John Wesley on Divisions Among Christians
I have heard many skeptics say that the different traditions and denominations within Christianity are evidence that Christianity is false. If Christianity was true, we would all agree on everything.
I see no reason why this should be so. As human beings, we are going to interpret things differently. The unity of the Christian Church is deeper than how we do certain things.
I really appreciate the words of John Wesley from his sermon, “The Catholic Spirit.”
I do not mean, “Embrace my modes of worship,” or, “I will embrace yours.” This also is a thing which does not depend either on your choice or mine. We must both act as each is fully persuaded in his own mind. Hold fast to that which you believe is most acceptable to God, and I will do the same. I believe the Episcopal form of church government to be scriptural and apostolic. If you think the Presbyterian or Independent is better, think so still, and act accordingly.
I believe infants ought to be baptized; and that this may be done either by dipping or sprinkling. If you are otherwise persuaded, be so still, and follow your own persuasion. It appears to me that written prayers are especially useful, particularly in the larger congregation. If you judge extemporaneous prayer to be of more use, act suitable to your own judgement. My sentiment is that I ought not to forbid water, so that persons may be baptized, and that I ought to eat bread and drink wine as a memorial of my dying Master. However, if you are not convinced of this, act according to the light you have. I have no desire to dispute with you one moment upon any of the preceding topics. Let all these smaller points stand aside. Let them never come into sight. “If your heart is as my heart,” if you love God and all mankind, I ask no more: “give me your hand.”
While the Church has made mistakes on how we treat our differences, John Wesley puts forward a vision for the way things could be. We can love each other even when we disagree with one another. You can find the full text of “Catholic Spirit” here.
Stephen, when I realised this – it was truly revolutionary for me. The fact that I can hold tight to my convictions, and rather than having to bring everyone round to my way of thinking, I can encourage them to hold tight to their deep convictions too – even if they disagree with my own. Surely this is one of the things that should mark the church as different!
The teaching that changed my view on this is from John Piper on Romans 14.
http://www.desiringgod.org/messages/each-one-should-be-fully-convinced-in-his-own-mind
Piper talks about how God can be glorified equally by the seemingly ‘opposite’ things that Wesley talks about.
Thanks for posting that quote, very helpful!
Thanks for sharing. We all can be challenged by this.