Divided We Fall: Overcoming a History of Christian Disunity

by Luder G. Whitlock Jr.

Throughout the centuries, Christians have longed to be united with one anothersupporting each other and working in harmony. But our reality is very different, and we need only to read the New Testament to realize that disunity has been with us from the start.

What can we do to foster unity and deeper community in a world where so many relationships are fractured and fractious? Luder Whitlock Jr. explores God's desire for unity in the church, overviews the history of global Christianity with an eye on its schisms and agreements, and points us toward the necessity of God-honoring fellowship, laying out steps we can take to increase trust and develop understanding, especially within the church.

As governments grow increasingly unsupportive of Christianity, it is even more important for us to listen to each other and work together for the common gooddespite our many differences.

208 pages, Paperback

Published May 5, 2017

About the author

Luder G. Whitlock Jr. served as president of Reformed Theological Seminary from 1978–2001, where he had previously been a professor. Today he is executive director of the CNL Charitable Foundation and the JMS Foundation; president of Excelsis; and minister at large for the First Presbyterian Church of Orlando. He and his wife, Mary Lou, have three children and eleven grandchildren.

Reviews

[John Boyne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Divided We Fall attempts to discuss an issue that hasn't been well addressed in protestant and evangelical circles for quite some time, the issue of disunity in the church and the explosion of denominations, particularly in the 20th century. Whitlock provides part history, part dive into Scriptural truths, and part analysis of modern practices of organizational unity and disunity. While all parts were very necessary for such a complicated topic, I felt the author was a little scattered when it came to transitioning between topics. I greatly enjoyed the historical portion where I learned how the church in the past worked towards unity and how so often it came up short. I also enjoyed some of the more modern controversies surrounding disunity in the church, particularly within the Presbyterian tradition, one which both the author and myself adhere too. When it came time for the author to address recommendations on how the church can begin to move more towards unity, I felt like it was lacking focus and seemed to focus more on interpersonal relationship building and organization unity that seems to work more for the business world than for the church. I felt like there needed to be more on how different churches could learn to work together despite doctrinal and organization differences and I felt like I never found that. Still a good read for church leaders and those who enjoy church history.

[Aaron · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book Review - Divided We Fall by Luder G. Whitlock Jr.

One of the most common criticisms against Christianity that I encounter from both Christians and non-Christians alike is that we are a divided church with a history full of divisions. This is a valid criticism and one which Christians everywhere should take to heart. Christ himself told us that his desire is that we would be unified. Why? Christ gives us two reasons in John 17.20-23: 1) that the world would believe that Christ was sent by the Father, and 2) that the world would know that the Father loves us in the same manner in which the Father loves Christ.

I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, 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.
That sad reality is that the church is not unified. There have been many attempts to unify the church and all of these attempts have their own understanding of what it means for the Church to be one. Who should we unite to? Are we to be one in doctrine? Practice? Liturgy? Should we all submit to one central head of the Church? Whatever the answer, one thing is clear and that is that the Church is fragmented and our lack of unity contributes in some way to unbelief.

Divided We Fall by Luder G. Whitlock Jr. is a book which was written to address the issue of unity and disunity within the Church. Whitlock starts off by establishing the biblical call for unity. After this, he takes the reader on a fascinating tour of church history and the many attempts to unify the Church. This was by far the best succinct abridgment on the topic that I have ever read and gives the reader just enough information to understand the key historical moments. The ample footnotes provide a good launching pad for further study if desired. Next Whitlock begins to develop the doctrine of the communion of the saints (colloquially known as "body life"). This includes a historical treatment of the communion of the saints as well as a bit of flushing out the concept in a user-friendly manner. From here, Whitlock looks at the ecumenical movement, schisms, and sectarianism before addressing some challenges and concerns with attempts at unifying the Body of Christ. Finally Whitlock concludes the book with some well reasoned and constructive steps that believers can take to begin the process of unifying the church.

One of the things that I really appreciated while reading Divided We Fall is that Whitlock leaves plenty of room for diversity within the Body of Christ. That is to say that he doesn't insist that unity means that we all hold to the same interpretation of scripture as long as we are committed to some key orthodox doctrines. This leaves room for say, a Presbyterian and a Baptist to maintain their doctrinal distinctives while still striving for unity. Whitlock understands that unity and mutual affection between believers does not mean that they have to agree on every doctrine. Instead, unity it is characterized by love, kindness, and a willingness to associate and dialogue with those who believe differently.

Divided We Fall is a wonderful book on Church unity that seeks to honor God and his desire for unity. At the same time, Whitlock avoids the common mistakes of most ecumenical attempts which sacrifice orthodoxy for the sake of getting along. Divided We Fall also avoids the extreme approach to unity which insists that the church must be unified under one human head and share a common liturgy. This book outlines an excellent example of the type of unity which Christ prayed for and the church will be all the better for heeding Whitlock's wisdom.

