Will the Cycle Be Unbroken?: Churches of Christ Face the 21st Century

by Douglas A. Foster

In a time when fundamental shifts are sweeping through society, how should Churches of Christ define their central values? With voices on the right calling for separation and voices on the left pressing for change, how can our fellowship possibly remain united? In seeking answers to these disturbing and complex questions, Dr. Douglas A. Foster has assembled a thoughtful, carefully-researched mosaic of the dilemma currently facing Churches of Christ. He draws upon the lessons of the past and provides solid, scriptural counsel for the future. Will the Cycle Be Unbroken? contains a vital message which the church must hear...and heed.

Genres: Theology, History

Paperback

Published September 1, 1994

Reviews

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would recommend that everyone in modern-day churches of Christ read this book. The analysis is precise and illuminating while simultaneously accessible to the average church member. It is respectful of the Stone-Campbell Restoration Movement and the general tone of the book is irenic. The author clearly evinces concern for his fellowship, perceiving the great potential it yet possesses while painfully aware that past patterns of thinking and behavior will only lead to diminishing relevance in society and the ongoing pursuit of Christian unity. One revealing, yet stinging, citation that the author provides comes from the pages of an 1869 periodical: "If a people pleading for the union of all Christians cannot maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace in their own limited communion, and peaceably dispose of all questions...then this plea for union [is] as ridiculous a farce as was ever played before the public." This quote seems to capture well the intended message of the entire book. The last 100 years of the churches of Christ have been riddled with division, bickering, arguments, and ill treatment of fellow brothers. All the while, the claim that it is a movement pleading for the unity of all Christians rings sadly hollow. Moreover, to the outside onlooker, such a plea is completely unbelievable in view of our "record." Thus, the message of this book should be heeded carefully, and the mistakes of the past herein documented should be vigorously avoided.

[Paul · Rating 3 out of 5]

This exploration of the causes of division in the Stone-Campbell Movement contains some insightful analysis of both the significant division between Churches of Christ and the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the late 19th century, and the splintering of Churches of Christ between conservative and progressive wings in the late 20th century. Foster's main argument is to caution against overdrawing the similarities, given that the 19th-century split was between liberals and conservatives while the 20th-century disagreements are between conservatives and other conservatives. The book shows its age a bit, as 20 years after its publication, it's become clearer that the less conservative wing has continued moving left and is now closer to liberalism. A major flaw, in my opinion, is that a book about divisions in Churches of Christ needs to have more than a couple of passing references and a footnote about the significant and enduring racial divisions in the movement, and how they cut across the more typical doctrinal divides. Otherwise, a solid book, with some good reminders for partisans of all stripes that unity requires more humility than self-affirmation.