What Is Denominationalism?
Jno. 17:20-21
A. The word denomination is relatively familiar. But what, really,
does it mean? And what would
denominationalism be? What can we say about these terms from the
viewpoint of the
Scriptures?
(2) The definition of the word denomination itself is interesting
and instructive. It comes from the Latin nomen which means name.
And from it we get the word, nominate (to propose
someone by name as a candidate), misnomer (an incorrect name for
something), and even the word noun (the name of a person, place,
or thing).
a. The corresponding Latin verb denominare which means, to
name. And hence, in
English, to denominate which means to designate, or
give a name to and finally a
denomination which means a naming or classification of something.
(A) Religiously, a denomination is an organized group of congregations
that can be
named or classified together because they have formed a collective
entity. Therefore
Denominationalism means a devotion to denominational
principles or interests.
(1) It marks a critical distinction between groups. It is important
to observe that a denomination is not merely a number of congregations
that resemble one another, or seem to belong together.
In Rom. 16:16, Paul speaks of all the New Testament congregations
in the first century as the churches of Christ. That
does not suggest a loosely knit group of congregations. Rather,
it is an intentionally organized group of congregations
that is, a group of congregations that participate in some organization
through which they can act as a unit for some purposes.
They are named together (designated or denominated)
as one because they participate in the common organization, and
are able to function as one through their organization. They are
united in belief, purpose and organization.
(2) There is a difference between Plural and Collective.
In language, we have nouns , plural nouns, and collective nouns
and there is a significant difference between plural
and collective.
For example, ship means one boat, ships means a plurality of boats,
and fleet means a plurality of boats that have such a common purpose
and goal that collectively makes them a unit. Ships may involve
any number of boats that are very much alike but one does
not have a fleet until some joint organization and leadership
appear, under which the various ships collectively agree to subordinate
themselves. One leader.
In the New Testament, an individual disciple of Jesus Christ is
called a Christian as in 1 Pet. 4:16. It is possible for there
to be a plurality of Christians individuals who are alike
in faith and practice, but living in different places, and yet,
having no functional ties: For example, The church in Spur and
Jayton.
However, in the New Testament, when a plurality of Christians
in a given locality band together collectively (with the common
purpose of working and worshiping as a unit under common oversight
and organization) that is precisely what is church is, Acts 11:26;
Phip. 1:1; 4:15.
(1) So then, we have a Christian (singular noun), Christians (plural
noun), and
church (collective noun). In the New Testament, church means a
single
congregation of Christians. Churches means two or more completely
independent congregations, which are essentially identical in
faith and practice,
1 Cor. 4:17; 7:17; Gal. 1:2; Rev. 1:4. But is there in the New
Testament any
such thing as a denomination, a collection of churches acting
as a unit under
the oversight of one human authority? If not, should congregations
today
link together functionally into denominations? Different names,
practices, faiths?
Religious beliefs, scriptural practices and autonomy are violated
any time a person, congregation, or organization assumes decision?making
oversight over another congregation or a plurality of congregations.
It creates a dependency for funds, and for oversight thus establishing
spiritual, doctrinal and economic control by a central universal
human authority. It creates a division of doctrine and fellowship.
Example: American Lutheran Synod, Missouri Lutheran Synod, Southern
Baptist, American Baptist, Primitive Baptist, United Methodist
Church, Free Methodist Church, Evangelical Methodist Church, Presbyterian
Church,
Reformed Presbyterian Church, Cumberland Presbyterian Church.
(3) Matt. 16:18, I will build My church. Phip. 1:1,
To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, with
the bishops and deacons. These scriptures show the
New Testament is silent about any organization in between the
local church and
the universal church. Christ established the church universal.
But the church
universal has no Authoritative Head except Jesus. The church universal
is
comprised of local congregations and each individual congregation
has bishops
and deacons. Anything beyond that is not according to the pattern
given.
(1) The churches of Christ are not just another denomination?
To those who are unlearned, scripturally, It may appear that way.
Just as the early church was thought to be a Jewish sect, many
today mistake the churches of Christ for just another denomination.
Acts 24:5, 14; 28:22. They were thought of as a Jewish sect. Another
brand of Judaism.
(2) Jno 17:20-21, Jesus prayed for unity among Christians. 1 Cor.
1:10-13,
specifically condemns divisions and denominations within Christianity
and the
congregation at Philippi is commanded, Phip. 1:27?28, ...you
stand fast in
one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the
gospel. The
distinctive doctrines, practices of denominationalism make that
impossible.
(3) Levit. 10:1-2. Denominationalism is something the Lord has
not commanded.
(4) Acts 20:32.
Spur - 07/14/2002 pm
|