Theology Blog

What happens when we differ in philosophy from others; those we work with, the organizations we serve, friends, colleagues etc.? The first distinction that needs to be made in addressing this question is whether or not the disagreement is a major item or a minor item. In our culture today we gotten this mostly backwards and tend to ignore major issues because they are hard to solve and focus on minor issues, making them big issues. This is one of the handful of sources of the deep disagreement and division we have today. If the issue is major, a decision needs to be made about association. It may mean not endorsing or associating, but it never means being unkind or destructive. If the issue is minor, then allow it to be just that, minor. We can have differing views and still have both be justifiable by scripture and otherwise. We can have differing views and work together. This seems obvious, but by the state of our church and culture, it appears that we have forgotten this. Disagreement, especially on minor issues is actually a gift, it can be good, in fact it is ideal. The diversity that comes in disagreement allows us to be sharpened and to work together, continuing to learn and grow as we seek to care for all people of all differing opinions.

I am stating the obvious, but then again, its clear that we have forgotten.