In the world of faith, there are essential or absolute truths to which all believers are inextricably bound. Such truths can be found in consensus statements such as The Apostles Creed, as well as every clear statement made in Scripture (“You shall not commit adultery,” “No one comes to the Father except through me,” etc.).
Likewise, there are nonessential beliefs that are held by some believers, but not by others. These are matters about which Christians may disagree freely while enjoying unbroken fellowship (modes of baptism, schooling philosophies, etc.).
In the realm of nonessentials, Christians are called to love, peace, and mutual esteem.
R.C. Sproul once gave a talk at our church on the way God brings people into a saving relationship with Himself. On this particular issue, Sproul was famous for emphasizing the sovereign, electing grace of God. Conversely, Billy Graham was known for emphasizing human free will. This is an important debate, to be sure, but it is not one that should create distance between believers.
During the Q&A after his talk, someone asked Sproul if he thought he would see Billy Graham in heaven. He replied, “No, I don’t believe I will see Billy Graham in heaven,” after which there was a loud, collective gasp. Sproul continued, “Billy Graham will be so close to the throne of God, and I will be so far away, that I will be lucky even to get a glimpse of him!” Sproul’s humble response was an example of how sincere believers can disagree on certain matters and still maintain great respect and affection for one another.
The longest recorded prayer we have from Jesus is His High Priestly Prayer. Here, He asks the Father to unite His diverse band of followers together as one. Likewise, the Apostle Paul began many of his letters with the dual salutation, “Grace to you and Peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” Grace was a word used by Greeks, and peace by Jews. In coupling both together, Paul subversively insists that under Christ, all divisions must cease. People groups that could not get along in the world were suddenly called to love, learn from, and be sharpened by one another across the lines of their differences.
As for me, I treasure the fact that some of my closest “pastor friends” are from traditions other than my own. Besides being excellent company, these friendships are meaningful for my own development as a minister and believer.
What’s more, I don’t know where I would be without the influence of others who see certain non-essentials differently than I do. For example, I need the sharp reasoning of C.S. Lewis and the hymns of John and Charles Wesley, though their take on the Calvinist/Arminian debate differs from mine. I need the artful sermons of Charles Spurgeon, though his view of baptism differs from mine. I need the Kingdom vision of N.T. Wright and the rich theology of Jonathan Edwards, though their views on church government differ from mine.
I need the courage of Martin Luther King Jr. and the “Confessions” of St. Augustine, though their races differ from mine.
I need the gushing grace of Brennan Manning and prophetic wit of Chesterton, though both were Catholic and I’m Protestant.
I need the tender, trusting faith of Joni Eareckson Tada, the perseverance of Elisabeth Elliot, the thankfulness of Ann Voskamp, the equitable vision of Christina Edmondson, the theological precision of Kathy Keller, and the integrity of Patti Sauls, though their gender differs from mine.
In essentials, unity. In nonessentials, liberty. And in all things, charity … which includes a curiosity that keeps our cement soft, that we might be shaped by the wisdom of our “other” siblings in Christ.
Scott Sauls is senior pastor of Christ Presbyterian Church in Nashville, Tennessee, and author of several books, including “Jesus Outside the Lines” and “A Gentle Answer.”