"That They All May Be One"

It's been 100 years since the 1906 federal census recognized a split between the instrumental Christian Churches and the a cappella Churches of Christ. Using this anniversary-year as a motivation for change, several members on both sides of the divide have been pushing for unity. Others, however, are not that optimistic. They see these efforts as an "artificial gloss," not the true unity envisioned by Christ (Jn. 17:21).

Alan Highers is one of the church leaders who points out the superficial nature of this movement. In a recent interview with the Christian Chronicle, he articulated his concerns.

Everyone would like to see unity between those who are estranged, but unity based on false premises is no unity at all. Some are seeking unity without any discussion of the rightness or wrongness of instrumental music in worship. They want to sweep the issue under the rug and ignore the real cause of division. I do not believe this can be done.

There are thousands in the brotherhood who cannot conscientiously worship with an instrument. What kind of unity would it be if people who claimed to be united could not even worship together?

Any unity that is merely decreed or pronounced between the two groups will be a charade, an artificial gloss, but certainly not the true unity envisioned in the Scriptures.

Some disagree that instrumental music in worship is the issue at the heart of our differences with the Christian Church, pointing to hermeneutical models instead.

However, Highers makes an excellent point. Look for a serious discussion of the legitimacy of instruments in worship at the ACU lectureship or at the Tulsa Soul Winning Workshop. It is nowhere to be found. As Highers pointed out, most members of the Churches of Christ oppose the use of instrumental music in worship on biblical grounds (Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16). There will never be unity until this important matter--a matter involving our sacrifice of praise (Heb. 13:15)--is settled.