How to deal with differences in Christian beliefs
by George Porter
Canon for Youth
I’m curious, George … How do you deal with differences of beliefs among Christians?
This isn’t a new question. From very early days when the first followers of Jesus were still alive, people disagreed on some of what they believed. We still do. Partly this is because we’re all different people; we have different experiences of life and God. These things help shape how and what we think/feel – including what we think/feel about God and the Christian life.
Paul wrote about some Christians at Corinth who experienced some of this. Some said they were followers of Apollos. Others said they were followers of Cephas, and still others were followers of Paul. The really ‘spiritual’ ones said: ‘I follow Christ.’
Paul thought they were missing the point. He argued that what really mattered wasn’t whether they liked the teachings of this or that leader better. What mattered most was that it was Jesus who loved them, died for them and called them to follow him. There is a certain sense in which what is not as important as who when it comes to believing.
To ‘believe’, in the sense it is used in our Scriptures, means literally ‘to put trust in’ or ‘to give one’s heart to’ something or someone. For us that someone is Jesus. We come to know and experience God’s love for us when we put our trust in Jesus – when we give our hearts to the one who gave his live for us on the cross.
So the first thing I try to do when dealing with different beliefs among Christians is to keep in mind that Jesus is what another biblical writer called ‘the author and finisher of our faith,’ and it’s on him that we’re to keep focused. It’s in him that we are all called to believe. Chances are that even those who disagree with some of my beliefs are trusting followers of Jesus. I try to keep in mind that people really can love God yet disagree about doctrines, issues or directions.
That doesn’t mean that beliefs are unimportant, just that we need to keep them in perspective if we’re going to deal with differences among us.
So the second thing necessary in order to deal with Christians who have different beliefs is a firm knowledge of what we believe and why. Children generally soak up ideas and basic beliefs from families and others in their environment. Mature faith is more thoughtful, considered and deliberate. One of the key growth tasks during adolescence is to move from unconsciously absorbing beliefs toward consciously making our beliefs our own. Part of preparation for confirmation is to move along this sometimes confusing and difficult – but vital -- path.
It’s also fundamental to the process of dealing with differences to become clear in ourselves about what we believe is essential and what we hold more loosely. All our beliefs are not on par. Some beliefs are clearer in Scripture, the creeds and tradition. Some things don’t appear to change significantly through the centuries (e.g. belief that Jesus is Lord). Other things aren’t as clear or vary over time and place, beliefs about what will happen in the ‘end times’ for example. On some things we adopt a stance; other things we hold with open hands.
I prefer to say ‘adopting a stance’ rather than ‘taking a stand’. A wrestler who adopts a stance is more flexible in making adjustments demanded by changing circumstances or understandings; one that takes a stand can more easily be knocked off balance. None of us has the degree of omniscience required to hold ‘the whole truth and nothing but the truth.’ If I take a stand on something that I later become convinced is in error, everything else I believe can be cast into doubt. If I adopt a stance, however, I can adapt in some areas without losing balance and without my whole structure of belief crashing down.
Approaching differences from this perspective doesn’t make us inflexible or intolerant. Generally those things are symptomatic of insecurity. Fear tends to dominate when we haven’t done the hard work of thinking through the whats and whys of our own beliefs. Those who are confident in their essential beliefs are actually freer to listen to, and interact with others in an atmosphere of respect.
The Rev. Canon George Porter, DPhil, is diocesan Youth Action Director and Canon for Youth.
