What are considered disputable matters?

Definition of Disputable Matters

Disputable matters are issues on which Scripture does not provide a direct or absolute command for believers, and over which faithful individuals may hold differing opinions while remaining committed to core, nonnegotiable doctrines. These matters do not undermine the essential truths of salvation, such as the deity of Christ (John 1:1), the resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:3–4), or the nature of God as the Creator (Genesis 1:1). Instead, they are subjects of conversation where Scripture grants liberty and room for discernment.

Scriptural Context

Romans 14 serves as one of the central passages addressing disputable matters. Paul writes, “Accept him whose faith is weak, without passing judgment on his opinions” (Romans 14:1). He recognizes that differences in practice—particularly regarding food or sacred days—should not become grounds for dividing believers who share unity in Christ.

Additionally, 1 Corinthians 8 addresses a similar theme when dealing with food sacrificed to idols. The overarching principle is that believers should not violate conscience and must also avoid causing others to stumble: “Be careful, however, that your freedom does not become a stumbling block to the weak” (1 Corinthians 8:9).

Examples of Disputable Matters in Scripture

1. Dietary Practices: Some believers in the early church abstained from certain foods (Romans 14:2), while others felt free to eat any food prepared in a manner acceptable to God.

2. Observance of Days: The choice to observe specific holy days or treat all days alike is cited by Paul in Romans 14:5–6 as a matter of personal conviction.

3. Eating Food Sacrificed to Idols: In 1 Corinthians 8, Paul advises love and consideration for others in deciding whether to partake, reflecting that the conscience of each believer and the impact on others are foremost concerns.

4. Cultural Expressions of Worship: The style of worship, including music or local customs, can be seen as disputable when no explicit directive in Scripture requires a particular approach.

Principles for Addressing Disputable Matters

1. Love and Unity: Prioritize the unity of the body of Christ (Ephesians 4:3) and exercise love above personal preference.

2. Personal Conviction under the Lordship of Christ: “Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind” (Romans 14:5). Believers must carefully form their convictions in prayer and fellowship, holding fast to conscience.

3. Edification over Argumentation: Invite constructive dialogue rather than division (Romans 14:19). Disputable matters provide opportunities to practice humility and patience.

4. Avoid Causing Others to Stumble: Our liberty should not become someone else’s burden (Romans 14:13). Love restrains personal freedom if it injures the faith of a fellow believer.

Historical and Theological Perspectives

Early Christian writings, such as those by Justin Martyr (2nd century), reveal that some believers abstained from certain foods due to Jewish dietary customs, while Gentile converts did not. This confirms that what constitutes a “disputable matter” is influenced by cultural context, though the unifying gospel message remains unchanged.

Church councils throughout history (such as the Council of Jerusalem in Acts 15) also navigated contentious points over Gentile and Jewish observances. Even then, the core teaching—salvation through Christ—remained paramount, with surrounding practical issues treated charitably and contextually.

Archaeological and Manuscript Evidence

Biblical manuscripts—including papyri like P46 (dating to around the second century) which contains much of Paul’s writings—demonstrate consistency in the message found in passages like Romans 14. Despite diverse manuscript families discovered across regions, these instructions on Christian liberty remain intact.

Archaeological findings about first-century dining practices confirm how believers in different cultural settings might have diverged on whether to eat food sold in meat markets connected to idol temples. Even in the Dead Sea Scrolls (predominantly reflecting Jewish practices before the birth of the church), we find a strong emphasis on dietary law within a Jewish framework. This sets context for understanding why some early Christians struggled over food issues, whereas others experienced freedom in Christ.

Practical Applications

1. Christian Fellowship: In modern congregations, matters such as attire, music style, or cultural traditions fit the category of disputable issues when there is no direct biblical mandate. Mutual respect and a focus on essential doctrines preserve unity.

2. Conscience and Service: Believers should examine their motives. If an action is purely for self-indulgence or flaunts freedom to the spiritual detriment of others, it may no longer be ‘disputable,’ but a stumbling block.

3. Ongoing Dialogue: A willingness to discuss openly ensures that believers remain sensitive to one another’s convictions. This does not dilute truth; rather, it safeguards fellowship around the unifying gospel message.

Conclusion

Disputable matters occupy a unique space where Scripture grants genuine liberty for believers. These matters must not eclipse essential doctrines concerning Christ’s life, death, and resurrection, nor undermine the core truths about God’s nature as Creator. Instead, they provide opportunities for believers to practice grace, build unity, and strengthen fellowship.

Romans 14:17 encapsulates the broader principle: “For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.” In these words, the emphasis remains on what truly unites those who place their faith in Christ.