It’s striking that in an era where Christian men champion biblical masculinity, we often shy away from discussing or debating biblical doctrines with one another. Engaging in these conversations isn’t inherently contentious. Acts 15 demonstrates that debate and discussion are necessary, especially when teachings arise that contradict God’s Word.
Acts 15:2
And when Paul and Barnabas had not a little dissension and debate with them, the brothers determined that Paul and Barnabas and some others of them should go up to Jerusalem to the apostles and elders concerning this issue.
Acts 15:7
And after there had been much debate, Peter stood up and said to them, “Brothers, you know that in the early days God made a choice among you, that by my mouth the Gentiles would hear the word of the gospel and believe.
We should encourage open dialogue where ideas are lovingly challenged, and we remain open to refining our theological perspectives. No one has perfect understanding, and stifling well-meaning discussions to avoid discomfort benefits no one. When grounded in truth and love, we can press into these conversations to sharpen one another without fear.
Some topics generate more heat than light, often because one or both parties struggle to remain objective. We must remember to critique ideas, not people. Resorting to personal attacks signals a failure to articulate a coherent case.
As Christian men, let’s not suppress dialogue for the sake of unity. True Christians are anchored in the gospel’s truth, so we don’t need to reaffirm our brotherhood every time we disagree. Instead, we should ask questions, dig deeper, and confront areas where our thinking may be weak. Our unifying principle is truth, and we worship the God of truth (Psalm 31:5), who delights in it (Psalm 51:6).
Consider how John emphasizes truth in his epistles:
2 John 1
The elder to the elect lady and her children, whom I love in truth, and not only I, but also all who know the truth,
2 John 2
for the sake of the truth which abides in us and will be with us forever:
2 John 3
Grace, mercy, and peace will be with us, from God the Father and from Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love.
2 John 4
I rejoiced greatly to find some of your children walking in truth, just as we received commandment from the Father.
3 John 1
The elder to the beloved Gaius, whom I love in truth.
3 John 3
For I rejoiced greatly when brothers came and bore witness to your truth, that is, how you are walking in truth.
3 John 4
I have no greater joy than this, to hear that my children are walking in the truth.
3 John 8
Therefore we ought to support such men, so that we may be fellow workers with the truth.
3 John 12
Demetrius has received a good witness from everyone, and from the truth itself; and we add our witness, and you know that our witness is true.
Wouldn’t John—and, more importantly, Jesus—rejoice to see us walking in truth? Let us strive to believe what is true and hold truth as high as Scripture does.
Well said, brother. Too many Christian men and pastors shying away from dialogue because they don’t want to be “divisive”, when scripture itself divides.
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Absolutely, it is automatically assumed that having reasonable/rational discourse is divisive, so now we don’t talk to each other about theology because we want to avoid potential conflicts. Scripture does divide and not everything that everyone says is equally valid. I really believe we need to get back to having rational discourse where we rebut ideas out of love and respect for each other without hostility.
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