negate some theological differences. Some of these folks still disagree about matters such as baptism, the sovereignty of God, charismatic gifts, women’s role in the church, and millennial ideas. But what they have discovered in this post-Christian age is that what they have in common with one another is much greater than what they have in common with the world.
Churches of Christ should applaud this spirit. After all, this was our spirit in the beginning. If one should study the history of churches of Christ one would find that there were a great many differences among those early leaders. Yet these leaders and all who aligned themselves with them found a way to work through those differences to proclaim in words and deeds that God has changed the world in Jesus Christ.
The Palo Cedro church of Christ is of that mind. In the increasingly secular environment of the United States in general, and California in particular, we find it important to work together with those who claim Christ to be ministers of reconciliation in our community. Along those lines we are beginning to work with Redding Transformation to be salt and light in this community and to pray for all who request it. We have also been working with parachurch ministries such as Compassion International, Forward Edge, and World Vision. These groups are working towards doing good in the world in the name of Christ and we are joining their efforts.
For far too long churches of Christ have stood on the sideline claiming to be the ones who have all their doctrine correct and refusing participation with others who claim Christ. We did so because we assumed that any such participation meant that we condoned the teachings of these groups. This is pure silliness. Many of us have taken our old clothes to the Salvation Army or People of Progress without once thinking that we were affirming their beliefs. We simply wanted to help others because Christ has called us to such. This is no different.
If you want to know more about the groups listed above, simply click on the link listed below the Blogroll to the right.
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