At the very heart of nearly every denominational statement of doctrine is the notion that other such doctrinal view points are incorrect. Before jumping to the conclusion that the only way out of the denomination-filled mess that the church has found itself in is to resort to pluralism, it is worth examining the causes.
Often times as Guder points out in his book Missional Church, denominations are put in place for their organizational benefits, which can certainly be a positive outcome of denominations. Other times, they can create distinction between what one person calls true Christianity and some sort of inaccurate gospel, which again can have its benefits. Key to understanding what to make of the divisiveness that springs from denominations, however, is recognizing that both of these lines of thought are distinctly human-focused. Although trying have the most accurate beliefs possible is a worth goal, it seems that denominational lines are almost never drawn over salvific issues, and more often over some variety of adiaphoric discrepancy. As Guder points out, denominations are not justifiable from a biblical-theological viewpoint. Recognizing the limitations of human knowledge about the intimate workings of Christian faith is the first step required toward greater unity in the Church.
Noah
Although I do not support or agree with the incessant splitting of hairs over disagreements in liturgy, doctrine, or persons – I do think it is important that people do not completely jump ship from these traditional churches within various denominations. Even though these churches aren’t acting like the beautifully loved Church that Christ died and rose again for, I think an effort still needs to be made within these church denominations to transform them. We may be reformed, but always reforming. Obviously that is a huge task, but in the AND book, there is half a chapter devoted to encouraging and giving strategies for reforming an already established gathering church.
I am glad you brought this issue up because as a Christian I have struggled a lot with this issue. I am beginning to see denominations differently now. I used to see them as an evil device of human ignorance that is tearing the church apart and driving away non-believers (brutal honesty). NOW, however, I see denominationalism as our attempt to fit a specific rationale, context, or structure and FIND unity. I think sometimes the best of intentions can be misinterpretted and can ultimately breed the sort of controversy we find ourselves in today. I liked you comment Ashley =) I think your youth pastor was a wise man.
I like what you write Noah because I despise the conflict that can result from denominations. I do not like it one bit but I love that nowadays people are starting to work together in wholesome ways. We are all on the same team, Methodist, Baptist , Presbyterian , Catholic, ….. and we all live for Christ.
My youth pastors always says, “one day we will all get to heaven, Lutherans, Presbyterians, Catholics, Methodists, Baptists, etc. and together we will all laugh at how wrong we always were”. His point is that the supremacy of God is so great that none of us can ever understand it on our own.
I’ve always loved that saying. :]