People use this phrase a lot when there are arguments but for the most part, it looks like people are using it incorrectly, so I thought I'd start off this discussion by expounding on what is, and isn't "dividing the body of Christ".
1. First, let's define the word "dividing".
Dividing means to separate. I mean, that's as plain as it can get lol. If you divide an apple in half, you are cutting into two pieces. It is no longer whole, it is divided.
2. Now, what is the body of Christ?
It's a metaphor used by Paul in 1 Corinthians 12 and Romans 12 to describe the Church as a whole. All believers in Jesus, united under one head of leadership. We can get more nuanced with this but let's just leave it as, anyone who follows Christ in faith. So regardless of denomination, race, or background.
3. Dividing the Body of Christ
So instead of unity (one body) all following Christ, you have division. Examples of this are:
- A) Breaking unity over non-essentials like: "I follow Paul" or "I follow Apollos" (1 Corinthians 3:4).
- B) Promoting False Doctrine (Galatians 5:7-10, Romans 16:17, 1 Corinthians 1:10)
- Gossip or slander (Proverbs 6:16-19, Proverbs 16:28, 2 Corinthians 12:20) But there is a difference between "quarreling" and debate. The motive for quarreling is often pride (James 4:1) and can be over arguments that are "foolish" in nature (Titus 3:9) because the outcome ruins "good hearers" (2 Timothy 2:14 and 2 Timothy 2:23). The Motive for a debate is restoration by correction which can have a fruitful outcome when someone is corrected.
4. So if promoting false doctrine is considered dividing the body, what is NOT dividing the body?
Rebuke: Correcting a person in error by holding them accountable, correcting behavior and correcting scripture. (Matthew 18:15, Luke 17:3, 2 Timothy 4:2, 1 Timothy 5:20, Titus 1:13)
If someone is preaching something false, that's already divided, but debating someone or even getting into a heated debate, isn't dividing, it's actually an attempt at becoming whole again where both people can agree. THAT is unity. So I think people need to be careful that just because 2 people are having an argument/debate, doesn't necessarily mean division, when scripturally speaking its a step towards unity (depending on context of course).
Denominations are already scripturally divided and we should duke it out more often so we can come together in unity of belief instead of attempting to pacify the debate with a chastisement of "dividing the body of Christ" which is only preventing us from actually being whole and keeping us divided with "you interpret it this way, I interpret it this way" and leaving it in that divided state. That's not helping, thats encouraging continued true division.
So within this context, can we stop throwing that phrase around and continue debating so we can become a unified front instead of a fractured one?
Now, within that spirit, feel free to debate me.
