Athanasius, Schisms and Primitivism

Submitted by Michael S (United States), Sep 11, 2018 at 01:51

Hi, Dhimminomore

I am not endorsing the Arian doctrines, by criticizing Athanasius. The problem was schism and party spirit, which entered the church permanently through Athanasius' power play against his presbyter Arius. Since the Aryan line became extinct, the tendency towards a party spirit ("I am of Paul, I am of Apollos... I am of Athanasius...") and schism has been a problem of all orthodox (doctrinally "correct", including Catholic and Protestant) churches.

What stands in opposition to the orthodox is not Arianism, but primitive (pre-schism) Christianity. I consider myself to be a primitivist. I do not favor any of the orthodox nor unorthodox sects; but judge everyone, regardless of sect, by his fruit.

Sectarianism itself is a work of the flesh, not a fruit of the spirit. It can manifest in many ways. Generally, sects are codified by their doctrinal stances; but they can also form over personal feuds (as between Athanasius and Arius), politics and just plain divisiveness.

God does not take sides in any of these petty feuds, and neither should we. I accept as a brother, anyone whom Jesus accepts as a brother, and reject those who try to divide the brethren.

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