Are you tired of all the theological debate madness?
Have you ever been caught up in a debate with someone over theology? Have you ever been the person that instigates one of these debates?
I used to be that person. When I got serious about my faith in high school, I was convinced I was right theologically and it was my holy duty to correct everyone in the world who disagreed with me, which in my mind meant they were wrong.
It was a combination of youthful pride, a false idealism, and a whole lot of spiritual immaturity. Not exactly the best mixture of motives in spreading the Gospel.
I quickly realized people who disagreed with me on some of the major theological points, were just as convinced they were right as I was sure I was right.
Frankly this was puzzling to me. I thought all I had to do was show them what I believed and why and they would instantly see the light and change their beliefs. This is not what happened.
Sometimes people would say directly to me that I was going to hell because I didn’t accept their version of Christian doctrine. Others implied it indirectly. The most interesting remark in that period of my life was at a Christian retreat when I was in college.
When I explained some of my core beliefs, the fellow leading the discussion said, “Well, James, if anyone lives the way Jesus wanted us to, it’s you.” There was a big pause. “But” he added, “I just don’t know if you’re really a Christian.”
Looking back on this situation, I don’t think this young man had ever met someone who didn’t fit his mold of what it meant to be a Christian, but clearly was committed to following Christ in the way I was.
What does it mean to be a true Christian?
Like so many Christians had done for centuries and still do today, he was judging what it means to be a true Christian based on theological doctrines and beliefs instead of following Jesus’s way of life and putting into practice what Jesus preached.
Now, this was many years ago. I am no longer the theological debate guy. It is a pointless, no-win process. It’s not the way Jesus wanted us to share his message with the world. It actually does more harm to Christianity than good by giving the world a very negative impression of what it actually means to be a follower of Christ.
So first of all, let’s dive into what impels someone to be in theological debate mode.
I can’t speak for everyone, but I can share my own experience and what I have observed.
My outgrown motives for theological debate
For me, at the time, in my mind, my reason for trying to prove to everyone I was right was a deep conviction that I wanted to help everyone see the truth. But this was really just a cover up for my own pride.
After searching for and finding answers to my questions about God, Jesus, and who I am as a child of God in the Bible, I was so sure I was right. But looking back from where I am now, I was basing my faith on doctrinal beliefs about how to follow Jesus instead of actually putting all Jesus’s teachings into practice in my daily life.
Basically, I had had very little life experience compared to today. But when you’re 17 years old, you often think you know everything and understand life better than those who have traveled around the sun many more times than you have and learned life lessons from experiences you can’t even imagine.
I think another reason I debated with people about theology was I needed justification that I was right. If I could get someone else to agree to my point of view, it would validate my own belief.
If you had said that to me those many years ago, I would have flatly denied it. And many of the people today who are trying to convince others to accept some theological doctrine are just doing to others what someone did to them. If you convince someone to change their mind, it makes you feel you’re right. And so the cycle repeats itself.
Winning a theological debate doesn’t prove you’re right
It’s almost amusing to see on social media people from different theological backgrounds each arguing their beliefs are correct and others are wrong. Actually it’s more sad than amusing. And it is arrogant.
Just because you believe something doesn’t mean you are right, even if you quote lots of Scripture of historical precedent. Just because you can find pages and pages of Bible verses which you believe support your perspective doesn’t mean you’re right.
Once a fellow and I were having a friendly conversation about a pretty significant theological point. The odd thing was we were both using some of the same Bible verses to “prove” our opposite standpoints.
This was a real eye opener for me.
You could be wrong
However sure you are that your theology is right and the only true basis for faith, you could still be wrong. I know, we don’t like to admit that bit it’s possible. Nobody wants to admit this but we could all be wrong. Or we could all be partly wrong and partly right.
And just for the sake of discussion, let’s say you actually do have the absolute truth and the pure theology of Jesus himself. The real question then is: What are you doing with this truth? Are you healing the sick, raising the dead, walking on the water, and ministering to those in need on a daily basis the way Jesus did?
Or are you trying to argue with people about it?
For me, it really comes down to whether you’re putting your faith into practice or just believing a set of doctrines.
I would rather see someone with a faulty grasp of theological and doctrinal issues who is full of compassion and ministering to those in need than a scholarly theologian arguing over the finer points of doctrine with intellectual brilliance and solid conviction, but not doing anything with it.
One is demonstrating their faith by their deeds. The other is trying to justify themselves and their faith by words.
I had to learn humility
Part of what brought me down from the cliff of pride was a growing desire to know why someone else believed what they did. The more I asked questions to find out what was in someone’s heart, and the less I tried to prove I was right, the more I gained a broader perspective and could see why someone else believed what they did.
I often still disagreed with them on some theological point, but I understood where they were coming from. And I often learned something that modified or at least shed light on my own beliefs.
Basically, God was teaching me humility. And this was a huge turning point for me.
Now, if you’re one of those folks who is so absolutely sure your theology is the only right way to think, it’s important to remember how Paul approached this subject.
