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Evangelical Reunion: Denominations and the One Body of Christ
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185 pages, Paperback
First published July 1, 1991
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About the author
John M. Frame
92 books222 followersFor his education, Frame received degrees from Princeton University (A.B.), Westminster Theological Seminary (B.D.), Yale University (A.M. and M.Phil., though he was working on a doctorate and admits his own failure to complete his dissertation), and Belhaven College (D.D.). He has served on the faculty of Westminster Theological Seminary and was a founding faculty member of their California campus. He currently (as of 2022) teaches Apologetics and The History of Philosophy and Christian thought at Reformed Theological Seminary in Orlando, FL.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
March 6, 2023
Biography of Author
John M. Frame (AB, Princeton University; BD, Westminster Theological Seminary; MA and MPhil, Yale University; DD, Belhaven College) holds the J. D. Trimble Chair of Systematic Theology and Philosophy at Reformed Theological Seminary in Orlando and is the author of many books, including the four-volume Theology of Lordship series.
Book Summary and Main Topics
Evangelical Reunion explains why Christian church denominations exist, why we must strive as a church for greater unity, and how we might dismantle some of our divisions.
The book is divided into two parts. In the first part, The Road to Denominationalism, the author explains the historical and theological realities that have resulted in the fragmented evangelical church we have today. In the second part, Some Roads Back to Unity, the author presents and analyzes the problems and solutions to church unity. The final chapter presents 34 short, bulleted points of application that synthesizes the whole book.
Critical Look
Let me first present to you a story. Several weeks ago, I was teaching the Apostles’ Creed in our Sunday School. The class was going well, and we were nearing the end of the Creed, when we got to: I believe… in the holy catholic church. Then it hit me, “Do I really believe in the one church, and how does my belief, or disbelief, affect my actions?!” A few decades ago I was born-again into a congregationalist (separatist) church, independent from both the state and church denominations, proud in our local church status with Jesus Christ as our head, elders and deacons as our servant-leaders, and our church members as our voting priests who self-governed the church. We lovingly submit to the Bible and to one another, but not in any practical sense do we submit to the church as a whole. What would that even mean?
Theologically the Creed is sound, but practically, I have grossly disbelieved this glorious truth. For instance, what would it mean for my small town of 3700 souls if the few hundred Christian evangelicals worshiped, evangelized, and discipled the town as a unified church, not necessarily giving up our separate constitutions and properties, but unified in our love to God, to each other, and to our neighbors? In my quest to answer such a question, I sought out the advice from one of my favorite theological authors, John M. Frame. I opened his Systematic Theology, and his advice was simply to read his book: “E.R.” So I did.
The strengths of the book are numerous. Specifically for me, it opened my eyes into a world completely unknown to me: denominational history, including formations, factions, splits, mergers, and much more. He sets a clear theology for church union, or rather, church re-union, and firmly holds that this reunion needs to be evangelical, true to the Word of God.
Frame writes with such a clear understanding of God, mankind, and our church history, that I instinctively like him and trust him. Intellectually very little is left unconsidered. As such, I got the general sense that the author lacks confidence that his work will be of much use, not because of his theological and intellectual thoroughness, but because of the church’s indwelling sin.
One unfortunate weakness of the book is her age. The book has a copyright date of 1991. I would love a second edition of the book to see what progress or lack of progress has been made in the past 30 years and what new insights the church might have on her practical unity.
The Value of the Book
My purpose for reading the book was to expose myself to a trusted evangelical apologetic and theologian in the area of practical church unity. To that end, the book served my purpose. I was not hoping to unify any denominations, but only to set the Biblical theological groundwork to work more closely with the evangelical churches in my specific town. In my experience, such thoughts are rare, and such books are extremely rare. Perhaps most useful for me was chapter 11, Dealing with Differences in Government; chapter 12, Dealing with Differences in Priorities; and chapter 19, What Do We Do Now?
