by Jim Gordon
As I look over various postings on social media, it does not take long to realize there are a wide variety of opinions in the christian world. Various biblical interpretations and views on christian doctrine, gun control and a wide variety of issues of our day.
The sad thing is that so often I see the opinions expressed get turned into arguments, name calling and sometimes what seems to be down-right hatred toward one another.
It is sad that we who are christians and supposed to be known for our love for one another get so caught up on arguing over doctrine and interpretation. Why is it we cannot accept that we all have a different view and opinion. We all have a different way of seeing things and interpreting the bible.
As I was in a waiting room the other day, a lady walked in and I heard her tell the receptionist that she was recently widowed. That got me to thinking how a major change in our lives can change our priorities.
When a person hears that they have a serious health condition, or they lose a loved one all the differences of opinion, biblical interpretation and doctrine seem to become less important. The arguing over our views and opinions all of a sudden lose their meaning.
It is times like this that many people come together and encourage and support those who are going through a rough time. It is great that this happens and it is the way it should be.
Yet it is disappointing that it takes a bad situation to bring people together. Why is it we cannot express our views and opinions and accept there are going to be differences of opinion? Why is it we cannot accept one another in our differences and treat one another with respect?
There is certainly nothing wrong with having an opinion. Having different interpretations of the bible and various views on doctrine is normal and good. We can learn from one another when we reasonably discuss these differences. But when we get offended, when we get mad and feel we have to prove our point, that is where the problems begin.
We need to get to a place in our lives that we can discuss our views, listen to the views of others and accept one another in our differences. People need to see that christian people are a family who can love and accept one another whether we completely agree or not.
In my experience it seems that it’s a lack of security that causes the more heated arguments and the animosity. When we feel threatened we go on the defensive. It takes a lot of letting go to come to the point of realisation that we may be wrong, but what a huge freedom there is in that admission. Instead of being locked into our blinkered belief we suddenly find ourselves in a space where we can move, and think, and breathe, and see into the distance, and grow.
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Very true Jem, thanks.
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Thanks for “going there.” I hope we can continue the conversation. This was my attempt to speak to this issue from the point of view of “Respect.” Forgive me for adding my post, but I hope it contributes to the discussion: https://moreenigma.wordpress.com/2015/04/15/r-e-s-p-e-c-t/
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Thank you Rusty. I appreciate you reading and responding to my article. Glad you posted the link to your article which I enjoyed reading. Respect and acceptance of one another, even in our differences goes a long way in showing the love of God.
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I am convinced if Bible folks would openly acknowledge their interpretations could be wrong, we would have many more healthy conversations.
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Yes, that is so true. It is sad that so many have a hard time doing that. Thanks for the comment.
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