When to Stand Your Ground (and When to Stand Down)

Theological Triage: Knowing Which Hills to Die On

But First - most people know me from my work as a web and graphic designer, artist, film-production worker or writer. But, I’m also a self-proclaimed Bush-League Theologian. I hold a degree in Bible and Theology, have served as a teacher in several churches, am a student of koine Greek, and somehow, I get the privilege of hanging out with some of the smartest apologists and thinkers.

By my third year of college, I realized that while I had great interest in the subject, I lacked the smarts and the stamina it would take to become an academic scholar. That’s not me being self-deprecating. Call it self-awareness. And I’m okay with that.

I did discover my spot: helping laity (and the unconvinced) better read, understand, trust, and defend the Bible (and their faith) - without having to go to Seminary.

You still with me? Ok. Theological Triage. What is it and why does it matter?

Taking its name from medical triage, Theological Triage is simply a way to think about theology, identifing what’s essential to faith, what’s important but not life-threatening, and what’s in “agree to disagree” territory. These are divided into four areas of importance: Primary, Secondary, Tertiary, and Adiaphora, or Indifference.

This ensures we are “Majoring on the Majors and Minoring on the Minors.”

Primary: Matters of First Importance

For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures. - 1 Cor. 15:3-4

Primary issues are the non-negotiables—the core beliefs that define Christianity. These are the pillars of faith, setting it apart from other religions or ideologies. Without these, Christianity would lose all meaning.

Examples: The Trinity, Justification by Faith, Authority of Scripture, the Resurrection.

Paul says in 1 Corinthians 15:14 that "if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith.” This isn’t just a detail; it’s the hinge upon which the entire Christian hope hangs.

A friend of mine calls this the “Circle of Faith.” You’re either inside the circle or you’re outside the circle. Things of Primary Importance put us in the circle.

Secondary: Things that Separate, but don’t Divide

Secondary issues may not determine someone’s salvation, but they can have a significant impact on the practice of the local church. These beliefs influence organizational structure, ministry, and denominational affiliation.

Examples: Baptism (infants or believers only?), the role of women in ministry, the role of spiritual gifts, complementarian or egalitarian, etc.

Secondary issues don’t necessarily make or break faith, but might determine what church you attend. Which is why a Presbyterian church might look different from an Assemblies of God. While there can be strong convictions around these issues, they do not rise to “salvation level.”

Going back to the Circle of Faith - Imagine a bunch of dots within that circle. Those dots are denominations and people. They are inside the circle, on the team, but separated by Secondary issues. They will love, interact, and sometimes partner with other “dots,” but they attend separate churches.

A church can’t have leadership that is divided on secondary issues and maintain unity and harmony. Imagine a church where half the leadership believes speaking in tongues is for today (continuance), while the others believe it was an apostolic-era sign-gift (cessationism). There’s not much hope for unity there.

Tertiary: Important, But Not THAT Much

Tertiary issues are those that don’t impact salvation, core doctrine, or the church’s fundamental mission. These are the questions that can spark interesting discussion but are not worth staking a position on to the point of separation or division.

Examples include: Eschatology (end times stuff), Length of days in Creation, the Intermediate State of the Soul (our existence between death and final resurrection), etc.

Two Christians can have very different views on these issues and still have fruitful relationships and serve together in the same local church. One may hear an occasional sermon they don’t completely agree with, but it won’t have any consequential effect on life or ministry.

Adiaphora: Matters of Indifference (or Conscience)

These are fun ones. The matters where there is no clear imperative from Scripture. These are left to our own conscience. These decisions are often influenced by upbringing, personal experience, tradition, and genetic predisposition (like alcohol).

As Paul put it, “Let each be fully convinced in their own mind” (Romans 14:5) while also warning us “not to quarrel over opinions.” (Rom. 14:1)

Examples include: style of church music, coffee in the sanctuary, what we eat, alcohol, cigars, watching movies, playing video games, what we read, entertainment we consume, etc.

It is good to have opinions on these and we should obey our conscience—but we cannot impose our personal convictions on others. Ever.

So, Which Hills Should We Die On?

Now that we’ve explored the tiers, here’s a way to think of theological triage:

• Only Die on the Hill of the Essentials: We must stop going to war over non-essential matters. It is unproductive and divisive. And unbiblical. Lacking humility.

• Debate the Important: We should work out our faith with fear and trembling, working through issues. We can have thoughtful, charitable debate within the Circle of Faith. Maybe we need to rethink some of our positions as well?

• Relax about the Rest: Worship and music style, food and drink choices, media consumption, etc., are opportunities for humility. Often, they’re shaped by culture or tradition rather than Scripture. Honor your conscience. But don’t impose them on others. We are responsible and accountable for ourselves.

Too often, we elevate second, third, and fourth tier issues to those of Primary Importance. I will not argue with anyone about creation timelines or end times events. I like to jokingly say that I’m “Pro-Trib.”

Final Thoughts:

There is obviously so much more to say and unpack on this. Consider it an overview. If you have one takeaway:

Major on the Majors, Minor on the Minors. In all things, show love.