In The Christian context the word Catholic refers to the Universal Church Of Christ.The Universal Church according to what I understand refers to the body of Christ and all who are born again and have come into a relationship with Christ. Unity in the body of Christ at this moment is invisible. On a visible level we have the various denominations and their different doctrinal beliefs.
If I am to answer the question 'how does the church reflect her unity to the world ?. I would say it is only possible as a conciliar form of unity because the doctrinal stand of many churches are too diverse and sometimes too heretical for them to come together into an organic form of unity. The World Council Of Churches is trying to cement an organic form of church unity and without much success. They began as conciliar and I believe they should stick to this.
A conciliar form of unity is when churches of various denominations come together irrespective of their doctrinal beliefs into a council or an organizational alliance so as to be a more effective force in evangelism. They band together into a 'council which is the root word for conciliar and thereby work together for the common good of each other. In coming together into such a unity the identity of each denomination is retained and there wont be any compromises in doctrine.
I believe if the church is to realize the end time prophecy of Jesus as recorded in Mathew 24:14 'that this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world before the end come'. , then the only best solution is a conciliar form of church unity.The organic form of unity is not feasible, no not until Jesus comes, as there are too many differences among the various church groups and denominations for it to work successfully. If denominations do not come together and practice a conciliar form of unity say in a particular field of missionary activity and if each of them does things independantly then you might have as the saying goes 'too many cooks spoiling the soup'. You might have the AOG doing their thing,the Baptist another thing ,the Lutherans anything ,and maybe the FGA something.There might be a duplication of efforts that sap the resouces of the Kingdom Of God and waste valuable time and effort. Added to this our disunity will confuse the new converts to Christ.
In 1989 ,I witnessed such a conciliar form of church unity ,when various denominational church groups rallied together to organize one of the most successful evangelism rallys ,Malaysia had ever witnessed till then. It happened at Merdeka Stadium when the German evangelist Reinhard Bonkerr held a series of healing crusades that saw hundreds or even thousands give their lives to Christ and many more recieved healing.
The conciliar form of church unity is still the best bet until our Lord Jesus comes and unites the body of Christ and does away with all the differences that divides the visible body of Christ.
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11 comments:
Dear Raymond, Yes! That's right Conciliar it is the way to church unity! It is possible as the churches (Chinese) in Serdang are doing. We are coming together in evangelism while remining true to our individual denominational tradtions. AMEN!!!
Hi Raymond,
The word you quoted 'conciliar-form' is the most appropriate term to use in reflecting the universal church on unity to the world. Afterall, all denominations have their own dogmas of beliefs, therefore, i see no ends to dispute or disagreements. But I have one question, that 'conciliar-form' only served on adhoc-basis or temporary basis. How would that answer the question commonly asked by non-Christians on which church is the truly proclaiming or representing the vocation of Christ's gospel in comparing to Muslims unison projecting and declaring their faith in Allah?
Conciliar form seem best fit the churches of various denominations, however it also cause a lots of questions due to each churches who adopted it. The differences of the churches will create questions among the believers and unbelievers as well. Why can't they just unite as one? (seem not possible).
But as you mention about the great commission, I personally think that all the churches from different denominations should do away with the minor and focusing on the major to fulfill the objective of God.
Dear Brother Raymond, i agree with you that the conciliar form of unity is the best at this time but really look forward to the unity the Lord Jesus prayed for in John 17. This can only happens when He comes again at Parousia.
dear raymond, i am in agreement with you and believe that if more can approach with the same understanding than reflecting unity among the churches to the world would not be that a problem. GB
Dear Freedie,
Thanks for your comments,
As I mentioned for the moment the only workable form of church unity is conciliar unity until Jesus comes and sets his universal church. As for your answer to the non christians we need to let them know the emphasis is not on which is the right church but coming into a relationship with Jesus and you can belong to any church as all of them preach Jesus and him crucified.As for the Muslims they are not so united as you make them out to be just take a look at the Middle Eastern countries they seem to be a disunited lot.Added to that there are various sects in Islam like the sunnis and the shites and each will be at the others throat without the slightest hesitation.
Dear Bro Raymond,
I realise most of time that the Churches in Malaysia are united whe they come together to organise rallys or when they are in trouble with authority.
Do you think it would be possible to get a few denomination together under one roof where they take turn to have services and work together for evengelistic meetings?
Thank you.
Thanks for your explanation, I wouldn't have understood what conciliar unity meant otherwise.
I agree with Freddie! The suggestion of a conciliar form of unity seems too temporal. In the end of the Reinhard Bonke crusade you mentioned, was there a dispute on which church the "hundreds or maybe thousands saved" should go to?
Also, if organising crusades is so effective in showing the world that the church is united, then why so few crusades? How many more since 1989?
But also to add on to what Eunice said, maybe the churches should get into trouble with the authorities more often! Haha! I'm just being funny.
Hi Raymond,
I think what separates the Muslims is not much on their theological perspective to the teaching of Allah; though they may be termed as moderate or otherwise. it is rather political and tribal issues that separate them. In Malaysia, we see Muslims going for their Friday-prayer at different Mosque of their choices without any fears or worries. My only explanation to that is their universal approach to their religion or faith. They have their Mecca but we Christians don't. Wonder why God has His will for David to establish Jerusalem as a political and religious center? And this redemptive plan still carries through the present and coming future at the consummation of God's kingdom through Christ? David was very succesful in uniting the Israelites by providing them a centre for their belief in Yahweh. In turns, he became the most successful king and israel enjoyed the best time of history. Could you share your view?
Dear Raymond,
I think it is always easy said thatn done. When the issue of unity among the church is brought up there's alot of work need to be done.
Thanks for all your comments
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