There is a view that doctrine divides the church rather than unites the church, therefore it must go. This view is held to differing levels. Would those who embrace this position please consider the following question, “Are you willing to believe nothing about Christ, for the sake of Christ?” This is the logical conclusion of the theological position you are taking. In the name of embracing others and in the name of the love of Christ, apparently some are willing to think nothing of Christ.
I desire to embrace others, both Christians and the lost. However, I do not desire to think less of my savior. With each doctrine you are willing to compromise or part with, a biblical view of God and Christ is compromised or lost. In a desire to embrace, one might be willing to do away with a particular view of baptism. This seems to be something that is minor, but does this then lead one to embrace baptismal regeneration? If we are saved by water, what has Christ become to us? Do you see the dangerous slope? And what will you compromise or part with when the next person comes along?
The view sounds wonderful in the name of unity, but if in the name of unity we set aside this doctrine and that doctrine, do we not move farther away from Christ? The one in whose name we say we are acting? Reconsider your ways, hold to doctrine in humility, for it did not come from you, but do not let it go.


Andy, good post. This is an important issue. There is an excellent statement to this effect in the Bethelehem Affirmation of Faith. In paragraph 15.3 there is a very helpful statement which reads: “We believe that the cause of unity in the church is best served, not by finding the lowest common denominator of doctrine, around which all can gather, but by evaluating the value of truth, stateing the parameters of church or school, mission or ministry, seeking the unity that comes from the truth, and then demonstrating to the world how Christians can love one another accross boundaries rather than by removing boundaries. In this way the importance of truth is served by the existence of doctrinal borders, and unity is served by the way we love others across those borders.”