What to do with divisive doctrine
Doctrine is a delicate affair. The difficulties are many, much like a winding trial up the side of a mountain; painstakingly long, narrow such that one thinks the trail not passable, places along the way that give travelers reason to stop, and doubts regarding the journey’s merits. The road becomes even more treacherous when there is disagreement. Imagine trying to travel along the edge of a cliff only to encounter two other hikers arguing in the middle of the trail. Many people see divisive doctrine that way. Places on the trail where people argue and stop making progress. Perhaps the most common method of handling such situations is to deem the debated doctrine less important and simply move around it. In theology they are called secondary and tertiary beliefs.
At first such thinking seems to gain ground. Primary beliefs must be agreed upon by all, secondary beliefs have some wiggle room, and tertiary is normally wide open–as long as one’s beliefs do not contradict orthodox theology. Now what belongs in each category is always up for debate, though there is much agreement on primary doctrines. Often an argument moves from doctrine to what category a doctrine belongs–which seems to me an absurd waste of time. The reason why is simple. There is no such thing as a lesser doctrine, only doctrines that we understand to a lesser degree. If we understood all doctrine in its fullest we would see that every truth is so intertwined that one belief cannot be changed or disregarded except at the expense of another. Eschatology and ecclesiology eventually affect soteriology. Back to the example of the hiker. Is it not obvious that progress on the trail cannot be made until the difficult part is traversed? You cannot simply name a part difficult and skip it! Similarly you cannot name a doctrine divisive or difficult and move on. That very doctrine that you skip will be absolutely necessary at some later point.
I know what I’m saying can be controversial; after all, creating categories of importance is what allows many to work together in harmony. However, I would posit another option over categorizing belief; namely love. Francis Schaeffer once said, “Obviously we ought not to go out looking for differences among Christians; there are enough without looking for more. But even so, it is in the midst of a difference that we have our golden opportunity.” The opportunity he spoke of was that of showing great love and respect in the midst of disagreement (after all the world understands why those who agree on everything get along). In the end, whether or not you work with someone should be decided on the basis of how someones beliefs affect the gospel–do those ’secondary’ positions damage the glorious truth of Christ’s death and resurrection?
What then are we to do with divisive doctrine. We debate it, in love of course. In love for Christ and love for our brother. In love for Christ. The goal is never to win the debate, but to love Christ deeper and truer. John Owen put it this way: “When we have communion with God in the doctrine we contend for-then shall we be garrisoned by the grace of God against all the assaults of men” (Contending for our All, p. 112). Note communion in what we contend. All doctrinal debate must be driven by a love for truth that is in Christ. And in love for our brother. We must not forget that what we believe here will impact how we live in eternity. If I love my brother that thought will stay at the forefront of my mind. It seems the safest thing to do is take the advice of J.C. Ryle.
For your own soul’s sake dare to make up your mind what you believe, and dare to have positive distinct views of truth and error. Never, never be afraid to hold decided doctrinal opinions; and let no fear of man, and no morbid dread of being thought party-spirited, narrow, or controversial, make you rest contented with a bloodless, boneless, tasteless, colorless, lukewarm, undogmatic Christianity. (Holiness, p. 355)
In the end the goal of good doctrine is not so much different from the mountain trail: to give those who persevere a breathtaking view. The end of the mountain path gives perspective, the end of doctrine gives a glimpse of the glory of God. The great views are always painstaking to reach, but we never find ourselves disappointed!
