Is unity possible?

So, I am going to a Christian college that is part of the American Restoration movement. I am taking a class on the history of that movement. We are early into the semester and still covering some background material. The reading I did tonight dealt with the influences of Locke and others from the Enlightenment thought. Alexander Campbell one of the founders of the Restoration movement focused greatly on unifying the Church. His method was to reduce religion down to its rational essentials that any Christian could agree on. I greatly agree with his heart, however I am questioning his methods.

Can Christians agree on doctrine, creed, practices, etc.? If we answer that according to history, no. As soon as the Bible was made available for the common person to interpret, there has been as many interpretations as people interpreting. I wish we could agree. However I am skeptical of whether we will this side of Christ's return.

I am under the conviction that there is only one Theology, that being God's. In our limited understanding, we will not be able to clearly understand. With us having the mind of Christ (1 Cor), I do think that it is possible to have a clear understanding. I believe that is what occurred when the apostles and other authors of Scripture wrote. They, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit was given a clear understanding and communicated that to others. I believe that their theology agreed as it was from the Holy Spirit.

I very much value unity. I pray for it as Christ did. Others also value unity. So, why can't we agree? Why are there thousands of denominations, some of which believe that they are the only true church? Is Christ divided? Did Luther die for us? Were we baptized into Calvin? Do we partake of Campbell's body and blood when we have communion? My heart aches as I look out across the Church. Where is the one body that Christ died for?

Like I said, I was burdened tonight while reading about a restoration movement that swept America a few hundred years ago. The method they used to unify the church was to reduce the doctrine to as few facts as was necessary. This made sense to them, coming out of the scientific methodology. However, I am wondering if it makes sense today. I am wondering if there is another way in which we could try to unite the church.

I have been birthed (spiritual birth) into what I have come to discover has been called an Ecumenical Movement. I admit that I am a bit ignorant of what has taken place in the recent decades as far as church unity, but I am excited. My understanding of this Ecumenical Movement is that though we have many denominations, we all at least theologically, can somewhat agree that we are one body. The implications of this have really yet to be completely grasped. But there has been great fruit, some that I have been a part of. This fruit that I have seen has been a push to get the various denominations to work together in spite of their differing views.

I am wondering if the church can find unity in what we do rather than what we believe. I dream of a Church that works as one body in a local city, sharing resources, praying for one another, investing in each others ministries for the greater growth of the Kingdom of God. I have the unique privilege of worshiping at a church building that houses 4 separate churches, all different denominations. It is a fairly new adventure for all of us, and even more so for me as I just started attending this church, so I haven't witnessed much of the fruit, though I am interested in seeing the benefits of this adventure in sharing a building. I don't know what this dream looks like practically. And I sure that it will be unique for each area and grouping of Christians.

In light of the holiday earlier this week, I am not wanting to over do the whole "I am a dream" motif, but I do have a dream, a dream of the Church being one if not in doctrine, then one in practice. Lord, give us Your vision for Your bride.