"...Knowledge puffs up, but love edifies." - 1 Corinthians 8:1
A few weeks ago I read an article (won't mention the author or title as that would go against all I'm about to write) where the author was saying how a person with a certain theological base (again won't use specifics) could survive in a church that held a different theological base. The article didn't sit right with me because it almost came off like this: "You poor guy for suffering in a church ignorant of the truth. Don't worry though, use your intellegence and bring them along slowly and they will come around and see the light. Make sure you talk though with the leadership of the church first though before you change worship and stuff just in case they aren't enlightened enough to make the transition - if that's the case then it is better off you leave." Now I don't think the author meant for it to come off that way (and I may be a little harsh) but it did make it seem like the author's theological views were better than those that held different views (and when I mention views I'm not talking about the foundational, important, doctrinal views but those that are non-essential for salvation).
And that's the problem I wish to address here.
Now when it comes to what I believe theologically (and notice, I try not to place myself in a "box" of what I am [i.e. Calvinist, Arminian, dispinsationalist, reformed, etc.] because what I am is simply a "Christian", theology is what I believe) on non-essentials I would tell you something like this: I believe in pre-trib rapture, literal 1000 year reign of Christ, God is not through with Israel (the church has not replaced her), God is very much sovereign and yet man very much as free will (and how those come together I don't know, but they do!), all the spiritual gifts are for today (but all must be done decently and in order - too many extremes on both sides of the fence), and (though not theological in nature) I believe the best way to teach the Bible is teaching verse-by-verse through the Bible rather than topically. All of which I can "prove" biblically.
However, to think my views on things, or the church I attend views on things makes me more superior than another Christian is both false and divisive. Yes, I hold to my viewpoint for biblical reasons and believe there is a strong case for them, but that doesn't mean I'll look down on someone else for different views. It simply means I'll agree to disagree with you and continue on in sweet fellowship. When we divide with someone simply because they are Pentacostal but you're Baptist, or they are Reformed but you're Arminian, is divisive and I would even say sin. Knowledge leads to pride which is why when you are around another Christian talking about theological matters, make sure you are looking to love (which will edify/build them up) them first than simply bringing them over to "your side of things."
Same is true with preferences. Whether your church uses an organ & hymns or full band & contemporary worship, whether it is shirt & tie or casual dress, do not let that make you feel your church is somehow better than that other church.
But I digress.
The point is, feel free to hold to your views and have sound, biblical reasons for them, but don't let that cause you to look down on another Christian simply because they don't share the same views (now if they have false, heretical views that's a whole other story). Don't allow your knowledge of the Bible make you feel more entitled or better than someone who is not as "smart" as you.
Instead of drawing lines in the sand, let's look to partner together in sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It's not whether they share your escatological or whatever-ical view that gets them to Heaven or not - it's whether they have "confessed with their mouth...and believed in their hearts" (Romans 10:9) that is the important thing. So yes, you can do ministry alongside another person of a different denomination (and should do so knowing you are equals in ministry whatever your viewpoints are).
If you're not loving, then all that knowledge goes to waste!