Paul was bold in telling people about Jesus and how to be faithful to his teachings in the way they lived. But he never claimed to know everything. He wrote to the church in Corinth,
For we know in part and we prophesy in part,
For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. 1 Corinthians 13:9, 12 NIV
Paul had the humility to admit he didn’t know everything. He didn’t understand everything. But he shared what he did know. And he did it with boldness.
You need humility
If you’re debating someone trying to prove you’re right and they’re wrong, you may be convinced you’re doing it because you know you’re right, but the real reason could be pride and arrogance.
It’s time for a little humility.
And why do you have to prove you’re right anyway? It could be just your insecurity that needs to justify itself by asserting yourself over others.
And remember, the person you’re debating thinks they’re right and you’re wrong.
This should actually open your eyes as an opportunity to take a more humble approach.
Jesus didn’t participate in theological debate
Jesus didn’t go around arguing with people over theological issues. He didn’t participate in the debate between the Pharisees and Sadducees about whether angels were real or if there was life after death, which they referred to as resurrection.
In fact, one time Jesus was talking to a crowd. The Jewish leaders were astounded at what he was saying.
The Jews there were amazed and asked, “How did this man get such learning without having been taught?”
Jesus answered, “My teaching is not my own. It comes from the one who sent me. Anyone who chooses to do the will of God will find out whether my teaching comes from God or whether I speak on my own. John 7:15-17 NIV
Jesus’s simple litmus test
Jesus had a very practical approach to finding out if a doctrine or teaching was from God or not. Simply put it into practice. If you do the will of God, then you’ll know whether this teaching came from God or from him. He was talking specifically about his own teachings or doctrine in this case, but it applies to all theological beliefs, teachings, and doctrines.
Jesus was more interested in living the ideas he taught. And this is what he expected of us as well.
I had a manager who told me one time when a controversial policy had to be implemented that the best way to find out if an idea is good or not, especially when you think it’s a bad idea, is to try to put every detail of it into practice and the flaws will come to the surface much quicker than if you grumbler about it and resist it.
That may not always be the best advice, but there is some truth in what he said. If you have a faulty math formula, for example, when you use it to solve a problem, you’ll get a wrong answer.
When you try to practice a man-made theological doctrine, it will not bear the fruit of the Spirit.
For example, if you think everyone is born a depraved, miserable sinner, you will see and treat everyone you meet very differently than if you see everyone as a beloved child of God. When you put your theology into practice, what fruit does it bear?
Trees are known by their fruit
Speaking of fruit, Jesus said
Each tree is recognized by its own fruit. People do not pick figs from thornbushes, or grapes from briers. A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of. Luke 6:44, 45 NIV
A lot of people are leaving churches where man-made theological doctrines have been taught and practiced. The fruit of those doctrines has been condemnation, intimidation, emotional and sexual abuse, loss of personal freedom and the right to think for yourself, not to mention inequality between men and women.
The fruit of these doctrines is that people have felt chewed up and spit out. This is not good fruit. It did not come from a good tree.
The basic flaw in the theological debate over who’s doctrines are correct is that Jesus never said you would be a Christian, one of his followers, based on your doctrines.
He said you could even recognize him as Lord but that wouldn’t get you into heaven.
Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Matthew 7:21 NIV
This is very similar to the quote from John 7 I mentioned just a minute ago where Jesus says, “Anyone who chooses to do the will of God will find out whether my teaching comes from God or whether I speak on my own.”
Jesus’s definition of a true Christian
Jesus makes it pretty clear that what sets you apart in this world as a Christian is doing “the will of God.”
This is my personal belief, and you are free to disagree with me, but I feel the Christian church went in the wrong direction when it started to define what it meant to be a Christian solely based on doctrinal beliefs, instead of actually practicing the teachings of Jesus in your daily life.
I did an entire episode about this a while back about why I do not adhere to the Nicene Creed. Now, before you get all bent out of shape because I don’t go along with what many Christians believe is the ultimate litmus test for being a Christian, go listen to my reasons. And if you disagree, that’s okay with me. I’m just sharing my honest perspective at the moment. Episode 224: Why Should I Believe in the Nicene Creed?
It’s about love, not a theological debate
Jesus expected us to do what he told us to do, live the way he taught us to live, love the way he loved. He said,
By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another. John 13:35 NIV
Notice, he didn’t say everyone will know you are my disciples by debating about theology.
Some of the folks who affirm the loudest they are followers of Jesus, and try to prove they are right, show very little love to followers of Jesus who disagree with them.
By their very actions, these folks are basically showing the world they are not actually followers of Christ. They are Christians in name only, and not in the way they live their lives.
If you still insist on judging whether someone’s a Christian by their theological doctrine, it might be helpful to look at the fruit of the doctrine instead of the doctrine itself.
Practicing your faith instead of preaching it
The best way to share your faith, instead of debating, is simply to put your beliefs into practice. Let your life be its own wordless sermon and inspiration to others. Jesus puts it this way in the Sermon on the Mount,
… let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:16 NIV
People will be drawn to you because they feel God’s love radiating out from you. And God will guide you where to be when, and who to interact with.
