The concept of unity is fundamental to Christian community. We can’t convince ourselves it’s optional; it’s rooted in God’s character,1 commanded by Jesus,2 and re-instructed by the apostles to the early church.3
Importantly, unity does not necessitate uniformity. Paul compares the church to the body4—with many parts carrying out different functions. There’s scope for diversity of thought and expression within the church. But all Christians should earnestly pursue the unity that arises from a mutual commitment to Christ.
Throughout church history, Christians have disagreed on secondary issues. The swathes of Christian denominations represent parting points where groups no longer agreed on doctrinal issues. Denominations aren’t necessarily a bad thing; it’s good for us to think about and clarify our positions regarding secondary issues. In many cases it’s necessary for churches to decide their specific position for practicality’s sake. But secondary issues present a challenge when they are conflated to higher importance.
As with many things, there are two (incorrect) extremes we can take regarding secondary issues; liberalism and fundamentalism. To paraphrase Al Mohler,5 liberalism asserts that nothing is a primary issue, while fundamentalism believes that everything is. Neither extreme recognises the relative ranking of theological issues.
Primary issues exist, and they’re inherently distinct from secondary issues. Primary issues regard our salvation. Jesus said, “No one comes to the Father except through me,” (John 14:6) making it clear that our salvation is completely dependent on him, and all religions do not in fact lead to the same place. We must fiercely guard these things of first importance in both senses—we must add nothing to it, nor remove anything from it.
Then there are secondary issues like baptism, communion and justification. These will affect our fellowship with other Christians, but will in no way hinder us from approaching the cross. By definition, secondary issues are not of highest importance.
As we seek unity, we desperately need the Lord’s wisdom to distinguish between primary and secondary issues. In Romans 14, Paul exhorted the church not to criticize each other over different beliefs regarding what they can eat or drink. He brings them back to the most important thing; whatever they decide, they must honor God in their decision.6
Below are several considerations for us to bear in mind as we seek to navigate differences in secondary issues with the grace that Christ demands.
- It’s good to have an opinion
The pendulum swing of fractious attitudes is to purposefully ignore secondary issues. It can be tempting to avoid secondary issues for the sake of peace. But Paul encouraged us that “each one should be fully convinced in his own mind” (Romans 14:5) regarding such opinions. We are to actively consider how our faith affects each aspect of our lives. The solution to judgmentalism is not a wishy-washy, ‘anything goes’ attitude—even for minor issues. If we are to honor God in all ways, we should do so with conviction.
- Admit our biases
Some of us will have a natural tendency to lean towards fundamentalism, others towards liberalism. It’s inevitable that we are shaped by our life experiences, and carry forward attitudes formed by where we come from, how we were raised and what we’ve been through. But when it comes to secondary issues, we need to recognise that we may be filtering an issue through a particular lens.
- Believe the best about each other
I’ll admit it: there are some views on secondary issues that I can’t fathom. But if a fellow brother in Christ is ‘fully convinced in his own mind,’ and seeking to glorify God in his opinion, then I should honor him in that. Love is not arrogant.7 The loving response to someone we disagree with is to believe the best; to trust that they are seeking to glorify God in their decision.
- Recognize our motivation
When a debate sparks, or we realize someone has a differing opinion to our own, it can be tempting to jump in, guns blazing. After all, we’ve done the research, read the articles, listened to the podcasts, and become ‘fully convinced in our own minds.’ But very rarely do we enter debates out of love. The fruit of the Spirit is incompatible with a combative, prideful attitude. If our motivation is purely to prove a point, we are not loving our neighbor.
- Keep our focus on the right thing
There is much work to preoccupy the people of God, and quarreling is not included. Jesus told his disciples that “the fields are white for harvest,” (John 4:35). Before he ascended to heaven, he gave them the Great Commission: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age,” (Matthew 28:19-20). This then is how we should remain busy until he comes again; not by attacking one another over differing opinions, but by working to further God’s kingdom where he has placed us.
- The Lord knows who are his
A while ago, I felt like a second-rate Christian for not holding what seemed to be the predominant view on a number of secondary issues in my church. I was greatly encouraged by this verse in 2 Timothy 2:19: “The Lord knows those who are his.” God knows our hearts. He knows if we are upright in our decisions and motivations. Paul says something similar in Romans 14:4: “Who are you to pass judgment on the servant of another? It is before his own master that he stands or falls. And he will be upheld, for the Lord is able to make him stand.”
Ultimately we are not beholden to anyone’s standards but his. And he has poured on us lavish grace in his Son, Jesus, so that we have a way to be able to stand before him.
Theology is both good and important. Secondary issues have their place. But how tragic that the pursuit to know more about God can lead to such ugly judgment among Christians.
Imagine if Christians were actually known in secular society for our love for one another, as Christ commands us. What a witness that would be! We would indeed be a city on a hill, shining as lights, as we earnestly pursue unity grounded in love.
Footnotes:
1 Deuteronomy 6:4, John 17:21, 2 Corinthians 13:14.
2 Matthew 5:23-24, Mark 9:50, John 13:34-35.
3 1 Corinthians 1:10, James 3:17-18, 1 Peter 3:8.
4 1 Corinthians 12:27.
5 Mohler, R. Albert. “A Call for Theological Triage and Christian Maturity.” AlbertMohler.com, 12 July 2005, https://albertmohler.com/2005/07/12/a-call-for-theological-triage-and-christian-maturity/. (Accessed 10/11/2024.)
6 Romans 14:6.
7 1 Corinthians 13:4.
Photo Credit: Michael Marcagi
Corine loves Jesus, rocks, and books. She is a geologist by trade, and also enjoys writing a newsletter, Sunshine Theologians, where she shares what she’s learning in her faith journey. She lives in Ireland with her husband and the world's best cat.
