In search of unity

Two weeks ago, Faith & Values examined the issue of institutional religious schism in an analysis that posed a rhetorical question: Is schism inevitable? More than two millennia of Judeo-Christian history would suggest that perhaps it is.

Yet the Nicene Creed, the ecumenical statement of faith first formulated in 325 A.D. at the First Council of Nicaea, contains this line: "We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church." And Christians, citing the foundational tenets of their faith, always have maintained that they are part of a distinct, worldwide community of believers.

The Creed and those basic principles, however, did not prevent the Great Schism that culminated in 1054. They did not stop reformers from breaking away from the Roman Catholic Church in the 16th and 17th centuries. And they have not persuaded modern Christians to set aside their differences in favor of institutional unity.

Instead, history shows that religious institutions and scriptural understanding tend to change according to current circumstances, and that some believers, unhappy with what they perceive to be too much accommodation, react by reasserting orthodoxy.

Today, Christianity has tens of thousands of branches — traditions both mainline and off the beaten path. Judaism has split into three main branches. Liberals and conservatives clash over social and theological issues. Debates are waged. Sometimes a compromise is reached; sometimes a schism results.

If unity is an unattainable goal, why is there so much talk of it? If diversity is inevitable and beneficial, why are there so many hard feelings?

The Post and Courier, having explored already the history of schism, turned to members of Charleston's faith community for an answer to this question: Should religion's goal be a "universal church" or is religious diversity a good thing?

Asking Around

Universality — in terms of a single Christian Church in organization and structure — has little, if anything, to do with Christ's plea to the Father, "... that they may be one as you and I are one." (John 17:21) It has, however, everything to do with the unity of mind, heart, purpose and faith.

The quest for Christian unity in the world inspires the faith and shapes the life of our denomination, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. The ELCA, as a leader in ecumenism for many years, remains committed — as did Martin Luther himself — to discovering and celebrating those things of faith and practice in which Christians have "concord," or agreement.

We're blessed to enjoy ecumenical relations — including Full Communion — with a variety of other Protestant denominations, including the Episcopal Church USA, Presbyterian Church USA, the Moravian Church in America, the Reformed Church in America, the United Church of Christ and the Lutheran World Federation. These are agreements mutually developed over many years through prayer, deliberation, study of Scripture, and the common goal of unity in purpose and ministry.

We value the richness and uniqueness presented by the many expressions of the Christian faith, and work toward shared learning and cooperative ministry, leaning toward that day when, as people of faith, we may all join together in the "Feast of the Lamb which has no end."

A far more eloquent explanation of our particular church's efforts in this regard can be found at our national Web site: ELCA.org/ ecumenism.

The Rev. Cameron P. Keyser

Senior pastor, St. Matthew's Lutheran Church

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When United Methodists celebrate Communion, we say, "Because there is one loaf, we, who are many, are one body, for we all partake of the one loaf." This faith statement reflects Ephesians, Chapter 4, where the Apostle speaks of one body, one Spirit, one hope, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one God. All this is to say that from a theological perspective, we are all already one and our certain future holds the day in which we will all bow before God and realize that, as Karl Barth said, in our differences, we are all wrong.

Since that is our sure future, the question becomes how much effort should we put into making our unity a present actuality? I think it is a worthy cause and our striving for it is one of the great hopes for peace. We just need to realize that until the curtain is lifted, we will always have differences. Baptists are never going to say that the mode by which we are baptized is not important. Roman Catholics are never going to say that the pope is superfluous. And Methodists are never going to say anything with a distinct and unified voice.

What we build on and what we live in is respect if not appreciation. Our unity, for the purpose of living it now, can be realized as we humbly realize that each one is loved and cherished by our Creator. That, it seems to me, is a worthy direction for us to head and it could lead us to harmony, if not unity.

The Rev. Jim Hunter

Pastor, Hibben United Methodist Church

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There can be no one way to live one's life that is clearly or exclusively superior to any others. So, too, there cannot be a universal religion or particular way of worship that could be all inclusive or so compelling that it would include every expression of the human need to worship.

As snowflakes differ, as fingerprints distinguish us, as eye patterns make us unique, I have to ask how could any church provide a standard for church life that would inform, appeal or inspire all of humanity. In my view, any attempt to state that "we are the true church or the universal church" is a statement of zealous arrogance and profound ignorance.

From Alexis De Tocqueville onward, all the social commentaries about our American culture marvel and often praise our religious diversity, and the patchwork quilt of theologies that cover the U.S. cultural landscape. It is the distinguishing trademark of a civil society (Robert Bellah) and provides governmental protection for its citizens that interrupts any attempt to create a state religion that requires attendance or adherence. Diversity in religious belief and practice is a social strength, not a liability. It gives our society a tensile and adaptable strength. Diversity provides us with a flexible forum that can address the multifaceted concerns of a complex society.

