![]() The authors of these short essays do an excellent job of presenting their topics with clarity and brevity - showing from the Scripture the goal of Christian unity, but also underscoring the fact that there is very little room for disagreement on issues that are central to the gospel. Or, as the editors put it, this book attempts to determine, "how we can disagree over secondary and tertiary matters without breaking the bonds of Christian fellowship." The authors of the essays contained within this little book make a passionate plea for believers to extend grace, mercy, and understanding towards one another - for the sake of unity - on secondary issues. It is true, as Bird and Rosner mention, that "sometimes church division is a tragic necessity." But, as this book rightly argues, division within the church is surely not best - nor biblical. Perhaps this book will help other churches guard against the folly that I and many of my young friends experienced so many years ago. I am grateful to Michael Bird, Brian Rosner, and their colleagues for the work that they have done here and their harmony with Christ in their desire to see the Church more unified. Indeed, in our haste to rationalize our personal preferences and delineate our distinctives, we must be cautious not to transgress a strong call to unified Christian identity.” ( ) “We are not at liberty to differ over everything. Paul does expect a degree of conformity that borders on anathema to contemporary individualism.” ( ) “Moreover, he thinks unity is something that is volitional it is under the control of believers, and they can directly contribute toward it. “In the course of intramural conflicts, one should be willing to be thrown out for standing for the truth when in a confessional minority. Like it or not, the reputation of God and the gospel are tied to the behavior of his people.” ( Page ix) It will also impede the progress of the gospel. “When the Christians in Rome were squabbling over what the Apostle Paul called ‘disputable matters,’ he summed up his advice to them in this way: ‘Let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding.’ The implication is clear to behave badly in such circumstances will lead to strife and demolish the church. “Lutheran Rupertus Meldenius (1582–1651) who reputedly said: ‘In the essentials unity, in the non-essentials or doubtful things liberty, and in all things charity.’” ( Page vii) It is a helpful and timely discussion of the issues that hopefully will produce further robust and genuinely loving conversations among Christians, so that we may all “make every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” Mending a Fractured Church: How to Seek Unity with Integrity is a good example of robust conversation about the very topic of church unity and how we can express differences with integrity and love. However, when the bonds of affection are stretched beyond legitimate differences of opinion or in a manner that disrespects other members of the family, then the unity of the family is jeopardized. ![]() ![]() Timothy George, founding dean of Beeson Divinity School of Samford University, general editor of the Reformation Commentary on Scripture Robust conversation within any family is normally a display of trust and a sign of healthy relational dynamics. The wisdom this book offers can help Christians everywhere show the world what it means to be “in one body through the cross.” ![]() Praise for Mending a Fractured Church Freedom, conscience, conviction, charity, diversity, witness, and truth are all in play as believers in Christ deal with disputable matters in the quest for Christian unity.
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