Agreeing to Disagree

[WannaWitness]

Here is an article that brings some great insight:

How Can We Agree to Disagree on Theological Issues? « LifeCoach4God

I only hope it can be found helpful. Truly agreeing to disagree can strengthen us as bridge builders: knowing how to get along with our Christian brothers and sisters, despite differences of opinion regarding theology, and differences of denomination. We should start practicing now: after all, we will all be stuck with one another in Heaven (where none of the things we disagreed about on earth will matter anymore) -- for eternity!

God bless.

 

[gospeljay]

The most true words I've heard in a while. If only everyone viewed life with such compassion.

 

[WannaWitness]

The most true words I've heard in a while. If only everyone viewed life with such compassion.

Thank you so much. I just think there is too much arguing over silly things, just for the sake of being different. I mean, there is nothing wrong with having a difference of opinion, or even expressing such opinions when the time is right. There is also nothing wrong with a little bit of healthy and orderly debating occasionally -- but it is possible that things can be carried too far, and turn into a "oneupmanship" between Christians, with one claiming superiority over the other just because of a different perspective on any given issue. How can we effectively minister to the unbeliever (or a believer new to the faith), when we are too busy fighting with one another?

Just some food for thought.

 

[Norah63]

Yes this happens quite often on forums. Yet like you say it should be rare with Christians.
Who ever is not christian that might just be reading the posts would sure think we had a ways to go if we can't agree to disagree with out getting all out of sorts. And it can be so boring to read page after page of what I call, ' thinking they shall be heard by their much speaking.' Matt 6;7. This is about prayer, however can be just as prevelant in posts.
I know iron sharpens iron, and when we put two thoughts togeather it should be to edify and encourage. That keeps us on our toes to know what the word says on any topic. Building bridges of faith.

 

[WannaWitness]

Yes this happens quite often on forums. Yet like you say it should be rare with Christians.
Who ever is not christian that might just be reading the posts would sure think we had a ways to go if we can't agree to disagree with out getting all out of sorts. And it can be so boring to read page after page of what I call, ' thinking they shall be heard by their much speaking.' Matt 6;7. This is about prayer, however can be just as prevelant in posts.
I know iron sharpens iron, and when we put two thoughts togeather it should be to edify and encourage. That keeps us on our toes to know what the word says on any topic. Building bridges of faith.

 

[WannaWitness]

Here is this morning's Our Daily Bread devotional, which ties in strongly with this topic; hoping it is found helpful.

Family Togetherness | Our Daily Bread

 

[Norah63]

That's a good one. And if only two left in the house, a thirty second hug is in order.
Have read that it takes that long for the hug to be appreciated. No little patty cake hugs.

 

[Norah63]

Another thought this morning about bridge building. Are we more willing to love for our Lord Jesus than to hate for Him. Having expierenced so much negitivity on some forums, this is not benificial for any one looking to strengthen their faith.
Every new generation that comes along has to find their way to Christ. And having a place to share and put our learning into words of communication is a joy.
Now you go first, what can we agree to disagree on?

 

[WannaWitness]

Another thought this morning about bridge building. Are we more willing to love for our Lord Jesus than to hate for Him. Having expierenced so much negitivity on some forums, this is not benificial for any one looking to strengthen their faith.
Every new generation that comes along has to find their way to Christ. And having a place to share and put our learning into words of communication is a joy.
Now you go first, what can we agree to disagree on?

I can name a few issues (discussed to death not only on forums and message boards galore, but in person as well) on which Christians should be able to agree to disagree. To start with: Bible translations, what types of music are okay for a Christian to listen to, whether or not Christian women should wear skirts or dresses only, whether or not Christians should watch movies or TV (and if so, where is the line drawn), whether or not to play games with playing cards or dice, what ministries (inside of the church and out) women can be involved in, politics, homeschooling, headcoverings, end times views, and the use of Spiritual gifts in the 21st-century church. These must be a mere few of many, many issues on which there are some of the bloodiest arguments between two or more believers who all have their different ideas based on each individual's understanding of the Bible. Now, don't get me wrong; it's only natural that no one is going to think alike on everything, nor should such be expected. It's even okay, within reason, to engage in healthy debate about them. But there comes a time for believers to respect one another and at least be on civil terms despite our obviously differing convictions. Romans 14 covers this very thing, with verse 1 talking about "doubtful things", and the issues I have mentioned earlier can very well be considered "doubtful things".

