I know you mean well and are being most charitable but I totally disagree with the point of that article. I speak not just as a Catholic but believe it is essential to Christianity that we not be afraid to proclaim some things as absolute truth not to be dumbed down or sugar coated. This is especially important in confronting a culture where moral absolutes are suspect and where truth is considered relative.
I think all orthodox Christians would agree on the statement that “Christ is God”, “Christ died for our sins.” “Christ is Lord and Savior.” Would you agree that to preface these statements “But I might be wrong” compromises the Gospel and our ability to bring it to the world?
Now what about theological differences in different Christian sects? Is it helpful to preface sincerly held beliefs with “But I might be wrong.” No it is not. Honest, charitable debate does not arise out of denying one’s beliefs but out of defending them civilly. It arises out of not lying about what others believe but out of respectful disagreement based on a firm grounding in the apologetics of the subject faith.
I don’t want a Baptist to tell me he might be wrong in believing that infant baptism is against Scripture. I don’t want a Calvinist to tell me he might be wrong for believing in forensic justification.
I don’t want to tell another Christian that I think I may be wrong to believe in the Perpetual Virginity of Mary.
Christians have some very real and very heated disagreements. Most of which arise from different understandings of meaning in Scripture. We look at the same evidence (so to say) and come to a different conclusion. Fine I can live with that. What I can’t live with is lying about what others believe or pretending to believe what one doesn’t in order to make peace.
I may believe someone is wrong. But I can still respect them. I won’t respect someone who compromises their beliefs simply to avoid offending those who disagree with them.
Mind you such can be done with charity and grace something which is very lacking in these forums.
Well and fittingly put—certainly about the essentials.
Wow. Your response is about as long as the article. Have you thought about writing a column? You would be good at it.
I agree with the essentials as you said, “Christ is God”, “Christ died for our sins.” “Christ is Lord and Savior.”
But as St. Paul said - “We see through a glass, darkly...” (1 Corinthians 13:12)
As of the non-essensentials, speaking for myself, I can say - I have been wrong at times. Or at least I should see the other position. It’s not being wishy washy - it’s just that I dont’ have all the information.