St. Paul apparently did not see the incompatibility of two of his instructions to Timothy. On the one hand he should tell people to “stop disputing about words.” The Apostle observes that such disputes “harm those on listen.” On the other hand, he tells his apprentice that he should teach “the word of truth without deviation.” The history of Christianity provides example after example of church people who downplay doctrinal disputes being opposed by others who insist that things have to be taught exactly one way. The way to resolve this dilemma can be found in the great commandment according to Jesus. The love command is actually precede by another imperative: “Hear, O Israel.” If we are open to hearing the other, love becomes possible.
JUNE72018
By Church Staff
