The Jericho Road

Since the Reformation, a theological battle has raged between Protestants and Catholics. The differences have spilled over to political debate and even war, blood being shed by both sides. I am not addressing the merits of the respective positions here, but I am offering a quotation that bears strongly on the way in which we disagree. I offer it here because I continue to be disappointed by the way professing Christians attack those who disagree with them. Reference Walter Veith’s webite as an example of what I consider unacceptable diatribe against Catholics and other groups. An example I consider generally more objective in his voice of dissent is from Bill Cork, a former Catholic and now Adventist pastor.

All men and women have a moral obligation to promote truth over error, but that obligation, given them of God and confirmed in the ministry of his Son, Jesus Christ, does not sanction force, cruelty, or even condemnation. Even when acceptable, the unrelenting, daily nature of some debates create an unacceptable spirit, merely by the compounded weight of repeated attack. The gospel is a postive message. Yes, Christ said he came to bring a sword, in a certain context, but that does not keep him from being the Prince of Peace. The controversy (sword) that he brought was in the preaching and example of humility in the face of pride, the preaching of love in the face of hatred. It was his opponents, not Christ, who drew the sword, spilling his blood.

Christ, in his sinlessness and prophetic office, had prerogatives of judgment not afforded others. He could read the thoughts and intentions of the heart. He knew the motive of all he met. We do not. We may and should defend the truth against lies and against attacks, but the weapons of our warfare should never bear the imprint of evil. We are to speak with the gentleness and love a humble heart creates. Even in rebuke, even in strong disagreement, our tone and assumptions should assume a deep compassion, avoiding any impression of unfairness or character assassination.

The quote below, which speaks directly to my point, is from an early founding member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, Ellen G. White. She was no stranger to controversy. She was and remains the object of virulent personal attacks from time to time. However, I fully support her work and consider her an authority of highest standing in all things spiritual. I do accept her work as prophetically inspired. That said, here is something of what she had to say on the way Protestants should regard their Catholic brothers and sisters in Christ:

    It is true that we are commanded to “cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and show My people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins.” Isaiah 58:1. This message must be given; but while it must be given, we should be careful not to thrust and crowd and condemn those who have not the light that we have. We should not go out of our way to make hard thrusts at the Catholics. Among the Catholics there are many who are most conscientious Christians and who walk in all the light that shines upon them, and God will work in their behalf. Those who have had great privileges and opportunities, and who have failed to improve their physical, mental, and moral powers, but who have lived to please themselves and have refused to bear their responsibility, are in greater danger and in greater condemnation before God than those who are in error upon doctrinal points, yet who seek to live to do good to others. Do not censure others; do not condemn them. From the book, “Testimonies, Vol. 9, page 243, by Ellen White.

It is common today in some Adventist circles, to frequently and presistantly make hard, attacking statements against public figures, political or religious. It is as if this statement was never read, or ignored, or simply denied. But such attacks on persons, persons such as the Pope, are uncalled for and not done in the spirit of love.

I reserve my right to openly disagree with some Catholic doctrine. I believe some beliefs of the Catholic church undermine some Biblical truth. I also regret and repudiate the violence both Catholics and Protestants have exercised toward those they deemed “heretics”.

While heresy is a real concern for the church, one I too have spoken against, the violent attitudes and actions shown our opponents is not Christian. I know this spirit of violence is still alive in the world and I believe the prophets when they say it will increase. I believe religious persecution, from every side, from Protestant and Catholic, will increase against those who stand for Biblical truth. However, I choose today and I hope forever to not be part of that class who use evil to overcome good.