What to say when someone wants a theological debate
So what happens when someone wants to debate you because they think your theology is wrong? You can get caught up in the confrontation and debate them in return, but that seldom does any good. It just entrenches both of you deeper into your own perspectives.
You can simply agree to disagree and not get involved at all. Sometimes that’s the best solution in a given situation. Adding some clever remark a rebuttal in a conversation or to a social media post is probably not going to change someone’s solid conviction.
Sometimes I say something like: Tell me how that doctrine helps you love your neighbor as yourself or forgive someone who hurt you.
That puts a shift in the conversation and points back to how to put Jesus’s teachings into practice.
Sometimes I’ll say that I’m not interested in debating but I would love to have a conversation and hear what is deep in their heart concerning their faith or how God has been working in their life. And I’ll also ask why they think what I believe is wrong. This takes a little courage! Sometimes what they think I believe is not accurate and I can at least clear up the misconceptions.
We don’t have to agree on everything
One point I’d like to make here is that all Christians do not have to agree on all theological and doctrinal points. Some Christians think everyone has to think exactly like them and be a member of their church to be a true Christian. But that is only their opinion.
Another previous episode on The Bible Speaks to You discusses why there is so much disagreement on things like this among Christians. It’s Episode 105: Why Isn’t There Unity in the Body of Christ?
If you haven’t listened to that episode yet, I think you’ll enjoy it.
If you consider yourself a Christian, then you will express love, not disdain and harsh judgement toward others who consider themselves Christian but disagree with you.
Instead of a theological debate…
Now, I’ve already touched on this, but let’s talk about what to do instead of debating someone.
The whole premise of debating to prove you are right in matters of Christian doctrine is wrong in it’s very premise. To focus on you being right is a decoy. We should focus on Christ being right, not our own beliefs and convictions.
Jesus was not trying to convince anyone he was right by what he said. He wanted people to see the fruits of how he lived his life, how he healed and ministered to the receptive heart and those in need.
If you’re trying to convince someone you’re right and that your theology is right, you’re really barking up the wrong tree. Live your faith, the way Jesus did, and people will see the fruit of your faith. The goal is for someone to see Christ is right, that he is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.
Instead of debating someone, ask them questions with a genuine curiosity to find out what they believe and why, instead of judging them with your misconceptions of what they believe.
It doesn’t mean you have to agree with them, but you’ll find out why they believe what they do. And you may find you have more in common than you suspected.
What Jesus did instead of debating theology
Jesus spent his time ministering to those in need, healing, saving, and showing mercy to those society had overlooked and those who were receptive no matter what place or position in society they held.
He did not debate theology with someone to make sure they had the correct doctrines before he healed them. He just loved them. In fact, he was the embodiment of God’s love.
He proved who he was as the Messiah, not just by his words and teachings, but by his actions, by putting his teaching into practice.
Jesus was asked on more than one occasion if he was the Messiah.
The Jews who were there gathered around him, saying, “How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly.”
Jesus answered, “I did tell you, but you do not believe. The works I do in my Father’s name testify about me, John 10:24, 25 NIV
When John the Baptist sent some of his disciples to ask Jesus this same question, Jesus responded,
Jesus replied, “Go back and report to John what you hear and see: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor.” Matthew 11:4, 5 NIV
How to let people you are truly a Christian
Jesus did not spout his doctrine to prove he was the Messiah. He referred to his actions.
Let this be a model for us. Quit trying to prove you are a Christian or disprove someone else is based on doctrines and theology. Look at how you are following in Jesus’s footsteps in healing and blessing mankind.
It is time to stop the theological debate mindset. You can’t prove you’re a true Christian just by your words. It is time to follow Jesus, to walk in his footsteps, and to love people the way he did. Then people will know you are a Christian by the love you have for others.
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Photo credit: Stockcake.com
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James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and church mentor. He conducts Bible workshops online and in person. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life. Contact him here.
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Bible References
1 Corinthians 13:9, 12 NIV
9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part,
12 For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.
John 7:15-17 NIV
15 The Jews there were amazed and asked, “How did this man get such learning without having been taught?”
16 Jesus answered, “My teaching is not my own. It comes from the one who sent me.
17 Anyone who chooses to do the will of God will find out whether my teaching comes from God or whether I speak on my own.
Luke 6:44, 45 NIV
44 Each tree is recognized by its own fruit. People do not pick figs from thornbushes, or grapes from briers.
45 A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.
Matthew 7:21 NIV
21 Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.
John 13:35 NIV
35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.
Matthew 5:16 NIV
16 … let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
John 10:24, 25 NIV
24 The Jews who were there gathered around him, saying, “How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly.”
25 Jesus answered, “I did tell you, but you do not believe. The works I do in my Father’s name testify about me,
Matthew 11:4, 5 NIV
4 Jesus replied, “Go back and report to John what you hear and see:
5 The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor.
