Why do theologians disagree?
Division and discord are growing sicknesses in our day. We’re separated into ever-fracturing tribes, and the “us versus them” mentality has developed a gravitational pull. What’s more, talking heads who tell us our problems and worries come from those we disagree with saturate the screens in our homes and pockets.
The church isn’t safe from the disease of division. Our feeds offer us a steady diet of self-affirming articles that state how this political election or that theological disagreement will make or break us. When the stakes are constantly elevated to do-or-die levels, we justify any tactic that gives “our side” an edge in the war. Denominations, churches, and church members who once enjoyed unity now grow apart. Those we used to march with arm in arm are now at arm’s length. It seems our culture is ever more eager to draw lines in the sand and ever slower to listen with love. As our tribalism grows, our ability to nuance diminishes, and it becomes difficult to pursue Christian wisdom.
When the stakes are constantly elevated to do-or-die levels, we justify any tactic that gives ‘our side’ an edge in the war.
We watch Paul’s warning in Galatians 5:15 unfold: “But if you bite and devour one another, watch out that you are not consumed by one another.” Hyperbole, straw manning, and intellectual suspicion poison the tongues of some of our most popular theologians. Why have theological leaders given in to cultural division? What can we do about it?
Roots of Theological Malpractice
Much of what’s done in the name of “theology” in our day is described by the list of vices listed in Paul’s “works of the flesh” in Galatians 5:19–21. It’s not hard to think of examples of theology leveraged in envy, selfish ambition, outbursts of anger, and dissension. Yes, sinful flesh is at the root of our division.
1. We’ve misunderstood theological clarity and confidence as a replacement for wisdom.
We don’t measure sincere devotion to the Lord by the memorization of theological logic. Yes, God intends theological knowledge as a means of sanctification, but theological intelligence isn’t a valid reason to neglect emotional intelligence, relational intelligence, or cultural intelligence. Christian sanctification is holistic, and while theology is a necessary ingredient, it’s not in itself sufficient. We’re called to love the Lord not just with all our minds but also with all our hearts, soul, and strength (Deut. 6:4–7).
2. We’ve misused theology as an instrument of pride.
Accumulated knowledge can inflate egos, but it’s theological malpractice when the search for truth becomes a grasp for self-importance. Instead of bending intellectual life toward the pursuit of others, we’re tempted to bend others in praise of our own intellectual capabilities. Then theology becomes a show, and theologians become actors on a doctrinal stage, hoping their articulation of a concept or their turn of phrase entertains their audience.
3. We’ve weaponized theology as an instrument of division.
When knowledge replaces wisdom and theology becomes a source of pride, Christian truth can also be used to pit brothers and sisters against one another. Points of doctrine become the boundary lines over which an “us versus them” war plays out. While there are good and right times to draw lines in the sand—the doctrine of the Trinity and the nature of the gospel for instance—there are those whose theological boundaries are so sharp that only a handful of their followers are “in.” Instead of living out their call to interject the beautiful, good, and true into Christian rhythms and conversations, these theologians gain a following by using a secular playbook that calls for demeaning any who dare disagree. This ought not to be.
More Fruitful Theology
Instead of a theological life marked by vices, theologians ought to be characterized by those virtues that make up the fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22–24).
Instead of a theological life marked by vices, theologians ought to be characterized by those virtues that make up the fruit of the Spirit.
As we lay hold of the tool that is Christian theology and contemplate God and all things in relation to God, we ought to be transformed into the kind of people who can be described by love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
Into our out-of-control devouring of one another, let’s allow Paul’s command in Romans 12 to pierce through and demand better. Paul instructs the church at Rome,
Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud; instead, associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own estimation. Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Give careful thought to do what is honorable in everyone’s eyes. If possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. (vv. 16–18, CSB)
In 2 Corinthians 3:18, Paul tells the Corinthians that as they behold the Lord’s glory, they’ll be transformed from one degree of glory to another. Beholding God is often the most practical thing a Christian theologian can do, because that which Christians contemplate, they’ll begin to appreciate. Paul knows that if the Corinthian church would get an eyeful of God’s grandeur and grace, they’ll be formed into his image. Turning our mind’s eye Godward ought to shape our souls. In fact, beholding should be the blueprint and game plan for Christian theology—look unto Christ until you look like him.
Ronni Kurtz
