How Not to Achieve Unity
False concepts abound in the world and in religion regarding unity. For some, the way to achieve unity is through intimidation and force, an approach which never works for long. For years, some have thrown out the term racist at those who did not agree with their point of view. Some recently traveled that direction in the arena of Sports, though the issue for most was that of patriotism, not racism. Intimidating anyone who disagrees with what some people think is not unity. Students at certain colleges have threatened violence against those who do not hold their liberal views. In fact, a recent survey reported that 20% of college students believed that violence was not only optional but necessary against those who are not politically correct.
Joseph Stalin, Mao Tse Tung (now known as Mao Zedong), and Adolph Hitler all silenced their opposition by killing or imprisoning them. Roman Catholicism tried to do away with dissenters by charging them with heresy and burning them at the stake, drowning them, hanging them, and so on. The Reformers were almost as bad. The \groups grressed group despe the perseutle clutter not setall. The "heretical" groups grew despite the persecution. People are not satisfied to live under Communism; that's why they flee the country when they have an opportunity. Outwardly, it may look like a united nation, but force cannot bring it about.
Another way people have tried to achieve unity is by ignoring differences. This is not unity; it is union. When groups of individuals pledge allegiance to the flag or stand for the national anthem, we are united in support of our country, but we are not united in all things. In the first place, at a sporting event, the two teams are there to oppose each other, and generally only one emerges as the victor. In other respects, some players may be liberal, while others are conservative. One will find different religions or none at all; various players hold conflicting morals and ethics. As a team, however, they are united in defeating the opponent. Standing during the national anthem does not mean this nation has no problems to fix. Does anyone know a perfect country? Venezuela is certainly not; citizens can be imprisoned for advocating freedom of speech. Being an American means being part of a country that looks for solutions to problems\\where people can protest (peacefully) without fear of reprisals\\unless you want to speak at Berkeley.
Likewise, if the Christian community takes a stand against a moral evil, that does not mean they all agree religiously\\just on the issue at hand. Otherwise, we disagree on the way to become a Christian (salvation), acceptable worship, church organization, and numerous doctrinal matters. We are united in some aspects but not in all particulars. Unity is not achieved through intimidation or ignoring differences. Only temporary unity is gained that way.