Why do Christians disagree about what the Bible means?
The Devotional Answer
The devotional answer is that the disagreements are often a result of God allowing us to humbly seek the truth together in community, forcing us to rely on the Holy Spirit (Question 66) rather than our own cleverness. The core message of the Bible—salvation by grace through faith in Jesus Christ (Question 61)—is wonderfully clear and unites all true believers.
The disagreements often occur on secondary issues that do not affect salvation. These disagreements should not lead to division, but to charity, patience, and diligent study (Question 85). The diversity of interpretations, when handled in love, reminds us that none of us possesses perfect knowledge, and we all "see dimly" (1 Corinthians 13:12) until Christ returns.
The Simple Answer
The differences stem from the fact that the Bible is a collection of ancient texts (Question 56) written across thousands of years, and the process of interpreting it (called hermeneutics) is subject to human flaws.
There are three main categories of disagreement:
Complexity of Context: We struggle to fully understand the original language, culture, and specific situation (e.g., the context of Paul's command on women's silence, Question 94).
Difference in Focus: We disagree on the priority of an issue. Is it a primary issue (e.g., the deity of Christ) or a secondary issue (e.g., the structure of church government, Question 77)?
Human Bias: We unconsciously bring our own cultural expectations, personal experiences, and denominational traditions into the text, which can subtly distort the original meaning.
The Deeper Dive
Understanding the specific areas where interpretation breaks down can help you navigate disagreements constructively.
1. Literal vs. Figurative Interpretation
Many disagreements hinge on whether a text should be read literally or figuratively. For example:
The Millennium (Revelation 20): Do the thousand years refer to a literal 1,000-year reign of Christ on earth (literal) or a symbolic reference to the entire Church age (figurative)? (Question 85 applies here—understanding genre is key.)
The Sacraments: Does the bread and wine literally become the body and blood of Christ (literal) or are they symbols commemorating His sacrifice (figurative)?
2. The Influence of Tradition and Denomination
Every Christian comes to the Bible with a lens provided by their church family.
Catholic Tradition: Scripture and tradition are viewed as two streams of authority.
Protestant Tradition: Scripture alone (Sola Scriptura) is the ultimate authority, leading to focus on what the original text meant (Question 56).
Calvinism vs. Arminianism: Disagreements over God's sovereignty versus human free will lead to different conclusions about predestination and the security of salvation (Question 87).
3. Unresolved or Peripheral Issues
Many disagreements are on topics the Bible does not explicitly resolve, or that are not central to the Gospel. The Bible is a thick, ancient book, and God did not reveal every detail perfectly clearly. Examples include:
The precise nature of the Trinity (Question 69).
The identity of the "restrainer" in 2 Thessalonians.
The exact fate of those who have never heard the Gospel.
4. The Impact of Sin
Finally, we must admit that disagreements sometimes stem from human pride—the desire to be right, the refusal to humbly consider another perspective, and the lack of patience to dialogue in love.
God's Assurance
God assures you that His central truths are perfectly clear and sufficient for your faith and life. He calls you to strive for unity in the essentials, even as you grant liberty in the non-essentials.
“Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” — Ephesians 4:3 (NIV)
You are assured that the Holy Spirit will guide you into the necessary truths, and your unity in Christ is far more important than any theological disagreement you encounter.
Your Takeaway Thought
Do not let disagreements discourage you. Instead, use them as a tool: Distinguish between the Primary and the Secondary.
Primary (Unity): The divinity of Christ, the authority of Scripture, salvation by grace, and the Resurrection. Be firm here.
Secondary (Liberty): Eschatology (end times), church government, and non-moral lifestyle choices. Be humble, charitable, and focused on love here.
Focus on what unites you—your Savior—and allow for charitable differences on what does not.
