Perceptions #200039

"When Brethren Disagree"

by Reuel Lemmons
Editorial in the Firm Foundation
May 8, 1962

The great leaders of the Restoration Movement realized that there would never be perfect uniformity of opinion. Perfect uniformity of opinion would not even be good. One of the greatest dangers we have is the danger of the fear of differences. Brethren, for fear they will hurt somebody's feelings, often keep quiet when they ought to speak out. An eldership is worth little unless every man in it stands upon his own feet and expresses his own opinions. Out of this diversity of opinions comes a safer course. One of the reasons the Lord saw fit to provide a plurality of elders in every congregation was that advantage might be taken of differing points of view. Any congregation is better off if it has a multiplicity of teachers, simply because from the differing points of view there may come more perfect knowledge of the truth.

Controversy itself is not bad, but good, for out of it comes a faith tried and tested. Only when the spirit in which controversy is carried on is unchristian can it be said that controversy is bad.

It shows the carnality that is still in us . . . to divide over differences of an opinional nature. The unchristian way in which brethren treat each other and refer to each other shows that we are more of the biting and devouring type than of the Christlike. The ill treatment of each other does no good at all, and a lot of harm. Mutual respect and love, in spite of differences, would help a lot.

If brethren would try to understand and accept the equal conscientiousness of each other, strife would disappear in most any congregation. When brethren disagree there is some more noble course open to them than division and disintegration.

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