This book review first appeared at http://www.teleiaphilia.com

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from P&R Publishing in exchange for an online review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

[Jennifer Lara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Divided We Fall: Overcoming a History of Christian Disunity by Luder G. Whitlock Jr is a look into the history of the Christian church and how disagreements and arguments have created division among Christians throughout the centuries. He begins with biblical foundations of faith and how humans as relational beings are designed for companionship and community. He takes an in-depth look into the historical events which have shaped the different denominations as we know them today. From the Apostolic Church to the Medieval Era to the Reformation. As he discusses the differences among the denominations, he focuses on the Presbyterian Church, which he is the most familiar with. The differences are more than doctrinal differences but cultural, economic and social differences. For example, the Presbyterian Church has 10 or more denominations that have developed since the arrival in the New World. The church separated into North and South denominations during the Civil War and failed to reunite when the war was over. Some denominations are divided along heritage identity i.e. Scottish and Irish congregations. Some division simply came about over the business matters. After he discusses where the church has lost its focus, he offers solutions to refocus and return to the united church as discussed in the Bible. It all begins with love, trust, understanding, kindness and the ability to function together despite our differences.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I enjoyed reading the history of the church and the changes to the church as society changed. I agreed with many of his points especially his assertion that he is a Christian without the label of a denomination, “I am happy to be a mere Christian without further appellation.” I too am happy to be merely a Christian. The clarification of what denomination I may or may not belong to is unimportant. Another point he made is “the closer you are to Christ, the more some issues fade in importance.” I wholeheartedly agree. The last year I committed to reading the Bible book by book and I found myself closer to Christ and to God than I have ever been before. The denominational differences and scrabbles do not matter to me anymore. I highly recommend this amazing book. Mr. Whitlock is honest about where the church has gone wrong and acknowledges the solutions he offers will be difficult for some to do but they are necessary for unity among believers. This book has a permanent place on my bookshelf.

Divided We Fall: Overcoming a History of Christian Disunity
is available in paperback and eBook

[Chris Rohde · Rating 5 out of 5]

I highly recommend this book to all evangelicals, but most especially those involved in leadership or church polity. In this book, Dr. Whitlock clearly and concisely articulates the long history of division within the Church, the causes of that division, and the need for the Church, especially the evangelical church, to develop a renewed vision and heart for unity. In furtherance of this goal, Dr. Whitlock lays out several concrete steps that we should adopt to bridge many of the secondary and tertiary issues that divide us. As a church polity nerd and someone who has been accused of enjoying drama in the church, this book was a call to repentance to me. Whether you struggle with divisiveness or not, this book is a book that you should read and allow the Spirit to prick your heart. And we should all respond by praying that the Church of Jesus Christ would be growing in unity on Earth.

[Scott · Rating 3 out of 5]

Divided We Fall is as ambitious as it is hopeful. Dr. Whitlock takes a broad sweeping view of the history of evangelicalism. As he does, he condemns disunity and attempts to point the way to unity in a broad sense, between congregations, denominations and institutions.

It struck me that he was too ambitious. While I am hopeful for the unity of the Spirit between Spirit-filled believers, I don't see such a thing as spirit-filled institutions that would relate to one another unified by the Spirit.

I would settle for various churches/denominations praying for one another, speaking well of one another and assuming the best of one another. That may not be the wholesale change he is after, but it would make this a nicer world in which to live.

I did enjoy several of his historical references and quotes. And, feel like I learned some church history I had not been exposed to before.

[Timothy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good historical discussion on this topic.
To be fair, it is hard to provide a concrete solution to this important issue.
In my understanding, Whitlock's conclusion in the end seems similar to that of Fundamentalism when it started in the early 20th century - i.e. there should be unity in fundamental truths, and differences in secondary issues should not cause division or separation of denominations.

[Michelle Kidwell · Rating 5 out of 5]



Divided We Fall

Overcoming a History of Christian Disunity

by Luder G. Whitlock Jr.



P & R Publis  

Christian

Pub Date 31 May 2017

I am reviewing a copy of Divided We Fall through P and R Publishing and Netgalley:

Luder G Whitlock Jr, reminds us that we cannot have unity in the church butI that should not come at the cost of a water down or worse yet an elastic gospel.

The author asks the question that has been asked for centuries What is the church? What is it function?  How is it supposed to function?  Where should we begin to best understand it?  Often along with these questions, the question of unity arises.  

We are reminded too that in order to better answer these questions we need too turn to the word of God.

We are reminded too that if a church is Divided it Will Fall, and loose it's Core. 

The author points out too that Mega Churches, actually have a negative impact on smaller churches.

Divided We Fall is a well argued, well researched book with some good points.  I give it five out of five stars.

Happy Reading!