The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1894-12-15
CHRISTIAN UNION.
BY REV. ]. P. MCLEAN, PH.D.


on the subject of Christian Union. L
am not governed by any desire either
to advocate or oppose that idea, how
ever desirable that end might be; but
to present the matter as l view it,
fully conscious of the fact that what
1 might add will neither add to nor
detract from the problem. That a
current has set in looking toward a
closer relation of the various Chris
tan sects is patent even to the mos
superficial observer. That something
has been accomplished in this direc-
ton, perhaps none but those of an
obstinate nature would presume to
deny. How far this has gone, and
what will be its limit, no man know
eth. While this movement has en-
gagged the attention of broad men
in all the sects, yet it would appear
that the liberal churches have been
the staunchest advocates. This may
be owing to the nature of their organ
izations, or else for the reason that
denominational ties rest more easily
upon their shoulders. Reference
here is not made to that class of
wanderers who find no difficulty in
passing from one sect to another.
and whose cratic characters make
them undesirable members whereso-
ever they choose to lodge.
It is not to be charged that the
liberal sects, on account of the pau
city of their membership, feel lone
someness and are reaching out for
an enlarged society; for it must be
remembered that every sect, however
great or small, fully believes that the
whole world is gravitating toward its
peculiar, or distinctive ideas. But in
this great and troubled sea of unrest,
in the very midst of which we have
our existence, there is on the part of
many sincere and devout minds
yearning for harmony. Some of them
look upon the wide separation of the
Protestant churches as destructive in
its tendency. Others judge the same
to be constructive and each distinc-
tive church as stepping stone in re-
ligious progress.
Church Union.
Christian Union to greater or less
extent has been COMPOUNDED with the
idea of Church Union; and in all
probability the advocates of the
former, for the most part, in reality
have the latter in their mind. 1t goes
without contradiction that every de-
denomination fearlessly proclaims
church union. The Patriarch of
Constantinople will tell you it is the
desire of his life, and the doors of
his church are thrown open to all.
The Pope of Rome will tell you the
same; likewise the archbishop of Can
terbury, and so on until the least of
all the sects has been named. To each
one the terms are simple and reason
able, and you are invited to step upon
the special platform that one deems
best to present, however narrow and
frail it may be.
Is Church Union Desirable?
In the discussions which we have
listened to at various times, as yet |
never heard the point raised, "Is
church union desirable7" The desire
for harmony and the quickened i'm
pulse to reach the Golden Age have
overlooked the law of utility and also
what might be termed unconscious
development However pleasant and
inspiring may be the dream of unity
of action and belief, after all, is it the
one thing we are to contend for7 and
will it bring the true repose of the
soul? There is in mans nature a
quality we call rivalry. which, when
properly directed, leads to results of
the most intrinsic value.
There is, there must be, more or
less friction in the rivalry of sects,
which, in the end, must rebound to
the benefit of the participants. The
Western world once tried unity of
thought and action in religious mat
ters. The lesson was bitterly learned.
The reformation directed by Luther.
kept alive and invigorated every since,
although sects sprung up on every
side, has been of incalculable benefit
to the human race. If there has been
retardation, it was only incidental, and
served as a check in that advance
ment which might have proved too
rapid for the masses.
Is Church Union Possible?
Religion is part of mans nature,
and here is an anthropological ques-
ton. 1t would be folly to assume
that one knows all there is of anthro-
pology. Man has devoted more at
Al A