Biblical Answer

Can we find common ground in a divided community?

In a divided community, finding common ground can be challenging, but not impossible. Behind the assertion that common ground can be found lies a neutrality and common ground in order to leave room for the appropriate to science: experiment, observation, measurement, theory, and so on. This means that there is no reason to suppose on principle that a person can belong to only one community. Most of us belong to more than one community, and we can find common ground with others by serving the poor, going to Bible study and fellowship groups, or attending worship together. By doing so, we can come into each other's worlds and find common loves.

However, in a community divided by truth, it is better to be divided by truth than to be united by error. This is a principle that must be lovingly but firmly maintained in evangelical Christianity. While it may be tempting to hide under the banner of unity, the Bible teaches that unity in Christ is more important than unity with those who do not share our faith. As Jesus said, "Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation, and every city or house divided against itself will not stand" (Matthew 12:25). Prayer can even bring unity, even if we are not praying together.

In a divided community, we can find common ground by appealing to shared concepts or premises, a shared method of arguing, or shared experiences. However, this should not be done at the expense of the gospel. We should not compromise the truth of God in order to find common ground with others. Instead, we should be faithful to the gospel and allow it to provoke division, even if it means being different from others. When we do this, we can be confident that our community will be united in Christ, even if we are divided from others. As the Bible says, "For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them" (Matthew 18:20).