Agreement connotes unity, just as
disagreement connotes disunity. It takes two to agree or disagree. That is the
same way the issue of unity in the church, as well as in the nation are
related.
God has called us to live together in
unity with one another regardless of our differences in belief, culture,
status, religion, etc. it is only in unity that we can expect to grow, advance
or develop.
There are reasons we tend to disagree
as a people, be it in church (spiritual) or in the nation (secular). The
fundamental reason is the human failure to remain united with God, through
which we can learn to be united with one another as humans. Some other reasons
are:
1. The mere thought of being independent, self
sufficient, and not wanting to be accountable even to God, let alone fellow
humans, is one big factor.
2. Diverse belief systems and ideologies; which
could result in a false sense of inferiority or superiority, thus resulting in
disagreement and disunity either in the church or in society.
We
need to realize that just as the fingers on a hand are not equal, we as people
are not equal, so we are bound to have differences. What we need in order to
thrive and remain united is the right understanding and right attitude.
3. Socio-economic disparities, with significant
gaps in income, wealth, education and opportunities among different groups
within the church or society. This could result in inequality and injustice,
leading in turn to social tension and disunity, further manifested in systemic
discrimination, unequal distribution of resources and lack of access to basic
needs and services. This can also be observed in the church setting or society,
where members have differences in socio-economic status, educational
background, thus creating a sense of division.
4. Tribalism and identity politics; where people
identify strongly with a particular group – ethnicity, political affiliation,
etc, having an” us versus them” mentality. This promotes narrow minded views
that prioritize one’s own growth over others’, leading to polarization and
disunity in church or society. This manifests in denominational affiliation,
theological tradition and worship style, resulting in exclusivity or a sense of
superiority within the church or society.
5. Lack of communication and understanding.
Communication plays a crucial role in fostering unity both in church and
society. When there is a lack of open, honest and respectful communication,
misinterpretations and misunderstandings are bound to occur, leading to
conflict and disunity. Miscommunication, arising from differences in language,
culture and perspective, as well as such issues as rumors, gossip and
misinformation. Active listening and understanding are essential in addressing
and preventing disunity. Open dialogue, constructive discussions, respect and
empathy can help to bridge differences and foster unity within the church and
society.
6. Personal and group interests. When individuals
and groups prioritize their own interests over the common good of all,
selfishness, greed and unhealthy ambition can often take precedence over
collective well-being, leading to division and fragmentation.
Conclusion
Disunity in church or society, such as
the Nigerian society can arise from various causes as enumerated above.
Addressing them requires intentional efforts to inclusivity, social justice,
healthy communication, empathy, and cooperation among church members (and
citizens as the case may be). By fostering a culture of respect, understanding
and prioritizing a common good, the church as well as society can strive
towards unity and contribute to a more cohesive, harmonious and united society.
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