Splitting the difference

In the past I was not afraid to mix it up over theological issues even if I could barely support what I believed. You could call it ignorance or arrogance, I call it immaturity. Now that I have matured with a little age on me, I see the need to refrain from engaging in silly arguments over theological minutia that really don't amount to a hill of beans at the end of the day. If it's a major issue - such as the divinity of Christ or salvation by grace alone - I'll die on that hill. But I won't fight to save a dirt heap that could blow away in a strong wind.

There is an area of theology that has been steadily creeping up in its intensity. It is the age old argument of Calvinism versus Arminianism and it basically consists of whether or not salvation is completely a sovereign act of God or if we have any choice in the matter. I think most Bible believing Christians would agree that man cannot save himself and that salvation comes from God alone. Yet within these two camps (and there are probably many more campgrounds out there) the fight wages over which view is right or wrong. Not all those who consider themselves Calvinists or Arminians are angry about their beliefs, but many of them are and I've seen sleeves rolled up and fists clenched as if the opening bell is about to ring. Is that really necessary?

As one who loves the study of theology I certainly have opinions in this area. But instead of camping under the umbrella of a system or a title, I choose to look at what Scripture teaches and go from there. The Bible clearly teaches that God is sovereign and that salvation comes from Him alone. The Bible also teaches that man makes choices freely for which he must one day give an account. The latter takes nothing away from the sovereignty of God but it does stress that, while man plays no role in securing his own salvation he does have a responsibility for the decisions he makes. Not everyone may like that, but it is what the Bible teaches.

Those words in the previous paragraph are enough to spark debates across the theological landscape. Seminary classes would be filled with guys arguing over these ideas and books would be spawned from the conclusions (or lack thereof) gleaned from these discussions. In fact, these things have already happened and continue to occur. But what is the point of such impassioned discussion among believers who agree that God alone can save? (and if you don't believe that salvation is from God alone or you struggle with evangelism because you feel it's pointless since God has already chosen and rejected whom He will then you are camping in a whole different universe than me)

Perhaps it's time for those who thump their theological chests while serving up what is sure to be another winning argument in an endless debate to cast aside their egos and focus on the other 99% of theology that actually might be worth fighting over. Put down the leather bound books and get out of those coffee house discussions with like minded guys and start focusing on what truly matters. Things like seeing the lost come to Christ or answering the questions of the skeptic or making sure that those under your teaching understand the core of Christian doctrine and not just one branch of it. Those who love God and His word agree on most things. Maybe it's time to focus on those things so that we can see the kingdom grown and expand instead of simply trying to widen one area of its walls.