The author, searching for a Protestant denomination with a ‘theology of collaboration’ comes up with nothing but the networks of churches sharing the concept of evangelization. The Christian right became a political entity and split. Can taking a strong stance unite churches? No. Is missional unity the source of uncommon unity? Not really considering the fact that mission is and ought to be contextualized. So, you may now understand why it is difficult to accept what I thought would be the main thrust of the book – the idea that unity in the age of division is possible. He implies that their ‘flattening’ of differences and sociopolitical convictions hindered rather than assisted in the attempt to find unity in Christ. Lints himself is dismissive toward some recent aspects of the movement toward unity, such as the World Council of Churches and the National Council of Churches. Leaping forward in history to what he considers the divisive nature of denominationalism (preceded of course by the schisms of 10), he addresses diversity and unity in the church.Įmpires, variations in authority structure, different versions and canonizations of sacred texts, varieties of confessions of faith, theologies, and denominations, and the autonomy of some congregations all provided strong movement against unity. Lints reviews scriptural accounts of redemptive history, marriage, and the Trinity in order to help us understand unity in diversity.
Diversity was expressed in the four gospels and the variety of writings that coexisted from the beginning. Jesus was born in a world of empires and pluralisms. Yet, historical analysis, interpretation of Genesis, human capacities for creativity and meaning, and social and personal histories set the stage for his deep hope for unity across all our brokenness. He points to the rapid multiplication of Protestantisms, including several varieties of evangelicalism.
Yet, he too questions whether Christianity in its highly diversified faith map can be a unifying force at all. Lints challenges readers to accept the strengths of the inclusion narratives of democracy and the gospel’s inclusion narrative. The late 20th century saw a rise in cultural fairness as defined by the “shared beliefs with secular people.” This omits reference to any religious principles whatsoever, which could suggest an assumption of disunity. Accepting our enormous diversity, Lints still believes in reconciliation and the potential for inclusiveness.Ĭountervailing forces, such as the exclusion narratives, the realities of our diverse immigrants, disparate moral frameworks, and secularization, all challenge any sense of unity within the U.S.
Today, the global culture makes us aware of the shrinking areas of agreement within humanity. Renouncing self-righteousness and leaning into the wisdom of the gospel will hopefully allow us to be comfortable with diversity.Ĭhristianity’s early movement into the multicultural world outside the Jewish realm initiated the practices required for unity. Agreements across “diverse interpretations of the gospel” can be celebrated once wisdom reconciles us. The unity referred to in the title is the basic acceptance of the gospel. This commonality is among all who accept the divinity of Jesus Christ and the three-in-Oneness of God. This book seems to take a strong stance: we do have a core Christianity in common. This is a volume of orthodoxy and optimism, two qualities not often combined in contemporary theology. A Review of Uncommon Unity: Wisdom for the Church in an Age of Divisionīuy Now:
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