The sin of sectarianism

After giving one of the most beautiful greetings of thanksgiving for the church of God in Corinth, the Apostle Paul was forced to address the first of many problems: schisms. This seems to be a common problem among mankind because it is just as prevalent now as it was then. Paul criticizes the sin of schisma (cleft, rent, division of opinion, dissension, sectarianism) and appeals for them to strive for the opposite, using the word katartízō (repair, mend, restore).

I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions^[4978] among you, but that you be perfectly united^[2675] in mind and thought. My brothers and sisters, some from Chloe’s household have informed me that there are quarrels among you. What I mean is this: One of you says, “I follow Paul”; another, “I follow Apollos”; another, “I follow Cephas ”; still another, “I follow Christ.” Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Were you baptized in the name of Paul? (1 Corinthians 1:10-13)

4978. schisma
From schizo; a split or gap (“schism”), literally or figuratively — division, rent, schism. –Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance

2675 katartízō
From kata and a derivative of artios; to complete thoroughly, i.e. Repair (literally or figuratively) or adjust — fit, frame, mend, (make) perfect(-ly join together), prepare, restore–Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance

Sectarianism is an awful sin.
It tears the fabric of the church.
It’s especially horrible when it is
done in the name of Christ…

This subject is pursued in various forms to 1 Corinthians 4:21. Verse 10. –Now. The particle implies the transition from thanksgiving to reproof. Brethren. This very title involves an appeal to them to aim at unity among themselves; and St. Paul, like St. James (James 5:10), uses it to soften any austerity which might seem to exist in his language (1 Corinthians 7:29; 1 Corinthians 10:1;1 Corinthians 14:20, etc.). Through the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ; that is, by the whole idea of Christ’s being and office – the strongest bond of union between true Christians (see the powerful appeal in Ephesians 4:1-6). That ye all speak the same thing; that is, “that ye may all with one mind and one mouth glorify God” (Romans 15:6). They were doing the very reverse – each glorifying himself and his party (ver. 12). Divisions (σχίσματα); “schisms” used of bodies within the Church, not of separatists from it (1 Corinthians 11:18). The word is only used in this special sense in this Epistle. In Matthew 9:16 and Mark 2:21 schisma means “a rent;” in John (John 7:43; John 9:16; John 10:19), “a division of opinion.” There would be little or no harm in the schismata so far as they affected unessential points, if it was not their fatal tendency to end in “contentions” (erides) and “factions” (haireseis, 1 Corinthians 11:19). Corinth was a place where such divisions would be likely to spring up, partly from the disputatious vivacity and intellectual conceits of the inhabitants, partly from the multitudes of strangers who constantly visited the port, partly from the numerous diversities of previous training through which the various sections of converts had passed. Perfected together; literally, repaired, reunited. In the same mind and in the same judgment; that is, in what they think and believe (νοὶ), and in what they assert and do (γνώμῃ). The exhortation, “be of one mind,” in every sense of the word, was as necessary in the ancient as in the modern Church (Romans 15:5; 2 Corinthians 13:11; Philippians 1:27; Philippians 2:2; 1 Peter 3:8). –Pulpit Commentary

However, God doesn’t want you to compromise your conscience for the sake of artificial unity. There are some scenarios where divisions are unavoidable without you being guilty of the sin of sectarianism…

1. Opposing those who are teaching another gospel.
   • Godly principles for resolving conflict – There are two sides to every conflict. One or both are at fault. One or both are hurt. It doesn’t matter. God has provided guidance for both.
   • Turn the other cheek vs. gird on the sword – Choose when to turn the other cheek or gird the sword: Distinguish minor issues from false doctrine. Accept or confront.
2. In the case of proud unrepentant sin (such as 1 Corinthians 5).
   • Unrepentant sin requires righteous judgment – God is a righteous God who demands righteous justice. He cannot tolerate unrepentant sin. Someday he will return in vengeance to execute judgment.
   • Guidelines for Rebuking Sin – Rebuking sin like Jesus Christ’s own approach—marked by truth, love, and a deep desire for the spiritual well-being of the individual.
   • 8 Dangerous Things for Christians to Avoid – Christians need to avoid these things to love one another in a way that is pleasing to the Lord Jesus Christ.
3. You have exhausted all efforts to katartízō (mend, repair, restore) fellowship and the other party proudly maintains their schisma (cleft, rent, division of opinion, dissension, sectarianism). In this case, it would seem best to follow the example of the wife with an unbelieving husband. Let “your godly lives … speak to them without any words” (1 Peter 3:1-2).
   • The Rebellion of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram in Numbers 16 – The rebellion of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram stands as a dramatic witness to God’s holiness and the danger of usurping spiritual authority.
   • The sin of unity – The coin of division has two sides: the sin of sectarianism and the sin of unity. They are both division and they are both wrong.

For deeper study:

• How does sectarian opinion become a doctrine of sectarianism?
• A form of godliness (show of religion, piety, holiness, outward righteousness)
• Mankind has divided and conquered! God is not impressed.
• Satanic Strongholds through False Concepts versus Walking by Faith
• Imagine a place where fellowship grows