The Stake of Protestantism in the Christian Union Movement

Abstract

The religious divisions in Protestantism are an expression of its inherent spirit of spontaneity and creative freedom. The movement toward Christian Union in Protestantism is due to the free sentiment of Protestant bodies rather than to the promulgation of an ecclesiastical program. Its chief expression is in practical co-operation in missionary enterprise rather than in uniformity of doctrine or ritual. It goes hand in hand with the increasing laicizing of Protestantism. It is compatible with the historical as contrasted with the dogmatic conception of the authority of the Bible and creeds. This characteristic Protestant movement is now confronted with the movement for the reunion of Christendom, which seeks the bond of unity in a universal acceptance of certain prescribed creeds and rituals. Canon Headlam's recent book on "Christian Reunion" when critically examined really proposes the authority of a church which shall command obedience and shall exclude from fellowship all who do not submit to the ecclesiastical program. This ideal and that of Protestantism are so contradictory that one or the other must give way. "Protestantism is not repentant of its departure from Catholicism." It has a mission for the future which it cannot abandon.