It seems like the typical attitude toward denominationalism contradicts totally the biblical view expressed in numerous places, including 1 Corinthians 1 and 3.
“Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. For it has been declared to me concerning you, my brethren, by those of Chloe’s household, that there are contentions among you. Now I say this, that each of you says, ‘I am of Paul,’ or ‘I am of Apollos,’ or ‘I am of Cephas,’ or ‘I am of Christ’” (1:10-12).
“I fed you with milk and not with solid food; for until now you were not able to receive it, and even now you are still not able; for you are still carnal. For where there are envy, strife, and divisions among you, are you not carnal and behaving like mere men? For when one says, “I am of Paul,” and another, “I am of Apollos,” are you not carnal?” (3:2-4).
Here and in other places, the Holy Spirit admonishes Christians to unity, stating that division is carnal. In contrast, the denominational world embraces division and embraces fallible men as leaders and doctrine makers.
While I don’t agree with what much of Martin Luther taught, and do not use this quote as “proof” regarding the sinfulness of denominationalism, it is interesting to read from his pen his attitude toward appeals to the names of men, and division. Luther was a foremost leader of the Reformation movement, and his words should carry much weight among his followers. (Note: I found this quote on Facebook, supplied with citation from Steve Wolfgang):
“In the first place, I ask that men make no reference to my name; let them call themselves Christians, not Lutherans. What is Luther? After all, the teaching is not mine (John 7:16). Neither was I crucified for anyone (1 Cor. 1:13). St. Paul, in 1 Corinthians 3, would not allow the Christians to call themselves Pauline or Petrine, but Christians. How then should I – poor stinking maggot-fodder that I am – come to have men call the children of Christ by my wretched name? Not so my dear friends; let us abolish all party names and call ourselves Christians, after him whose teaching we hold.”
A Sincere Admonition by Martin Luther to all Christians to Guard Against Insurrection and Rebellion,” in Luther’s Works: The Christian in Society II (Vol. 45; Fortress Press, 1962
Luther is right here. Christians have no authority to do anything other than submit to Christ’s will and word. Unity in belief is the only acceptable outcome.
