Party Spirit/ Schisms vs. Love

1. Does not every denomination or group that exists has some principles, beliefs, doctrinal positions etc that define that group, written or unwritten?
2. Does one not become a part of a specific denomination or group by stated adherence to the beliefs held by the group or denomination?
3. Is not the basis of association directly connected with the beliefs of what it means, or how to become, a Christian believer and in some cases that which they feel is the Scriptural mandate to remain in the faith?
4. Is not the very purpose of association to align oneself with men and women that agree doctrinally with not only what salvation and or the Christian walk entails, but to keep apart or insulate themselves from those that would differ from the agreed upon statement of faith or doctrinal positions?
5. If a certain group holds to doctrinal positions that are NOT a matter of salvation, and in doing so in effect cut of other brothers or sisters in Christ from being treated as an equal, how is that not showing partiality or respect of persons as directly forbidden by Scripture itself? Jas 2:1 ¶ My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons.
Jas 2:9 But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors.

How would such an attitude of self-segregation be not precisely what the Apostle Paul condemned as having a party spirit? 1Co 1:12 Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ.
13 Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?

I would like to see every believer on this list would be to make a list of absolute essential doctrinal beliefs you feel are necessary for fellowship. We could then query each other if in fact they are all essential for salvation and see if we are walking in unity and love as the Scripture commands us to or if in fact we are guilty of creating a schism in the body of Christ.

 

Salty, forgive me if I get personal here. I mean no offense. I am simply interested in getting us to look introspectively at our attitudes and actions, to see if we are in accordance to the Word of God.

What constitutes ‘having fellowship’ to you? Can you fellowship with them in your Sunday School class, or in the worship service, etc? Can you treat them as you would so that men treat you seven days a week anywhere they are found, or does that fellowship have to happen outside the walls of your denominational church? Do you grant to them the same freedoms you so desire to enjoy? Are they allowed to speak and share their doctrines, songs, etc. at times you are allowed to freely do so as long as done decently and in order? Is true fellowship time and place sensitive?

 

HP: They have no such Biblical principle. If in fact Scripture clearly stated that if hair on a man touches ones ears it constitutes having long hair, I might agree with them. In that Scripture does not draw any such distinct conclusion I personally would feel that such rules constitute a schism. Being a ‘Biblical principle’ to some, in no wise makes it a true Biblical principle, would you not agree? Those drawing such unbiblical conclusions need to be exhorted, in a Scriptural manner of course, concerning their error.

 

HP: While I understand what you are saying, and tend at least at times to somewhat ponder that perspective…………. but I find myself unwilling to act or operate under that assumption at least at times. I have had the privilege of intermingling with several godly men and women of differing denominational backgrounds that I would not for a minute accept the notion that it was sin in their lives that was a the heart of their obvious differences. Ignorance in some areas maybe. Inability to escape some teachings from childhood, maybe, but sin? I would not necessarily believe so. I have known them to be humble, caring, and willing to overlook even the prejudices of others for unity and fellowship, including others that even excluded them in ways. Treating others as equals that were not treated as such by those they fellowshipped with. I am truly a blessed man to have been able to rub shoulders with such men and women!

In a ministry I am personally aware of, there are at least 4 distinctly different theological perspectives represented leading the group, and many others represented in attendance. There are Pentecostals and non Pentecostals. There are Independents and Baptists. Face it, we all do not think alike. Could the ‘possibility exist’ that God uses even differing doctrines at times to minister in different ways to different individuals at different places in their walk with the Lord? None of us have all the truth. Could God even blind us to some knowledge or understanding to keep us humble and even to test us and others in the love we have one for another?


Lu 6:32 For if ye love them which love you, what thank have ye? for sinners also love those that love them.

 

Amy, you well may have made an good point. Let me strike the word “blinding” and insert the word ‘witholds.’ I would certainly say God has withheld truth from myself for I am not infinite, and have sought God for answers that I have yet to receive answers to. I believe we all would admit to that would we not? Does he not withold soem level of truth in different manners to different people? Could that possibly be a source of disagreement between brethren?

If the unity Scripture calls us to involves total doctrinal agreement, somehow I feel we are all in trouble. It would appear to me that the unity we are called on has as much or more to do with how we treat others that we disagree with as it does coming into doctrinal unity on every point.

 

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HP: God help me.