How Christianity might want to resemble a symphony orchestra: first, there's a larger purpose (musicmaking, for an orchestra--). Second, no one would want to attack fellow members even if they sit across the orchestra and have nothing in common, lest the argument derail, frustrate or destroy the larger purpose. Third, even if people disagree about certain elements of the purpose, everyone agrees to work for the music and follow the conductor because at some point, the higher calling can, or even should, overwhelm lesser frustrations.

Actually, I know of some orchestras which have suffered from having their higher purpose overwhelmed by internal nastiness. Ministers write of similar travails with their churches. Why don't we know better?

Denominations are, scholars agree, a necessary evil. But for denominational concerns to interfere with anyone's "mere" Christianity (for which term I'm indebted to C. S. Lewis book of essays entitled "Mere Christianity")--in fact, for any concerns doctrinal, legislative, personal or material to interfere with the basic understanding that Christianity is larger than any denomination--seems dicey to me.

Lately, this new Renovare movement seems to promise amelioration for the pains of conflict. I await developments with interest--