How Institutionalism Breeds Division

Every organization requires rules in support of order, discipline, and efficiency—and the church is no different. We, too, have rules that aid in the organization and operation of the church. (There is always some measure of institutionalization required in the church.) In addition, we have established other rules that aid in the understanding and practice of the faith such as creeds, confessions, statements of faith, doctrinal statements, and so on. These are helpful guides to what we believe. What they don’t say is what we don’t believe. These conclusions we may draw by implication.

For example, your local church, tradition, or denomination may subscribe to adult baptism or “believer’s baptism” and this belief may be included in your doctrinal statements. Then you encounter another Christian who subscribes to infant baptism (paedobaptism) and you may assume by implication that their belief is wrong (because it differs from your institutional convictions) and thereby conclude it must be a false interpretation of biblical faith.

Christians have throughout the centuries—and most especially following the Protestant Reformation—arrived at very different understandings about a multitude of issues related to the teaching and practice of the Christian faith. Unfortunately, we tend to form enclaves around these doctrinal understandings, which are eventually institutionalized into denominations, thereby distinguishing us from other Christians. The result is sectarianism, which can create divisions within the body.

No longer is there such a thing as “mere Christianity” to borrow C. S. Lewis’s phrase, but Catholic-Christianity, Protestant-Christianity, Orthodox-Christianity—not to mention the countless Protestant denominations and nondenominational representations of Christianity. Universal fellowship centered on the person and work of Jesus Christ is exchanged for tribal commitments to traditions and various nonessential views.

This is not to say that we shouldn’t have deeply held doctrinal and theological convictions, merely that we should recognize that the Scriptures often leave room for the many varied interpretations of Christian practice. As the late Dr. Francis Schaeffer pointed out, the Bible is true truth—sufficient for salvation—but not exhaustive truth. It’s completely true about everything to which it speaks, but it doesn't speak about everything there is to know (see 1 Corinthians 13:12). Given this condition, which the Lord has determined, it becomes dangerous to speculate through implication on those things that are not essential to salvation and elevate them to essential beliefs that divide.

If we take seriously the Lord’s request of the Father that we “may be brought to complete unity” (John 17:23) then we would be wise to listen to and fellowship with one another in a spirit of love and charity; for according to Christ, this is how the world will believe that the Father has sent the Son (see John 17:21).

© 2013 by S. Michael Craven

Genesis 1:1–2:3

Adam and Eve: A Match Made in Heaven

Genesis 1:1–2:3

Every civilization has a story about how humanity appeared on earth. This story matters, because people understand their own meaning and purpose from how they think human life began. Some cultures have worshiped creation itself; others think human life is nothing more than chemical compounds. God’s Word says, “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth” (1:1), and this provides the foundation for how we view the world and ourselves. This month in Today in the Word we’ll look at characters in Genesis and hope to gain greater insight into how we should live in the world today. We must be struck first of all with God’s majesty revealed through His creative power. Many ancient mythologies describe the world arising through conflict between many gods. Here we see one God who speaks, and worlds take form. God’s word subdues all darkness and emptiness (v. 2). He conquers all, and the orderly procession of creation from light to land, from plants to people testifies to His majesty and power. In addition to His majesty God shows His love, as He prepared this procession not only for Himself but also for Adam and Eve. God cares for creation in general, but made His relationship with humanity special (1:27). This opening chapter shows us that in sharing in God’s image, Adam and Eve were meant for a creative and vibrant union, one that helped make creation “very good.” Only as male and female together can humanity reflect Trinitarian reality, both in their union (“God created man”) and in their distinctiveness (“male and female he created them”). As God rested, so could Adam and Eve. Harmony reigned as humanity formed the bridge between God and creation.

We can never understand our true purpose on earth without seeing first God’s goodness in making a world for His children. As we begin a new year, ask the Lord to give you fresh eyes to see His goodness and your purpose in this world. The Lord who created you also delights in your life!