Factional Faults

By Sidney R. Allslbury

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     One of the many problems in the religious world destined to certain discovery and exposure, sectarianism is ripe for excavation. In the granite formations of the Restoration movement few fail to consider this "fault" as a real enemy. It seems, however, that the detector is pointed in the wrong direction. That division of the Bride is a sin against the Bridegroom is questioned only by the very few. The problem is, who in the world is building and maintaining these lovely fences? Naturally, not a one of us would raise his hand under certainty of the clear judgment of God.

     "There are six things which the Lord hates, seven which are an abomination to him...a man who sows discord among brothers" (Proverbs 6:16, 19b). "I appeal to you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree and that there be no dissensions among you, but that you be united in the same judgment. For it has been reported to me by Chloe's people that there is quarreling among you, my brethren" (1 Cor. 1:10, 11)

     A group of American and Russian young people had somehow met together, informally, in Europe. During the course of conversation the subject turned to the Berlin wall. Neither group was willing to admit that their home country was responsible for building it. In fact, they all agreed that there should be no wall, and if it had not been for the other side there would be no problem there today. The wall still stands.

     There is another wall about which we, as heirs of a restoration theme, must be less critical because we all have a part in its maintenance. Few of us actually built it but all of us must maintain it or it would quickly crumble. Given the "Bible only" it would fall within a generation. Allowed to stay and live or die in the valley of its origin it would not mar the innocent fields around the world where, by-the-way, the "heathen" see it for what it is: another sign saying "sect." How can we avoid this frightful condemnation from without?

     Naturally we must recognize or detect our tendencies toward sectarianism. For this purpose I have sought to assemble these thoughts. I really would that someone teach me regarding this matter so that I could expose or detect secret tendencies of my own toward dividing the Lord's precious body. However, we cannot wait! Let this be the beginning. You write the next chapter!

SECTARIAN DETECTOR TEST

1. Do you think that the Lord's body has only one name or title? Do you feel that those not using the name you have chosen are "on the other side?"
2. Is your basis of fellowship resting upon the ability to agree in almost every way with the other saints?
3. Do you suggest an (unwritten, but real) "Index of Books" which lists the publishers that can be used as well as the forbidden ones? I wonder why I have spent so much of my life without the help and blessings that come from such material as the Guideposts monthly? Perhaps if someone in the "brotherhood" had produced it my attention would have been directed to its value.
4. Do you speak from a "our group is right" position, or from a "God's word is right" position? And are you able to see the difference?
5. Have you condemned another group because of the accusations of your former preacher of ten years back? Or, do you recognize each person as an individual able to think independently from his group's (written or unwritten) creed?
6. Do you see The Restoration Movement, or a restoration movement? Do you consider only those of your group as honestly seeking to restore primitive Christianity? Could it be that those of your party are not, in reality, the movement, but only a part of a great flock which has

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   been humbly striving for centuries to restore God's word to its place? What chance do you give a man if he is not recorded as a statistic in the proud book of numbers in your group? (See 2 Samuel 24).
7. Is this you? "I recognize them as brothers, but...Fellowship? Well, er, ah...Cooperate? You see, I...that is...ahem..."
8. Have you prayed that God would use you as a tool to unite his people? Or, does it benefit your purpose and image to maintain the fault?

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