Going forward, I have the theology and some strategies to work more closely with the local evangelical churches not just to occasionally pray and worship together, but to also minister together with the gospel of Jesus Christ to meet the needs in our local community. I will be thus seeking further personal and political strategies in building strong local relationships while teaching the local saints what it means that we believe… in the holy catholic church!
John M. Frame (AB, Princeton University; BD, Westminster Theological Seminary; MA and MPhil, Yale University; DD, Belhaven College) holds the J. D. Trimble Chair of Systematic Theology and Philosophy at Reformed Theological Seminary in Orlando and is the author of many books, including the four-volume Theology of Lordship series.
Book Summary and Main Topics
Evangelical Reunion explains why Christian church denominations exist, why we must strive as a church for greater unity, and how we might dismantle some of our divisions.
The book is divided into two parts. In the first part, The Road to Denominationalism, the author explains the historical and theological realities that have resulted in the fragmented evangelical church we have today. In the second part, Some Roads Back to Unity, the author presents and analyzes the problems and solutions to church unity. The final chapter presents 34 short, bulleted points of application that synthesizes the whole book.
Critical Look
Let me first present to you a story. Several weeks ago, I was teaching the Apostles’ Creed in our Sunday School. The class was going well, and we were nearing the end of the Creed, when we got to: I believe… in the holy catholic church. Then it hit me, “Do I really believe in the one church, and how does my belief, or disbelief, affect my actions?!” A few decades ago I was born-again into a congregationalist (separatist) church, independent from both the state and church denominations, proud in our local church status with Jesus Christ as our head, elders and deacons as our servant-leaders, and our church members as our voting priests who self-governed the church. We lovingly submit to the Bible and to one another, but not in any practical sense do we submit to the church as a whole. What would that even mean?
Theologically the Creed is sound, but practically, I have grossly disbelieved this glorious truth. For instance, what would it mean for my small town of 3700 souls if the few hundred Christian evangelicals worshiped, evangelized, and discipled the town as a unified church, not necessarily giving up our separate constitutions and properties, but unified in our love to God, to each other, and to our neighbors? In my quest to answer such a question, I sought out the advice from one of my favorite theological authors, John M. Frame. I opened his Systematic Theology, and his advice was simply to read his book: “E.R.” So I did.
The strengths of the book are numerous. Specifically for me, it opened my eyes into a world completely unknown to me: denominational history, including formations, factions, splits, mergers, and much more. He sets a clear theology for church union, or rather, church re-union, and firmly holds that this reunion needs to be evangelical, true to the Word of God.
Frame writes with such a clear understanding of God, mankind, and our church history, that I instinctively like him and trust him. Intellectually very little is left unconsidered. As such, I got the general sense that the author lacks confidence that his work will be of much use, not because of his theological and intellectual thoroughness, but because of the church’s indwelling sin.
One unfortunate weakness of the book is her age. The book has a copyright date of 1991. I would love a second edition of the book to see what progress or lack of progress has been made in the past 30 years and what new insights the church might have on her practical unity.
The Value of the Book
My purpose for reading the book was to expose myself to a trusted evangelical apologetic and theologian in the area of practical church unity. To that end, the book served my purpose. I was not hoping to unify any denominations, but only to set the Biblical theological groundwork to work more closely with the evangelical churches in my specific town. In my experience, such thoughts are rare, and such books are extremely rare. Perhaps most useful for me was chapter 11, Dealing with Differences in Government; chapter 12, Dealing with Differences in Priorities; and chapter 19, What Do We Do Now?
Going forward, I have the theology and some strategies to work more closely with the local evangelical churches not just to occasionally pray and worship together, but to also minister together with the gospel of Jesus Christ to meet the needs in our local community. I will be thus seeking further personal and political strategies in building strong local relationships while teaching the local saints what it means that we believe… in the holy catholic church!
January 18, 2008
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.
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.
