An Ecumenical Question
Throughout Church history, theological controversy has been one of the enduring features. Name any communion or denomination and you will find one which has struggled with this matter. St. Maximus the Confessor was imprisoned, exiled and lost his tongue and compared to many he got off easy. For that matter, I’d be willing to guess that among those reading this very essay, if they are Christian, have themselves had discussions, often perhaps heated, of this sort. As the title indicates, I’m leading towards a question but to start I’m going to preface that with a few remarks.
Two fragments from Scripture are perhaps relevant. (1 Corinthians 13:12) “For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.” For the second passage, Romans 2 offers that Jesus not men will be the final judge.
We may argue about our view of the theology, Christology, soteriology, or whatever topic, but we all must admit we only see dimly the truths to which we attest. Who is right in these argument? From the second it might be said that these arguments will only be settled at the eschaton.
My question then is why then might we argue? What is the core reason for which we dispute. What is at stake? I’d be very curious to hear a variety of responses to this.
For myself, my answer might be as follows. Trinitarian theology and Christology, the parables and teachings of Jesus, Paul, James and so on are beautiful. They possess symmetry and a poetry have no little impact. Teachings that obscure this beauty … that is what is problematic. Why? Because it hinders others from seeing it. The core problem is not that you will be judged adversely if you’re a Calvinist and if at the eschaton Calvin’s teaching was fraught with error (and no, please don’t take this as a generic attack on Calvinism, the “if” is important there). The problem might be with Calvinism is whether his teachings obscures or conceals some important part of the Gospel.
Filed under: Christianity • Mark O. • Religion
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My question then is why then might we argue? What is the core reason for which we dispute. What is at stake?
Excellent, excellent question. Something that we all ought to consider as we address one another – especially as fellow Christians address one another.
I begin with love. That is the clearly known starting point.
We are to love one another. We are to love the body of Christ. We are to love our neighbors. We are even to love our enemies!
If nothing else is clear in the Bible and in Christian teaching, I would think this point is and thus, ought to be heeded and defended.
So, as difficult as it is (and it is) Love ought to be my starting point. Thus, anyone who is acting contrary to a spirit of love (and by extension, mercy, grace, forgiveness), I may confront such behavior, disagree over such behavior. Still, I need to do so in love.
Hopefully, I would let that love lead me to disagree with respect and concern for the person with whom I disagree.
BECAUSE I see through a glass darkly (and what beautiful and powerful and humbling imagery that is!), I care less about what you think about most of Christian tenets beyond the teachings of Jesus. Jesus did not mention atonement, I care much less about what you think about atonement. Jesus did not mention the virgin birth, I care less about that. Jesus did not mention Calvinism, pacifism, Just War Theory, trinitarianism, eschatology, etc, and I care less about these extended church tenets.
Do I have opinions on all of these? Absolutely, sometimes quite strong opinions, but nothing I’d disagree vehemently over, I’d hope.