Do you cringe when Bible study turns into theological debate over the meaning of scriptural symbology or some nuanced passage? If so, you’re not alone.
I love shop talk. For decades, I welcomed all conversations about anything horse-related. For those of you who aren’t familiar, there are three things that can turn pleasant conversation into a street brawl in less than 90 seconds: religion, politics, and horses.
Why One Thing Is Right And Another Wrong
Ten years ago, before tackling the evening’s Bible lesson with a cowboy church youth group, I held up a western bridle in my left hand and a dressage bridle in my right hand.
“Which is right?”
Everyone pointed to the western bridle because that’s what they used.
Next, I held up two spurs, one western and one dressage.
“Which is right?”
Again, all fingers pointed to the roweled western spur because it’s what they use.
Then I held up just the English/Dressage spur. I first pointed the blunt curved nub (shank) up and then turned it down.
“Which is right?”
That confused them because they didn’t use that kind of spur.
Sometimes The Right Answer is “It depends”
English or hunt seat riders can use the spurs curve up or curve down, but dressage folks require the shank be turned down. So, the answer to the question, “Which is right?” is “It depends.” Honestly, the answer to most horse questions is, “It depends.”
The point is that tack (horse equipment) has no right or wrong in the eyes of a horse. One is only right or wrong based upon specific competition rules or someone’s personal opinion or experience.
Trust me on this, horses don’t care what you use as long as you use it with skill, compassion, and in the horse’s best interest.
Is There A Right Way To Argue Theology?
Which brings us to theology.
“God will not hold us responsible to understand the mysteries of election, predestination and the divine sovereignty. The best and safest way to deal with these truths is to raise our eyes to God and in deepest reverence say, “O Lord, Thou knowest.” Those things belong to the deep and mysterious Profound of God’s omniscience. Prying into them may make theologians, but it will never make saints.”
—A.W. Tozer, The Pursuit of God
I still love shop talk about horses, but, even more, I love talking about God’s word and its life application. That said, whether horses or faith, I don’t argue over any point because, when it comes to Christian fellowship, argument chooses the wrong fork in the road.
The Truth About The Right/Wrong Debate Over Theology (or Horses)
- No one knows what they don’t know.
- No one knows everything there is to know about horses.
- No one truly understands the book of Revelation.
If you have a horse and want to know the true state of your relationship, ask your horse. When it comes to God’s Word, the temptation to argue theology doesn’t come from the Holy Spirit, so that means it must come from an unholy spirit.
God wants us to become more like Jesus, not theologians.
Relax and receive the peace and joy that Jesus promises you today.
PS: I gave my first Horse Religion Speech nearly 30 years ago. You’ll find it in the Gospel Horse Series of books.
Related Post:
Rapture Ready—Knowing God His Way
Don’t be Faith Fungus.
