“If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all”
Romans 12:18
The other day, I posted an article that was mostly a quote from John Newton on the necessity of living at peace with our brothers and sisters in Christ though we have theological differences. It’s a really tremendous article that you should read. I can say that because my words are only those of introduction, Newton is the one that drops the gospel bombs.
As I was reflecting on Newton’s words, and even more the words of the apostle, my “but” voice reared its ugly head.
But certainly there is a place for intense debate and dialogue.
But isn’t orthodoxy just as important as orthopraxy?
But doesn’t Jesus say that He did not come to bring peace but a sword? How can I live peaceably with all if I am proclaiming an offensive gospel? Ahhh, yes that is why Paul said, “so far as it depends on you”. The gospel is offensive. Sinners don’t like the gospel. Therefore, you can chalk their charges of abrasiveness to their hatred for the gospel.
But Arminians are in error and an Arminian view of the gospel will inevitably harm the church. (There, I said it). If I believe something is in error am I not just being a good pastor to fight those that are ignorantly feeding the sheep something that will harm them? Isn’t there a time to stand up and fight? Even if it’s those within our own ranks.
But those on the other side of the aisle are lobbing stink grenades at us. They are hoisting up straw-men, torching them, and then mocking our theology. Doesn’t truth matter anymore?
And those of you that are more of the Arminian stripe can woundedly look at the example two paragraphs up and say But I’m offended. How can we NOT do battle when you say things like my theology is in error? How can we really love one another when you think I’m wrong?
Each of those “but’s” has some legitimacy. Truth does matter. But just because truth matters it does not mean that our charge to live at peace with one another and not to devour each other is somehow negated. Just because we have a “but” that we may rightly need to obey it does not let us off the hook of obeying the other truthful proposition.
Some of us are wired to latch onto the “peace” type of verses and every time we hear a “fight” verse we throw out our “But…peace”. Others are more geared to latch onto the “fight” verses and every time we hear a “peace” verse we throw out our “But…fight”. Though our “but” might be true we cannot neglect the truthfulness of the other side.
May we not let our “but” keep us from diligently pursuing obedience.
What is ‘an Arminian’ and what is the ‘Arminian view of the gospel’?
Though it’s probably a little more complex than this:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arminianism
You have a knack for great blog titles!
Good post too.
When a Calvinist and an Arminian are engaged in orthopraxy (word from post), can you tell which is which by watching? If the answer to this is “No,” then why do we even talk about it?
Personally, there are a number of issues where, “Don’t ask, don’t tell,” is a working arrangement. This is one of them. Creation is another.
Of course there would not be so much time spent in this blog if this was the way we did things.
Honestly, I believe that doctrine (orthodoxy) shapes practice (orthopraxy). I think that the answer to that question at times can be a “no”. But it can also be “yes”.
I do agree that there are many issues that we can work together that really don’t matter as much as we think they do.
Would you elaborate? I have reconciled the issue based on the logic above. If there are significant times when I could look at the two and tell which is which, then I need to rethink.
Bennett, I realize as I attempted to respond that every example that I could give would have been “practice” but it would not have been “orthopraxy” (correct practice). I would say that orthodoxy which is married to doxology will lead to greater orthopraxy. (But that sounds really nerdy, LOL). In other words correct theology held correctly–so that it stirs the affections–should lead to correct practice. The reason that we would need to “talk about this” is because doctrine matters. But I don’t think you are saying that it doesn’t. I think you are making a very good point that there… Read more »
Mike Leake, You said, ” The other truthful propsition,” and “cannot neglect the truthfulness on the sther side.” This is an assumption that there is truthfulness on the other side. So, my friend that bucket will not hold water. Joel Osteen said there are many paths to Jesus. I only know of one way. Many of you bloggers are trying to teach that there are many different beliefs, and they are all right, you are saying it’s ok, let’s just get along. We have the OE’s, YE’s, Arminians, Calvinists, and the I don’t knows. Some people would argue with Jesus.… Read more »
You are extending my words far beyond their intention. I am not speaking here as if there are many paths to Jesus. That is ludicrous. When I say, “truthfulness on the other side” what I am saying is that there are many places in Scripture that hold a different emphasis. Consider the difference between Paul and James. “You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone”. –James “For we hold that one is justified by faith apart from works of the law”. –Paul Both are true. And our “but” could keep us from obeying and… Read more »
Mike Leake,
I just have one more thing I would like to add, good post…
Mike,
Are you saying other views do not have to go along with the BF&M and still be right?
You are looking for black and white doctrinal issues. I am not talking about that. Don’t make this post say more than the author intends.
By the way, Mike, a well-spoken “exhortation”.
Mike, Great post. Even though A.W. Tozer leaned Arminian, He wrote a lesson, “To Be Understood, Truth Must Be Lived”. The truth I have learned about living peaceable with all men is: 1) Smile allot, 2) Say as little as possible, 3) But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; having a good conscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed. 1 Peter… Read more »
I’ve been in Southern Baptist life long enough to know there are a lot of big buts in our midst. The “oh buts” and “yeah buts” are particularly noticeable. Some of our folks just need to put their behinds in their past.