The Jesus Proposal: A Theological Framework for Maintaining the Unity of the Body of Christ

The unity of the body of Christ is a not a desirable option. It is a divine mandate--and a practical necessity for leading the world to believe in Jesus. But the West has passed through a 200-year period--the Modern period-- during oneness among Christians has been practically impossible. Now there has been a major shift to what is called Postmodernity. It resists rigid categories and affirms inclusion and flexibility.

The "Jesus proposal" is that Christians from all denominations can benefit from this cultural shift. We can experience relational unity in Christ--unity greater and more important than theological agreement, churchly structures, and institutional loyalty. This relational faith has a better chance for acceptance now than ever in the past two centuries.

Rubel Shelly holds a PhD from Vanderbily University and is president of Rochester College.

John O. York holds a PhD from Emory University and teaches Biblical studies at Lipscomb University, Nashville, TN.