Many brethren are perfectionists.
They visualize an ideal situation, and, in spite of their own failings, frailties, and shortcomings, demand that all who walk with them must meet their ideal. But because ideals are generally abstract, a test must be devised which is concrete in nature. Faithfulness to God is then measured by this test. If a person meets this one requirement, he is accepted, although he may miserably fail on most other counts. This is the rationalization of the party spirit.