Names and Unity

STATEMENT

We are the Church at large. Even [Anonymous] Church just recently removed "Baptist" from the sign, because we don't believe in separating ourselves into a set of denominational beliefs. Whether you're Baptist, Methodist, Catholic, Lutheran, Presbyterian, or Pentecostal, we are all supposed to be a part of the body of Christ! I'm glad to see that some churches are changing their name! I'm glad some folks are finally getting to the point of kicking the religious spirit out of churches! Change can be a good thing if it heads in the right direction! May the church be a hospital for sinners and a place of hope and refuge for God's followers!

Much love in Christ Jesus,
Pastor Anonymous

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RESPONSE

Did you also eliminate your doctrinal statement? Each of the denominations you mention have materially different beliefs on doctrine and practice. How does changing the name reconcile any of that?

"Can two walk together except they be agreed?" (Amos 3:3)

The idea that removing "Baptist" or "Presbyterian" or "Episcopal" from the church name somehow brings unity among God's people overlooks the important, material differences in doctrine and practice that caused denominational separation in the first place. More importantly, if an institution ignores doctrine and practice, can it make any legitimate claim to being the pillar and ground of truth (I Timothy 3:15) or earnestly contending for the faith once delivered to the saints? (Jude 1:3) I believe those questions require sober consideration.

- Elder Daniel Samons