Before I get into this discussion, I feel the need to offer a disclaimer.   The views are my own.  You have the option and privilege to form your own opinions.   I base my understanding of the Bible, my observations of the political, social, and religious arenas, and the directives to my heart from the Holy Spirit.  

I believe that one of the most significant problems in the world and the church today is being adamantly rooted in opinion.   What I mean is being so set in opinion that any other view is wrong and unacceptable.  There is no willingness even to hear what the different parties have to say.    That means communication is impossible, so any agreement is ruled out.

Many years ago, I was so rigid in my doctrinal beliefs and opinions that any deviation was subject to my ire and criticism.   I openly criticized ministries I disagreed with.   Anyone who followed a different tribe, sect, or stream outside my views was wrong!   I did not talk to them or discuss the differences; I criticized and rejected them as heresy.   I hate to admit that, but that was my view at that time.

In prayer one day, I felt the Holy Spirit challenging me, and in my spirit, heart, and mind, I heard something that shook me deeply.  “If you would listen to what those people had to say rather than rejecting them, you would find more to applaud than to criticize.”  As I mused on that, I then heard something additional, “Do you have everything 100% correct?”  

Wow!  For me to say yes would be an enormous display of hubris.  I knew better than even to hint that I thought I was infallible.  I am not, nor is anyone else.   From that day forward, I have listened carefully to what other ministries teach.  There are times when I disagree so completely that I step out of the conversation.   Yet, there are times when I will agree with a portion of what is said, and I have learned to extract the precious from the worthless.  (Jeremiah 15:19).  It has been life-changing.

Believe me, I have some deeply rooted convictions.  But some of the differences I have with other ministries have no bearing on salvation.  They are peripheral issues, and all of us may be less than totally accurate.  The same is true in the political arena.   I am strongly conservative in my political views and a strict constructionist, constitutionally believing in original intent.  However, I have found that some on the other side sometimes present reasons for their opinions that enable me, even though I disagree with them, understand why they believe what they believe.   We can discuss it without allowing the blindness of unbending opinion stand between us.

That willingness to listen has allowed us to find workable solutions and even maintain a friendship.   We can work together for the good of the community, without viewing each other as enemies to be silenced.

Anytime we allow unbending rigidity to eliminate consideration of the other person’s views, we force everyone into a war-zone mentality.   Bias, prejudice, and pride become mountains impossible to scale.  I take to heart the declaration of James 1:19, “Let every person be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger.”   James 4 reveals the source of quarrels and fights in every sector of life. 

We deceive ourselves if we genuinely believe we are 100% correct and those with different views are 100% wrong.   Who among us has enough information to know every possible interpretation of the Bible or life?  Who among us is incapable of being in error, at least some?   It would be like looking for the perfect church.   Once we found it and attended, it would no longer be perfect because our imperfections would be added, rendering it imperfect. That is true in matters of religion and politics.  

Do I believe we should follow our convictions?  Absolutely and faithfully.  Should we become so exclusive and rigid that everyone must agree with our interpretation, version of the Bible, and political or life views that we reject any and everything not in agreement with our view?   That would be a sad state, making us miserable and even mean-spirited.   That’s what happened to Jesus with the Pharisees and Sadducees. 

So, the problem in our present world and the church is the unbending rigidity of opinion with an unwillingness even to hear a differing view.   The solution is to follow the directive the Holy Spirit spoke to my heart: “If you would listen, you would find more to applaud than to criticize.”  That does not mean you have to compromise your convictions.  Heaven forbid!   It does mean you hear the conclusion of the whole matter before making a decision.   Are we so prideful that we are unable even to consider the possibility of someone we have disagreed with having any valid views?

I pray that America and the American church will become willing to listen and engage in open-minded dialogue.  For the church, I pray that we will become like the Bereans of Acts 17:11, “These Jews were more open-minded than those in Thessalonica, for they eagerly received the message, scrutinizing the scriptures every day to see if these things were so.”

It is commendable to hold to a standard of purity in doctrine and life.  It is questionable to nominate ourselves to become God’s fruit inspectors, deeming anything in disagreement with our views anathema and heresy.   It is God’s church, and He is building it.   If we go on a campaign to clean up the church, we might find ourselves rooting out the wheat with the tares.  (Matthew 13:24-30).    Let all be done in love, seeking restoration, not destruction.

Politically, spiritually, and relationally, I strive to listen!   I listen, then evaluate based on the Bible and the data needed.   I want to be a bridge, not a barrier!    I will not compromise my beliefs, but I refuse to throw out everyone and everything they say based on my disagreement.    They just might have something of value if I take the time to listen open-mindedly.

God bless you and God bless America.