4 Ways to Fight Clean Over Doctrine
TGC Blog | May 21, 2012
Tim and Ted are brand-new, computer-selected, freshman roommates in the guys' dorm. Tim became a Calvinist about six months ago. He reads Reformed books, listens to Reformed podcasts, talks incessantly about Reformed theology, and just got a "Soli Deo Gloria" tattoo.
Ted is his roommate. He is not Reformed. In fact, he actually doesn't like Reformed people or their theology. He listens to Southern Gospel music on tape and opposes tattoos of any kind.
It's going to be a long semester.
Were we to listen in on their conversations (a.k.a. significant disagreements) throughout their short journey together, we would likely hear a number of things loud and clear. First, we would hear two young men equally passionate about what they believe. This is truly a wonderful thing. Second, we would hear that they actually agree on much more than they disagree on. But they usually shout too loudly to hear it themselves.
I am not going to lead us in a chorus of "Love Can Build a Bridge" and say that things like polity and baptism don't really matter or "love unites, but doctrine divides." Yet I have seen over the years how Christians get so consumed with secondary issues that the gospel is obscured, the mission is sidetracked, and the body of Christ is injured.
There must be a better way to fight about the things we can't seem to agree on. Consider these four ways to fight clean over doctrine.
1. Keep the cross at the center of your theological system.
I have found it impossible to look up to Jesus and then down my nose at a brother or sister with whom I disagree. A cross-centered theology reminds us to keep the "main thing the main thing" and serves as a helpful compass to navigate the landscape of secondary issues. It also helps us see how much we actually share in common and what serves as the source of unity and hope. When the gospel is the center, everything else becomes appropriately resized.
2. Ask yourself some uncomfortable questions.
We all like to assume that we are as cool as ice when the differences come to light, but is this really the case? Ask yourself these questions: What posture do I take in a doctrinal discussion? Do I quickly become agitated? Do I raise your voice easily? How would my wife or those closest to me people describe me during these kinds of situations? Take it a step further and actually ask them. Their answers may surprise you. And help you.
3. Remember that you probably held the other position not too long ago.
Nearly all pastors and theologians I know continually refine their theology. Sure, we may have the "big things" down, but some theological shifting is natural as we learn, grow, and age. If, for example, if you subscribe to a more Reformed understanding of the "doctrines of grace," there is a strong chance that you haven't always stood where you stand now. The way you present your ideas has a lot to do with how they're received. Don't be another "angry Calvinist." We have enough of them.
4. Pursue humility with the same passion that you pursue clarity.
This may be the most difficult but necessary pursuit of all. Never forget that studying comes with a built-in occupational hazard: pride. It is so easy to live on the wrong side of 1 Corinthians 8:1b: "Knowledge puffs up but love builds up." As we seek to be diligent in out study, we should seek to be equally diligent in our pursuit of humility. To this end, I try to devote myself to prayer, re-reading Philippians 2, and reflecting on Jesus' finished work on the cross. As we see the great humility of Jesus, the Spirit will cultivate greater humility in us as well.
Tim and Ted were great guys, but they fought dirty and both lost. Too often we fall into the same trap. May God give us the grace today to begin fighting a different fight---with our own sin---so that we fight clean.
Comments:
May 28, 2012 at 10:19 PM
THis was a vague but good read....I have this problem as a new Christian. I was once Catholic and I seem to tense up when I'm discussing this issue with my Dad who is wondering when I will come back to the Catholic(Greek Orthodox) Church. He believes that I will eventually gain confidence in my Christianity and not feel unformfortable in a Catholic Church. I'm sorry to tell him that I am unformfortable in a Catholic Church! Everything that is done during a Catholic service goes against my beliefs. The Catholic mass is not Christ worship it is a Religious ceremony. This is why I left Catholicism. A friend of mine gave me some great advice-tell your Catholic family/friends that you found a better church and you're very happy. This way you don't get involved in theology debates that can be circular and self defeating. I tell friends and family that I'm happy but I can't help but share my beliefs with them and try to witness to them. They claim to go to Catholic Church but there is no fruit, no works, and they live a worldly lifestyle. Knowing this about them makes me itch inside to share the gospel with them because they are not what I believe Christians should be. Am I judging them? and why do I feel so compelled to judge and get them to repent? I guess I struggle with this and my family thinks that I lack confidence as a Christian, saying "Your becoming too fundamental"! They also say, "If they say they're Christians and they believe in Christ then you should honor their statements". If anyone has anything to add please share.
