In our polarized world, disagreements are more pronounced, arguments are more public, and differences seem to be irreconcilable. Though we may immediately think of this in the context of social and political issues, it can also be true in matters of religion.
In reality though, there have always been disagreements on matters pertaining to faith. Some believe there is a God; others believe there is no God. Some believe that Jesus is the Son of God; others believe Jesus was only a prophet, teacher, or wise rabbi. The “Christian” world is filled with different ideas regarding salvation, sin, worship, the church, morality, and more – too many topics to list. Disagreements on such matters will always be present.
In this article, we will primarily be discussing disagreements between those who believe in Christ and recognize the Bible as the word of God.
If you and I disagree on some point pertaining to religious matters, there are four possibilities:
- I’m right and you’re wrong.
- You’re right and I’m wrong.
- We’re both wrong.
- There is no right or wrong. [This will only be true when the matter is inconsequential to God and has not been addressed in His word. In that case, it is simply a matter of opinion and not one of faith or divine truth.]
No matter what issue is under consideration, we cannot both be right if we are saying different things. Unless it is a matter that is of no consequence (no right or wrong), then there is a difference between right and wrong. And if we are saying two different things, then at least one of us is wrong.
So when we disagree, how do we determine what is right? It is not by how sincerely we believe what we believe (we may both be equally sincere). In order to handle these disagreements and strive to find the truth, we need:
- An open mind – There are two things involved in this. First, we must be humble enough to acknowledge that we do not know everything. Each one of us has room to learn, grow, and improve. Second, we need to have a desire to learn rather than be content to not know the truth. This was the characteristic of the Bereans when they heard Paul’s preaching: “Now these were more noble-minded than those in Thessalonica, for they received the word with great eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see whether these things were so” (Acts 17:11). They knew that they had the potential to learn something they did not yet know and they were eager to do so. This example also contains another necessary element, which we will notice next.
- An open Bible – Those in Berea knew where to look in order to determine whether Paul’s teaching was the truth or not. They searched the Scriptures. We need to recognize that the “sum of [God’s] word is truth” (Psalm 119:160). Therefore, whenever there is a disagreement, we have to go to the Bible to determine what is right. We will rarely accomplish much by arguing with others on some religious matter without an open Bible that we can read and examine together.
- A sincere heart – The apostle Paul was one who had a sincere desire to do what was right. Even while he was zealously persecuting the church (Acts 8:3; 9:1-2; Philippians 3:6), he did this with a “perfectly good conscience” (Acts 23:1). Yet when he was confronted with the truth, he immediately changed course and began following Christ. Word spread of his remarkable change: “He who once persecuted us is now preaching the faith which he once tried to destroy” (Galatians 1:23). While this is an extreme example, it shows that one can be sincere even while he is wrong. Yet the sincerity of one’s heart should drive him to accept the truth once he learns it.
- A love for one another – When we discuss our disagreements with others, our goal should not be merely to win an argument; instead, it is to help lead others to accept the truth. Paul said we are to be “speaking the truth in love” (Ephesians 4:15). He told Timothy, “The Lord’s bond-servant must not be quarrelsome, but be kind to all, able to teach, patient when wronged, with gentleness correcting those who are in opposition…” (2 Timothy 2:24-25). He explained that this attitude of love for others should be at the heart of our efforts to teach them, even if that attitude is not reciprocated. Yet ideally, both parties in a disagreement will have the best interest of each other in mind.
- A reverence for God – What we choose to believe, teach, and practice in religion is going to be based upon our attitude toward God. Our goal needs to be to please Him in everything that we do. The Hebrew writer explained that “acceptable service” to God is offered “with reverence and awe” (Hebrews 12:28). In other words, we need to respect God and honor Him because of His exalted position before us. This will influence how we engage in religious discussions. If it is a topic that matters to God – and we will know that it does if He has revealed His will on it – then our reverence to him should lead us to find the truth given in His word.
- A desire to do, teach, and believe what is right – When it comes to discussing matters of religion, the Bible, and what is right and wrong, this should not be merely theoretical. It is not a philosophical matter regarding how we think or feel about something. Ultimately, our goal needs to be to do what God wants us to do, teach others the truth, and believe what He has revealed to us. James wrote, “But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves” (James 1:22). Discussing matters of religion with others with whom we disagree is not just a mental exercise. Hopefully at the end of the discussion, one or both of us will have a more perfect understanding of what is right in order to do a better job at carrying out those things that are pleasing to the Lord.
Disagreements will come up from time to time on matters of religion. If we will learn to approach these disagreements in the proper manner and with the right attitude, we can help one another to develop the knowledge, character, and practices that the Lord wants us to possess.
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For more on this topic, read the article, Rules for Religious Discussions.
