Over the course of my life, I have been a part of nine different churches in eight different denominations in five states. I’ve visited far more. One thing I have noticed across the board is that whenever controversial theology or application thereof is discussed, many church leaders take one of two positions.
First, there is the “my way, no highway option” method. These leaders (both purposefully and inadvertently) state their opinion as truth and that any opposing views are at best wrong, and at worst, heretical. If you’ve spent time in the church world, you have no doubt come across some instance of this.
Second, there are the church leaders who refuse to take a position. Sometimes this may be done out of theological ignorance, but often it’s reflective of the sociopolitical era in America today. These leaders don’t want to step on toes, don’t want to cause unnecessary division, or simply think the reward is not worth the risk.
Both positions often stem from a genuine desire to do what one believes is biblically best. But, I don’t think either one is correct when talking about matters other than core theology. I have met very few bible teachers who are able to effectively explain differing viewpoints, reason for what they think is most likely the correct option, all while ensuring that the hearers understand that the differing viewpoints are still valid and we will walk alongside people in heaven who held those viewpoints (for example, the different views on the end times).
A pastor once explained to me that theology is often like a highway. Sometimes it’s a one-way road, but often it’s a multi-lane highway. Some topics might have two lanes while others might have eight. As long as you’re in one of the lanes, we can live in harmony; we are all traveling the same direction. But, beware of the ditches. You can be young-earth or old earth, but naturalistic evolution is in the ditch.
I am starting this blog to try to help keep us between the ditches. My goal is not to convince you that my thoughts are correct. My goal is to write posts regarding what I’m reading in the Bible, what’s going on in the news, or whatever else is on my mind and challenge us to find a lane and not try to ram others off the road. It’s important to have a lane. We can’t just not care about debatable topics. We also cannot let pre-trib or post-trib cause division.
You might have a lane. You might be bouncing between lanes. Maybe you’re on the on-ramp. Or, maybe you are on the service road just trying to see what’s going on over there on the highway. Wherever you are, I hope you’ll join me as we try to keep it between the ditches.