|
Editor's Note:
The above
question concerning the split of 1913 was submitted to this office
soon after the website became operational. It is a frequently asked
question and one that deserves a thoughtful, and in-depth response.
In time, I will be adding more resources that address this issue. In
the future, most of the questions will not be dealt with this
extensively. The answer to this question not only has
historical relevance, but is pertinent to issues that the Church is
facing today.
When the
subject of the split is studied, it should be evident that it was
the Church of God (Anderson) that departed from some of the
foundational truths upon which the 1880s reformation was built. It
is a misconception of many that the sole source of division was the
wearing of the necktie. There were larger issues at work and it is
unfortunate that some cannot see beyond that one issue to the larger
picture.
W. H.
Shoot, a saint who went through the split around 1913, wrote a
booklet entitled "A
Fundamental Difference" (click the title to read). Bro. Shoot
addresses the compromise and controversy that brought about the
division and confusion. He lists and explains five points that led
to the split:
1. Dress
2. Church Organization
3. Church Government
4. Visible Unity
5. Financial Support of the Ministry
I encourage every individual to read 'A
Fundamental Difference' and consider the issues that we
currently face. The enemy is the same today as back then, and
he is trying again to cause God's people to fall away from the pure
teaching of the New Testament as it relates to holiness, church
organization, church government, and Holy Spirit leadership.
"Old Paths versus New
Light", written by Bro. George Peek, deals with the differences
between (Anderson) Church of God and those that left in 1913 and
thereafter.
Bro. Cecil
Carver preached a message at Monark Springs,
1880-1980 (Doctrine & History) in 1980 in which he
also addressed some of the pertinent issues concerning the Anderson
split.
We are very aware that the pioneer ministers were
human and fallible; and that is one reason our faith should not be
fixed on them, but on the Word and Spirit. We are not desirous of
following or emulating a time period, a movement, or a man
other than Jesus Christ and Him crucified.
Our prayer is that each one remain faithful to the
precepts and principles of the Word of God not only in theology but
also in practice.
--Bro. Michael Smith |
