Truth

One of the most common questions that Presbyterians get is, why do you have a confession? Why not just stick with the Bible?

Of course, this is not a Presbyterian issue. It is a Christian issue. Confessions or statements of faith are nearly universal in denominations and independent churches. Whether we are talking about Methodists, Episcopalians, Baptists, or the so-called non-denominational church down the street, they all have their statements of faith.

Why? Because Christians know that they are called to teach the truth. God wants us to explain, summarize, and defend the truth—not merely repeat the words of the Bible. That’s why Christians everywhere do this.

When they confess, there is a remarkable degree of unity in our statements of faith. The Presbyterian theologian Thomas Peck, reviewing Philip Schaff’s The Creeds of Christendom, said that this collection “must impress us also with the real consensus of the Evangelical Churches upon [many matters], and the most important” (“The Creeds of Christendom,” Southern Presbyterian Review 29, no. 2 [April 1878]:218). This is still true. See examples of this in my collection of statements here.

Why Not One Statement for Everybody?
We said there are many. Why can’t we have a single statement of faith that all Christians agree on? It’s rather simple: because all Christians do not agree on all things—even important things. Continue reading “Confessions: Why We Don’t Just “Stick with the Bible”?”

Jesus is the Prince of Peace, and he said, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God” (Matt. 5:9). Yet peacemaking does not always produce peace. As the Apostle Paul put it, “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone” (Rom. 12:18). Both Jesus and Paul knew by experience: peace is not always possible.

Controversy is inevitable. In a fallen world—even among the redeemed—disagreements will arise. Some will be public. Some will be painful. All will be difficult.

What makes controversy dangerous is not just its presence but its power.

First, controversy often spirals. As Proverbs 17:14 warns, “Starting a quarrel is like breaching a dam; so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out.” We’ve all seen small disagreements explode into chaos. Just as a single assassination ignited the horrors of World War I, so a careless word or action can trigger a prolonged and destructive conflict.

Second, controversy consumes. Once inside it, the temptation is to chase resolution endlessly. We keep thinking the next email, argument, or revelation will end it. But it rarely does. It drags on and on. Paul warns of those with “an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words that result in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions” (1 Tim. 6:4). I’ve lived that. It took over more and more of my time, my energy, and my soul (see my article explaining this here).

So, how do we engage necessary controversy without being devoured by it? Here are five ways.

1. Don’t Turn Mountains into Molehills—or Molehills into Mountains
Francis Turretin, a master of theological controversy, wisely noted: “All truths are not of the same weight.” Some truths are essential to salvation and godliness. Others are important but not fundamental. Some guard church order. Others are matters of prudence and preference. Wisdom demands that we discern the difference (Sean Lucas called it “theological triage.” Read his post here).

John Holmes Agnew saw this clearly. He lamented how disagreements are often “magnified into mountains that separate us from each other,” while the weightier matters we agree upon “are almost buried in oblivion,” unable to unify us in “the sweetest harmony of love” (“Motives and Means to Peace in the Churches”). He was right. We must guard against exaggeration and distortion. Continue reading “5 Guidelines for Engaging in Controversy in the Church”

Share this:

Share this: