Erik Hoversten implies in his Oct. 5th column that Christians today are not working toward following Jesus’ command for unity among all believers.

While a small minority of groups may indeed make the claim that they have a corner on the market of truth, this is not the case in a majority of instances.

Most Christian, Bible-believing churches agree on the basics — such as that Jesus Christ died and rose again, and faith in Him is necessary to get to heaven.

Many churches and Christian groups exist for a number of reasons.

First of all, people prefer different styles of worship.

Some enjoy a traditional church service with organ music and hymns, while others prefer a contemporary service, complete with guitar and drums.

Secondly, differences do exist in the way various churches interpret certain passages of scripture.

While these differences may keep churches from worshipping and serving together as one unit, it does not necessarily mean that each one considers itself to be the “only ones with a prayer of making it into heaven,” to use Hoversten’s words.

Right here at Iowa State and in the Ames community, examples can be found of Christian churches and organizations working together to further unity.

The Unified Christian Council, a new student organization at Iowa State, exists for the specific purpose of helping Christian groups communicate with each other and even work together in some cases.

Many Christian groups, both large and small, are represented on this council, and the council is searching for ways to demonstrate the unity of Christians on our campus.

An example of the unity among Christians in the community occurred in September at Stonebrook Community Church, the church I attend.

At the dedication service for our new building, speakers from four other local churches shared words of encouragement.

These speakers came from denominations as diverse as Lutherans and Baptists, and yet on this particular evening we shared our celebration with them as fellow Christians.

Christians in the 20th century may not be perfectly living out Jesus’ command for unity, and certainly a small minority of churches are actively working against the idea.

However, we are making steps toward a better working relationship as fellow believers in Jesus Christ.

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Kirsten J. Skelly

Senior

English