Each one should be fully convinced (of my position) in his own mind
My friend Eric at “A Pilgrim’s Progress” has started a new series on Romans chapter 14. So far, he’s written the first post (“The Issue“) in what he has promised as a four part series. The parts in the series will be 1) the issue, 2) the context, 3) what Paul says and doesn’t say, and 4) the application.
In describing “the issue” related to Romans 14 (and I’ve suggested that he looks at Romans 14:1-15:13), Eric writes:
Two issues we must deal with related to Romans 14 are how to correctly understand it and how to accurately apply it. Specifically as it relates to church practices, I’ve heard Romans 14 used again and again to support various traditions, programs, activities, etc. that have little to no scriptural support. The argument goes something like this, “I’m convinced in my mind that what we are doing (whatever it is) honors God. Romans 14 tells others not to judge us. Therefore, we are going to continue to do it.” Romans 14 is often used as a sort of “trump card” to end discussions about church issues. When some Christians are unable to provide biblical evidence for why they do what they do, they pull out Romans 14 to both win and end the discussion.
I think this definitely an issue related to this passage and other related passages such as 1 Corinthians 8-10. Just how far do we go in allowing that “Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind”?
I also enjoyed that Eric left this first post open. I’ve already left a few comments interacting with Eric, and perhaps you would want to also.
So, I’m looking forward to Eric’s series.