The True Basis of Union

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Mar 24, 1910

The True Basis of Union

Many different bases of Christian union are proposed by the various church federationists. The majority agree that the churches can drop all non-essential differences, and unite upon the fundamental principles of Christianity, but this still leaves the question a debatable one, in that it is not a matter of concurrent agreement as to what constitutes the essentials of Christian faith. Dr. Charles Reign Scoville, according to the Kansas City Post of March 7, proposes this basis of unification of Christian effort:—

The only thing we have to see alike is to believe in the divinity of Christ, stand alone on the Bible as the only creed, and do simply what it commands. . . .

As for me, I am willing to unite with any people at any time upon the Bible. I am in favor of taking all the good in all the churches, and there is no reason why the good in all couldn't be blended in one great church.

If, as Dr. Scoville says, all professed Christians would in deed and in truth take their stand upon the Word of God, to follow its teachings and do exactly as it says, this would constitute a true basis for Christian unity. Then there would be but one church, for all men would see alike and believe alike; but if the great churches of Christendom were to act upon this suggestion, it would revolutionize present-day creeds and beliefs. Particularly would it bring about a change in the day observed as the Sabbath of the Lord. In place of the church clamoring for civil power to enforce its dogmas, it would depend alone upon the power of the Spirit. We can not hope that this condition of affairs will ever be reached this side of the setting up of the everlasting kingdom. There will be a union of churches before the Lord comes, but it will be a confederacy for personal ends and for selfish purposes, not one with such a basis of union as suggested above. This confederacy will be used to persecute the very ones who “stand alone on the Bible as the only creed.” It is well always to unite with our fellows when it can be done for worthy ends and by the employment of right means. But it is better to stand alone if need be rather than sacrifice truth or compromise principle.