CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the Study

God's desire for humanity is that believers should live in unity, which is why Jesus Christ prayed for the oneness of His followers in John 17. In verses 20–23, Jesus extended His prayer beyond His immediate disciples to include all those who would believe in Him through their message. He prayed that all believers would be united in the same way that He and the Father are one, so that believers would share in their divine fellowship and the world would recognize that the Father had sent Him. He further expressed that the glory given to Him had also been given to His followers so that they might become perfectly united, thereby demonstrating God's love for them. This prayer reveals the importance Jesus attached to unity among Christians and the role that such unity plays in the fulfilment of the Church's mission.

The prayer was not limited to the eleven disciples who remained with Jesus but also extended to future believers who would become His disciples through the ministry and testimony of the apostles (Britney, 1994). The biblical account indicates that Jesus acknowledged the future growth of the community of believers that would emerge through the work of His disciples. As Jessica (2004:497) observes, one of the principal concerns expressed by Jesus as He approached His death was the unity of His followers, since their oneness would serve as an essential condition for the successful continuation of their mission. Disunity and division, however, remain significant challenges within the Body of Christ, particularly as churches expand and the number of their members increases. Although Jesus' prayer specifically appeals to the relationship between the Father and the Son, the unity described in the passage goes beyond ordinary human relationships, social harmony, or friendly interactions among Christians. Rather, it represents a deeper spiritual unity grounded in the relationship between God and His people (Ebere, 1970). The outward demonstration of this unity is intended to serve as a testimony to the world concerning the divine origin of Christ's mission and the truth of the Christian faith.

Similarly, the Apostle Paul emphasizes the importance of unity among Christians in 1 Corinthians 1:10, where he appeals to believers in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ to maintain agreement, avoid divisions, and become united in their thinking and judgment. Through this instruction, Paul strongly condemns the formation of factions and divisions within the Church, particularly those arising from personal disagreements and doctrinal controversies. Nevertheless, disagreements were not entirely absent from the experiences of the early Christian leaders. Paul himself experienced a serious difference of opinion with Barnabas, demonstrating that conflicts could arise even among individuals committed to the advancement of the Christian faith. The Greek term haireseis, used in discussions of doctrinal differences in passages such as 1 Corinthians 11:19 and Galatians 5:20, refers to factions, divisions, or groups associated with differing beliefs and practices. In certain contexts, such divisions may arise from disagreements concerning the soundness of doctrine and the legitimacy of particular teachings (Accordance, 2010). This raises an important theological question regarding whether every form of division within the Church is unacceptable or whether some separations may be justified under particular biblical circumstances.

Before offering His prayer in John 17, Jesus had established the institution of the Lord's Supper in the context of the Passover celebration. The Lord's Supper serves as a significant Christian ordinance that commemorates Christ's sacrifice and expresses the unity of believers with Him and with one another. It is therefore associated not only with fellowship between Christians and God but also with the spiritual relationship shared by members of the Body of Christ. In 1 Corinthians 10:16, Paul explains that participation in the cup and the bread represents communion in the blood and Body of Christ. This understanding highlights the central place of shared participation in the life of the Church. Mounce (2006:127, 247) explains that the concept of the Church is associated with fellowship, communion, participation, and sharing. The term is consequently used in a religious context to describe a relationship that extends beyond an ordinary social association and reflects a deeper spiritual bond among believers.

Paul also uses the concept of fellowship to describe the believer's participation in Christ and the blessings associated with the Christian faith, as well as the mutual relationship that exists among members of the Christian community (Hauck, 1983:804). Furthermore, 1 John 1:3 and 2 Corinthians 13:14 indicate that Christian fellowship involves a relationship with the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, in addition to the communion shared among believers. According to Prime (2008:105), the Holy Spirit plays a central role in bringing believers into this fellowship. The visible life of the Church can therefore be understood as an outward expression of the spiritual communion that unites the Body of Christ with the Godhead (Hunsinger, 2009:347). In this sense, the Church represents an inward spiritual relationship in which believers share in the benefits of their relationship with Christ, while this relationship is also expressed through their collective identity, worship, and activities as members of the Christian community.

Schmitz (1986:908–909) explains that the Greek term homothumadon conveys the idea of togetherness and describes the unity of people who share a common purpose, responsibility, or experience of danger. This form of unity involves a collective commitment to a cause that is greater than the interests or ambitions of individual members. Rather than being based on personal preferences or private agendas, it reflects a common determination to pursue a shared objective. The term is frequently used in the Acts of the Apostles to emphasize the inner unity and collective commitment of the early Christian community. Its usage highlights the importance of believers working together in harmony as they pursue the mission entrusted to them. The example of the early Church therefore provides an important basis for understanding Christian unity and evaluating the circumstances under which divisions may emerge within contemporary churches.