February 25, 2024
Before reading this, I was for a unified Church and often said "Non denominational Christian" as my preference or just "Christian". After reading this, I am totally in favour of denominations and now say "Episcopalian/Methodist." My reason is aligned with his mentor Dr Cornelius van Til : in the diversity of the trinity lies the unity of the Cross. Frame has convinced me that the denominations are that diversity that is needed to keep the Cross alive and well. Conflating them into one would kill the whole body.
October 19, 2018
This book is challenging and illuminating! I don't agree with all of Frame's arguments or conclusions, but much of this book is pure gold. May God make our love abound more and more in knowledge and all discernment, so that we would approve the most important things (Phil. 1:9-10)!
April 18, 2023
Honest and thoughtful from Frame.
He lays down his thoughts and opinions on the difficult issue of union of denominations.
Lots of thought-provoking things that the reader needs to consider whether he agrees or disagrees.
He lays down his thoughts and opinions on the difficult issue of union of denominations.
Lots of thought-provoking things that the reader needs to consider whether he agrees or disagrees.
November 17, 2024
I agree with much of what Frame says in this brief book. This is a good topic that doesn't get as much attention as it should. However, Frame also has few solutions for the issue and ultimately the book feels like an exercise without an end.
June 16, 2011
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. 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" - 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.
This book is available on Amazon but also available for free on Frame's website: at http://www.frame-poythress.org/frame_...
While I recommend the free version (I mean, it's free), 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.
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. 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" - 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.
This book is available on Amazon but also available for free on Frame's website: at http://www.frame-poythress.org/frame_...
While I recommend the free version (I mean, it's free), 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.
February 24, 2016
In Evangelical Reunion, John Frame brings a strong criticism of denominations. He argues that the unity God desires is not simply a spiritual reality but an organizational one that believers are to work to establish and maintain. He does this through appealing to Scripture and what it has to say about unity. It is not uncommon to hear that though God wants The Church to be united it is not doing any harm for us to have denominations. Oftentimes people assume that this is the best way to have harmonious Christian life. We keep people who agree on secondary issues together so there is less for them to argue about. Frame, while acknowledging that denominations do serve some practical purposes names some fifteen damaging consequences for the church as a whole. He goes into depth about some of the challenges we will face in coming together (dealing with doctrinal differences, church government difference, differences in practice, differences in emphasis, our attitudes, and our assumptions.) All these subjects receive their own chapter.
One surprising aspect to me of this book is that Frame does not shirk from sharing his identification with the OPC in the past and the PCA in the present. This would put him in a church denomination with a high value on long-standing tradition and doctrinal accuracy. He is unabashedly “conservative” and Calvinist in his thinking. Theological conservatives seem to get the reputation more than others to bicker about theological differences, be more exclusive, insular-focused, drawing clear fences between us and them, etc. Frame however while making critical remarks about theological liberalism is obviously concerned with breaking down man-made boundary lines within the church and encourages people to tolerate/accept differences within congregations for the sake of the unity that God commands.
If you are part of a church that places a high value on preaching/teaching, doctrinal accuracy/purity, and the like then I would highly recommend reading this book with a group of people from your church. When people talk about unity among churches with different creeds/confessions/etc. people can be afraid they mean to stop caring about doctrinal differences and let’s all hold hands and sign songs. He is definitely not indifferent about the importance of doctrine and does not recommend forgetting about the distinctives between different churches. He proves this does not have to be an either/or scenario but a both/and. If you are in ministry or you love the Church and want to see the best for the Body of Christ this is well worth the read. Heavy on argument and Scripture but you don’t have to be a seminary student to understand what he is saying.
One surprising aspect to me of this book is that Frame does not shirk from sharing his identification with the OPC in the past and the PCA in the present. This would put him in a church denomination with a high value on long-standing tradition and doctrinal accuracy. He is unabashedly “conservative” and Calvinist in his thinking. Theological conservatives seem to get the reputation more than others to bicker about theological differences, be more exclusive, insular-focused, drawing clear fences between us and them, etc. Frame however while making critical remarks about theological liberalism is obviously concerned with breaking down man-made boundary lines within the church and encourages people to tolerate/accept differences within congregations for the sake of the unity that God commands.
