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The truth about the church split: Why did the Bible Congregational Church disband in 1988?
The Bible Congregational Church (BPC) is undoubtedly an important milestone in the history of Christianity in Singapore. Founded in 1955, this conservative reformist sect existed until 1988, accompanying the historical evolution of Malaya and Singapore, a journey that was filled with complex doctrinal debates and internal contradictions. This article will explore in depth why the Bible Congregational Church was disbanded in 1988.
Background
BPC's historical roots are in the Bible Congregational Church in the United States, where it has grown rapidly. It was originally founded to counter liberal theology and the ecological movement. Its founder, Timothy Tow, was influenced by most of the early leaders, such as John Sung and Carl McIntire. As a result, BPC developed a distinct doctrinal identity that emphasizes a literal interpretation of the biblical text and adheres to the King James Version of the Bible (KJV).
The roots of division
In 1988, the BPC experienced a period of significant internal discord, which ultimately led to the dissolution of the church. The church’s decision-making body voted to disband, citing strong disagreements over the doctrine of biblical separation, fundamentalism, and neo-evangelical interpretations. These differences made it impossible for the BPC to continue its existence, a statement issued at the time made clear.
“Mainly due to strong disagreements over the interpretation of the Bible, fundamentalism, and neo-evangelicalism.”
The Church’s Split and Its Consequences
After the split, the BPC church was essentially divided into two main factions: fundamentalists and evangelicals. Fundamentalists mainly adhere to traditional doctrines and criticize evangelicals as "new Christians." These different doctrinal philosophies led to their respective independent operations, but long-standing confrontations still existed.
"There are deep differences in belief and practice between fundamentalists and evangelicals."
Church documents and teachings
Traditional BPC churches generally accept the Reformed faith expressed in the Westminster Confession of Faith. However, evangelical groups have sometimes interpreted this differently and have chosen to take a more liberal stance on certain doctrines. For example, some evangelical churches allow for the use of multiple versions of the Bible, in contrast to the literal interpretation of fundamentalism.
The Rise of the New EvangelicalsWith the rise of neo-evangelicalism, many former fundamentalist churches began to communicate and cooperate more with other Christian groups. They are open to a more intimate and inclusive culture, which has led to changes in their internal policies and beliefs.
Conclusion
After the dissolution in 1988, the remaining BPC church groups continued to operate and develop, each forming an independent operating model. There are still dozens of BPC churches in Singapore today. The issue of church division has always been a topic of concern for many believers. This remaining question is thought-provoking: How should the fundamental beliefs of the church remain consistent and inclusive in a changing society?
