The greatest challenge that faces the evangelical movement is the biblical admonition to preserve the unity of the Spirit (Ephesians 4:3). The first part of Preserving Evangelical Unity: Welcoming Diversity in Non-Essentials will (1) help you to understand why the movement is fraught with divisions over doctrinal differences; (2) guide you through the necessary steps to overcome disunity; (3) attempt to maintain a balance between truth and unity. The second part of the book is formatted in the same style of a ""multiple views"" book. Here various evangelical scholars from around the globe discuss selected theological issues that have previously led to disunity within the movement, such as predestination and free will, the mode of baptism, and the miraculous gifts of the Spirit. ""A house divided cannot stand. The New Testament continually urges that our Heavenly Father wants us in harmony. By one Spirit we are baptized into one body. A Church walking in love and forgiveness is the priestly prayer of Christ himself. Only then will we be equipped to fulfill the Great Commission. Based solidly on biblical orthodoxy, this selection of practical wisdom from various theological viewpoints outlines the strategic imperative for 'unity in diversity.'"" --Jay Rogers Director, The Forerunner and Media House International ""Michael Meiring guides this dialogue on the unity of the Christian Church believing that, like-minded but not necessarily agreeing, Christians should dialogue because of their shared unity in the Spirit. With his usual perception he never lets up asking the right questions which lead to the diverse views expressed in this book. These views will impact the reader, prodding and stimulate continued discussion among thinking Christians."" --Raymond Potgieter Principal, Bible Institute of SA ""Preserving Evangelical Unity invites conversation on the key theme of the unity (and disunity) of the church through the contribution of evangelical scholars. In the South African context, as elsewhere, the visible disunity among churches has impaired their prophetic witness. The value of this book lies in the fact that it does not seek cheap unity by avoiding tough doctrinal differences. Even for those who may not agree with the theological presuppositions underlying this volume, Preserving Evangelical Unity will certainly challenge and instruct."" --Robert Vosloo Senior lecturer, Stellenbosch University Michael J. Meiring has led a doctrinal discernment ministry and lectured on Christian sects. He has edited and co-written The Four Keys to the Millennium (2004). He is completing his Masters in Theology at the University of Stellenbosch, writing on Evangelical Fundamentalism.
