As Christians, should we have an open mind toward opposing or alternate viewpoints or close our minds and hold steadfastly to our beliefs? Can we learn anything valuable from those who disagree with us or engage us in argument?
First, can we learn anything from our antagonists? Yes, we can learn what it is that causes them to have an opposing opinion. When we learn that, we may be able to counter the conditioning that helped them form that opinion – or find that their opinion was simply passed along by someone else, not based in any experience.
But, we must always bear in mind that the events and environments that have shaped our lives are different from those of other people. We have each walked our own path to arrive where we are now. Others have had different journeys and have different conclusions. Each of us is entitled to our own opinions, and your opinion is no less valid than mine even if we disagree. If we discuss the issue upon which we disagree, we may find a common ground from which we can work … or at least understand why we each think the way we do. If we argue about the issue, emotions cloud reason, pride steps in, and we are unlikely to come to any understanding.
Should we be willing to compromise our stance or change our opinion? If we are absolutely certain that our belief is in compliance with the Word of God, then no: do not allow yourself to be swayed; hold true to the Scriptures. If something new is revealed to you then study it, verify it, pray for wisdom concerning it, then do as God instructs.
Having said that, according to the World Christian Encyclopedia, there are over 33,000 distinct Christian denominations in 238 countries around the world. This does not include the non-denominational niche churches with fewer than 300 people. If these were included the number would be exponentially higher. That is a lot of dissenting opinions!
This fragmentation of the body of Christ started even while the Apostles still lived and taught. 2 Peter 2:1-2 states: “But there were also false prophets among the people, even as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Lord who bought them, and bring on themselves swift destruction. And many will follow their destructive ways, because of whom the way of truth will be blasphemed.” (NKJV).
If the Apostles could not keep the church “in one accord” while they walked among the believers, it’s not surprising that over the years believers (and charlatans) have fragmented the body of Christ as they pursued their preference on some point or other. And, of course, each of them is convinced they are right.
How can we deal with that? How do we know we walk in the truth? We must study The Word for ourselves. Do not put all your trust in a pastor or teacher. Let God speak directly to you through the Bible.
Should we argue our point? No. 2 Timothy 2:23-25 says, “But avoid foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they generate strife. And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient, in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth,” (NKJV). If we can discuss our differences with someone, no harm is done and some good may come of it. Argument only hardens their heart and drives a wedge between us.
