How Institutionalism Breeds Division:
Interesting article, and the truth. As I travel to some destinations in Africa - presently in Malawi, and this subject has come into my mind a lot as they always tend to ask you - "what church do you belong to" and obviously I tell them that I belong to the Church of Jesus Christ. This gives me opportunity to evangelize and also to help them to think of Christianity in the correct context!
I am fortunate that my company send and pay for me to travel on business and it affords me so many opportunities to spread the Good News - starting with my own employees and gradually the Lord has helped me to move further affield and I am now called Pastor wherever I go. I must admit that these 'opportunities' have come about as a result of my prayer "the Jabez prayer" that I prayed many years ago and the Lord has gradually prepared me for the work and now I can be His instrument. I am still learning a lot and must admit that it is very humbling and a great blessing, and to do this to the Glory of God is all I ask! Admittedly the people here and everywhere I go need much prayer and assistance, both spiritually and financially and poverty is a great problem. Changing attitudes helps a lot and they are very open to listening about the Lord and what He wants to do for them. We need to really bring every country before the Lord in prayer so that they can start with spiritual awakening and can start reaching out to the many lost souls. Thank you for the messages that provide so much insight and blessings. Every Word of God helps to keep my mind on track so that I am able to not only drink it in but also speak about it with more authority! Keep the blessings rolling in!

I agree so much on this article. If we are going to "be known by our love" for one another, we have such a long way to go to overcome the divisions!
Thank you for your faithfulness to His word.

Amazing things can be done in the name of Christ if we work with all those with whom we hold the essentials of the faith in common. In Toowoomba Queensland, Australia - a city of about 100,000 - the Christian Leaders Network consists of about 40 pastors and Christian workers who have united under the banner of the Apostles Creed. They work on the essentials of the faith, and as a result, transformation of the culture occurs through the unity displayed. Always imperfectly, but you can see the joy of the Lord in their midst.

Very well said Michael!

Agree with everything you said, Michael. However, what you said is used by my denomination of ordination [PCUSA] to justify ordination of homosexuals. We must "tolerate" one another when we differ on issues not essential for salvation. So perhaps some qualification is necessary.

Bob,
Of course you are correct, some do attempt to justify any doctrinal position including heresy. However, therein lies the test; to deny that which IS essential to salvation, i.e., repentance, is by definition heresy. Unity is not to be pursued at the expense of Truth.

It is encouraging to see others who see the problems of institutionalism and other 'isms that are damaging to the Body of Christ. We encourage all to continue to seek the Lord for practical ways that encourage more positive movement toward practical unity without including contradictory truth claims and practice. We invite all to commonchristianground.org for practical recommendations and thoughtful discussion. Let us always remember we are all one in our Triune God!

Thanks for the article. when you say that the Bible itself gives room for varied interpretations and subsequently varied practices,do you by this want to say that we should embrace others with their different beliefs even when they are not Biblically sound so that we can be united as John 17 says?

Patrick,
The variation to which I refer pertains to non-essential matters. Of course, there is no "unity" with those who preach heresy. I should think this is obvious.