With regard to the discussions that have been occurring during the past ten years, I've tried to keep my mind and my Bible open. I have read materials presented by those on both sides of the issue. I've had countless numbers of discussions with preachers who are on opposing sides of the controversy. To be honest, I feel that, had attitudes been different when this subject first came to the forefront, we might have avoided much of the division that now exists. In the past couple of years, some of these discussions have exhibited alarming trends. What are these trends? Ill will among brethren, judging one another's motives, hateful statements, lack of willingness to engage in open, honest discussions, and most alarming of all, a general distrust of one another. Sadly, these attitudes appear to have us heading in a direction that has ramifications we may never be able to undo. Brethren on both sides of the issue need to take long, hard looks at their attitudes and remember that we still are brethren, and we all have souls. We need to seek for ways to bridge the ever-widening gap between the two sides.

Readers, please don't think this subject cannot be understood--for it can be clearly understood. The issue has never been whether or not brethren need to be longsuffering with those with whom we differ. "Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you." {Ephesians 4:31,32} Paul wrote to the church at Thessalonica: "Now we exhort you, brethren, warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all. See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good both for yourselves and for all." {1 Thessalonians 5:14,15} We must practice these principles and be willing to openly discuss our differences. We cannot just sever fellowship with one another every time we disagree. No one group, or person, determines how another church applies fellowship. This is not, and never has been, the issue. They who seek to sidetrack the discussions have introduced these types of issues. Also, I would caution some with whom I fully agree as to the truth on this issue. By the methods and attitudes you display, you set yourselves up for much of the criticism you receive. There is enough blame to go around on both sides!

Yet, I do see danger in the loose interpretation of Romans 14 suggested by some. Following are a few for you to consider.

Error is being seen as less dangerous. Well-meaning brethren are making suggestions that make error appear to be less harmful than it was in the past. If one takes the suggested understanding of Romans 14 and applies it to moral and doctrinal questions, it becomes a very serious matter. If, as some suggest, we can make Romans 14 apply to the marriage, divorce, and remarriage issue, why not homosexuality? Drinking? Abortion? The reasoning that permits MDR also permits these others things. These dangers, we need to take seriously!

False teachers are being given liberty to spread their error. I cannot judge another man's motives--but I can know him by his fruit (Matthew 7:20). Some have suggested that our brethren's character and integrity are being attacked. If my brother teaches what is contrary to God's word, and I point out the error, am I attacking his character? Aren't I obligated to warn unsuspecting hearers that false doctrine gravely endangers their souls?

It weakens the need for Bible repentance. If we can apply Romans 14 to doctrinal and moral questions, then brethren who sin do not need to repent. The Bible clearly teaches that there will be no sin in heaven (Revelation 22:15). We must expose as false any teaching that allows men to continue in sin.

There is no absolute standard of truth. I've heard many statements that would lead to this conclusion. "We are all false teachers--just on different subjects." "No two people can see truth alike." "If we have to agree on everything--then we can fellowship none but ourselves." "If we follow the thinking of some of my brethren, we won't have to build great buildings in which to meet--a phone booth will be large enough." These statements all have one thing in common--they hint that there can be no agreement on truth. I strongly disagree. Listen to the inspired words. "Nevertheless, to the degree that we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us be of the same mind." {Philippians 3:16} "If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever." {1 Peter 4:11} "He who rejects Me, and does not receive My words, has that which judges him--the word that I have spoken will judge him in the last day." {John 12:48} If we cannot agree on truth, whose standard will judge us in the last day? Paul wrote to the church at Corinth, which was divided on many issues, to encourage them to be of the same mind and same judgment (1 Corinthians 1:10). God has only one standard, and it is understandable! "Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is." {Ephesians 5:17}

It encourages soft preaching and changes the content of preaching. Many are beginning to shy away from the more controversial issues. Some have adopted a "positive approach" to preaching. "We don't really want to tell people where we stand, or where they should stand--let them make up their own minds." "For if the trumpet makes an uncertain sound, who will prepare for battle?" (1 Corinthians 14:8} I know of preachers who have been told to "tone it down" in the pulpit. Some even suggest that strict, gospel preaching will drive people away. During the past few years, I've attended meetings where little scripture was used, and the subject could very well have been discussed in any denominational church. Truth saves, and that means ALL the truth (Acts 20:26,27).

It places men above the truth. No gospel preacher, no matter how respected he is, how many years he has been preaching, how good a reputation he has, or how much in demand he is, deserves more respect than God's book. Any preacher who openly and publicly, in speech or writing, teaches what is contrary to God's word, should be exposed, and people should be warned. Paul, on a number of occasions, did this in his writings, actually naming certain teachers and the dangers they presented to others. We certainly need to be careful not to call names, from the pulpit or in writing, for no reason or before establishing the facts.

It leads to fellowship with sin. By far, this is the greatest danger presented by a loose application of Romans 14. Today's subject may be MDR, but what will it be in the next decade? In the next generation? We cannot "hold up the hands" of those who practice, or encourage others to commit or remain in, sin. Heaven help us to see the importance of "standing in the old paths."