The other day, I answered a question about the apparent contradiction between Moses’s claim that Abraham did not know “Yahweh” (Ex 6:3) and earlier passages that claim Abraham did call on the name of “Yahweh” (Gen 12:8, 13:4). The truth is, the Bible does have some of these “surface level” contradictions that consume inquiring minds. From the alleged discrepant genealogies in Matthew 1 and Luke 3, to the variances in the details of the resurrection narratives in the four Gospels, we all unite under the belief that there are no true contradictions in the Bible, and that apparent ones only exist because of our ignorance and fallen understanding. We uphold the infallibility of scripture. We put much energy into resolving contradictions for both believers and unbelievers alike, with the goal of crumbling any intellectual walls that may be hindering them from proceeding in their faith journey. We do this together. We do this ecumenically, with some semblance of unity.
In considering these behaviors in our apologetics, it suddenly dawned on me that our differences in theology are in a very similar category. They arise because of the presence of passages, which, taken at face value, seem to contradict one another. We choose God (Deut 30:19) versus God chooses us (Eph 1:4). God ordains sin (Jdg 14:4) versus God doesn’t ordain sin (Hos 8:4). Baptism brings salvation (1 Pet 3:21) versus Baptism follows salvation (Acts 10:47). The justified will be glorified (Rom 8:30) versus the justified may fall away (2 Pet 1:1-2, 3:20-21). The baptism of the Spirit immerses us into Christ’s body (1 Cor 12:13) versus the baptism of the Spirit comes after we’re in Christ’s body (Act 8:15-16). Works don’t save (Rom 4:5-6) versus works do save (Jas 2:24). The Day of the Lord came (Acts 2:17-21) versus the Day of the Lord is coming (2 Pet 3:10). This list could go on and on. Scriptural interpretation is not for the faint of heart! While some may claim that their pet Bible verses have unequivocally proven their theological position, I bet I could stack up a few others that could knock down their jenga tower (at least upon initial inspection).
So goes the cycle of theological schism. Using a mix of preferred interpretive principles, logic, moral and religious biases, emotions, and not-yet-perfected spirituality, one group clings to the face-value interpretation of the one passage(s), while another group clings to the face-value interpretation of the other passage(s). Both groups then offer some sort of (and often strained) interpretation of the other group’s passages. The result? Opposing theological camps; each very sure of its respective interpretation; each claiming to be the more “Biblical” group, ready to go toe-to-toe with the other camp.
Having these different theological positions is not what bothers me. It’s okay to land on different interpretations on secondary issues when weighing all the Biblical evidence. Even the early church did this. The issue I have is with how we interact on these differences. We approach the Bible’s apparent theology related contradictions differently than its apologetics related contradictions. We engage in contentious debates without demonstrating love, humility, or a willingness to listen to differing perspectives. We perpetuate a climate of mistrust, animosity, and mockery among different groups, making it challenging to foster unity and cooperation. We throw out the “H” word (Heresy) at each other and even question each other’s salvation.
What happened? Why can’t we have the same excitement and humility to listen to one another in the realm of theology as we do in the realm of apologetics? Why can’t we put the same unified energy into resolving these apparent theological contradictions, as if someone’s faith journey depended on it? Why can’t we lay our interpretive pride at the foot of the cross, realizing that we may be offering up speculation, special pleading, and other not-so-cut-and-dry methods of interpreting our competing camp’s passages?
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The Middle Ground 