Conversation about Biblical truth (1/3)

Comment

Christians (and others, myself included sometimes, I guess) speak of supposed absolutes like “Biblical truth”, but this is the truth as each person sees it. IMHO, it is a subjective truth. If this were not the case, there would not be over 200 different denominations of Christianity in the US alone.

Hence, my comment rephrasing (or extending) the OP: “you should be following the Christian truth as I see it”. There are so many different, and often conflicting “Biblical truths” that, to me, render the OP meaningless.

Reply

When interpreting the Bible, we can simplify the discussion into three symbolic areas: white, grey, and black. Each area represents a different level of agreement or clarity among Christians regarding Biblical texts and beliefs:

White

The white area symbolizes positive uniformity among Christians, where there is widespread agreement and shared beliefs about key Biblical teachings. These are foundational truths that are generally undisputed within Christianity:

• Jesus was conceived by the Virgin Mary.
• Jesus is the Son of God.
• Jesus was crucified on a cross for the salvation of humanity.
• Forgiveness of sins is offered through Jesus Christ.
• The existence of God as the Father, Jesus as the Son, and the Holy Spirit as a unified Trinity.
• The resurrection of Jesus after three days.

Grey

The grey area represents topics where the Bible may not provide explicit clarity, leading to varying interpretations and practices among Christians. These are often open to discussion and debate within Christian communities:

• Should baptism be reserved for youth and adults, or is infant baptism also valid?
• How should we apply the visions and messages in the book of Revelation to modern times?
• In what ways does the Holy Spirit speak to believers today?
• What is the role of women in church leadership?
• How should Christians interpret the creation narrative (literal or metaphorical)?

Black

The black area symbolizes negative uniformity, where Christians largely agree on what is wrong or evil based on Biblical teachings. These are principles that denounce harmful or immoral behavior:

• Rejection of idolatry (worship of false gods or material possessions).
• Condemnation of murder, theft, and other actions explicitly prohibited in the Ten Commandments.
• Denouncement of exploitation, injustice, and acts of hatred.
• Recognition of sin and the need for repentance.
• Rejection of the Devil and all forms of evil.

This framework of white, grey, and black areas serves to me as a helpful guide to refocus our perspective from the “fringes” of debate and differing interpretations back to the essence of faith.

By emphasizing the foundational truths that unite Christians, acknowledging the areas of ambiguity that invite respectful dialogue, and affirming the shared rejection of evil, I am reminded of the core principles that ground my faith and strengths search for unity.

Explore similar topics:

1. The (in)significance of religion
2. The riddle of religious inconsistencies
3. Why is the Bible remarkable?