Towards a Catholic Christianity, Part III

Posted by deangonzales on April 15, 2008

Part 3: Some Inadequate Solutions Considered

In two previous posts, we noted an emphasis in Christ’s high-priestly prayer upon the theme of Christian unity, as well as several factors that have prevented such unity from being fully realized. Disagreements have led to divisions, which in turn have led to the formation of different denominations or sects. Not surprisingly, Christians have not agreed how to solve this dilemma. As a result, there have been different approaches to Jesus’ “unity prayer” in John 17.

Spiritual Unity?

Some interpret the unity for which Christ prays as purely spiritual in nature. The moment you and I believe the gospel, we are spiritually united to Jesus Christ. Being united to Christ, we are also spiritually united to one another, as well as to every believer alive or who has ever lived. There is, as it were, an invisible union between all believers. Some believe that this is the unity Christ has in mind in his high-priestly prayer. And since the divisions among Christians cannot affect this unity, we don’t have to worry about it. After all, our spiritual unity is invisible. There is an element of truth to this view. We are related to all believers in a spiritual and invisible sense. However, that’s not the only kind of unity Christ is praying for in this text. The purpose clauses in verses 21 and 23 make it clear that the unity Christ has in view must be visible to the world.

Future Unity?

Some remind us that there won’t be any denominations in heaven. Perhaps, they say, Christ is just praying that his disciples will safely make it to heaven where they will finally be united as one. Once again, there is truth in this view. Certainly, Christian unity will be brought to perfection in glory. But the unity for which Christ prayed actually began on Pentecost (Acts 2:1, 42-46). And if this unity will persuade a lost world that Jesus is the Christ (John 17:21, 23), then it must do so in this age!

Worldly Compromise?

Some take the ad hominem approach. Rather than seriously wrestling with the problem, they simply label anyone who talks of visible unity among Christians of different denominations as a weak, worldly compromiser. But certainly Christ was not a compromiser. And if He wanted and prayed for unity among all His true disciples, then we cannot write off all attempts at such unity as worldly compromise.

Practically Unimportant?

I fear this is the approach many people take. In theory, most would agree that Christian unity is a good thing. In practice, however, there’s not much we can do about the problem of divisions. Therefore, let’s just ignore the problem. But if the Bible calls Christians to be united and if Christ prays towards that end, then we can’t just ignore the problem! We must do everything in our power to remove any unnecessary impediments Christ’s prayer. In the next installment, we’ll look at some practical principles and guidelines that we can implement in order to work towards the unity for which Jesus prayed.

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