If you're like me, you like reading material that you agree with, from people who "get it right." We receive reinforcement and reassurance, and we find it easier to learn from people we believe are pretty much on the level. However, for many reasons it is also helpful to look at the opposition. Some people have read the same Bible, looked at the same evidence, heard the same arguments, and come to different conclusions. When we listen to their reasoning, we understand better both their position and our own. Critics' observations may reveal weaknesses in our own arguments, or a Bible passage we haven't accounted for. We can also probe the arguments used by the other side, the better to persuade them and others that our views are the correct ones. In the end, I believe that listening to other views is about respect and teachability. We recognize that (for the most part) they, like we, are trying to find the truth and stand for it. At least among Christians, most are not trying to compromise, to mislead, or to denigrate the Bible. Those whose motives are corrupt will be revealed, in large part, by their teaching. We also recognize that we are as subject to ignorance, missteps in logic, sinful biases, and erroneous presuppositions as anyone else. As important as refusing to compromise when we know we're right, is humbly changing our minds when we discover we're wrong. And our opponents, if they are wise, may be equally willing to reconsider the evidence if we show them their own errors.
In today's postmodern age, I have to emphasize caution when it comes to doctrinal "dialogue." We can and should show a humble and loving Christian spirit to those who disagree with us, but we should also keep our confidence in accord with the biblical evidence. For example, we are 100% certain that the Scriptures teach that Jesus is the Messiah. Consequently, we know that any scholar who denies that teaching is wrong in that regard, no matter what else we might be able to learn from that scholar. We also know that ideas have consequences: the scholar who denies that Jesus is the Messiah does not have the Spirit of God (1 John 4) and thus cannot properly appraise spiritual things (1 Cor. 2). On the other hand, for various reasons we may be less than certain about our interpretations in other areas. Sometimes the evidence simply does not allow us to be absolutely certain we are correct. For example, I'd say I'm about 90% confident in my millennial views, 75% confident in my stance on the timing of the rapture and the age of the earth, and about 60% confident in my theory of the origin of Mark 16:9-20. It is in these instances that we should be teachable in proportion with the uncertainty. We can, of course, be certain and be wrong, or doubtful but correct–as may our opposition be. Certainty and truth should never be confused. But a fuller understanding of the evidence, arguments, and people on all sides of an issue allows us to align ourselves more confidently with what God has revealed in the Bible. For those we know are wrong, we can pray and persuade, and if their error is truly dangerous to biblical faith, we should warn others of the nature and consequences of that error. But first we should know the facts, and this is why I provide these links.
For a concise statement of my beliefs, see my Declaration of Faith.