Thank you
May 25, 2012 at 07:03 AM
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May 24, 2012 at 12:01 PM
Thank you for this. It's very hard these days for me not to get angry either way....and I know that when I am in this place, i'm not near Christ or focusing on the cross or loving my brother above myself. It's a dangerous place that can lead to enslavement.
Thank you for this! :)
May 24, 2012 at 10:43 AM
[...] HERE the entire article. Share this:FacebookPrintEmailTwitterRedditStumbleUponLike this:LikeBe the first [...]
May 24, 2012 at 09:19 AM
Agreed, this disagreement is a problem. And my position is that we should not be worshiping the God of C or the God of A, but that we should worship the God of truth that we KNOW, and not the God of a truth that we THINK we know due to selection and omission of scripture on both sides. Kind of goes along with your challenge at the end (Ian).
May 24, 2012 at 03:28 AM
Jerry and Jimmy,
I am not convinced that the Calvinist / Arminian question is fundamental. What is fundamental is that we trust in Christ alone for our salvation. How we get to that point is a secondary issue.
The problem is that for hundreds of years, Christians have disagreed over this question and no consensus has been reached. And no matter how sure we are that our position is supported by the Bible, there are others who are equally convicted that the Bible supports the opposite position.
So I don't think anyone has any business saying "I am right, you are wrong" - that is arrogant. What we should be saying is "My convictions are currently ***, but I hold them lightly, because there are other Christians with a different understanding of the Bible. I would never want to look down on a fellow believer or separate myself from them. We're all at different stages on a journey and, until we get to heaven, we only know in part."
To take this one step further, I'd suggest we should be building churches where Christians of differing convictions can grow and serve together. Now there's a challenge!
May 24, 2012 at 02:17 PM
I like your soldier analogy. Good point! You can even add that while the two soldiers are arguing in the middle of battle, innocent people around them are dying.
May 23, 2012 at 11:47 AM
It is certainly fundamental. I say it is not essential because I do not believe someone has to get the answer right to have saving faith. But it is fundamental in the sense that I brought out previously, that the God of Calvinism and the God of Arminianism have significantly different natures. If we want to worship God in truth (John 4:23), rightly handle the word of truth (2 Timothy 2:15), and hold true to sound doctrine (Titus 2:1), we cannot act as if this question has no real significance, as you are suggesting. It is not prideful or conceited to seek to do these things by searching the deeper character of God. This question does in fact affect our soul, as it affects our worship.
Searching for the true nature of God's election mentioned in the Scriptures should not be looked at negatively. We are not "burying His mission" in a prideful agenda by diligently studying and seeking the truth of God's character. I totally agree that it can become this way, if Christians don't show humility and love while discussing the matter, but acting as if the matter shouldn't be discussed at all isn't a preferred alternative. You may think this discussion is not important, but every notable theologian since the Reformation disagrees with you.
May 23, 2012 at 10:47 AM
Jesus and Paul were great guys, but they fought dirty (at times) and both won.
May 23, 2012 at 10:08 AM
[...] 4 Ways to Fight Clean Over Doctrine: There must be a better way to fight about the things we can’t seem to agree on. Consider these four ways to fight clean over doctrine. [...]
May 23, 2012 at 08:22 AM
Sorry, one more question: how can the doctrines be "neither Calvinism nor Arminianism is the Gospel, nor essential to it" but be "fundamental?" That phrase contradicts itself, does it not?
May 23, 2012 at 08:20 AM
But it's NOT fundamental. To say a doctrine is fundamental is just a slap in the face to what Christ did on the cross. Why isn't every book written by a pastor or theologian doctrine? You ask the average Christian - even the ones who have been saved for years, hold bible studies, etc. - if they even know what these two doctrines are, and I GUARANTEE most will not.
If this argument is "fundamental," then the Christian society as a whole is in deep trouble, and the apostles and prophets failed miserably at getting God's message across. If this argument is fundamental, does that mean whoever is on the wrong side is not truly saved? If a born again believer dies one hour after accepting Christ without ever knowing these doctrines, is that person damned to weeping and gnashing of teeth?
