Augustine's Rule

Augustine’s Rule
Tim Haile

In an effort to be brief and concise, some people make statements that actually misrepresent the Scriptures. Vital truths cannot always be boiled down to mere sound bites. Other statements are so brief that they raise more questions than they answer. Some statements, however, though very concise, do accurately summarize great Bible principles. One such statement is the one that was made long ago by a reformer named Augustine. He said, “In doubtful questions, liberty; in essentials, unity; in all things, charity.” This has been quoted by religious people of all types and persuasions, but it appears to be more quoted than applied. Let us consider each part of the statement:

“Doubtful Questions = Liberty” - When God speaks on a subject, we must believe (and do) what He says. However, God has not spoken to all practices. For example, Romans 14:2 tells us that some people are comfortable eating “all things” (meat and vegetables), while others are vegetarians. Since God receives both classes of eaters, and has not legislated in the matter of food types, we are to practice LIBERTY in this area. Romans 14:5 addresses the practice of esteeming one day as being more important than another day. Again, this is not an issue that concerns God, so we should not be concerned either. We should allow others to act in keeping with their own consciences, and should not BIND our views on them.

“Essentials = Unity” - As I mentioned above, God has spoken on some things. And when God speaks, we must accept His instructions and we must behave and act as He decrees. This goes for ALL humans, for all (accountable) humans will be judged by the standard of God’s word (John 12:48; 2 Cor. 5:10). We are to “speak and act as those who will be judged by the law of liberty” (James 4:12). In this category of revealed things, we are able to all “speak the same thing,” and “be of the same mind and judgment,” for God has spoken (1 Cor. 1:10). UNITY is accomplished between those who mutually accept and apply God’s law. Jesus said that unity can be had between all those who believe on Him “through their (the apostles’) word” (John 17:20,21). Thus, the teaching contained in the Bible is our standard of unity.

“All Things = Love” - Whether we are operating in the realm of things about which God has spoken, or about which He has not spoken, we are to remember the rule of charity. That is, we are to exhibit a disposition of LOVE in our dealings with, and treatment of others. Genuine love puts God first and others second (Matthew 22:37-40). It does not “rejoice in iniquity, but in truth” (1 Cor. 13:6). Incidentally, genuine love is willing to rebuke those who practice sin (Rev. 3:19). “Scorners” and “fools” will hate you for rebuking them, but wise men will love you for it (Prov. 9:8; 12:1). People can become unified only to the extent that they are willing to conform their lives to God’s word, and God uses humans to teach that word. Let each one of us learn to appreciate those who warn, teach and rebuke us.

Please join us for worship and Bible study at our building located at 125 Hilltopper Ave, Bowling Green, KY 42101. We meet each Sunday at 10:00AM and 6:00PM for worship, and Sundays at 9:00AM and Wednesdays at 7:00PM for Bible study. Our radio program is aired each Sunday morning at 8:00AM on the WKCT 930AM band. Phone: (270) 842-2049 – Email: parkwaychurch@yahoo.com or timhaile@mac.com.

Tim Haile, for the Parkway Church of Christ