How should we talk about the things we disagree on?

A good few years ago I did a talk for a small Christian Union at a university. I covered a topic on which Christians disagree. My talk simply outlined the major views held by those who hold the Bible as authoritative and then I gave some principles for thinking about the issue. After I had spoken, a guy asked me what my position was on the topic. I told him that I was not totally sure. I then asked him what his position was. He answered saying something like, 'Oh. I take the Bible's position on it.' That struck me as an arrogant thing to say. He assumed that anyone who took a different position than his own did so simply because they did not know (or accept) what was taught in the Bible.

So how should we talk about things upon which we disagree?

Some may have a different opinion because they view the Bible's authority differently. For example a person may read the New Testament and yet say that they don't believe in the resurrection of Jesus. Their opinion is formed not because of the Bible's teaching but in spite of it. In such cases it is fair to say, 'The Bible clearly teaches . . . .'

Others may have a high view of Scripture yet reach a different opinion than us. For example, I think the Bible teaches believer's baptism, but I am not going to assume that John Stott believes in infant baptism because he does not know (or will not accept) the teaching of Scripture. Indeed we should be willing to look at arguments for and against our opinion when sincere Bible-believing scholars present opposing views. On some issues we should have the humility to admit that we may be wrong. We then might say in such circumstances, 'It is my understanding that the Bible teaches . . .'

However I am not saying that we downplay those issues that divide sincere Bible-believing people. Doctrine does matter. Even controversial Scriptures have a purpose and there is a right position on every topic. We rob ourselves of teaching (and all teaching of Scripture is useful) if we lazily by-pass those things that seem less clear. Indeed we should be seeking to carefully examine all issues and come to humble yet firm convictions.

Finally, we should pray for wisdom. Wisdom to know what issues are clearly taught in Scripture; wisdom to know what doctrines are of most importance; and wisdom to know how differing opinions should impact (or not) our fellowship with other people who claim to be Christians.