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| PART 3 |
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| 1. Unity There are, of course, general areas in which God is continually at work. One of these is the bringing about of unity among the body of Christ. We live in a world which has more Christian denominations than most people care to number, and the Isle of Lewis has its share of various groups and their offshoots (see Table Three). The current state of affairs is that a good many of the leaders of the local churches are acting as if their own denomination is the only one that God is doing anything through. Denominational pride, coupled with the historically volatile "doctrinal differences," has created an atmosphere of suspicion and competition among basically all the local churches. Religious Organisations on Lewis Listed in order of (approximate) number of adherents CHRISTIAN 1. Presbyterian a. Free Church of Scotland b. Church of Scotland c. Free Presbyterian Church of Scotland d. The Associated Presbyterian Church of Scotland (recent schism from Free Presbyterian Church) e. Free Church Continuing (recent schism from Free Church of Scotland) 2. Scottish Episcopalian 3. Roman Catholic 4. Brethren (Gospel Hall) 5. Salvation Army 6. Pentecostal/Charismatics NON-CHRISTIAN 1. Mormons 2. Jehovah's Witnesses 3. Muslim (mainly among the Pakistani population) 4. Baha'i (very few) 5. Some experimentation with Eastern mystical religions, New Age phenomena, etc. 6. Neo-Pagans 7. Hare Krishna (generally transients) |
| Pentecostalism itself is looked down upon by the majority of island folk, due largely in part to the negative criticism of some of the local church leadership. Thus, the visible body of Christ is, in practice, very divided on the Isle of Lewis. But God is at work to change the situation. Though the visible church may be divided, God is beginning to raise up a new generation which recognizes that unity is part of the birthright of the Christian. Through such people, God is bringing healing to those who have been wounded by other Christians. 2. Spiritual Liberty Another of these areas is the breaking down of man-made traditions which have stifled the manifest work of the Holy Spirit in local churches. God moved in the Western Isles in a powerful way in 1939 and from 1949-57, during which time there were numerous conversions as well as various Pentecostal manifestations. As time went on, the freshness of the Spirit was replaced with traditions. Currently, however, it would seem that the strictures of tradition are becoming too much for some people. A few younger ministers in the Presbyterian-based denominations are beginning to open up to the use of fellowship meetings for the young people, even introducing guitars, hymns, and choruses in some places. Still, this is being done under the auspices of the church, so there is not complete liberty. |
| What Has Been Done? The main activities among the Presbyterian-based denominations on Lewis are the regular worship services and the preaching of the Word. There are generally two services on Sunday and one midweek service, called the prayer meeting. These are not to be scorned, for there has been much pastoral care that has been exercised in helping parishioners to grow in the faith. What Remains to Be Done? As an observer, I cannot claim to know everything that has gone on or that is currently taking place on Lewis as far as spiritual work is concerned. However, as one who has been to Lewis and who has also remained in frequent contact with friends there, I do have observations which perhaps are close to the mark. As well, God is able to reveal needs to a person regardless of location or nationality. |
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