UNITY or UNIFORMITY per the WTS. Dancing around the issue.
*** w88 8/15 p. 30 Maintaining Our Christian Oneness ***Unity Is Not Uniformity
Worldwide unity, however, does not mean the stifling of individuality or the crushing of initiative. Where Bible principles apply, we are glad to forsake the independent thinking patterns of this world and to accept the leading of Jehovah’s spirit. Still, in carrying out our commission as preachers, there is much room for individuality and, yes, imagination. Indeed, our brothers often use great ingenuity in adapting their methods of witnessing to local circumstances.
Then there is a wide field of activities where Scriptural principles are not directly involved, including certain local customs. In continental Europe, people frequently shake hands. In parts of the Far East, they bow. Either is acceptable to Christians. Or consider dress and grooming. The Bible gives only basic guidelines of modesty and balance. Within those, we may follow our own preferences, while exercising “soundness of mind.”—1 Timothy 2:9, 10.
Thus, elders should be careful always to give counsel on the firm ground of Bible principles instead of on personal preferences. Of course, when it comes to spiritual matters, they will be at the forefront of promoting real unity. We can do our part too. We can ‘keep testing whether we are in the faith’ by regular study of the Bible and the publications of the ‘faithful slave.’ (2 Corinthians 13:5) We can maintain oneness in works by boldly making a “public declaration” of our faith.—Hebrews 13:15.
In this way we will heed the inspired counsel: “Now I exhort you, brothers, through the name of our Lord Jesus Christ that you should all speak in agreement, and that there should not be divisions among you, but that you may be fitly united in the same mind and in the same line of thought.”—1 Corinthians 1:10.
*** g03 5/8 pp. 26-27 Does Christian Unity Require Uniformity? ***
The Bible’s Viewpoint
Does Christian Unity Require Uniformity?
RELIGION today seems to be characterized by disunity. Even within the walls of one church, people may have a variety of conflicting beliefs in matters of doctrine and conduct. One writer put it this way: “It’s even difficult to find two people who believe in exactly the same God. These days, it seems, every human being is a theology unto himself.”
In stark contrast with this, the apostle Paul exhorted first-century Christians in Corinth to “speak in agreement” and to “be fitly united in the same mind and in the same line of thought.” (1 Corinthians 1:10) Some today criticize Paul’s admonition. ‘People are different,’ they argue, ‘and it is wrong to insist that all Christians think or act in the same way.’ But was Paul really recommending robotic conformity? Does the Bible allow for personal freedom?
Unity, Not Uniformity
In another of his letters, Paul urged Christians to serve God with their “power of reason.” (Romans 12:1) Certainly, then, he would not have been trying to turn members of the Corinthian congregation into unthinking automatons. But why did he tell them to be “fitly united in the same mind and in the same line of thought”? Paul gave this counsel because the congregation in Corinth was experiencing a serious problem. Factions had developed, so that some viewed Apollos as their leader while others favored Paul or Peter or held only to Christ. Such disunity was no trivial matter, for it threatened the peace of the congregation.
Paul wanted the Corinthians to “observe the oneness of the spirit in the uniting bond of peace,” just as he later admonished the Christians at Ephesus. (Ephesians 4:3) He was encouraging the brothers to follow Jesus Christ unitedly, not to be split into disunited groups, or sects. In this way they would enjoy a peaceful harmony of purpose. (John 17:22) Paul’s counsel to the Corinthians thus served to readjust their thinking and promote unity, not uniformity.—2 Corinthians 13:9, 11.
Unity is also important in matters of doctrine. Footstep followers of Jesus realize that there is really only “one faith,” just as there is only “one God and Father.” (Ephesians 4:1-6) Hence, Christians make sure that what they believe is in harmony with the truth that God has revealed in his Word about himself and his purposes. They are united in their belief about who God is and what he requires. They also live up to the clear moral standards set out in God’s Word. (1 Corinthians 6:9-11) In this way Christians remain united, both doctrinally and morally.
Dealing With Differences
This does not mean, however, that each Christian is told precisely how to think and what to do in all of life’s situations.Most matters involve personal choice. Consider an example. A number of first-century Christians in Corinth had reservations about eating meat that may have come from an idol temple. Some believed strongly that partaking of the meat would constitute an act of false worship, while others felt that where the meat came from was irrelevant. In dealing with this sensitive issue, Paul did not make a rule that would tell Christians what to do. Instead, he acknowledged that people might make different decisions on the matter.—1 Corinthians 8:4-13.
Today Christians may make decisions that differ from those of other Christians when it comes to matters of employment, health, recreation, or some other area that involves personal choice. Such variety could disturb some. They might wonder if differences in outlook could lead to disputes or divisions in the congregation. However, such an outcome is not inevitable. To illustrate: Music composers have only a limited number of notes to work with, yet the possibilities for making beautiful music are endless. Similarly, Christians make choices that are within the boundaries of godly principles. However, they have a degree of latitude when making certain personal decisions.
How is it possible to preserve Christian unity while maintaining respect for individual choice? The key is love. Love for God moves us to submit willingly to his commandments. (1 John 5:3) Love for fellowman moves us to respect the rights of others to make conscientious decisions in personal matters. (Romans 14:3, 4; Galatians 5:13) Paul set a fine example in this regard when he submitted to the authority of the first-century governing body in a matter involving doctrine. (Matthew 24:45-47; Acts 15:1, 2) At the same time, he encouraged everyone to respect the conscience of fellow Christians in matters that have been left to personal decision.—1 Corinthians 10:25-33.
Clearly, no one should be condemned for making a conscientious decision that does not conflict with Bible principles. (James 4:12) On the other hand, loyal Christians would not insist on their personal rights to the detriment of the consciences of others or at the expense of congregation unity. Nor should they claim freedom of action to do something clearly forbidden by God’s Word. (Romans 15:1; 2 Peter 2:1, 19) Love for God should move us to attune our conscience to God’s thinking. This, in turn, will keep us united with fellow believers.—Hebrews 5:14.
[Footnote]
For example, it is possible that some who worshiped idols before becoming Christians could not distinguish between eating the meat and engaging in an act of worship. Another valid concern was that weaker Christians might get the wrong impression and be stumbled.
*** w78 3/15 p. 12 pars. 2-3 Living as Belonging to Jehovah ***
2 However, this unity is not uniformity. The fact that Christians all believe in the one Almighty God and in his Son Jesus Christ, who is Head over the congregation, does not make them like “peas in a pod,” nor does it cause them to speak mechanically, as would robots. No, each has his unique personality, his own viewpoint on matters not essential to salvation. Each differs from the others, more or less, in his way of arranging affairs and of doing things, even in daily routines of work, in relaxation and amusement. This is to a large extent because circumstances and backgrounds of individuals vary greatly.
3 Nevertheless, whatever Christians do, they are to do wholeheartedly as to Jehovah God. One Christian may not fully understand why another one sees or does things in a certain way. But he realizes that God is the Judge of his servants. And, just as the Christian tries to do all things to the best of his understanding and ability in order to please Jehovah, so he attributes the same conscientious motives to his brothers. The apostle says on this:
“None of us, in fact, lives with regard to himself only, and no one dies with regard to himself only; for both if we live, we live to Jehovah, and if we die, we die to Jehovah. Therefore both if we live and if we die, we belong to Jehovah.”—Rom. 14:7, 8.
