In the Christian faith, what issues are truly worth debating?
Discerning When to Debate: A Biblical and Baptist Perspective
Among the many denominations and divisions within the Christian faith, disagreements arise on a variety of topics, including church polity, the age of the earth, the mode of baptism, and eschatology. Debates also occur over social issues such as drinking, the spiritual gifts, and what constitutes modest clothing. Some of these issues are essential to the faith and are worth careful debate, while others are non-essentials that should not cause division. To avoid unnecessary clashes, it is vital to distinguish between doctrines worth defending and secondary issues where differences can be respectfully tolerated.
The Bible provides guidance on this matter. Jude 1:3 (NKJV) exhorts believers to “contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints.” Truth is worth defending, particularly when it involves salvation or God’s holy character. Conversely, 1 Timothy 1:4 (NKJV) warns against becoming entangled in “fables and endless genealogies, which cause disputes rather than godly edification which is in faith.” This lesson explores the biblical principles for handling disagreements, identifies issues worth debating, and provides a framework for engaging in healthy discussions that honor Christ.
The Call to Defend the Faith
Christians are called to stand firm in the truth, separating it from falsehood. When doctrinal disputes arise, we must discern whether the issue involves core truths of the faith or peripheral matters. Galatians 1:6-7 (NKJV) warns of those who preach “a different gospel” and disturb believers. Paul emphasizes that the Gospel of salvation by grace through faith in Christ alone must not be compromised.
False teachings, including those that elevate personal revelations or traditions to the level of Scripture, must also be rejected. Revelation 22:18-19 (NKJV) sternly warns: “For I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds to these things, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this book; and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part from the Book of Life.” Such matters, which threaten the integrity of Scripture and salvation, are worth vigorous defense.
Paul reminds us that we are to “cast down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:5, NKJV). For issues that involve salvation or holy living, we must stand firm, faithfully proclaiming God’s Word without compromise.
Distinguishing Essentials from Non-Essentials
Matters Worth Debating
The Resurrection of Christ
The resurrection of Jesus is foundational to the Christian faith. Without it, there is no Gospel. 1 Corinthians 15:17 (NKJV) says: “And if Christ is not risen, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins!” Defending the resurrection is critical to presenting the truth of the Gospel. Civil and respectful debates on this subject aim to bring clarity and conviction about the cornerstone of Christian belief.Eternal Security
The question of whether salvation, once granted, can be lost is worth discussing, as it touches on God’s grace and the assurance of salvation. John 10:28 (NKJV) declares: “And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand.” While debates on this topic are important, they must be approached with humility and love, avoiding unnecessary division.Other Core Doctrines
The deity of Christ, the inerrancy of Scripture, salvation by grace through faith, and the Trinity are non-negotiable essentials that deserve vigorous defense. These doctrines form the foundation of the Christian faith and must be upheld against false teachings.
Matters Better Left Alone
Speculative or Peripheral Issues
Questions like "How many angels can dance on the head of a pin?" are frivolous and distract from the Gospel. 1 Timothy 6:20 (NKJV) warns: “O Timothy! Guard what was committed to your trust, avoiding the profane and idle babblings and contradictions of what is falsely called knowledge.”Personal Preferences
Differences in worship styles, the frequency of communion, or interpretations of modesty should not lead to division. These matters often reflect cultural or denominational preferences rather than core biblical doctrine.
The Attitude of Christian Debate
While defending the faith is important, the manner in which we engage in discussions is equally significant. Colossians 4:6 (NKJV) instructs: “Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.” Healthy debate requires humility, respect, and a focus on edification rather than winning an argument.
Avoiding Ungodly Behavior
Christians must refrain from slander, accusation, or verbal assault in debates. Ephesians 4:29 (NKJV) says: “Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.” When unbelievers witness Christians engaging in bitter disputes, the witness of the Gospel is damaged. Instead, our interactions should reflect the love and unity that Christ desires for His church.
Studying the Word for Ourselves
Believers are called to study Scripture diligently to discern truth from error. 2 Timothy 2:15 (NKJV) exhorts: “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” An example of this diligence is found in the Bereans, who “searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so” (Acts 17:11, NKJV).
We must be careful not to blindly accept teachings based on a preacher’s popularity or charisma. Instead, every teaching should be tested against the Word of God. 1 John 4:1 (NKJV) warns: “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world.”
Unity in Christ
Jesus’ prayer in John 17:21 (NKJV) reflects His deep desire for unity among believers: “That they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me.” This unity is not uniformity but a shared commitment to the essentials of the faith and love for one another.
In matters of salvation and godly living, we must stand firm. In non-essential matters, we can extend grace and agree to disagree. John 13:34-35 (NKJV) reminds us: “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”
Conclusion
Not every debate is worth having. While we must defend the essentials of the faith with clarity and conviction, we should avoid disputes over speculative or secondary matters that do not edify the body of Christ. Our ultimate goal is to build up the church, reflect Christ’s love, and remain united in His truth. As Ephesians 4:3 (NKJV) says: “Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” Let us strive for unity in the essentials, grace in the non-essentials, and love in all things, glorifying God through our speech, actions, and commitment to His Word.
