Black and white and shades of grey

“O wad some Power the giftie gie us, To see oursels as ithers see us!” Robert Burns

I’ve just had a scout around an atheists' / agnostics' discussion forum online. One discussion caught my eye. A group of members were looking at the issue of “black and white” vs “shades of grey”.

It was interesting to note how most allied themselves with ‘shades’ while pointing to Christians as ‘black and white’ thinkers. One perceptive writer explored the concept that black and white, and shades of grey are not necessarily incompatible (after all, shades of grey are made up of different mixtures of black and white).

While I will state unashamedly that I believe there are absolute truths which underpin our universe (for example the existence of God), I’m also convinced that so-called “black and white” thinking can, at times, cause damage to the kingdom of God.

The danger comes when we consider our own interpretation of God’s Word to be as infallible as God’s Word and God Himself. We become the judge of what is black and what is white!

If we are convinced we are right, then this means everyone else must be wrong. This kind of inflexibility is at the source of disunity at every level of society. Think about an argument between husband and wife, parent and child or work colleagues. In most arguments, both sides contribute in some way through wrong assumptions, wrong attitudes, wrong words or wrong behaviour.

Black and white thinking tends to preclude the possibility of learning and growing in our understanding; of listening carefully to other viewpoints and respecting other opinions even when we disagree.

From outside, it is perceived as ‘narrow minded’ because there is no willingness to consider any alternative. This type of thinking can appear arrogant in its condemnation of others.

I believe ‘black and white’ thinking can be dangerous both to Christian unity (if we condemn as wrong anyone who interprets scripture in a different way) and to our interaction with those outside the church (if our lack of humility, gentleness and respect portrays a wrong picture of Christ).

There have been times in my life when I was absolutely convinced that I had an issue sorted into black and white until I listened to someone and realised it wasn’t quite so clear cut. At these times, my black and white combined leaving me with grey!

Interestingly enough, some of the agnostics / atheists were pretty black and white in their condemnation of Christians.

How do we respond? By pointing the finger back and being rude?

I prefer to say that I have chosen to follow Jesus because I am convinced that He is the source of all truth. I’m basing my life on scripture but I’m still learning and growing in my understanding. I don't have all the answers and sometimes I get it wrong. In my life, there are blacks and whites and shades of grey.

Do I shock you?

RGW (aka The Editor)