Non-Denominational Christianity

Non-Denominational Means Unity

Non-Denominational Christianity means no factions. It means Unity. The acceptance of denominationalism has done more to prevent Christian unity today than any other single factor. The word denominationalism implies division. It is a disposition or mindset toward the formation of factions.

The whole spirit of denominationalism is contrary to the spirit of New Testament Christianity. Jesus fervently prayed for unity among believers (John 17:20-21). The apostle Paul condemned denominational tendencies in the church at Corinth (1 Corinthians 1:10-13). He pleaded with disciples to be non-denominational. He wanted them to “speak the same things,” and that there would be “no divisions” among them (1 Corinthians 1:10). Now just the opposite philosophy prevails.

The major causes of denominationalism are twofold. First, division stems from a failure to study the Bible. Religious ignorance often characterizes the religious. We should be asking, “What saith the scripture?” (Romans 4:3). However, the question often is: “What does your preacher say?” The word of God, not the words of men, should be the final authority! Unity is impossible when the basis for non-denominational unity is ignored.

Second, division results from a refusal to accept what the Bible says. Often, those who know it refuse to accept it. Just for the sake of illustration, look at what the New Testament says regarding baptism. No honest Bible student would deny that baptism always involved an immersion in water as the appropriate response to the demand of Jesus and His disciples (Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38). Yet, the practice of sprinkling or pouring water upon someone and calling it baptism is widespread. Why is this? Even though the Bible is clear on this subject, what it says is ignored. Denominationalism results, not from an inability to understand the Scriptures, but from a refusal to accept them.

Churches of Christ are non-denominational. We have no head over the church but Jesus Christ (Colossians 1:18). We have no law to govern us but the Bible (2 Timothy 3:16-17). We wear no name but His (Acts 11:26). We are not Protestants. We are not Catholics! We are not Jews. We are Christians. We desire to be nothing more or less than that which we are called to be in God’s word.

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