Reformation and Apostasy—A Sad History
Dykstra examines the theological and historical tensions surrounding church separation, using the founding of the Christian Reformed Church as a case study. He argues that while the Dutch Reformed immigrants initially joined the Reformed Church of America out of necessity, they later withdrew due to doctrinal concerns—a departure he characterizes as problematic schism rather than justified reformation. The article reflects on the proper grounds and procedures for ecclesiastical separation within Reformed polity.
Withdrawing from a church is no small matter. Every member of a congregation is part of a living body -- a manifestation of the body of Christ. Paul instructs the church of Corinth (I Cor. 12) that the Spirit equips each member for the place and function that God determines for him in the body of the church. Each one is necessary (v. 22). And there must "be no schism in the body," but the members must "have the same care one for another" (25). Departure from one church to begin another is a...
Full article available on sb.rfpa.org