What is a sacred cow?
The phrase “sacred cow” refers to something that is unreasonably held to be beyond criticism or question. When applied to the Bible, it often refers to doctrines or practices that some Christians hold to be sacred, even if there is no clear biblical basis for them. The Bible itself does not use the phrase “sacred cow.” However, there are instances in Scripture where Jesus and the apostles challenge established religious traditions and doctrines, suggesting we should not blindly accept ideas just because they are long-held or considered sacred.
In examining the topic of “sacred cows” from a biblical perspective, a few key principles emerge:
1. The Bible alone is fully inspired and authoritative for doctrine and practice. No tradition or doctrine that contradicts or goes beyond Scripture warrants being held sacrosanct. As Galatians 1:8 says, “But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let them be under God’s curse!”
2. Truth and sound doctrine matter. While Christians should be gracious toward those we disagree with, we should not compromise on clear biblical truths. As Jude 1:3 says, “Dear friends, although I was very eager to write to you about the salvation we share, I felt compelled to write and urge you to contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to God’s holy people.”
3. Traditions can be good, but not when they nullify the Word of God. Mark 7:8-9 quotes Jesus rebuking the Pharisees for “You have let go of the commands of God and are holding on to human traditions.” And you have many such traditions.”
4. While all truth is God’s truth, the Bible is the final authority on spiritual matters, not church councils or human wisdom. Colossians 2:8 warns, “See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ.”
5. The gospel and salvation by grace through faith are sacred and unchanging. Anything contrary to the biblical teaching on salvation must be rejected. Galatians 1:6-9 says, “I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you by the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel— which is really no gospel at all. Evidently some people are throwing you into confusion and are trying to pervert the gospel of Christ. But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let them be under God’s curse! As we have already said, so now I say again: If anybody is preaching to you a gospel other than what you accepted, let them be under God’s curse!”
6. God’s Word equips us for every good work. We don’t need unbiblical teachings or practices to live godly lives. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 declares, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”
7. Christians should be gentle and humble, not arrogant about disputable matters. Romans 14:1 says, “Accept the one whose faith is weak, without quarreling over disputable matters.”
8. Church leaders must teach sound doctrine and guard the flock from false teaching. 1 Timothy 4:6 instructs church leaders, “If you point these things out to the brothers and sisters, you will be a good minister of Christ Jesus, nourished on the truths of the faith and of the good teaching that you have followed.”
9. Division over secondary issues is wrong. Christians should focus on proclaiming the gospel and teaching God’s Word. Titus 3:9-11 says, “But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless. Warn a divisive person once, and then warn them a second time. After that, have nothing to do with them. You may be sure that such people are warped and sinful.”
10. No one has perfect doctrine or practice. We should humbly learn and grow. Ephesians 4:13-15 says, “Until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ.”
In summary, the Bible does not directly address the concept of “sacred cows” – extra-biblical doctrines or practices held as sacrosanct. However, Scripture gives us clear principles for discerning truth from error and graciously contending for sound doctrine, while avoiding foolish controversies over disputable matters. Church traditions that align with Scripture can be maintained, but no supposed “sacred cow” that contradicts or undermines clear biblical teaching warrants being preserved. Truth and the gospel message must be upheld.
Now let’s explore some specific beliefs, doctrines, or practices that are sometimes put forward as “sacred cows” within Christianity and examine them in light of relevant biblical passages:
Young Earth Creationism
Some Christians insist the earth is only several thousand years old, claiming science must align with a literalistic reading of Genesis 1. However, the Bible does not directly teach the age of the earth. Natural revelation in creation and special revelation in Scripture both come from God, so they will not ultimately contradict when properly understood. While Genesis clearly communicates God specially created the universe, it does not specify precise details on the timing or methods. Other scriptural evidence (Psalm 90:4, 2 Peter 3:8) suggests God’s time-scale and man’s differ. Most importantly, the age of the earth is a secondary doctrinal issue that Christians can debate charitably and respectfully while upholding biblical authority and the gospel message.
Scripture references:
Genesis 1
Psalm 90:4 – “For a thousand years in your sight are but as yesterday when it is past, or as a watch in the night.”
2 Peter 3:8 – “But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.”
Calvinism and Arminianism
This classic theological debate centers around predestination, free will, and salvation. Calvinists emphasize God’s sovereignty and election for salvation. Arminians point to human free will and God’s desire for all to be saved. There are reasoned biblical cases for each view. Complex issues like God’s sovereignty and human responsibility are never fully resolved in Scripture. Sincere Bible-believing Christians hold both perspectives. While differences remain, each side would affirm salvation by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone, the core gospel message. This dispute should not prevent evangelical cooperation.
Scripture references:
John 3:16 – “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”
Ephesians 1:4-5 – “For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will.”
