"In essentials, unity; in non-essentials, liberty; in all things, charity."
Non-Essentials of the Faith (Areas of Legitimate Disagreement)
These are doctrines or practices where Scripture gives room for interpretation, or where no direct bearing on salvation is at stake. Here’s a list of commonly agreed-upon non-essentials:
These are doctrines or practices where Scripture gives room for interpretation, or where no direct bearing on salvation is at stake. Here’s a list of commonly agreed-upon non-essentials:
- Mode and Timing of Baptism
Views: Infant baptism (paedobaptism) vs. believer’s baptism (credobaptism); sprinkling vs. immersion.
Why Non-Essential: All agree that baptism is commanded; the debate is over how and when.
- Form of Church Government (Polity)
Views: Episcopal (bishop-led), Presbyterian (elder-led), Congregational (local autonomy).
Why Non-Essential: Church governance does not determine salvation.
- End-Times Views (Eschatology)
Views: Premillennialism, Amillennialism, Postmillennialism; Pre-/Mid-/Post-Tribulation rapture.
Why Non-Essential: All agree Jesus is returning — the timing and order is debated.
- Spiritual Gifts and Continuationism
Views: Cessationism (some gifts have ceased) vs. Continuationism (all gifts continue).
Why Non-Essential: Salvation doesn't depend on belief or practice of spiritual gifts.
- The Lord’s Supper (Eucharist)
Views: Transubstantiation, Consubstantiation, Spiritual Presence, Memorial View.
Why Non-Essential: All affirm Christ instituted it; the nature of His presence is disputed.
- Predestination vs. Free Will
Views: Calvinism, Arminianism, Molinism, Open Theism (in various degrees).
Why Non-Essential: All believe salvation is by grace through faith — the mechanism of how God draws people is debated.
- Creation Views
Views: Young Earth Creationism, Old Earth Creationism, Theistic Evolution.
Why Non-Essential: All affirm God as Creator; the how and when are secondary.
- Worship Style and Liturgy
Views: Traditional, contemporary, liturgical, charismatic, silent.
Why Non-Essential: Scripture commands worship, but not style.
- Dress, Food, and Cultural Practices
Views: Vary widely across cultures and denominations (e.g., head coverings, dietary laws).
Why Non-Essential: Paul teaches liberty in such matters (Romans 14; 1 Corinthians 8).
Key Principle from Scripture
Romans 14:1, 5 "Accept the one whose faith is weak, without quarreling over disputable matters... One person considers one day more sacred than another; another considers every day alike. Each of them should be fully convinced in their own mind."
"Chew the meat, spit out the bones." This phrase captures an important principle for true believers in Christ: while we are united in the essentials of the Christian faith, we can lovingly agree to disagree on the non-essentials. Unity in core doctrines is vital, but diversity in secondary matters is permissible, as long as it is handled with mutual respect and love.
God, in His wisdom, has allowed certain aspects of Scripture to remain open to interpretation—not to divide us, but to inspire deeper engagement with His Word. When believers approach these non-essential topics from different perspectives, they are often driven to search the Scriptures more diligently to understand and defend their views. This process of study and dialogue serves to strengthen their spiritual walk and deepen their relationship with God.
The most effective way to approach these non-essential matters is to examine what the early church believed and taught. By grounding our understanding in the traditions and practices of the early Christian community, we are more likely to arrive at well-founded conclusions.
For example, if both the Bible and the early church affirm the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist aka Communion, then I choose to humbly submit to that teaching. This is because, first and foremost, I aim to be an honest and faithful student of Scripture. Furthermore, I strive to lay aside personal preferences or biases so they do not obstruct my journey toward the fullness of truth.
In summary, essential doctrines are those that form the foundation of Christian faith and are not open to compromise. Non-essentials, on the other hand, are matters where sincere believers may hold differing views, yet still remain united in Christ. The key is to maintain love and humility in our differences, always seeking truth with a spirit of grace and unity.
Let us hold fast to the essentials without compromise, discuss the non-essentials with grace, and love one another above all else — for love is the bond of perfection (Colossians 3:14).
"In essentials, unity; in non-essentials, liberty; in all things, charity."
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