Verse: ‘I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought’, (1 Corinthians 1:10).
Identity is very important, in religion as in any organisation, but it can also lead to problematic situations further down the road. As followers of Jesus Christ it is important, and often forgotten, to reinforce the concept that we are Christians first and foremost. By Christian I mean simply those who follow the teachings and example of the biblical figure that is Jesus Christ. As believers we have been called to, and initiated into, a fellowship with one another through Christ. We are part of a large collective who are unified in their devotion to the path and teachings of Jesus and His disciples.
If we examine the concept that each of us are in Christ, by that I mean each and every believer and each and every Church, then it is logical to presume that we are the ones who create the differences that separate us. It is not God who draws theological lines or philosophical treatises on which denomination or which abstract and obscure teaching is incorrect. In this bible verse Paul is reinforcing this point. He does not say that we all have to think alike, for what family is built of people with identical thoughts and ideas? Instead, he is insisting that disagreements do not have to mean divided families, divided churches.
Today, we see religion constantly featured in the news and on social media. Often with slogans campaigning for some sort of cause, or against a cause. At the time of writing abortion rights and freedom of choice are being widely publicised due to the situation in the United States. Lines are being drawn in the sand and people everywhere are finding themselves forced to choose a side. At the most basic level of debate, it may appear to not be about which denomination you belong to, but which ethical argument you find the most reasonable in your own heart and soul. For many though, this ethical dilemma is also complicated with church loyalty and religious membership.
When Christianity is studied, at the most basic level, three prominent branches are typically discussed. Protestantism, Catholicism, and Orthodoxy. Granted the theological doctrines of each of these traditions are important and form strong foundations upon which each is built. In doing so they also create walls – and reinforced ones at that. For example, with certain historical and theological exceptions, Roman Catholic’s may partake in Orthodox and Roman Catholic communion but Orthodox Christians may only receive communion from within their own theological tradition. Protestants are not accepted at Jesus’ banquet in either of those traditions. We do not see the Jesus of the New Testament refusing Himself to those who ask, nor do we see Him turning people away.
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