Arguing over doctrine and Christian cultural issues reminds me of when couples argue about things that seem important at the time, but are really distractions from doing the hard emotional word of being married - compromise, charity, and sacrifice. Christians who argue over doctrine are correct - doctrine is important, but not when it gets in the way of practicing our sanctification in our relationship with Christ by loving one another. Couples are right too - toilet paper is important, but does it really matter which side it turns on? Or is it a matter of trying to assert your will?
If we are not secure enough in our understanding or belief the doctrine that Christ has provided for us, we are not able to allow others to disagree with our understanding without defending our point of view - as if God needs a defense! To many Christians, the Bible has become an idol - a transitional object - a teddy bear, representing God - used to comfort and remind them that if the memorize as many verses as possible they will feel secure because they will be "right." People with this mentality are viewed by others as arrogant and childish because they are clinging to their "blankie" and when ever they become fearful, they shake it like a Magic 8-Ball and come up with the perfect verse to thwart the enemy! I know this sounds harsh, but it is truth - you can chalk it all up to Dawkins and Hitchins not having the Spirit of God (true), but it does not mean they are blind to ineffective Christian behavior. This brings up another point, when nonbelievers talk about Christians using Christianity as a "crutch" and we cannot understand why they would think of us behaving that way - they are thinking of Christians who misuse the Bible, as described above.
Unfortunately, somewhere down the line in church history, we became more concerned about being "right" and "convinced" about the truth of doctrine, rather than using it to assist our sanctification. Believe me, I have been to enough Bible studies of the years to see this theory in action - a couple of verses are read and then everyone takes turns talking about how much they believe the scriptures - it turns into a pep rally for Jesus - and any attempt to discuss the application of the scriptures - "how is this truth helping you love?" is viewed as a real downer. People often mistake sanctification with being convinced of an idea, when it is actually the process of learning how to love through sacrifice and service to our neighbors, learning perspective taking skills, developing empathy, and loving unconditionally.
So when I listen to God or His Spirit, I am not listening for Him to convince me of the truth He has already laid out - nor am I looking for Him to tell me what to do next; I know what I am supposed to be doing - His will for me is clear - I am called to love in all circumstances and I rely on Him to teach me, encourage me and comfort me so I can keep doing His will. Getting caught up in the mechanics of life - as if it was a "choose your own adventure" tale where there's one right path and 900 million wrong paths and praying to find out if tying your shoe at this moment is the right thing to do or should you wait?!?!?! is a tortuous way to live your life, while missing the point entirely.
blessings
