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Evangelical Reunion: Denominations and the One Body of Christ

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Irenic is the term to describe the tone of this study of what can be the subject of the most strident of conversations among believers. In this book, Pastor Frame manages to examine the history of sectarianism within the Church and offers some jewels of wisdom for the reader. Beginning with the first division in the early Church and continuing to now, this book is a study in the processes that led to the present, fragmented Church. Frame challenges every Christian to distinguish between loyalty to Christ and denomination. Offering clear insights, this book is a "must read" for every evangelical.

This book changed my mind. The best I have ever read on ecumenism from a conservative Reformed perspective. Dr. Frame is a Yale graduate, seminary professor, and PCA pastor.

He argues that schism is dangerous stuff, always tragic, and not to be entered into lightly. So, he says, the PCA's leaving the PCUS in 1973 may have been justified, but their not joining up with an existing body like the ARP or OPC at the time was a sin. They made some amends by merging with the RPCES, which itself was a merger of two other bodies. Organic union is not the sole test of catholicity, but it is one important goal. You have to wonder about the PCA and ARP's indifference to even beginning talks of merger.

In Frame's usual style of taking theological precision and pressing to see it applied by hearts stirred by God, this work is a wonderful look at denominationalism and its true Biblical warrant.

Dr. Frame sets out to show that denominationalism is in fact not Biblical and only comes into the scene as a result of sin - whether by the original group, the seceding group, or both. His arguments throughout are cogent and convicting. He argues that the Lord set out to establish one united Church Body (Eph. 3:4ff) and not the factional denominations we have today (at least not in their present form). Frame is constantly calling the church back to the Scriptures which call for a unity in truth and love.

His practical suggestions are helpful; and he admittedly does not have all the answers but desires for those who can provide more helpful insight into the dissolving of denominations to come forward.

He shares great insights into the nature of the body of Christ, the divisional character that has come from within it, and some steps we can (and should) take, as evangelicals, toward a stronger unity in the faith. His approach is not to be seen as some rash ecumenical call to boil everything down to the least common denominator so as to be left with nothing but liberalism (and so nothing for the evangelical).

But he does call each believer to be constantly evaluating his own denomination in light of the Scriptures and be prepared to hold to Scripture more than denominational preferences. For an example of his approach, he writes:

"So much of our denominational life is structured according to "us" vs. "them." It's West vs. East, Protestant vs. Catholic, Presbyterian vs. Episcopal, dispensationalist vs. covenant theology, charismatic vs. noncharismatic, anabaptist vs. paedobaptist, even "our kind of Baptist" vs. "their kind of Baptist." Some of this is a legitimate attempt to distinguish what one believes to be true doctrine from its counterfeits. But it can mislead believers into thinking that their main warfare is with other Christians. On the contrary, the great gulf is not between anabaptists and paedobaptists, or between Presbyterians and Episcopals, but between belief and unbelief, between Christ and the evil one." - Chapter 5

True to Frame's distinguished style, you can find yourself warmly encouraged, edified, and convicted while at the same time not entirely agreeing with what he says (or at least having some reservations). He recognizes that, and only asks that his views be countered by Scripture. I think this work is highly valuable and should cause us all to reflect on our own denominational affiliation (even if that's a non-denominational church). I don't anticipate a huge explosion of denominational boundaries coming down anytime soon; but I certainly appreciate Frame's call for us to constantly evaluate ourselves in light of Scripture and his call for us to act in accordance what seems to be the plain teaching of Scripture.

[This is an earlier work of his (originally published in 1991); but because of his such strong convictions for truth and his genuine ability in writing warmly, it's only fitting that the festschrift recently written in his honor is entitled "Speaking the Truth in Love: The Theology of John M. Frame" - for that is one thing Dr. Frame must be known for - his ability to actually speak the truth, and do it with Christ-like love.]