Christian Union by F. M. W.

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D. C. · Feb 16, 1911

Christian Union

By F. M. W.

UNDER this head the Western Recorder of January 19 makes the following sensible remarks regarding the efforts being made by many churchmen toward so-called Christian unity:—

Following the trend of commercialism, many are clamoring for Christian union, by an amalgamation of the various denominations. It might be well for us to inquire if a combination of the denominations would produce a desirable union or unity. For example, suppose the several denominations of our city should come together and form one church, and call it the church of God, — would not the Methodist still believe in apostasy, and the Presbyterian still believe in infant sprinkling, and the Campbellite still believe in immersion for the remission of sins? Would their coming together, and calling themselves by the same name, in any wise change their convictions of truth? The only possible union, as we see it, that such a complex organization could claim, would be a union in name, and this, of course, would only be a nominal union. Indeed, such an organization would present a picture of unparalleled hypocrisy. Such an aggregation, though formed in the name of brotherly love, would deceive neither God nor man. If Christians ever unite, there must be a “unity of the faith” and not a compromise and crucifixion of the faith. For our part, candor compels us to say that we would love to see every Christian on earth a member of a Baptist church, provided they all held the truth as believed by Baptists. Could we get them on any other condition, we would respectfully decline to take them. We are much inclined to believe that a large majority of those who are making so much fuss about union, would like to have it on about the same terms that we desire it, though they possess neither the candor nor the courage to assert it.

Should all the denominations get together, after the similitude of the dreams of the unionists, we would have something like the image of Nebuchadnezzar — iron, brass, clay, etc. Certainly the Smithsonian Institution would be interested in such a specimen. Any denomination that does not believe that it is God-ordained, and therefore necessary to the welfare of the world, is committing a crime against Christ and humanity in perpetuating its existence. Let those, if such there be, who do not believe in the necessity of their organization, immediately disband. This would be at least one step toward the consummation of a coveted but criminal compromise. “But as for me and my house,” we will continue to serve the Lord in the good old Baptist way.

As the Recorder suggests, those who raise the cry of Christian union need to apologize for their existence as a church. Any church which holds to what it believes to be the vital truth of God, will not consider for one moment the idea of subordinating that truth in any union which may be proposed. The fact is, a great many so-called Christians to-day have lost all conscientious scruples regarding religious belief. Christianity is becoming a form, and its vital truths are being regulated by personal convenience and social standing. The church in too many cases is regarded after the character of a social club, rather than the repository and conservatory of religious faith and Christian teaching.

F. M. W.