You Might Be Sectarian, If...
My mind is on the subject of sectarianism today since I was asked recently to deliver a lecture in another state on this topic. I’ve often asked the question, “Are we sectarian?” and sometimes I don¹t like the answer that I either hear or see. We’ll use the term, “denominational,” to define the idea of sectarianism, since that’s the common usage of the terminology... and because our esteemed editor doesn’t give me a lot of space to be more precise. I’m referring here to an attitude that exhibits a certain party spirit in regard to our fellowship. So, with apologies to the “redneck’ jokesters, we will employ their favorite method of communication: “You might be sectarian, if...”
1. ...you use denominational terminology. To say, “I am a member of the Church of Christ” translates into the ears of the world as announcing which denomination you attend. All denominational people use the same kind of terminology, only substituting the name of their own denomination. If we say, “but we must let people know what church we are a member of,” then we exhibit the party spirit by implying that there is more than one church out there and we have chosen one among the many. Perhaps, when asked who we are religiously, the best response would be, “I’m not a part of any of the denominations, I’m just a Christian.” In a sectarian world, getting the language right is no easy task.
2. ...you bind distinctive beliefs and practices which are not biblical. Every sect or denomination began with a set of beliefs that differ from every other sect. These distinctions are what cause the division within Christianity. If we bind only what the New Testament binds, then we cannot be denominational. Some, however, want to bind the KJV of the Bible as the only version to use in the pulpit. Others among us have bound upon all with whom they are willing to fellowship some of the most denominating opinions around, such as... the number of communion cups allowed, the disallowing of any contributions to the evangelistic efforts of other congregations, engaging paid local preachers, eating in the building, and sending flowers to the sick or bereaved with money from the church treasury. Parties and factions have been formed based solely on the opinions of men that have been elevated to the level of doctrine.
3. ...you promote orthodoxy over truth. Sectarians are adamant about maintaining the right doctrines. And, by right doctrines they mean the party line of teaching. After all, it is the doctrine of the party that distinguishes it from every other denomination. Morality may not even be a determining factor of fellowship since many sectarian groups accept the immoral as long as they stand firm and have not compromised church doctrine. Truth is irrelevant to the sectarian since he believes that whatever he teaches is the truth. If someone comes along espousing a different doctrine than the sectarian, he is labeled a false teacher and booted from the party. He may have truth, but if his doctrine does not reflect the party line, then he cannot remain in their church.
Just as the Baptists would not allow one of their preachers to teach infant sprinkling and remain a Baptist, the Methodists would not allow him in fellowship if he didn’t teach sprinkling. But, what if one of our congregations in the next town did not use the name, “Church of Christ,” but changed to the “Smallville Church?” Would we frown on that and, perhaps, exclude them? If they otherwise continued to teach truth, then on what basis could we be justified in removing them from our fellowship? Only a sectarian spirit would make the demand that they wear a party name, when the Bible makes no such demand.
This is a complex subject to which I¹ve only been able to give a simple response. My purpose is to merely awaken within us the possibility, if not the reality, of our becoming sectarian. Time is running out for all of us and in the little time that I have remaining, I just want to be known as a Christian. I do not want to belong to any sectarian group nor do I want to teach any sectarian doctrine. I am personally willing to give up any wrong idea or doctrine in order to take hold of truth. For the life of me, I cannot fathom why some people prefer to hold on to error that endears them to their denomination but allows the truth to fall by the wayside. There can be no future with God by our holding on to erroneous, party teachings. Our loyalty must be to Him and not our church. It is likely that none of us have got it all perfect, so we should always be changing... moving in the direction of truth. I’m willing to be corrected and, thankfully, have been on various occasions. You will do me a great service if you can help me out of any sectarian ideas and point me in the direction of truth. This, I think, is the sentiment of all who genuinely want to be just Christians...from within their earthen vessel.
Guy Orbison, Jr.
P.O. Box 633
Durango, CO 81302
E-mail: guy_o_jr@frontier.net