If you are part of a church that places a high value on preaching/teaching, doctrinal accuracy/purity, and the like then I would highly recommend reading this book with a group of people from your church. When people talk about unity among churches with different creeds/confessions/etc. people can be afraid they mean to stop caring about doctrinal differences and let’s all hold hands and sign songs. He is definitely not indifferent about the importance of doctrine and does not recommend forgetting about the distinctives between different churches. He proves this does not have to be an either/or scenario but a both/and. If you are in ministry or you love the Church and want to see the best for the Body of Christ this is well worth the read. Heavy on argument and Scripture but you don’t have to be a seminary student to understand what he is saying.
September 14, 2009
Hands down, the most personally challenging book I have read this past year (and maybe two years)! This is neither an exegetical piece nor a technical work, but it is an extended theological reflection on the unity of the body of Christ and the sub-biblical nature of denominations. I was pierced in many places as I realize how easy it is to settle into denominational comfort as a substitute for the laborious and exhausting call of ecumenicity. Frame himself admits that his proposals for the way forward are less than satisfactory, but at least they are an attempt to start a conversation about making progress towards the reunion of the church (which is our certain destiny, biblically speaking). Two things about his analysis that stick out most are: (1) The fact that what we have in our Presbyterian General Assemblies is really not what Acts 15 supports, because ours is a gathering of representatives from only our tiny (comparatively speaking) denomination, not a gathering of representatives from all the churches as in Acts. (2) No denomination can claim the full promises of Christ to His Church (the gates of hell shall not prevail). Jesus made no promises that the PCA would last forever. It could die out, fall apart, implode, etc… This is a sobering thought and one that makes you think about where your ultimate “party loyalties” lie. There is much, much else that is excellent in this book. But I did think the one chapter which was the weakest, unfortunately, was the one on the marks of the church – it seemed to muddy the waters more than bring any clarity to the situation.
October 17, 2009
John Frame is brilliant--and humble, which is a rare combination. Frame presents a Biblical case for the elimnation of denominations, and shows compelling reasons why God requires institutional unity for His Church. There are tons of questions to ask, study, and pray about. But, first of all, we need to ask God to give His people a desire for unity with all other Christians.
Even if Frame fails to persuade you, he offers a powerful incentive for us to be involved with other Christians in our local areas, and to stop treating our own denominations as the Kingdomg of God. The Kingdom is bigger than all of us, and we should pray that God would build that kingdom, even if it means the extinction of our little man-made denominations.
Even if Frame fails to persuade you, he offers a powerful incentive for us to be involved with other Christians in our local areas, and to stop treating our own denominations as the Kingdomg of God. The Kingdom is bigger than all of us, and we should pray that God would build that kingdom, even if it means the extinction of our little man-made denominations.
September 29, 2011
I hope this gets reissued at some point. I wish I had found this book earlier in life. I feel this subject gets sorely neglected and Frame is thoughtful and respectful throughout. Let me be redundant, someone please reissue this book! Maybe Dr. Frame will add another chapter or two to address some recent changes in the Anglican landscape?
January 28, 2014
A compelling case for making denominational reunion a much higher priority. I'm surprised this wasn't more popular when it was written over two decades ago.
Frame can be altogether too straightforward and Biblical sometimes making this a volume with immediate implications for every level of the church.
Frame can be altogether too straightforward and Biblical sometimes making this a volume with immediate implications for every level of the church.
December 20, 2011
Challenging and provocative, willing to entertain ideas many will not even touch, and in that sense helpful. Yet surprisingly weak. I would recommend this book for raising legitimate questions to consider, but that is about the extent of its value.
December 1, 2010
Excellent work combating division and denominationalism in the church. Lots to apply.
June 19, 2013
An evangelical arguing against the validity of denominations. How can this not be interesting? A short, easy book that will probably challenge some entrenched notions and open new possibilities.
January 1, 2014
Read this a while ago. From what I recall I thought that it was pretty good.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews