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To be more frank about it, these people often aren’t really defending their faith at all. Many times, they are defending their own personal worldview or belief system, rather than their faith, or more appropriately, the way of Jesus Christ. Some would say, “What’s the difference?” but in reality the difference is anything but a trivial matter of wording. Each person has their own worldview and belief system, created from a multitude of past experiences, beliefs and values they learned, personal observations, and yes, even their faith – or lack thereof. There is not a single person who walks this planet today who has a ‘perfect’ worldview, in that everything they value and believe is completely and solely influenced by Jesus Christ. No matter how much someone tries, they will never reach such a lofty ideal. Not until Jesus returns to set the world right, at which time I think we will all be fed plenty of healthy courses of ‘humble pie’, myself included.
In fact, at the very heart of so many of our disagreements are common beliefs that we hold, often centered on Jesus and his teachings, but that are often interpreted through the lenses of our own personal worldviews and belief systems, which can be radically different depending on what we have learned and come to value in our own journeys in life. This is one of the reasons why we have so much diversity within the church, in terms of ideas, and yet one in which we can come to appreciate if we realize that much of what we ‘fight for’ is in defense of our own ideas, beliefs, opinions, and worldviews, outside the parameters of our faith in Jesus Christ. Or to put it a different way, we too often quibble over superficial and surface-level words, never getting to the true heart of the matter, nor our true, shared, common faith in Christ.
A Couple of Examples
For me, I find value in helping people find the right path and make the right decisions of their own accord, whereas another follower of Jesus values rules and regulations that help keep people from straying in the first place. Does that mean that one of us is wrong and the other is right? If I were to answer this solely from my own belief system, then I would say “Yes, I am right” and go on to show how the other’s way is too restrictive, lacks grace, and doesn’t foster growth and maturity. Meanwhile they would also say that they were right, and that my way lacks enough structure and direction, potentially leading someone to make an unbeneficial decision without a strict system of rules and regulations to guide them.
In all honesty, this disagreement is over worldviews and belief systems rather than our common faith in Christ itself. We’re both followers of Jesus, but we’ve had different life experiences and learning experiences that have led us to differing conclusions in this matter. If we have at each other and rip one another apart, we will only cause more division and obscure Jesus. However, if we are loving, humble, and generous in our words, we may both learn a thing or two from one another that could be mutually beneficial – not to mention it would glorify Christ in the way we show one another love and respect.
In the same way, one person may say that we need laws to outlaw abortion and save the lives of unborn children who may otherwise never have the chance to live, whereas another may oppose that idea, seeing it as not getting to the heart of the issue, instead pushing for Christians to reach out to pregnant women in need, helping them make life-affirming decisions, and offering options and support to help those women either care for their child well, or find a loving home for their child. (These are, as far as Christians go, two major stances taken on the issue – there is not just one ‘Christian’ stance, as many assume.) This supposed opposition has nothing to do with ‘pro-life’ vs. ‘pro-choice’, but again is a matter two differing worldviews and belief systems which, at their very heart, are focused on the same goal: Protecting innocent unborn lives from being ended before birth and never having a chance at a full and fulfilling life.
Unfortunately, what ends up happening in most of these cases is a war of words, animosity towards one another, and, yes, more division within the church. Nothing is accomplished, nothing is gained by arguing, and all the support and unity that comes out of it is what I call ‘false unity’ or ‘tribal unity’. That’s the kind of unity that one experiences when they are being supported by or around those who believe the same way as they do, like when a group who shares the same opinions gangs up on someone who doesn’t, gives their fellow members high-fives for sticking it to the ‘opponent’, or just keeps saying the same thing over and over to one another. In fact, I’ve heard it described by some as a ‘spirit’ - although I can assuredly say that it isn’t the Holy Spirit if it causes division amongst followers of Christ, or even pushes someone away from Christ. Yes, it’s a great feeling when you have people telling you you’re right, or you’re gathered together to support some common, divisive cause, but when that ‘tribal unity’ comes at the price of unity in Christ – and too often getting involved in heated political debacles often does, since there are usually people on all sides, for a variety of reasons and with a variety of backgrounds shaping their worldviews and belief systems, who follow Jesus.
Paul Weighs In
Paul himself shares his opinion on matters – he even states that it’s his opinion – in his writings quite a few times. He is sharing from his own belief system and worldview, which, while shaped by his faith in Christ, is still his own, hence why he says ‘opinion’. (For some examples, see 1 Cor. 7:25, 39-40, 8:10.) In fact, he delves into matters of conscience in Romans 14, starting off by writing, “Now accept the one who is weak in faith, but not for the purpose of passing judgment on his opinions” (Romans 14:1, NASB).
In light of Paul’s own instructions, we realize a few things:
- Differing opinions were common within the early church.
- We are not to judge one another based on our opinions (or theirs).
- Even when someone’s faith is weak, judging their opinions and beliefs based on that weakness is wrong.
Why is it that we insist on being so bold about elements of our worldview and belief systems that are not completely ‘of Christ’, or are just one way to solve a problem or look at an issue?
Why do we browbeat one another when we do not agree fully on every matter that is not strictly at the heart of our faith?
Why do we insist on ‘taking the Lord’s name in vain’ by trying to say that what we believe about every matter is what Jesus believe? (Yes, using Jesus as a rubber-stamp approval for our views, no matter how many people share them, is doing exactly that.)
And worse, why do we think that ‘winning’ is more important than ‘loving’? Which would Jesus find more important?
Should We Express Opinions?
Does that mean we shouldn’t express our opinions? Of course not! Sharing one’s own worldview and beliefs can be beneficial to others and help shape their own, creating for them a valuable learning experience. However, this is not accomplished by using venom, defensive words, or creating animosity. In fact, we’re much more likely to build higher and thicker walls, engender even greater hostility, and push others further away from our own personal understanding, with the unintended consequence that Jesus’ love and very heart is obscured by our words and actions. And when it happens between Christians, further division is caused, less love is shown, and we are by default disobeying Jesus’ instruction to love one another.
So if we feel the need to share our views on a matter, no matter how strongly held they are, or how hot-button the issue might be, if we cannot express them in a way that is helpful, instructive, and loving, recognizing that they are ‘opinions’ and not ‘absolute truth’ (a term that gets tossed about and abused way too much nowadays), and do so with a humble and loving heart – recognizing that we could learn something valuable from someone with a different view as well – then it’s better off that we keep our mouths shut and our fingers still. Otherwise, we’re making a mockery of ourselves, our Lord, and our faith. If we cannot promote unity in our words, if they cannot show love and respect for one another above all, they are completely worthless.
This, of course, is my opinion. However, in saying that, I will also quote Paul and share his sentiment that “I think that I also have the Spirit of God” (1 Cor. 7:40, NASB).
A Brief Addendum...
To clarify, just in case it wasn't clear, Jesus is at the heart of our faith, and ideally we want his teachings to inform and alter our own personal worldviews and belief systems, but since he doesn't dictate to us exactly what we are to do, say, and think about every matter under the sun, and because none of us have attained perfection, differences in approaches and viewpoints naturally happen. This can be beneficial to the body of Christ if we're brave enough and humble enough to realize this. No one person has what it takes to fully embody the best of all worldviews and belief systems, so we need each other and our diverse perspectives to make the body of Christ more complete, far-reaching, and effective.
We also need each other to be honest and open about our differing perspectives, and not just remain silent when our viewpoint doesn't line up with the majority in our churches. Just remember to do so in love and with great respect and humility.
Also, remember that 'iron sharpens iron', and for such a sharpening to happen, there has to be some degree of friction to allow for sharpening. Two identical surfaces can never sharpen one another, not without some type of friction - some difference - being introduced and utilized for that purpose.
And leaders, especially, take these words to heart, for they are all the more important for you to understand to live out as an example.
One More Tiny Addendum...
'Belief System' doesn't mean 'religion' or 'faith' - not in the context I'm using it. It means what a person believes about life, what they value, etc.
Just wanted to clear that up, in case that wasn't clear from the context of my writing. I know how nitpicky some people can be about words and such.
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