Not Peace But a Sword

Jesus said that he came not to bring peace, but a sword. In context he seems to be saying that a natural outcome of his ministry would be division.

I tweeted the other day asking how many of our questions were like that of the Pharisees. They often asked questions designed to misdirect or to draw someone into a theological minefield.

In order to avoid the pharisaical questions, but understanding the divisive nature of the gospel, a quandry develops. What sorts of questions rightly divide and what sort are simply encouraging pointless squabbles?

I ask this question because, well because in part asking questions is what this blog is largely about for me and i want to hit the former questions more regularly.

I’m also about to post a series of entries that make an argument for what some may consider an issue that rightly divides. It’s hardly a hot button and the guest author handles it well, but this seems a good time to ask.

  • http://twitter.com/indianajim Indiana Jim

    It largely depends on who's involved in the discussion. Something like, “do you believe in the divinity of Christ?” is an important question. However, “Do you believe we should use instruments in worship?” is a pointless one, IN MY OPINION. I believe members of the Church of Christ have been needlessly divided on a less than theological line. Now, there may be other doctrinal differences, I don't know what those are, but that seems to be the major issue that divides them from others. And it's a big deal to those people. Then comes the other side: Are we offended by them choosing that dividing line? If some denomination chooses a particular dividing line, how do we treat them afterward?

    The key here is that the bible is the thing which “rightly divides.” If it can't be substantiated in scripture, it's not a worthwhile debate. If it's not an issue which stands in the way of salvation, it is not a worthwhile debate to me.

  • spiritualtramp

    Yeah I've been thinking about it and I think it's got more to do with how and why you ask the question and not the question itself. Any question can be a theological attack.

    I agree though. If scripture is silent on it then I have a hard time being dogmatic about it.

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