1 Timothy 2:3-4 – “This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.”
Cessationism vs. Continuationism
Cessationists believe the miraculous spiritual gifts like tongues and prophecy ceased with the apostles and completion of Scripture. Continuationists argue those gifts continue. There are reasonable biblical cases for each perspective. While differences persist on the gifts’ operation today, both sides should affirm the final authority of Scripture and avoid dividing on secondary issues.
Scripture references:
1 Corinthians 13:8-10 – “Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when completeness comes, what is in part disappears.”
1 Corinthians 14:39 – “Therefore, my brothers and sisters, be eager to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues.”
Romans 12:6 – “We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith”
Infant vs. Believer’s Baptism
Well-meaning Christians disagree on baptismal theology and practice. Credobaptists argue baptism is only for professing believers, not infants, based on passages linking baptism to faith. Paedobaptists point to household baptisms in Acts and God’s covenant promises to baptize children, similar to circumcision in the Old Testament. We should extend grace and not make this a dividing issue, while still affirming believer’s baptism is the clear New Testament model.
Scripture references:
Acts 16:15 – “And when she was baptized, and her household as well…”
Acts 16:33 – “…and immediately he was baptized, he and all his household.”
Acts 18:8 – “Crispus, the synagogue leader, and his entire household believed in the Lord; and many of the Corinthians who heard Paul believed and were baptized.”
Romans 6:4 – “We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.”
Worship and Music Preferences
Discussions about church worship practices like music styles, instruments used, hymnody, liturgy, and order of service can become tense. Christians may have personal preferences, but must grant liberty in non-moral issues not clearly specified in Scripture. The New Testament gives principles for worship, not strict regulations. As long as the Word is preached, practices align with Scripture, and freedom in the Spirit is upheld in love, churches can navigate stylistic differences.
Scripture references:
John 4:23-24 – “Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.”
1 Corinthians 14:26 – “What then shall we say, brothers and sisters? When you come together, each of you has a hymn, or a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation. Everything must be done so that the church may be built up.”
Colossians 3:16 – “Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.”
Gender Roles
The modern church debates women’s roles in ministry and male leadership in the home. But while Scripture assigns different roles based on gender, nothing suggests women are less gifted, less called, or of lesser value than men. Their contributions are equally vital though often in different spheres by God’s design. The Trinity models perfect unity and equality with distinction of roles. Churches maximally empower women’s gifts while maintaining biblical authority structures.
Scripture references:
Genesis 1:27 – “So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.”
Galatians 3:28 – “There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”
1 Timothy 2:11-12 – “A woman should learn in quietness and full submission. I do not permit a woman to teach or to assume authority over a man; she must be quiet.”
1 Peter 3:7 – “Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers.”
Bible Translations and Textual Criticism
Some Christians insist only one English translation (KJV) is valid, or manuscripts in the Textus Receptus or Majority Text traditions should alone inform translation. However, we have abundant ancient manuscripts like the Dead Sea Scrolls confirming textual reliability. Modern translators use the best available manuscripts to faithfully render the original-language text into English, even as they make reasoned choices for optimal translation. While differences of opinion persist, as long as a version accurately conveys the Word of God, it warrants use. Above all, we must affirm Scripture’s doctrinal consistency and sufficiency across translations.
Scripture references:
2 Timothy 3:16-17 – “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”
2 Peter 1:20-21 – “Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet’s own interpretation of things. For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.”
Revelation 22:18-19 – “I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this scroll: If anyone adds anything to them, God will add to that person the plagues described in this scroll. And if anyone takes words away from this scroll of prophecy, God will take away from that person any share in the tree of life and in the Holy City, which are described in this scroll.”
Bible Interpretation and Application
Christians should interpret Scripture in context, compare relevant passages, and apply accurate exegesis guided by the Holy Spirit. While some disagreements persist, the Bible’s message remains clear and reliable. Absolute certainty on every detail is unnecessary for unity around core doctrines. Scripture is sufficient for faithful living despite remaining ambiguities or debates about specific verses.
Scripture references:
2 Timothy 2:15 – “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.”
Acts 17:11 – “Now the Berean Jews were of more noble character than those in Thessalonica, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.”
1 Corinthians 14:33 – “For God is not a God of disorder but of peace—as in all the congregations of the Lord’s people.”
In conclusion, while Christians may identify certain doctrines, interpretations, or church practices as “sacred cows” in need of defense, Scripture itself focuses on upholding the gospel message, sound doctrine, and holy living over disputable matters. Wise believers humbly examine their own assumptions against God’s Word. Matters clearly addressed in the Bible require our adherence. But for secondary issues, we grant grace amid disagreement. Unity around the gospel, salvation in Christ alone, and the Bible’s divine inspiration and authority remain paramount.