What to do when Christians differ
The below is a summary for Brian’s talk at Summer Under the Son (CMS) 2013. This is also the topic for a Pastoral Seminar to be held at Ridley on 2nd September 2013.
Disputable Matters
(Romans 14:1-15:7)
- Some matters are disputable (14:1)
- Disputable matters must be distinguished from matters that are beyond dispute (16:17)
- Disputable matters may involve biblical interpretation
- Different backgrounds may lead to different positions
- In view of the lordship of Christ we are not to judge or despise, but rather welcome one another (14:1-9; 15:7)
- Some of us should come to a firm view on such matters (14:5b, 22-23)
- We may teach on disputable matters, but not insistently (14:14)
- We may need to vary our practice in certain settings, following the example of Christ who did not please himself (15:1–7)
- The goal is peace and mutual edification (14:23)
- Righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit are of paramount importance (14:17)