the danger of denominationalism

in my reading of d. b. knox, i have been encouraged, amused, and frightened at his analyses of centralization in denominations and "conventions." he is clearly a proponent of the autonomous, free church. perhaps a surprise given his anglicanism. furthermore, his insights on these issues are something from which most baptists could learn a great deal. for example, from my and my close friends' experiences, the sbc would do well to hear knox's warning:

"Centralized control outside the congregation extinguishes the gospel within the congregation in due course. History confirms this truth abundantly. Even the smallest degree of control has this effect in the long run, for experience shows that the centre, when given a control of the congregation, over the decades increases it, aiming at uniformity and obedience. But the gospel rocks the boat of the denomination! The centre finds this uncomfortable and increases its power until it controls the boat, not by the word of God and prayer, but by organizational rules backed by secular sanctions, so that the word of God and the Spirit of God will hardly be found any more in that denomination, for it will not create nor hold spiritually-minded members" (works, ii, 96).