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Writer's pictureCougan Collins

Standing Firm: Is Division Over Liberalism in the Church Unavoidable?


Imagine a ship setting sail and navigating through treacherous waters. On one side lie the rocky cliffs of rigid legalism,


and on the other, the whirlpools of unchecked liberalism. The crew, representing the church, must stay true to the Captain’s course, which is marked by clear coordinates—God’s truth. Some on the ship, however, begin to argue that unity is all that matters. “As long as we’re on the same ship, why does it matter which direction we’re headed?” they say. But can we reach a safe harbor without following the map?

This brings us to the question: Is division in the church over liberalism inevitable?


The Nature of Truth and Unity

The tension between unity and truth has been a struggle since the early church. Paul, in his letters, faced this exact issue. He called for the church to “be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment” (1 Corinthians 1:10), emphasizing that unity could only come from truth. Yet today, some argue that unity can exist even at the expense of doctrinal truth. They say, “As long as we agree on the essentials, can’t we allow for differing views on other matters?”


Paul's teachings illustrate the danger of downplaying doctrine. When some suggested that Paul was too harsh on those teaching falsehoods, Paul responded by defending the necessity of truth. His stern stance wasn’t based on personal preference but on the “commandments of the Lord” (1 Corinthians 14:37). What we often forget is that genuine unity is not the absence of disagreement but the presence of shared truth.


The Cost of Sacrificing Doctrine

In today's world, some within the church may ask us to sacrifice doctrine in the name of unity. They suggest that as long as someone loves Jesus, their views on issues like baptism, the resurrection, or the authority of Scripture should be secondary. But can the church stand on a foundation that shifts with every passing trend? Imagine building a house on sand instead of rock. The structure may hold for a time, but eventually, when the winds of false doctrine blow, it will collapse.


Jesus said, “You shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:32). Truth isn’t just a theological concept; it’s the bedrock of our faith. Minimizing its importance undermines the very foundation of the church. If the church becomes more concerned with appearing unified than with standing firm on God's Word, then division becomes inevitable—not because truth causes division but because compromise leads us away from it.


Is Christ Divided?

Some argue that sectarianism is the greatest threat to the church today. While it’s true that a judgmental, sectarian spirit can harm the church, it’s equally dangerous to ignore the importance of doctrine. When we treat doctrine as secondary, we lose sight of the truth that binds us together in Christ.


Let’s return to the analogy of the ship. Imagine the crew deciding that following the Captain’s instructions isn’t necessary as long as they stay on board. Some argue, “Let’s just sail wherever the wind takes us.” But would this ship ever reach its destination? Similarly, when churches place unity above doctrine, they risk drifting away from the truth, ultimately leading to a shipwreck.


The Role of Doctrine in Unity

The assertion that "thinking people cannot agree on all details" has merit. It’s true that believers may have differing views on some matters. However, we must distinguish between matters of opinion and core doctrinal truths. Paul’s plea in Ephesians 4:3-6 for unity isn’t a call for superficial agreement but for unity in the Spirit—grounded in one body, one Spirit, one hope, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one God.


Unity without truth is like a bridge built without strong support—it might look good for a while, but it won’t stand the test of time. The early church fathers and apostles didn’t shy away from doctrinal differences; they addressed them head-on, ensuring the church remained grounded in sound teaching. Truth isn’t something we can sacrifice for the sake of avoiding conflict. As Paul warned the Galatians, a little leaven leavens the whole lump (Galatians 5:9). Even small errors, if left unchecked, can corrupt the entire body.


The Inevitable Division?

So, is division inevitable? The answer depends on how we approach the truth. If we hold fast to the teachings of Christ and the apostles, division over core doctrinal matters may indeed occur. But this division isn’t the result of a “party spirit” or sectarianism—it’s the natural outcome of standing for truth in a world that increasingly values tolerance over conviction.


We should never seek division, but when truth is at stake, we must be willing to defend it, even at the cost of unity. Paul himself experienced this. He faced opposition, not because he was divisive, but because he refused to compromise on the essentials of the faith. In his letters to Timothy, Paul urged him to “preach the word” and “correct, rebuke, and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction” (2 Timothy 4:2). These are the actions of someone who cares deeply about the church’s unity—but a unity rooted in truth, not compromise.


Conclusion: Navigating the Course

Like the ship in our story, the church today must carefully navigate between the cliffs of legalism and the whirlpools of liberalism. We cannot afford to abandon the map—the Word of God—that guides us safely to harbor. Unity is precious but can never come at the cost of truth.


The call for unity must be grounded in Paul's conviction that sound doctrine is the only foundation for a unified church. As Jude 1:3 exhorts, we must “contend earnestly for the faith.” The divisions we fear are not the result of clinging to truth but of abandoning it. Let us stand firm, not in arrogance but in love, knowing that the truth will set us free and lead us to the unity God desires for His people.

 

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