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It seems that a foundational aspect of public discourse and debate today is loud, sharp disagreement that allows for no compromise. We evaluate our politicians based on how frequently they engage in combat against “the other side.” Our online interactions are increasingly shrill, and we often see this dynamic reflected in theological and biblical arguments among Christians. The Bible, however, does not envision disagreements among believers in the church as mirroring the animosity and bitterness found in worldly political debate. The Lord Jesus Christ stated that the world would recognize us as His disciples not by our intellectual consistency or persuasiveness but by the love that we exhibit for one another (John 13:35). It is not only what we disagree about that matters; how we disagree is crucial. James emphasizes this in his discourse on the tongue: “With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God. From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so” (James 3:9–10). Yet at the same time, believers have disagreed on numerous biblical issues and struggled to arrive at the correct interpretation of theological topics. How can believers reconcile the need for biblical clarity with the call for charity and love? Here are a few thoughts.
distinguish between what is primary and what is not
The most essential part of properly disagreeing is distinguishing between primary issues and nonprimary (secondary or even tertiary) matters. Disagreements about whether God is triune, whether Jesus Christ is truly God, and whether Jesus physically rose from the dead are of an entirely different magnitude from discussions on the proper form of church government or the proper recipients of Christian baptism. Issues involving the doctrine of God and the person and work of Christ lie at the core of the Christian faith—denying the Trinity or the deity of Christ indicates that one is not a Christian. One cannot fall on the wrong side of those issues and still be considered a believer, and the church cannot tolerate such positions while maintaining its witness. It is impossible to disagree politely on primary issues. Yet when secondary or tertiary issues are debated—those issues on which there has been disagreement within the church for centuries—it is possible to discuss and disagree with Christian charity. This is especially true for disagreements in the church that are biblically informed but not part of the church’s doctrinal confession, such as educational philosophy or outreach efforts. In these matters, believers can turn to the Bible and strive to reach the most consistent and biblical conclusions, but they must do so with a spirit of love and understanding. The church does not rise or fall on such matters.
disagreeing doesn’t mean giving up the truth
While we must acknowledge a difference in urgency and significance between primary and nonprimary issues, that should not result in believers’ giving up on the truth. That is, even on tertiary issues, we should always seek to be as biblical in our views and conclusions as possible. Just because an issue is not at the core of the Christian faith does not mean that it is inconsequential and closed off to disagreement. In fact, as we seek to come to the knowledge of the truth (1 Tim. 2:4), disagreements are often a helpful tool. When we engage with other believers with respect and listen carefully to their arguments and positions, we have an opportunity to test our own views and sharpen our understanding. We can disagree without being disagreeable on secondary and tertiary matters, pursuing the truth and the glory of God. The effects of sin extend to our minds and understanding, and we need to be open to correction. Of course, the same is true for those with whom we disagree. Too often, believers act as though there were only two courses: treating every disagreement as essential to the faith, and abandoning the notion that disagreements can help us better understand the truth. When we realize that engaging with different perspectives on secondary and tertiary matters is a good thing so long as it is done with respect and love, we don’t need to sacrifice doctrine or truth for unity. Paul makes this point when he tells the Ephesians to become mature in their understanding of the faith. We are not to be “tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ” (Eph. 4:14–15, emphasis added).
disagreeing gives us an opportunity for witness
Finally, believers should tolerate disagreements in the church because it gives us an opportunity to witness to the world what true unity and love look like. So much of the world thinks that the only way to come together is to have everyone espouse the same opinions, have exactly the same priorities, and walk in lockstep on every matter. No variance or disagreement is tolerated, and the price of dissent is exclusion from the group. On the other hand, the church is founded on its unity in Christ. To be sure, there are primary issues that define what it means to be a Christian, and the church is under no obligation to debate such first principles. But when believers can come to the Bible with integrity and arrive at differing views on issues on which the Bible is not as clear as it is with core beliefs, we have an opportunity to show the world that we can love one another while disagreeing and that we submit to the authority of the Bible, wherever it leads us.