Divided We Fall, Overcoming a History of Christian Disunity

Throughout the centuries, Christians have longed to be united with one another—supporting each other and working in harmony. But our reality is very different, and we need only to read the New Testament to realize that disunity has been with us from the start. What can we do to foster unity and deeper community in a world where so many relationships are fractured and fractious? Luder Whitlock Jr. explores God’s desire for unity in the church, overviews the history of global Christianity with an eye on its schisms and agreements, and points us toward the necessity of God-honoring fellowship, laying out steps we can take to increase trust and develop understanding, especially within the church. As governments grow increasingly unsupportive of Christianity, it is even more important for us to listen to each other and work together for the common good—despite our many differences.

Publisher: P & R
Type: Paperback
ISBN: 9781596381926

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Luder G. Whitlock Jr. served as president of Reformed Theological Seminary from 1978–2001, where he had previously been a professor. Today he is executive director of the CNL Charitable Foundation and the JMS Foundation; president of Excelsis; and minister at large for the First Presbyterian Church of Orlando. He and his wife, Mary Lou, have three children and eleven grandchildren.

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“If you’ve ever wondered why the church is so fragmented, Luder Whitlock, one of America’s premier ecclesiastical statesmen, provides a compelling answer. If you’ve longed for greater unity in the body of Christ, here is balm for your soul. Whitlock’s Divided We Fall issues a gracious plea for renewed concern for biblical unity. His thoughtful analysis of the church’s ages-long proclivity for disunity is convicting yet encouraging as it challenges us to pursue a fresh commitment to Christian community. This is a much-needed study for both leaders and congregants, especially for us in the Reformed and Presbyterian traditions. Divided We Fall will help you to reassess and address the spirit of partisanship, independence, and schism that lurks within our hearts and the culture of our churches.” Peter A. Lillback, President, Westminster Theological Seminary