Is it really that important?

[abcgrad94]

In this post, you have set yourself as the arbiter of major and minor issues, of that which is important and that which is not.

My answer to the question is this: Yes, it really is that important that everyone agree.

Then how would YOU decide the difference between major and minor issues, Aaron?

What one person believes as a gospel truth, may not even be IN the Bible.
One person says homeschool only, dresses only, KJVO, natural birth only. They have the "truth" and will separate from other believers over these issues.

Another person says Christian school, NASB, and slacks are fine, but he will not associate with anyone who allows CCM in their church.

Yet another says no shots for their child as it's a "conviction" and they will not fellowship with those who disagree.

Why would it matter if they disagree on such things when they are all born-again Christians striving to love God and live for Him? Again, I ask, what does it matter? Does it matter to God?

 

[quantumfaith]

Then how would YOU decide the difference between major and minor issues, Aaron?

What one person believes as a gospel truth, may not even be IN the Bible.
One person says homeschool only, dresses only, KJVO, natural birth only. They have the "truth" and will separate from other believers over these issues.

Another person says Christian school, NASB, and slacks are fine, but he will not associate with anyone who allows CCM in their church.

Yet another says no shots for their child as it's a "conviction" and they will not fellowship with those who disagree.

Why would it matter if they disagree on such things when they are all born-again Christians striving to love God and live for Him? Again, I ask, what does it matter? Does it matter to God?

abc

I personally would say that the fundamental point(s) of agreement we must share are found in the Nicene Creed and Apostle's Creed. Everything else becomes an interpretive, doctrinal and personal preference issue.

http://www.christianitytoday.com/biblestudies/articles/churchhomeleadership/080730.html

 

[Aaron]

Then how would YOU decide the difference between major and minor issues, Aaron?

What one person believes as a gospel truth, may not even be IN the Bible.
One person says homeschool only, dresses only, KJVO, natural birth only. They have the "truth" and will separate from other believers over these issues.

Another person says Christian school, NASB, and slacks are fine, but he will not associate with anyone who allows CCM in their church.

Yet another says no shots for their child as it's a "conviction" and they will not fellowship with those who disagree.

Why would it matter if they disagree on such things when they are all born-again Christians striving to love God and live for Him? Again, I ask, what does it matter? Does it matter to God?

That's the reason for the dialogue. One's interest in the dialogue, or ability to engage is not the issue.

 

[abcgrad94]

That's the reason for the dialogue. One's interest in the dialogue, or ability to engage is not the issue.

What do you mean? Could you please explain this?

Dialogue is great and giving our opinions and reasons for them is also great. It broadens our perspective and helps us understand different views. Nothing wrong with that.

It's when these differing viewpoints become hills on which to die, or verbally crucify our fellow believers, that they become more than just discussion. When our opinions divide us to the point we can't attend a church with or even associate with other Christians with whom we disagree, I think we're elevating our personal preferences to Biblical convictions through pride. When someone cannot be friends with another believer because they differ on Bible versions, manner of dress, preference of children's education, etc. we're letting things that don't matter take precedence over more important, truly Biblical, issues. Would you agree?

 

[abcgrad94]

Often folks get principle and conviction mixed up.

Principle is something to live by.

Conviction is something to die over.

I hold very few convictions.

I hold very many principles.

You put this very well.

 

[Aaron]

What do you mean? Could you please explain this?

The short answer is, yes we must camp with those who are like-minded and meet on the battlefield and cross swords with those of the other camps.

It's easy to say some viewpoints aren't important when yours is the one prevailing. Go back to an IFB congregation that doesn't share your view of the woman's role in church, family and society, and you'll see what I mean.

So, it is that important.