In view of these biblical and theological perspectives, unity remains an essential characteristic of the Christian Church. However, the existence of disagreements, doctrinal controversies, and denominational divisions raises questions about how this unity should be understood and maintained. Although Christians are expected to demonstrate love, cooperation, and mutual understanding, they must also consider the importance of maintaining biblical truth and sound doctrine. Consequently, an examination of church division requires an understanding of the relationship between Christian unity, doctrinal faithfulness, fellowship, and the responsibilities of believers. This study therefore focuses on the factors responsible for divisions within churches, the biblical and theological arguments concerning separation, and the extent to which the practices of contemporary Christians reflect the principles of unity and fellowship taught in Scripture.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

The Christian Church, which is expected to demonstrate unity, love, and fellowship, is increasingly confronted with divisions and disagreements among its members and denominations. Rather than consistently reflecting the unity emphasized by Jesus Christ and the apostles, many Christian communities experience fragmentation, internal conflicts, and the establishment of separate congregations. Such disunity frequently takes the form of congregational splits, disagreements among church leaders, and the emergence of new groups that separate from existing churches. The increasing occurrence of these divisions raises serious concerns about the extent to which contemporary Christian communities uphold the biblical principles of unity and fellowship. Raymond (1996) draws attention to the continuing problem of church division, observing that efforts to promote reconciliation coexist with persistent fragmentation within Christian communities. The continued proliferation of denominations and separate congregations may also be associated with social disagreements and other factors that contribute to separation.

From a theological perspective, Christian orthodoxy maintains that unity among believers is made possible through the glory and work of Christ. However, the Church is expected not only to profess theological truths but also to demonstrate them through its conduct and public witness. As Carson (1980:201) suggests, Christian unity cannot be understood merely as a formal or positional reality; it must also be reflected in the actual relationships and behaviour of believers. This creates a significant challenge when churches proclaim unity as a biblical principle while their actions and organizational practices appear to promote division. The contradiction between the biblical expectation of unity and the reality of persistent fragmentation raises questions about the sincerity and practical expression of the Church's commitment to the teachings of Scripture.

The situation is further complicated by differing opinions concerning whether separation from other Christians or congregations may sometimes be necessary. Some perspectives within contemporary Christianity suggest that deliberate separation may be justified where doctrinal differences are considered irreconcilable, particularly when the unity maintained among denominations is viewed as largely sentimental rather than firmly grounded in shared convictions (Christianity Today, 2004:23). Bloomberg (2008:224) similarly points to the difficulty of recognizing genuine Christian unity in the presence of numerous factions and divisions. These perspectives demonstrate the tension between the desire to preserve fellowship among believers and the perceived need to maintain doctrinal integrity. The central problem is therefore not simply the existence of divisions but the difficulty of determining which forms of separation, if any, can be justified by biblical teachings and theological principles.

Furthermore, persistent disunity within the Body of Christ can weaken the Church's collective witness to the world. When Christian communities are characterized by hostility, disagreements, and repeated divisions, their ability to demonstrate the love, reconciliation, and fellowship associated with the Christian faith may be undermined. This can create doubts about the credibility of the Church's message and its commitment to the teachings of Christ. It is therefore necessary to examine the underlying causes of church division, determine the biblical and theological arguments used to justify separation, and establish the extent to which such practices are consistent with Scripture. This study seeks to address these concerns by investigating the factors responsible for divisions within churches and considering how a clearer understanding of biblical unity can influence the conduct of Christians today.

1.3 Objectives of the Study

The main objective of this study is to examine the factors responsible for divisions within churches. The specific objectives are as follows:

1. To identify and examine the biblical and theological justifications used to support divisions in fellowship within the Body of Christ.

2. To determine the extent to which different forms of church division can be considered biblically justifiable or permissible according to the teachings of Scripture.

3. To examine whether the practices of the contemporary Church are consistent with biblical teachings and determine how such consistency or inconsistency should influence the behaviour of Christians in fulfilling their responsibility to glorify God.

1.4 Research Questions

The following research questions are formulated to guide the study:

1. What biblical and theological justifications exist for supporting divisions in fellowship within the Body of Christ?

2. What forms and degrees of separation or division can be considered biblically justifiable or permissible according to the teachings of Scripture?

3. To what extent does the contemporary Church conform to the teachings of Scripture, and how should its level of conformity influence the behaviour of Christians in their responsibility to glorify God?

1.5 Research Hypotheses

The following null and alternative hypotheses are formulated to guide the study:

Hypothesis One

Null Hypothesis (H₀): Differences in religious beliefs are not a major cause of church division.

Alternative Hypothesis (H₁): Differences in religious beliefs are a major cause of church division.

Hypothesis Two

Null Hypothesis (H₀): The failure of churches to align their practices with Scripture does not have a negative effect on the behaviour of Christians.

Alternative Hypothesis (H₁): The failure of churches to align their practices with Scripture has a negative effect on the behaviour of Christians.

1.6 Significance of the Study

This study is expected to contribute to the existing body of knowledge concerning Christian obedience, biblical interpretation, and the practical application of Scripture in the life of the Church. By investigating the factors responsible for church divisions, the study seeks to identify and evaluate the circumstances under which separation among Christian groups may be considered acceptable or biblically permissible. It will examine the theological principles that support Christian unity while also considering the arguments that may be presented in favour of separation under particular circumstances. In doing so, the study seeks to address an important question: To what extent do Christians act in accordance with Scripture when they accept, tolerate, or participate in divisions within the Body of Christ?