As a liberal clergyman, I believe that religious diversity enhances the social value of any church and confirms the identity of a congregation amid many religious choices. The best and most effective ecclesial strategy is to find the distinctiveness of your congregation or how you can best define the uniqueness of your congregation. Then each church can inform the public how it welcomes and addresses human needs and aspirations. Once so defined and promoted, those people who resonate to your particular message and who identify with your stated mission, those people will find you.

The Rev. Peter E. Lanzillotta

Minister, Unitarian Church in Charleston

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The closest we come to a universal church is the Roman Catholic Church, and its very universality exists nominally and mostly in the margins. Oddly, though, it does hold together in spite of its incredible diversity. Why? Perhaps because it recognizes the struggle and keeps working at it.

My own sense of this is that any kind of "universal" faith system is illusory. Diversity, it has often been said, exists mostly these days in places where people are killing one another. It can, though, exist also where people are trying hard to love one another. Often the problem is in not realizing the "multiple diversities" with which we live. For example, I am an Episcopal priest. I'm also a husband of 37 years, a brother, a jazz piano player and a former scuba instructor. I am as much an introvert as an extrovert. Like many, I am many things. A Universal Church forces us — at least in matters of faith — to be one thing.

The problem with even trying to form a Universal Church is that it tends to deny the very individuality of the human being that it hopes eventually to ennoble. What's more, while the attempt might be to bring a person to the Divine, it can't possibly be the same Divine for each person. Given the nature of who we are, any singularly mediated Divine could not possibly exist within people of multiple identities. To inhibit the human mind in that way — the very divine given instrument that, for better or worse, has moved humanity forward, would not be human at all. It's called indoctrination.

The simple mathematics of it is that diversity equals humanity. Anything that possibly stifles that equation will, in the end, fail.

The Rev. Dr. David A. Williams

Rector, St. Stephen's Episcopal Church

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Evangelical Christians affirm a universal church at the consummation of the age, when "... at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord ..." (Philippians 2:10-11). Because of substantive differences in doctrine, authority and practice, spiritual diversity will predominate until the end of days.

Scripture further reveals significant perversions and compromises of biblical doctrine until that day, increasing in severity as the day of the Lord approaches.

This suggests a continued expansion of spiritual diversity in the times preceding the final days.

Is this good? Perhaps. Maybe not. It is good if people cannot come to agreement on the substantive matters of faith and wish to exist, worship and practice the tenets of their faith according to their interpretation. Diversity often presupposes tolerance that acknowledges differences but permits freedom of religious expression.

Here's the downside of diversity. Scripture teaches oneness among believers — "one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all" (Ephesians 4:5). Furthermore, the Apostle Paul asked the Philippians to "... make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose" (Philippians 2:2). Certainly, Scripture envisions a unified body. However, this oneness is not at the expense of truth. Compromise of biblical essentials cannot bring the oneness of Scripture. Therefore, diversity will be the pattern until the Parousia.

A unified church can only exist under the absolute Lordship of Jesus Christ in all things and submission to the authority of Scripture in matters of faith and practice. Christ's mandate to "... go and make disciples of all nations ..." (Matthew 28:19) reveals a mission to speak the Good News of Jesus Christ to all humanity. The Christian vision to see mankind under the Lordship of Christ is always conditioned by a total submission to Christ and sound biblical doctrine, without compromise.

Dr. Chester H. (Sonny) Holmes Jr.

Lead pastor, Northwood Baptist Church

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The question as posed puts forth a false dichotomy. In our postmodern culture, we often wish to posit things as either-or. Rather, it is a both-and, i.e., both unity and diversity.

St. Augustine, the fourth century bishop of Hippo in North Africa, had a saying that is as applicable today as it was 1,600 years ago, "in essentials, unity; in non-essentials, liberty; in all things charity."

St. Augustine distinguishes between essentials of the Faith (what we believe about God, doctrines, etc.) and particular expressions of it (how we express that faith, customs, etc.).

The principle of noncontradiction states simply, two things cannot be and not be at the same time. No need for a theologian or philosopher here. For example, Jesus cannot be true God and merely a great prophet of Allah. Those are contradictory. Either one of them is true or neither of them. Unity on these issues is essential.

In expressions of the faith, however, there is room for diversity. The way the essentials of the faith find their expression within a culture is open, so long as the integrity of the essentials is maintained, i.e., Jesus is the Son of God. In relations with others and in discussions of differences, charity must reign.

