Christian Unity Through Triage

I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me.

John 17:23

Are you under the impression that there are distinct forms of Christianity, such as African Christianity, Asian Christianity, or Western Christianity? If so, it’s worth considering that the Christian faith is inherently unified and portrayed as such in Scripture:

“There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call— one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.” – Ephesians 4:4-6

Undoubtedly, it’s important to acknowledge that there are genuine cultural distinctions in regions where the gospel has been shared with a particular people group. However, through our affirmation of the Apostle’s Creed, we acknowledge our belief in ‘the holy catholic Church’, the same Church that Jesus himself referred to when he said, “the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.”

As Christians, it is crucial to exercise discernment in determining where we should stand in unity and where we should set boundaries to preserve the purity of the gospel message. This concept is known as Theological Triage, and it is an understanding that not all doctrines hold equal weight in our Christian faith. By recognising the importance of doctrines of different orders, we can foster unity through the bond of peace (Ephesians 4:3) while upholding the essential tenets of our faith.

It is my desire that Christianity in Africa, and indeed, throughout the world, moves beyond superficiality and becomes deeply rooted in the truth of the gospel. This requires a commitment to theological depth and an understanding of the significance of different doctrines. May our pursuit of truth and unity lead to a faith that is not only wide but also deep, firmly anchored in the person of Jesus Christ.

First Order Doctrine – Battles We Must Fight

“For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received…” – 1 Corinthians 15:3a

“…for unless you believe that I am he you will die in your sins.” – John 8:24

Certain doctrines are absolute and must be upheld to avoid apostasy, regardless of your background, era, intellect, or personal characteristics. The denial of these truths can have grave consequences for one’s soul, and it is therefore crucial that we remain steadfast in their defence. First Order doctrines pertain specifically to the question: Who is God and what has He done?

The African continent hosts a range of ideologies that provide different answers to this question. Syncretism, Islamification, and the Prosperity Gospel pose a significant threat to the Church and demand that we stand united against them. Failure to recognise what unites us as Christians can make us vulnerable to division.

As disciples of Jesus Christ, we must hold firmly to several non-negotiable truths that form the foundation of our faith. These include the triunity of God, the deity of Jesus Christ, His virgin birth, His sinless life, His death, and His resurrection. Moreover, the doctrine of penal substitutionary atonement, which teaches that Jesus died on the cross as a substitute for sinners, paying the penalty for our sins, is an essential component of Christian belief. Through faith in Him, we receive forgiveness and salvation.

We must also guard the doctrine of justification by grace alone through faith alone, which holds that our salvation is not earned by our own works but is a free gift of God’s grace, received through faith in Jesus Christ. This foundational truth distinguishes Christianity from all other religions and is central to our understanding of salvation.

Furthermore, we must affirm the supreme authority of Scripture alone, holding that the Bible is the inspired and infallible Word of God and the ultimate authority for Christian faith and practice. As followers of Jesus Christ, we must remain steadfast in upholding these non-negotiable truths and proclaiming them boldly to the world.

Second Order Doctrines – From Heaven He Came and Sought Her

“…for I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole counsel of God.” – Acts 20:27

The bride for whom Christ died has been declared righteous, yet we still await glorification when we will no longer see through a mirror dimly (1 Corinthians 13:12). Until then, we must humbly acknowledge one another and love each other. This is not a call to indifferentism, but rather a call to follow the example of Saint Augustine who famously said, ‘In essentials, unity; in non-essentials, liberty; in all things, charity.’ Second-order doctrines are primarily related to ecclesiology and the structure of theological systems.

As a Christian, the question should not be whether you should go to church, but rather which church you should join as a member. In Africa, we have a plethora of church options to choose from. However, it’s essential that we allow our first-order doctrines to guide us in selecting the church we attend.

The health, life, and ministry of the local church demand urgent attention, and taking a clear stance on matters of practice is crucial. Issues such as the mode of baptism and the significance of the Lord’s Supper require careful consideration. The role of women in ministry is also a weighty matter that can determine a church’s faithfulness.While Calvinists and Arminians may disagree on certain vital doctrines, they should still affirm their love for each other in Christ. However, these theological differences can sometimes be so significant that it becomes challenging to work together in the same local congregation.

Third-Order Doctrines – Each One Should Be Fully Convinced In His Own Mind.

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” – Psalm 119:105

On a continent like Africa where tribalism and traditions often influence the Christian experience, it’s crucial to seek guidance from the infallible Word of God. As stated in 2 Timothy 4:2, we must “preach the word…with complete patience and teaching,” and show patience by “bearing with one another in love,” as noted in Ephesians 4:2. While we may have differing views on significant doctrines, we must strive to maintain our Christian unity.

It is crucial to recognise that there are doctrines that we should be willing to alter in order to more closely align with the teachings of Scripture. This may include our style of worship, the use of spiritual gifts, and the mode of church government, among other areas. Each church will inevitably take a position on these matters, whether or not we explicitly acknowledge it. It is essential that we remain humble and open to change in these areas, as we seek to faithfully follow the Lord’s guidance through His Word.

The interpretation of minor prophetic texts, beliefs about the timing and nature of the rapture, understanding of the millennial view described in Revelation Chapter 20, and views on creation significantly influence how Christians apply the Bible to their daily lives. While these doctrines are crucial, unity should be preserved among believers, who may hold varying opinions and still maintain their unity in Christ.

Closing Thoughts

Christianity has a long history in Africa, dating back to the first century when the Ethiopian eunuch was converted by Philip the Evangelist in Acts 8:26-40. As pastor Conrad Mbewe famously said, “I am not trying to make the Bible more African; I am trying to get the Church in Africa to be more biblical.” Thus, it is important to recognise that Christians throughout history have grappled with these weighty theological matters, and we must resist the temptation to think that we are the first generation to consider them. Scripture makes it clear that there are times to separate from some:

“If anyone does not obey what we say in this letter, take note of that person, and have nothing to do with him, that he may be ashamed.” – 2 Thessalonians 3:14

By standing on the firm foundation of unity on essential doctrines and employing a triage of doctrines, we can guard ourselves against the temptation to blaze a new path that would be unrecognisable to Christians of previous generations. This unity and doctrinal discernment provide a platform for us to engage in joined evangelistic efforts and ultimately give glory to God alone. May we say along with the Apostle Paul:

“For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” – Romans 8:38-39

1. Meaning the universal Christian church -all believers in Jesus Christ

2. In some parts of Africa, Christianity has been blended with traditional African religions, resulting in syncretism. While some see this as a positive way to contextualize Christianity, it as a dilution of Christian faith.