Knowing Faith If Christians All Believe the Bible, Why Do They Disagree? with Gavin Ortlund
Oct 16, 2025
Gavin Ortlund, a pastor and theologian, dives into the intriguing dynamics of Christian disagreement despite a shared belief in the Bible. He explores how sin and interpretive differences lead to diverse interpretations. Gavin discusses when separation is necessary in disagreements and the pressing factors like social media that fuel modern disputes. He emphasizes the importance of engaging in disagreements with love and understanding, sharing his top rules for fostering healthy dialogue among believers.
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Disagreement Is Partly A Fallen-World Problem
- Disagreement among Christians flows partly from living in a fallen world and imperfect understanding of scripture.
- Even studying the Bible deeply doesn't erase conflict, especially on secondary doctrines.
Triaging Disagreements Before Separating
- Ask how clear Scripture is on the issue and how it relates to the gospel before deciding separation.
- Consider the wider Christian witness and whether the disagreement is doctrinally central.
Clarify Terms And Ask For Examples
- Ask people to define key terms and give real-life examples when debating doctrines like justification.
- Listen for underlying concerns and values before assuming substantive disagreement.