Throughout Sacred Scripture, Jesus speaks of unity. In Matthew, he says, "I will build my church" (cf. 16:18). In his precious last hours before being put to death, Jesus prayed to the Father for the unity of His followers (cf. Jn 17:11 and Jn 17: 21). Earlier in John, Jesus says he is the Way, the Truth and the Life (cf. ch 14). Note Jesus didn't say, "churches" or "one of the ways." To claim the name Christian is to strive for that unity of faith for which God himself prayed.

Stephen Gajdosik,

President, Catholic Radio Association

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Universal church? We can't even agree on a universal measuring system (metric or English). Many would like a universal church, as long as it happens to be the church they belong to. Since universal membership would require coercion or force, we should forget about a universal church.

I'm not sure if religious diversity per se is a good thing, but the religious freedom guaranteed by the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution surely is. And this freedom, the right to choose any or no religion, has generated religious diversity.

A more reasonable goal than a universal church would be to emphasize the universal principles and values that both the religious and nonreligious appreciate: Loving our neighbor, ending racial discrimination, securing justice, committing to the education of children, being kind and compassionate to our fellow human beings, and protecting the Earth to preserve it for future generations. And, yes, I agree with all Miss America contestants that we should strive to end hunger and promote world peace. Some obstacles to these goals come from those who feel their religion gives them the Truth with a capital "T," and any other point of view is immoral and must be suppressed or stamped out.

Different religions, and even people within the same religion, often disagree about how to make moral decisions. I think that morality should be based on how our actions affect others. In tough decisions, we should be guided by the consequences of our actions to individuals, to our families, and to our community. And I think we would be better served if people were more focused on how best to live this life, rather than on how to prepare for an imagined afterlife.

Herb Silverman

President, Secular Coalition for America

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Religious diversity is a fact. Whether we are addressing issues of diversity within the Christian Church or within monotheism or within all of the world religions, differences exist. Religion's goal may be better defined as "unity within diversity" rather than "sameness."

Speaking as a Christian and a United Methodist pastor, two biblical perspectives come to mind. First, the Apostle Paul offers us the image of the Christian Church as the Body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12). In order for the church to be in service to the world, we need all parts of the body. We are not all hands and we are not all feet. We see from different perspectives and we function differently. However, all parts must work together as one despite the differences in order to be a whole and well body — unity in diversity.

Jesus Christ gave us this imperative in John 13:34-35: "Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another." The mark of disciples of Christ is love for one another.

The world is watching to see if we truly love one another.

If the church is to have an effect on the world, we must love one another. If we are to offer hope and justice to a hurting world, we must respect one another and work together.

Rather than working to change one another and arguing over differences, our time and energies are better spent in loving one another and serving the world in the specific ways God has given to each of us. As Christians, we are asked to love and not to judge. We are called to unity in diversity.

The Rev. Kathryn Hunter

Co-pastor, Hibben United Methodist Church

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We all know that parents and children often disagree, that people who are starving or ill view things differently than those who are affluent and well. But the uncomfortable fact is that, to a large extent, not only beauty but reality is in the eye of the beholder. And what is of essential and vital importance to me may well be trivial and meaningless to you — and vice versa. This diversity of belief and values is not something we consciously choose, but rather an unavoidable part of our human individuality.

So, how should we react to the manifest facts of our human diversity? Obviously, every country and community needs laws and customs that set limits to what we can and cannot do. In the area of behavior, we need appropriate controls to protect the weak and powerless and to make sure that the community and the nation meet the needs of the people.

But beyond this, our choice is between the approach that says: "I'm right and you're wrong" and the contrasting perspective which asserts: "Live and let live." If in truth we human beings are unavoidably diverse, this choice amounts to pretending that we are all identical or learning to live comfortably and productively with our differing perspectives.

The greatness of American society is its welcoming attitude to diversity, clearly implied in its constitutional affirmation of individual rights. Religious communities that combine shared patterns of behavior with an openness to fresh thinking are likely to be of enduring worth to all who belong or seek to belong to such welcoming homes.

Anthony D. Holz

Rabbi, K.K. Beth Elohim

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I do not think that one universal church is either desirable or practical.

Of course, all Christian churches must have the same goals that were given to us by Jesus Christ. The Great Commission and the two Great Commandments are the central tenets that come to mind.

I believe God created humankind in all its wonderful diversity, and that he rejoices in each of us being a unique individual. As individuals, we are fed and inspired by different styles of worship, different forms of evangelism, different outreach projects. It is this wonderful diversity that enables us to reach out to God's world with its incredible variety.

As Jesus is quoted as saying in the Gospel of John, "In my Father's house are many mansions." I like to think that in addition to heaven Christ may be talking about the church as God's house on Earth.

Barbara Mann

Chairwoman, Episcopal Standing Commission on the Structure of the Church and Treasurer, Province IV

Reach Adam Parker at 937-5902 or aparker@post andcourier.com.