The Scandal of Schism

“This book is long overdue. I wholeheartedly recommend it—as an encouragement to recovering sectarians and an exhortation to those who will likely disagree. Anderson exposes his heart as he chronicles his journey from rigid separatism to a more balanced interpretation and application of biblical separation. Happily, there are many—myself included—that have taken the same journey. I have never considered myself to be a radical sectarian, but in the providence of God, I was born, raised, educated, and involved in ministering within extreme fundamentalist environments. Ironically and thankfully, it was in those places that I became thoroughly convinced of Calvinism and covenant/reformed theology. Consequently, I was suspect to some in fundamentalism and a token novelty to others. I serve now in a wider, yet conservative, evangelical environment without a guilty conscience and still believe in biblical separation. This book is not about my journey, but I so resonated with its message. In reading this book, you may find yourself either agreeing with Anderson or perhaps beginning a similar journey for yourself.”

—Michael Barrett, Senior Research Professor, Biblical Studies, Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary

“This book is outstanding! Chris has written a deeply thoughtful and spiritually helpful work to help us regain the apostles' passion for biblical unity for our churches and for our times. The purity of the gospel at times demands the difficult and painful work of Spirit-directed, Bible-shaped, and truth-centered separation. But that necessary work is easily diverted from the boundaries that govern it in the New Testament. Chris speaks to this clearly, charitably, honestly, transparently, and personally. While not everyone will agree with everything in this book, everyone needs to read this book. Growing in grace demands at times the uncomfortable discipline of letting others speak carefully and transparently in urging us to think deeply from the Scriptures about a topic like this one. Chris has done so in ways that are both engaging and deeply profitable for his readers.”

—Sam Horn, Lead Pastor, Palmetto Baptist Church in Powdersville, South Carolina

“Chris Anderson provides us with a book on schism that he was best suited to write. As he points out, he has made mistakes that he has had to repent of, and he now wants to spare us similar woes. This is a practical, balanced, and Scripture-saturated book, which speaks to all of us because of our innate tendency towards schism. May God help us to read it with humility so that we may contribute to a wholesome unity among his people.”

—Conrad Mbewe, Pastor, Kabwata Baptist Church, and Founding Chancellor, African Christian University in Lusaka, Zambia

“Chris Anderson offers a helpful overview and critique of modern fundamentalist separatism that is engaging, readable, and thoroughly biblical. This book is written with grace and clarity—easily accessible to the layman, and thought-provoking and instructive to the gospel minister. It is a winsome call for discernment in uniting around core gospel truths while graciously agreeing to disagree on peripheral issues out of love for Christ, the church, and the advance of God’s mission to the ends of the earth.”

—Phil Hunt, Pastor, Kitwe Church, and President, Central Africa Baptist University in Kitwe, Zambia

“This book by Chris Anderson explores the cause and effect of the many sad divisions that have ravaged the church in recent years. In so doing, he allows readers to ponder how this broader conflict is affecting their own spirit within the local ministry context. In a time when American evangelicalism is splintering in unprecedented ways, Chris issues a passionate call that stems from his own fundamentalist background: American Christians should realize that current strife largely stems from a failure to prioritize the gospel. This book is a must-read for professional clergy and laypersons alike who want to understand the grave consequences of schism and renew a gospel-inspired commitment to live in the unity of Christ.”

—Andrew Bunnell, President, Biblical Ministries Worldwide

“Through an honest accounting of his own journey, Chris Anderson holds up a mirror for all of us as we pursue both the integrity and the unity of the gospel. Read this book with a Berean’s eye toward what the Scriptures say is so.”

—Tim Keesee, Founder, Frontline Missions International

“Few things are clearer in Jesus’ instructions to the New Testament church than the idea that God wants His followers to be tightly unified around the mission of the gospel. I am thankful that my friend Chris Anderson has written against the destructive spirit of schism and sectarianism that has long divided devoted biblicists and orthodox believers. This book will challenge you with biblical perspective and godly discernment. More importantly, it will set you free and draw you back into fellowship and mission with loving friendships and influences you didn’t know you were missing!”

—Cary Schmidt, Pastor, Emmanuel Baptist Church in Newington, Connecticut

“I love my fundamentalist heritage. I believe the Bible has specific teaching—often ignored—about when and how to separate from other professing Christians. And yet I also believe that fundamentalism at its historical heart was a movement toward the unity of Bible-believing people under the threat of liberalism. I think I honor fundamentalism most when I do careful theological triage with the goal of having as much unity as possible with other believers. In this book, Chris Anderson sincerely honors his own fundamentalist heritage while bringing its culture and emphases into the light of Scripture. He is a trustworthy and loving help to us in writing this book. Like an old-time preacher, he steps on some toes. He shows us that fundamentalism still has something to give to the church, but also has something to receive from the rest of the church. Fundamentalists are not the paragon of doctrinal purity and holy praxis that we've sometimes told ourselves we were.”

—Mark Ward, Editor, Crossway