PARTY NAMES

 

The wearing of party names has become so common in the denominations that people generally accept it as the norm.  In fact, in the current pluralistic society it is not politically correct to speak disparagingly of any party name.

 

This, however, has not always been the case.  In fact, some well-known religious leaders of the past spoke vehemently against all party names.  For example, Martin Luther, the recognized leader of the Protestant Reformation, said this: “I pray you to leave my name alone, and call not yourselves Lutherans, but Christians.” (Life of Luther; Stork, page 289)  John Wesley, the founder of the Methodist Church, said, “Would to God that all party names and unscriptural phrases and forms which have divided the Christian world were forgot; that we might all agree to sit down together as humble, loving disciples at the feet of the common Master, to hear His word, to imbibe His spirit, and to transcribe His life into our own.”  Charles Spurgeon, the famous Baptist preacher of London, England, said, “I hope the Baptist name will soon perish; and let Christ name last forever.” (Spurgeon Memorial Library, page 168) Unfortunately, the voices of these men have not been heard.

 

But far more important is what the Bible itself says: “Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ.  Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were you baptized in the name of Paul?” (1 Corinthians 1:11-13)

Claude