Mark of the Christian
Francis Schaeffer wrote this brief essay in 1970 amid growing concern about visible divisions within evangelical Christianity. As founder of L'Abri Fellowship in Switzerland, Schaeffer had witnessed firsthand how theological disputes and ecclesiastical separations were undermining the church's witness to a watching world. The piece emerged from his conviction that doctrinal correctness, while essential, was insufficient if not accompanied by observable love between believers.
Schaeffer argues that Jesus' command in John 13:34-35 about love being the distinguishing mark of discipleship creates a specific criterion by which the world judges the authenticity of Christian faith. He contends that while the church must maintain doctrinal purity and cannot compromise on essential biblical truths, believers must simultaneously demonstrate genuine love even toward those with whom they disagree. The essay carefully distinguishes between necessary separation over fundamental doctrines and unnecessary division over secondary matters. Schaeffer insists that when separation becomes unavoidable, it must be conducted with observable sorrow and continued love, not with vindictive spirit or personal attack. He warns that the world watches how Christians treat one another and draws conclusions about the gospel's truth based on what it observes.
The essay has remained influential because it addresses the perennial tension between doctrinal faithfulness and Christian unity that every generation of believers faces. Schaeffer's framework for thinking about when and how to separate, while maintaining love, continues to guide church leaders navigating theological controversies. The work speaks directly to pastors, denominational leaders, and serious Christians who must balance truth and love in their ecclesiastical relationships. Those seeking ammunition for theological battles or justification for harsh separation will find little comfort here, while readers committed to both biblical fidelity and visible Christian love will discover practical wisdom for difficult decisions.