As Christians, we are called to unity and love within the body of Christ. However, there are some issues where good-faith disagreements may occur. In these cases, debate and discussion can be worthwhile if handled with grace, humility and an openness to correction from God’s Word.
Here are some issues that are often debated within Christianity:
1. Interpretation of disputed biblical passages
There are some passages in Scripture that are not 100% clear in their meaning or application. For example, passages about spiritual gifts, the end times, predestination, etc. Christians of good faith may study the same passage and arrive at different conclusions. While we must be careful not to compromise on doctrines clearly taught in God’s Word, debate on disputed passages can sharpen our study and reasoning skills.
2. Secondary doctrinal issues
Primary doctrines like the deity of Christ, salvation by grace through faith, the authority of Scripture, etc. are non-negotiable. However, there are some secondary doctrinal issues where disagreement occurs, like the timing of baptism, the structure of church leadership, or the specifics of Christ’s millennial reign.
These secondary issues are important, but should not cause division among genuine believers. Debate and discussion can help clarify the strengths and weaknesses of various positions.
3. Applications of biblical principles
The Bible gives us principles for living, but does not address every specific situation we face today. For example, how do biblical principles apply to important issues like race, politics, bioethics, environmental stewardship, etc? Sincere Christians aiming to apply God’s Word faithfully may weigh these issues differently.
Humble debate on modern applications can help the church apply timeless scriptural principles to a changing world. However, these discussions must be exegetical and avoid partisan rancor that harms Christian unity.
4. Ministry philosophy and practice
Within broad biblical guidelines, there is room for debate over practical ministry approaches. What methods best spread the Gospel or make disciples in our specific context and time? What cultural forms best incarnate God’s unchanging truth?
This diversity in ministry philosophy is not necessarily bad, as different approaches may be needed to reach different people. Debate and experience can help refine our ministry effectiveness for God’s glory.
In issues like these, debate has the potential to be edifying if done respectfully. However, there are also many “quarrels about words” (2 Tim 2:14) that are unprofitable and divisive. Christians must seek wisdom from the Holy Spirit to discern which issues are fruitful to discuss and which are foolish controversies to avoid (Titus 3:9).
5. When debate becomes destructive
The Bible warns that some debates are foolish and worthless, only breeding strife (2 Tim 2:23). We must avoid dogmatism and pride that turns debate into conflict. Here are some signs a debate has become destructive:
- – Questioning the faith, motives or character of those we disagree with
- – Making issues of secondary importance into hills to die on
- – Letting debate spark anger, resentment or disunity among Christians
- – Becoming obsessed over disputes to the detriment of proclaiming the Gospel
- – Allowing differences to disrupt the fellowship and ministry of the church
When debate exhibits these negative fruits, it is better to set the issue aside and focus on proclaiming Christ crucified. We must remember that in essentials unity, in non-essentials liberty, and in all things charity.
6. Guiding principles for God-honoring debate
When hashing out legitimate disagreements, here are some biblical principles to keep debate beneficial:
- – Have a spirit of humility, gentleness and patience (Gal. 5:22-23; 1 Pet 3:15)
- – First seek to understand others as you wish to be understood (Prov. 18:13)
- – Show grace and charity in disagreement (Col. 4:6)
- – Make your aim to grow in truth, not just win arguments (Prov. 17:14)
- – Major on the majors; do not elevate minor issues (Matt. 23:23)
- – Be willing to be corrected by Scripture (2 Tim. 3:16)
- – Season words with salt and seek to build up others (Col. 4:6; Eph. 4:29)
When debate is entered with humility, patience, grace and deference to biblical authority, iron can sharpen iron, perspectives can grow, unity can be strengthened, and God can be glorified even in our disagreements.
7. Loving those you disagree with
Sometimes debates can cause us to see those we disagree with as opponents rather than brothers and sisters in Christ. But we are called to love one another deeply, even in disagreement (1 Pet 4:8). Here are some ways to maintain love amidst conflict:
- – Be quick to extend and receive forgiveness (Eph. 4:32)
- – Be slow to take offense and slow to anger (James 1:19)
- – Season speech with grace and lift others up (Eph. 4:29)
- – Go to those who disagree with you personally and humbly (Matt. 18:15)
- – Look for Christ-exalting common ground you can agree on
- – Allow iron to sharpen iron while avoiding sharpness of tone
- – Pray for and do good to those you disagree with (Matt. 5:44)
If we can discuss disputed matters while loving one another sincerely from the heart, we demonstrate the unity and love that Jesus said would mark His disciples (John 13:35).
8. Issues that are harmful to debate
While some debates can be beneficial, there are certain issues that are unwise or fruitless to argue about. These include:
- – Debates that breed strife, anger, and disunity (2 Tim 2:14)
- – Foolish controversies and quarrels about words (2 Tim 2:23)
- – Speculative disputes that promote false doctrine (1 Tim. 1:3-4)
- – Arguments over minor cultural preferences (Rom. 14:1)
- – Senseless debates that destroy the hearers (2 Tim. 2:14)
- – Issues causing the faith to be ridiculed (Titus 3:9)
- – Debates over questionable or gray-area matters (Rom. 14:1)
- – Division over doubtful and disputable matters (Rom. 14:1)
Some conflicts arise from personality differences or sin rather than substantial issues. In these cases debate is unproductive. As Christians we are called to unity (John 17:23), so debates that needlessly divide must be avoided.
9. Having the right priorities in debate
The apostle Paul shows us healthy priorities when it comes to debating disputed matters among Christians:
Therefore do not pronounce judgment before the time, before the Lord comes, who will bring to light the things now hidden in darkness and will disclose the purposes of the heart. Then each one will receive his commendation from God. (1 Corinthians 4:5)
This shows us that our main focus should be preparing our own hearts before the Lord rather than judging our brother. Paul goes on:
I have applied all these things to myself and Apollos for your benefit, brothers, that you may learn by us not to go beyond what is written, that none of you may be puffed up in favor of one against another. (1 Corinthians 4:6)
Here Paul shows that debate should drive us to Scriptural truth while avoiding pride and party spirit. He concludes:
For the kingdom of God does not consist in talk but in power. (1 Corinthians 4:20)
This reminds us that while debate has its place, our priority must be living out and proclaiming the Gospel – not just arguing about it.
With Paul’s priorities in mind, debate can help us grow in truth and love. But it should never distract from the primary call to fulfill the Great Commission in the power of the Spirit.
10. Leaving room for the Holy Spirit
While debate can help us refine and sharpen ideas, we must leave room for the Holy Spirit to correct us and reveal areas where we have more growing to do. As Proverbs 19:21 (ESV) says:
Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.
No matter how confident we are in our own opinions and interpretations, God’s truth and wisdom is greater than ours. We must hold our views with humility, recognizing that the Lord may have something to teach us yet.
Therefore, our debates should never shut off the possibility of growth and change. 1 Corinthians 13:9-10 (ESV) says:
For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when the perfect comes, the partial will pass away.
None of us have perfect knowledge and prophecy in this life. Debates can help us grow, but we must maintain humility and openness to the Holy Spirit’s leading. Truth is often higher and deeper than either side of an argument initially perceives.
When disagreements arise, we can debate issues passionately while also allowing the Spirit space to enlarge our vision. As Proverbs 18:15 (ESV) says, “An intelligent heart acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.” May God give us humble, wise, and understanding hearts as we seek greater knowledge of His truth together.