The study is also expected to help believers develop a clearer understanding of the implications of church division for their spiritual lives and relationships with other Christians. By examining the biblical principles governing unity, fellowship, doctrinal faithfulness, and separation, the research may enable individuals who participate in or support divisions to reflect critically on the validity and consequences of their actions. Such understanding can help believers distinguish between divisions arising from personal conflicts, misunderstandings, and organizational disagreements and separations that are claimed to be necessary for maintaining biblical teaching. This distinction is important because the legitimacy of any division should not be assumed without examining the relevant scriptural principles and theological arguments.

Furthermore, the study may be useful to church leaders, pastors, ministers, theological educators, and other individuals responsible for promoting unity and resolving conflicts within Christian communities. A clearer understanding of the causes and consequences of church division may help these stakeholders develop more effective approaches to conflict management, reconciliation, and the preservation of Christian fellowship. It may also encourage church leaders to assess their teachings, decisions, and administrative practices in the light of biblical principles. By highlighting the relationship between scriptural faithfulness and Christian conduct, the study may contribute to efforts aimed at strengthening cooperation and reducing unnecessary disagreements within the Church.

Academically, the research may provide a useful basis for further investigations into Christian unity, denominationalism, ecclesiology, biblical interpretation, and the theological justification of separation. It may also encourage additional discussions about the relationship between doctrinal differences and the unity of the Christian community. In practical terms, the study is expected to promote reflection on the responsibilities of Christians in preserving fellowship, addressing disagreements, and demonstrating the character of Christ in their relationships with others. Its significance therefore extends to personal, professional, academic, and practical areas of Christian life, particularly in helping believers understand whether their attitudes and actions concerning church division are consistent with the teachings of Scripture.

1.7 Scope and Limitations of the Study

Scope of the Study

This study focuses on a biblical examination of the factors responsible for divisions within churches, with the objective of identifying possible approaches to addressing and resolving the problem. It considers the biblical and theological foundations of Christian unity, the nature and causes of divisions within the Body of Christ, and the arguments used to justify separation among Christian groups. The study also examines the extent to which different forms of division may be consistent with or contrary to scriptural teachings. Furthermore, it considers the implications of church division for Christian conduct, fellowship, and the Church's responsibility to glorify God. The overall focus is to develop a clearer understanding of church division and identify principles that may contribute to the preservation of Christian unity and the resolution of disagreements within the Church.

Limitations of the Study

The researcher may encounter certain challenges in the course of conducting this study. These challenges may affect the availability of relevant research materials, the collection of information, and the amount of time and resources devoted to completing the investigation. The major anticipated limitations are discussed below.

1. Financial Constraints

Inadequate financial resources may affect the researcher's ability to obtain all the relevant materials, literature, and information required for the successful completion of the study. Financial limitations may also create difficulties in accessing online resources, purchasing or obtaining relevant books and academic publications, printing research materials, administering questionnaires, and conducting interviews where necessary. These activities may require expenditure on internet access, transportation, communication, printing, and other research-related needs. Consequently, insufficient funding may restrict the range of materials available to the researcher and reduce the efficiency of the process of sourcing relevant information and collecting data for the study.

2. Time Constraints

The researcher will conduct this study alongside other academic responsibilities and activities. As a result, the time available for the research may be limited by the need to attend to other academic commitments. Reviewing relevant literature, examining biblical and theological materials, preparing research instruments where necessary, collecting information, analysing findings, and writing the final report all require adequate time and concentration. Balancing these activities with other academic work may reduce the amount of time devoted exclusively to the study and may affect the speed at which the research is completed.

1.8 Definition of Terms

Division: Division refers to a state of disagreement, separation, or conflict between two or more individuals or groups, often resulting in tension, hostility, or the breakdown of previously established relationships. In the context of this study, division refers to disagreements, factions, or separations among members or groups within the Christian Church.

Churches: Churches refer to Christian congregations or communities established for worship, fellowship, religious instruction, and the practice of the Christian faith. The term may also refer to the physical buildings in which Christians gather for public worship. Within this study, churches primarily refer to Christian communities and congregations in which issues of unity, fellowship, and division may arise.

Christian: A Christian is a person who has received Christian baptism or professes belief in Jesus Christ and accepts His teachings. In the context of this study, the term refers to individuals who identify with the Christian faith and are expected to demonstrate its teachings through their beliefs, relationships, and conduct.

Unity: Unity refers to the condition of being joined together or functioning as a coordinated whole. Within Christianity, it describes the spiritual fellowship, shared commitment, mutual understanding, and collective purpose that should characterize relationships among believers.

Disunity: Disunity refers to a condition of disagreement, division, or lack of harmony within a group. In the context of this study, it describes the conflicts, factions, disagreements, and separation that weaken fellowship and cooperation among members of the Christian Church.

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