When is a Person a Unionist?

Abstract

In this doctrinal essay, M. J. Witt explores the theological concept of unionism, defined as religious fellowship without doctrinal unity. Drawing from Scripture and Lutheran confessional sources, Witt argues that true Christian unity must be based on agreement in doctrine, not mere organizational cooperation. He cites passages such as Romans 16:17, II John 9–11, and Ephesians 5:11 to demonstrate that unionism—fellowship with false teachers or heterodox bodies—is contrary to God’s will and spiritually dangerous. Witt outlines specific behaviors that identify a person as a unionist, including joint worship with those who teach error, negotiating union without doctrinal agreement, and continued cooperation after fruitless admonition. He concludes by applying these principles to the Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod, asserting that its practices have become persistently unionistic. The essay serves as a warning and call to repentance for churches and individuals tempted to compromise confessional integrity.

Prepared by Microsoft Copilot (GPT-4)