With all of the recent political opinions within the church, issues and disagreements (especially on social media) seem to be rampant. Of course, this is nothing new with Christians (or people in general) and is just a part of our not-yet-perfected state. Yet, I believe we can and should do better to appreciate each other and politely disagree on non-gospel-centric points. Below is something I once wrote for a seminary class as we studied the divide of the church (Eastern Orthodox and Western Catholic) that occurred almost a thousand years ago.
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The Great Schism began with two sides standing for what they believed regarding the Trinity and the filioque being added to the Nicene Creed. However, the conflict quickly escalated to the point where neither side could consider the other’s good intentions and commitment to what they understood as truth. In fact, as with most conflicts, the little things escalated to bigger things to the point where the entire conflict grew to being about the conflict, more than the item of disagreement.
As with most conflicts, the stage for disunity had been set long before the actual conflict. In fact, political-ecclesiastical strife, mostly over power, authority, and pride, had begun long before the catalyst moments of the Great Schism in 1054. Most church historians now recognize that while the year 1054 is frequently given as the date of the Great Schism, the divide in the church began long before that and wasn’t fully completed until at least 1204.
Of course, most Christians today in their personal lives and ministry work will not be in the position to influence such an historic issue as the divide between the Eastern and Western churches. However, the causes, principles, and potential solutions remain the same. While it is easy for current students to look back at history with a critical eye, it is likely that many are guilty of the same pride and control issues as the church leaders were. Whether it is conflict with another church member, a co-worker, a best friend, or even a spouse, an individual’s reactions and ability to control their role in a situation is paramount to deescalating the conflict.
In regards to theological disagreements, which was the primary source of the divide (and of many divisions in the church over its history), it is important to balance commitment to truth and the treatment of fellow brothers and sisters in Christ with love. Because theology is personal, it is conviction, and it deals with truth and salvation, it can become a passionate point of disagreement. Yet, because it deals with truth, and some main ecclesiastical truths taught in scripture are unity and love, theological debate needs to be approached with conviction and love. The goal on all sides should be the restoration and best interest of the opposing side. This quote from Kendall is particularly fitting, “The ‘gap’ that exists in all of us means that none of us is perfect in judgment or attitude, and that personal feelings—including envy—sooner or later emerge. This accounts for the ‘best’ of God’s people disagreeing. Only Jesus was perfect. In the meantime, we must all lower our voices.
In summary, biblical truth is important, as is right doctrine and good exegesis. Still, throughout God’s Word there is a particularly strong emphasis on how we treat each other (particularly within the church). In fact, the treatment of each other in love seems to hold even greater value. Therefore, where debate and disagreement is necessary, so are good motives and humility. No living Christian is perfected, therefore, no Christian should approach issues as if that they are living perfected. It is a great joy to watch elements of the Church begin to rally around points of agreement and do great things for God’s Kingdom, as godly men and women begin to approach each other with humility.
First Corinthians tells us, “Therefore, do not pronounce judgment before the time, before the Lord comes, who will bring to light the things now hidden in darkness and will disclose the purposes of the heart. Then each one will receive his commendation from God.” Even when dealing with extremes such as false teachers, the Bible is clear (as Peter also indicates in Second Peter) that we are to be watchful of them and that God will judge them with the fallen angels. Therefore, it is right to discern, to disagree, to debate, even to disassociate, but we are not called to cast judgement, that is God’s to deliver. In fact, when Christians accept that, it is most freeing.
Hold the essential truths of the gospel tightly and your theological systems loosely.
~Brett Larson
