Cardinal Henry Edward Manning was a nineteenth century Roman Catholic Archbishop of Westminster. I never met the man. Obviously. But he made a statement that I recently read that I can’t get out of my mind. He said that all human conflict is ultimately theological. That statement tells the story of all the conflict this world faces. It’s a simple but profound statement, and the solution is as well. The solution, however, isn’t easy doable within human abilities. It’s the theological differences that must be addressed. We all know there are many theologies held in this world. And many will argue that their theology is the one true theology. So who’s to say who is right and who is wrong?
We read about conflicts throughout the Bible. Theological differences were the cause of wars amongst neighboring countries. Conflicts didn’t occur only between countries, but also between a king and his people. Perhaps the king was a dictator and the people revolted. He wanted control and his people wanted fairness.
Consider world events that are taking place. Multiple wars have started in the last few years. One country pitted against the other. One belief system against another. Both countries believe they are in the right and the other is wrong. They can’t seem to settle their disagreements. Perhaps they don’t want to settle. And so they fight.
We see in election cycles the two political parties at odds with each other. Behind the scenes, one party may have plans to thwart any advances the other party makes. One candidate starts slinging mud in the direction of the other party, and then some is thrown back in their face. And back and forth it goes.
Businessmen disagree and can tear a business apart with their differences. Marriages are dismantled when two people who vowed for better or for worse can’t get past the worst.
Battles have been fought over right and wrong, liberal and conservative, left and right ideals throughout the history of mankind. It all began when the serpent tempted Eve to eat the fruit God had told her and Adam to never eat. And thus began the war of theologies.
Whether we realize it or not when we argue an opinion or where we stand on any issue, it comes from our worldview. Is our worldview based on biblical teaching, or is it based on something else? Do we use secular thoughts to guide our decision making? Do we cut biblical thinking out when we are voicing our ideas, our political leanings or when giving advice? Or, do we search the Scriptures and allow them to guide us?
But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! Matthew 5:44
Where a person stands on social issues today speaks of their theological beliefs. Everyone’s belief system guides and influences their opinions and issues they support. Abortion vs. right to life. Sexuality. Immigration. Race. Police protection. Free speech. Euthanasia. Globalism. Each side of the argument presents arguments that are based on their theology. But personal theology doesn’t seem to be discussed during arguments of differences. It doesn’t seem to be publicly considered, but it is at the heart of the argument. It is the elephant in the room. Perhaps if theological differences were identified and addressed, proper discussions could be had with an agreement to disagree.
Every time you make a choice you are turning the central part of you, the part of you that chooses, into something a little different than it was before. And taking your life as a whole, with all your innumerable choices, all your life long you are slowly turning this central thing into a heavenly creature or a hellish creature: either a creature that is in harmony with God, and with other creatures, and with itself, or else into one that is in a state of war and hatred with God, and with its fellow creatures, and with itself. To be the one kind of creature is heaven: that is, it is joy and peace and knowledge and power. To be the other is madness, horror, idiocy, rage impotence and eternal loneliness. Each of us at each moment is progressing to the one state or the other.
― C.S. Lewis
Our Christian faith is personal, but it should never be private. So when we let others know that we’re a Christian, they will know if what we say is Christian. They may be surprised to learn that someone who calls themselves Christian would believe a certain way or have a certain hobby or lifestyle. Because. Those who don’t call themselves Christian seem to think they know how a Christian should live. Right or wrong. And when a Christian voices a thought or opinion that sharply contrasts with what the nonbeliever thinks, the Christian must be willing to defend their belief and not compromise their faith.
But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. 1 Peter 3:15-16
The thing is. As Christians, we can’t compromise our biblical beliefs. We can never bend the knee to sin and continue to live in fellowship with our Savior. So when we find ourselves being asked to compromise our beliefs, we must stop and ask ourselves if the compromise would build or weaken our relationship with God. Would it put us one step closer or farther from eternity with our Savior? Are we willing to risk our soul being lost for eternity by compromising our beliefs for a moment of peace on earth?
Our spirituality informs our behavior. If we have a habit of lying or stealing, our form of spirituality is showing. If we set it in our hearts to always speak honestly and live with integrity, our spiritual life is on display. A spiritual life doesn’t necessarily mean that someone is living biblically. Spirituality is not based only on biblical teachings. Many religions are based on a human’s teachings and promote forms of spirituality that do not lead to God.
When God through His sovereignty brings us into new situations, we should immediately make sure that our natural life submits to the spiritual, obeying the orders of the Spirit of God. –Oswald Chambers
Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15
All human conflict is ultimately theological. –Cardinal Henry Edward Manning
Mercy for the Day 