How Do Unity and Truth Relate?

There is a real danger, often cited, that we will pursue unity with Christians at all costs. We will sacrifice orthodox Christian faith in order to find a way to “get along.” Indeed, this is the most common objection to ecumenism I receive from conservative Christians. They are rightly concerned that theological compromise can harm the witness and faithfulness of the Christian Church.

But unity and truth are not binary opposites. They are complementary truths, truths that can and should be maintained side-by-side. To compromise unity is to compromise truth, and vice versa. This is why I believe we begin with the Apostles’ Creed. It is a simple, accepted way of confessing our baptismal and common faith together. It includes those truths that are genuinely central to common Christianity. It does not address every biblical doctrine but if we begin here we can move into other areas with more confidence and hope.

This week’s video addresses this issue.