And you made a good point. Christians should concentrate on loving people than to nitpick around and focus so much on "the things we hate". I mean, granted, we should hate sin and be grieved in our spirit that many people in this dying world are so complacent in their sinful state. But this doesn't mean this is all we should focus on, as there is such a thing that we (and I'm talking about myself, too) can get so involved in judging the sinners that we miss out on telling some of those sinners about the great love of Jesus for all (due to His death on the cross and His broken body and shed blood) and His free gift of salvation, then praying for these lost souls that they will one day cry out to God and make that big step of confession to Jesus, and leaving it in His hands.

 

[JCFantasy23]

Great thread and thoughts here Wish more people thought like this!

 

[WannaWitness]

Great thread and thoughts here Wish more people thought like this!

Thanks.

 

[All4HISglory]

Love the article and thoughts shared on this.

~For Your glory Lord {iPad}

 

[Albion]

While I liked the article, I didn't find that it offered much that the average person doesn't already know--be considerate and you'll get a similar response; everyone has something important to contribute, etc.

In a more practical vein, I think that most important thing is to start recognizing not just that we'll all be saved regardless of denomination but that denominations don't mean anything except that they are gatherings of Christians who share certain POVs concerning secondary doctrinal issues.

They are all parts of the Christian church and, while one may be right about doctrine X and another wrong, we are all part of the same church. Once we get beyond mixing denominational pride into our discussions ("My church is the one Jesus founded, sorry about you," "Ours is older than yours, so it must be right," etc) the sooner any "agreeing to disagree" will ring true.

 

[WannaWitness]

While I liked the article, I didn't find that it offered much that the average person doesn't already know--be considerate and you'll get a similar response; everyone has something important to contribute, etc.

In a more practical vein, I think that most important thing is to start recognizing not just that we'll all be saved regardless of denomination but that denominations don't mean anything except that they are gatherings of Christians who share certain POVs concerning secondary doctrinal issues.

They are all parts of the Christian church and, while one may be right about doctrine X and another wrong, we are all part of the same church. Once we get beyond mixing denominational pride into our discussions ("My church is the one Jesus founded, sorry about you," "Ours is older than yours, so it must be right," etc) the sooner any "agreeing to disagree" will ring true.

You make a good point, as well. A lot of the times, as you say, there is that ugly thing called pride that comes in, and it's really unfortunate. Of course, I have that to work on when it comes to some of my own convictions, so I am speaking for myself, as well. But I personally believe that we could, perhaps, be a better witness if we can manage to put some of that behind us. As far as actually having different opinions on this, that, or whatever, I know it's only natural. Nobody, even Christians, will see eye-to-eye on a variety of issues, and as I said, there is nothing wrong with a little orderly debate; sometimes, as others have said, as well, it can serve to broaden us as Christians in getting to know how differently we all think. But we should use care not to judge another fellow Christian as unsaved or disinterested in "truly serving the Lord" just because he/she has a different viewpoint regarding a personal conviction or theological issue. And there also comes a time to focus on what unites us as believers, and that's our love for our Lord Jesus, and being able to edify one another, despite our differences of opinion. Easier said than done, I know, but with the Lord's help, I believe it's possible.

I just thought that was a good link to share, even at the risk of "preaching to the choir".

 

[Norah63]

2Peter 1:12 comes to mind. "Wherefore I will not neglect to put you always in remembrance of these things, though ye know them, and be established in the present truth."
13 goes along with that too. It is always important to repete truth to each other.
Lifts our spirit and keeps the focus on what is most valuable to our walk of faith.

 

[WannaWitness]

2Peter 1:12 comes to mind. "Wherefore I will not neglect to put you always in remembrance of these things, though ye know them, and be established in the present truth."
13 goes along with that too. It is always important to repete truth to each other.
Lifts our spirit and keeps the focus on what is most valuable to our walk of faith.

Yes, that's right.

 

[WannaWitness]

Love the article and thoughts shared on this.

~For Your glory Lord {iPad}

Thank you.

 

[chasinghope]

Thanks for sharing this article.