To call it fundamental just proves to me the arrogance of this whole debate. To tell someone they need to agree with you on one side or the other on a doctrine that in no way affects your soul is an issue of pride and conceit. I'm not accusing you specifically of that, I'm addressing the attitude behind the debate altogether.
May 22, 2012 at 12:06 PM
I appreciate the article, but unfortunately, there is still that hint of arrogance within the text that you try to encourage the reader to avoid in Point 4:
In Point 3, you seem to infer that "theological shifting is natural as we learn, grow, and age" links to "a more Reformed understanding of the 'doctrines of grace.'" While it's not explicitly stated, I think one can definitely assume it is implicitly stated. If that wasn't your intention, I sincerely apologize and would suggest restating it in a more balanced approach: either leaving out the example of one becoming a Calvinist, or stating that the "learn, grow, and age" can lead to EITHER position.
I think far too much time is wasted on this division in Christianity. What difference would it make if you never knew if a close Christian brother or sister was Calvinist or Arminian? When we stand before the throne, will we proudly declare our position on this issue? I mean, I'm simply astounded at the time and effort Christians have put in to fighting this debate. Is Christ's love not enough? Since when are men able to define God's sovereignty?
We are burying His mission in this prideful agenda, and we are hardening our hearts because it's not enough for us as believers to expose people to Christ, now we have to get them to buy in on a couple-hundred year old set of doctrines and have disdain for those who don't believe as we do.
God help us.
May 22, 2012 at 11:48 AM
You want a supposed Christian to go nuts on you, just tell them that you feel scripture is telling you that you can't in good conscious vote for Romney. It's something that reformed and non can agree to go nuts about.
May 22, 2012 at 11:44 AM
The people commenting over on the tattoo post should read this post first. ;-)
May 22, 2012 at 11:04 AM
[...] 4 Ways to Fight Clean Over Doctrine — Is it possible to hold to our theological convictions yet be able to fellowship with other believers who have different convictions? I believe it is, but these suggestions are vitally important if we hope to keep the conversations civil. [...]
May 22, 2012 at 10:57 AM
"1. Keep the cross at the center of your theological system."
That's a huge problem for most theologies right from the git-go.
'Add-on' (something that we sould, ought, or must be doing in addition to Christ's work on the cross) Christianity has pretty much taken over.
May 22, 2012 at 10:56 AM
Ah yes, point four is perfect advice for me. Thank you!
May 22, 2012 at 10:53 AM
Thanks, that's now fixed
May 22, 2012 at 10:46 AM
I'll raise your voice! ;-)
May 22, 2012 at 10:41 AM
Very helpful, I need to be reminded of this, thanks
May 22, 2012 at 10:34 PM
While I agree that neither Calvinism nor Arminianism is the Gospel, nor essential to it, I do believe the discussion is indeed fundamental. I think the question of whether salvation is monergistic or synergistic in nature is one that should be thoroughly discussed and the answer should be rigorously sought after and thus defended. This is not to say that "fighting" over the issue is acceptable, but I think passionate discussion is necessary. Whichever the answer is, it profoundly affects the nature of God, and the God of Calvinism has a different nature than the God of Arminianism. We should not take the issue lightly, as if the answer has no real significance.
May 22, 2012 at 10:24 PM
Soren, I'm not ashamed of being a calvinist, i love the doctrines of grace. Its how I see and teach the bible.
But I am right with on on this sentiment, and think your WWII analogy is great. Let's get worked up most about sharing the love of God for the world in Christ with those who don't know it yet.
May 22, 2012 at 10:12 AM
Excellent, absolutely excellent!
May 22, 2012 at 09:47 AM
Really enjoyed this!!!! I hope to approach discussions based off this article.
May 22, 2012 at 09:43 AM
[...] Resources – 4 Ways to Fight Clean Over Doctrine (Gospel Coalition) by we the created on May 22, 2012 • 9:43 am No Comments Below is a snippet of the article, but we feel it’s a great resource to read over and keep in your head for the next time you find yourself in a disagreement over doctrine. Take a look and click the source button at the bottom to read the entire article over at The Gospel Coalition. [...]
May 22, 2012 at 08:42 AM
Truly appreciated this...thanks Dustin.
May 22, 2012 at 08:24 AM
Good post, Dustin. Thank you.
The late Dr. Roger Nicole offers additional thoughts about discussing our differences in love in this article: http://www.founders.org/journal/fj33/article3.html.
