Answers for a Friend – Aspects of Christadelphian History
January 12, 2003
Dear Friends,
The next question in the series is “What aspect of Christadelphian history is the most troubling to you and why?” Like our first century brethren and Christianity at large, the Christadelphians have a history of divisiveness.
The Christadelphians were founded on the proposition that Biblical truth was discernible by the average person through diligent Bible study. With this mandate and considering there is no priesthood (other than our High Priest, Jesus Christ) or clergy class, the average Christadelphian has a wealth of Bible knowledge. This is highly commendable on the whole. However, when coupled with sinful flesh and pride, it has created a side effect which is most unpleasant. Christadelphians have had controversy after controversy over issues which your average person wouldn’t care about or even understand. Who will be resurrected and what will be the basis for the resurrection? Can a believer who is divorced remarry if their spouse has committed adultery? What does the feet and toes portion of Nebuchadnezzar’s image represent? What is the correct understanding of Jesus and his relationship to the flesh? Will there be a rebellion at the end of the Millennial age? Unfortunately, we could go on.
Whenever people are reading and studying their Bibles, questions will arise. This is both natural and healthy. On the other hand, when we couple these questions with the flesh, we have “enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of wrath, factions, divisions, parties, envyings” (Rotherham, Gal. 5:20,21). Diligent Bible study should be a transforming act that unites brethren. The Apostle Paul said “And be not configuring yourselves unto this age, but be transforming yourselves by the renewing of your mind, to the end ye may be proving what is the thing willed by God—the good and acceptable and perfect.” (Rotherham, Rom. 12:2)
Although the root cause is the flesh, certainly a contributing factor is Section 40 of the Ecclesial Guide. The Ecclesial Guide, written by Robert Roberts, was first published in 1883 as a “guide to the formation and conduct of Christadelphian ecclesias…” Section 40 has the heading “A Time to Separate and How to Go About It.” It outlines the proper procedure in the event of a schism. I call Section 40 “The Christadelphian Prenup” as in prenuptial agreement. A prenuptial agreement is an agreement that couples sign before they get married to decide beforehand how property will be divided in case of a divorce. What a great way to start a marriage…with a pre-planned divorce! I don’t think I have ever seen a marriage that had a prenuptial agreement last. Why? Because a prenuptial agreement presupposes that the marriage isn’t going to last. Similarly, the Ecclesial Guide has a preordained “out” for the flesh to manifest itself. As most married people know, marriage is a wonderful blessing from God….most of the time. Sometimes, however, the only reason you stay in the marriage is because you promised your spouse and God that you would. Ecclesial life is no different. It takes work. It takes patience. It takes love. And sometimes, it just takes commitment to stay married. There will be occasions when separation will have to take place, but they don’t need to be planned in advance.
In short, the most troubling aspect of Christadelphian history to me is schism. The good news is that more and more brethren are dedicating themselves ending any schisms that exist and, Lord willing, planting the seeds with our youth that schisms are not pleasing to our Heavenly Father.
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