Denominations – Necessary Evil or Necessarily Evil? – Part 3

A third passage that needs major consideration is 1 Corinthians 1. Paul could not be more clear in 1:10 when he says, “I urge you…to end your divisions, and to be united by the same purpose and mind.” From the context of 1:10-17 we can gather that a number of the Corinthian believers were getting caught up in “name-dropping.” They were saying, “I am of Paul” or “I am of Apollos” or “I am of Peter” or “I am of Christ” (well LaTeeDahhh!). It seems that more notoriety or credence was given to believers who could lay claim to the “super-apostles” or Christ himself. As if one’s position on the family tree in relationship to the Lord or his closest followers had anything to do with the work that Christ did on the cross.

Christ crucified is exactly the issue at stake here and Paul makes that abundantly clear (1:18ff). We are not baptized in the name of Paul or of Peter…nor in the name of Luther, Calvin, Arminius, Baptists, Presbyterians, IFCAs, Anglicans or Emergents. We were baptized in Christ and our baptism is only effective because he died and rose again. It is interesting that boasting because of a direct link to Christ is even a dividing line according to Paul (1:12-13). It does not matter who shared the gospel with you or who discipled you. What matters is that you believe in Christ crucified, risen and coming again. All else pales in comparison.

One thing I can appreciate about a number of denominations is that they have been around the block a lot longer than I’ve been alive. They have a formed system of beliefs that was not produced over night or even in my lifetime. Mature believers are often in positions of leadership and much wisdom can be had by serving under their guidance. Common mistakes by young Christians can be avoided simply by being a part of a stable organization that looks after its own and warns them of potential dangers that others have experienced in the past. The name of many denominations carry with them a sense of respect because they are founded on biblical principles or developed from the sound teachings of heroes of our faith.

The problem is that I’ve yet to find a denomination that doesn’t have its own agenda of some sort. Usually the agenda is carried out at the expense of relationships with other denominations. I’m not saying those agendas aren’t at least partly valid, but the agendas are carried out in such a way that it is impossible to work alongside brothers and sisters in other denominations. I’m being intentionally vague because I don’t want to be the one casting judgment. I have specific personal experiences in mind, but pointing fingers does little to promote unity given that most denominations are guilty of the same problems (never mind the fact that I also tend to be guilty of the same offence!). Let’s suffice it to say that when one plants a church through a denomination, most will frown upon you planting churches of other denominations. It goes with the territory. If one picks sides, he better be certain he picked the only right side or you are instantly drawing dividing lines instead of seeking unity.

Some might argue that being non-denominational is a denomination or at the very least will deteriorate into a denomination at some point down the road. I both agree and disagree with that claim. I mostly disagree with the first part of the claim. Being non-denominational to me is stating that I refuse to “pick sides” with other Christian brothers and sisters. My faith is no more valid than a Lutheran’s (which synod?) faith…or a Baptist (name your flavor), or a Presbyterian (way liberal or way conservative?), or a Methodist, or the list could (and should) go on. Please note, this does not mean I don’t have very specific core doctrinal beliefs, because I do. Choosing what I believe, however, does not mean I have to pick a denominational boundary. I have to imagine that Luther would have had a hissy fit if he knew a denomination with his name would develop in the years following his death. I think he would have had a heart attack if he thought his 95 theses would eventually lead to 100s of denominations worldwide. The 95 theses themselves make it very clear that Luther wanted to reconcile with the Catholic Church and its Pope (though he later realized it impossible to do so on the basis of incorrect core doctrine). Calvin and Arminius believed much closer to the same thing than their namesakes’ polar opposite theological camps would lead you to believe these days. Too many of our denominations believe much the same down the line in terms of orthodoxy, but are split on matters of practice and minor theological points.

To return more specifically to the point of 1 Cor. 1, the rallying point for Christians is not a certain position on some debated theological topic, a matter of preferred practice in worship or who can lay claim to the richest Christian tradition with the deepest roots. Our rallying point is a certain Person named Jesus Christ who died on the cross for our sins. More importantly, he’s alive today because he defeated sin and death in his own body and will one day defeat death on our behalf (see 1 Cor 15). In spite of that monumental rallying point, we insist on nitpicking at one another and pointing fingers about things that are not important. Paul clearly lays out in 1 Corinthians that everything pales in comparison to the message of the cross and the reality of our risen Lord. Our practice or lack thereof of certain religious traditions is not as important as the fact that Christ was crucified, he rose again on the third day and he’s coming back. Nothing we do or don’t do should detract from that message…a message we want everyone to hear and believe.

For this very reason, I will not choose sides. The very word “denomination” smacks of the exact opposite of what Paul was trying to communicate when he said “end your divisions.” From my limited experience seeking out denominations, I’ve discovered that much too much time is spent pressing the denominational agenda and name. That’s a waste of time. Their name, as respected as it might be, can’t save me. Their history, as rich as it might be can’t save me. Their doctrine, as correct as it might be, can’t save me. Only the grace of Jesus who died for me and rose again on the third day can save me. That is the dividing line. If you don’t believe that, then you are not a Christian. If you do, then you are…and you are my brother or sister in Christ. Therefore we are one, and I will not intentionally draw a line between you and me in the sand.

A look at Revelation 21:22-22:7 will reveal the “final” word on unity (i.e. what we can expect when all is said and done). Keep checking back for more posts on this matter. The next one should come within the next few days.