May 22, 2012 at 05:56 AM
I especially liked points 1 & 4. And the introduction was a great way to lead into the article. Thanks for the pointers and reminders.
May 22, 2012 at 05:20 AM
Great article, needs a closer edit though!
May 22, 2012 at 04:06 PM
This is good stuff.
For the Love of God, in the most literal sense of the phrase possible, can we find something else to fight about than the Calvinist-Arminian debate?
My newest analogy for this several-centuries-old debate is that it's like two US soldiers in Bastogne, Christmas 1944, fighting over whether being drafted or being a volunteer makes them better soldiers whilst being shelled by the Germans.
Calvinists are not my enemy, Satan is. Sinners are not my enemy, either, they're just pawns of my enemy. People with heretical theology are not my enemy, Satan is.
I mean, if we really need to work off some doctrine-cop stress, we should go mess with the JWs or Mormons, somebody that's definitely outside the faith, but even then, they're not the enemy, Satan is.
May 22, 2012 at 02:43 PM
I think that to keep the cross as the center (when "fighting cleanly" with an arminian) I need to expose the fullness of what it did, faith, repentance, justificaction, santification (perseverance); I feel that if this is not recognized, his glory is diminished. Can I keep the cross the center and still not recognize all it acomplished? Thank you!
May 22, 2012 at 01:11 PM
I think you left a few things out:
#5 No Fleshly Weapons! The weapons of our warfare are not carnal. Whether they are metal are plastic should be agreed upon between combatants.
#6 No rewording the others beliefs incorrectly or by inserting words like "stupid, juvenile, arrogant or doo-doo head."
#7 Calvinists must never ever just say "Jacob have I loved and Esau have I hated" then walk away.
Seriously though, it is hard NOT to tell whether someone is calvinistic or not when they talk about the 'chances' that someone might get saved (which is always 0%), or whether someone has lost their salvation, or if they mention that man's Free Will is always inviolable and the deciding factor in salvation.
So what are you to do with close friends who say things they need to think about further? I say, graciously and humbly give them suggestions concerning in what way they might want to reevaluate what they say they believe.
To not do so may be encouraging someone to believe a lie. Are we not about the Truth as well as about Love, and the Gospel, and the Great Commission?
June 5, 2012 at 10:48 AM
Good words Dustin.
The problem is when we think we are doing well and the other guy gets a few good shots in... That is when we resort to biting off the other persons ear.
We've all seen it before.
June 5, 2012 at 07:56 AM
This is so good. I need to be reminded of this again and again. The last sentence of the post hit me the hardest: they fought dirty and they BOTH lost. Ouch. How often does this very thing happen to us? Thanks so much for this post.
June 26, 2012 at 10:14 PM
[...] how to make it a “clean fight” – which is to disagree without disharmony. Dustin Neeley wrote this excellent and readable article for The Gospel Coalition website entitled “4 Ways to Fight Clean [...]
June 18, 2012 at 10:01 PM
Matt, thanks for your comment and honesty.
1. "Itching to share the Gospel..." is never a bad thing! Praise God for your desire to do so. May all of us be the same.
2. Observing a lack of fruit does not necessarily mean you are "judging" someone. If it turns into self-righteousness and thinking you are better than them...yes, but just recognizing this sad fact should lead to prayer for them, an increase in love toward them, etc.
3. Obviously, the goal here is to "speak the truth in love" and pray that God would give you opportunity to winsomely share the Good News with them and that He would open their hearts to turn from their sins and trust in Christ.
4. Since this is going to be your family for the rest of your life, I would encourage you to study up with some of the key differences between Protestants and Catholics (plenty of good resources out there even if you just Google for them.) I think this could help you engage them and also know how to pray.
I will be praying for you as you share the love of Christ with them!
Blessings,
Dustin
June 11, 2012 at 02:08 AM
[...] 4 Ways to Fight Clean Over Doctrine (Dustin Neeley) – Neeley gives wise counsel on disagreements over doctrinal issues. This is [...]
4 Ways to Fight Clean Over Doctrine: By Dustin Neeley « A Simple Catchism
May 30, 2012 at 11:50 AM
[...] we can’t seem to agree on. Consider these four ways to fight clean over doctrine. Link: http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/tgc/2012/05/21/4-ways-to-fight-clean-over-doctrine/ Share this:TwitterFacebookLike this:LikeBe the first to like this post. Posted in [...]