A plea for elders to be careful with their theology

I was at a fast food restaurant the other night and happened to be near a table with a group of adults and teenagers. I’m pretty sure they were with a church group of some sort. One of the adults, a man, was speaking with a teenage girl. They were discussing election. The girl was having a hard time with the subject, especially the idea that God would elect some to go to heaven and elect others to go to hell. This is an idea/theory called double predestination. I overheard and eavesdropped upon the conversation. Quite frankly it was hard not to, as I was so close.

The man speaking with the girl obviously believed in double predestination. He stated that the Bible says it is true, therefore I believe it, no questions. The young girl shared that she didn’t understand. This was not a concern for the elder. His only concern was that the “Bible said so,” and that was that. He quoted Romans 9 about how God has mercy on those he wants and hardens those he wants to harden, (paraphrase of his words). I moved on afterwards, (afraid I would interject and act in an unJesus manner), but I had heard enough.

For all of you Presbyterians out there who read this blog, (or probably don’t, as my parents are Presbyterians), please hold off from writing to me and telling me about how true election is, how great Calvin was, or quoting me any manner of Scriptures supporting your beliefs. (Not that anyone has ever written me, but there’s always a first). My point in bringing up this experience is not to debate theology, but rather the manner in which we share it with others.

We must be careful in how we share theology with people who are younger, less mature, or inexperienced in their faith. To wave about the sword of theology like a butcher’s cleaver will more likely leave a bloody mess behind us. Instead we must exercise care, much like the surgeon with his scalpel, so as to bring about healing and growth. Be careful when you share theology with others. The goal is instruction, growth, and learning, not confusion, pain, and anger. A young or uneducated believer, (or nonbeliever for that matter), is likely to need careful instruction, not the brandishing of the whip that says, “Thus saith the Lord.” If we are not careful, we may alienate, anger, and push away earnest seekers of the truth.

Secondly, please, if you have any sense, use caution with the phrase, “The Bible says so.” I know it’s true. I know it’s inerrant. I know it’s authoritative. But more often than not the phrase, “The Bible says so,” is used with pride and authority, rather than humility and compassion. If you are a shepherd of the people of God, use your common sense. Make your goal to serve and teach, rather than beat others into submission with your enormous brain. There may be a time and place for such authority and boldness. Perhaps in debates with men who would destroy the faith. Perhaps with those who are attacking your beliefs. But I don’t believe boldness, pride, and authority are the best means of persuading one within your charge, especially a young believer with honest questions. If we are not careful, we are going to alienate those around us with our pride.

In addition, I think we should be okay with those around us having questions and needing to figure things out. I don’t believe there’s anything wrong with struggling through a difficult question about God, faith, sovereignty, election, etc. There’s nothing wrong with saying, “I don’t understand.” Give folks the freedom to work things out and HELP them in their journey. Don’t whip them in the direction you believe is correct. A person who has had the freedom to search and think on their own will be more likely to cling to the truth than a slave who has been beaten into submission. Let people ask, think, seek. Be a shepherd to them to help them find their way. Don’t be a slave master of theology.

Finally, let’s be honest. Romans 9-11 is one of the most difficult, debated, and confusing passages in the entire Bible. Most of us don’t have a big D for Doctorate in front of our degree. (Even if you do, you probably disagree with others with Doctorates anyways). I’m not saying the passage can’t be studied and understood, but study of the passage involves time, effort, research, and understanding of the context and language of the passage as well as the book. The same could be said for other passages or doctrines of the faith. This being the case, (whatever your take on the issue), please for all that is sensible and not stupid, don’t throw around some quote from Romans 9 or 10, (or anywhere else), out of thin air as if your audience is immediately going to understand what you are speaking about and know the context of the passage you are speaking from. It’s irresponsible and inconsiderate of your audience. Again, if you’re speaking with someone who you know is versed in Biblical theology, feel free. I’m thinking in terms of how we speak and interact with those who are less studied and less mature than ourselves. Think again of the analogy of the butcher’s cleaver. Don’t go waving your theological cleaver through the air. You may end up injuring a helpless sheep.

(I’m proud of that last analogy by the way). Peace out