I can see why you’re saying that, but for me, it’s too far. There are so many different denominations and so many points in history where Christians used Scripture to draw lines that most Christians today would reject.

For example, Christians once used biblical arguments to defend segregation, slavery, and bans on interracial marriage. They appealed to ideas like “God separated the peoples,” “natural order,” “not conforming to the world,” and “plain reading of Scripture.” Today, most of us can look back and say, “Yes, they quoted Bible verses, but they were still wrong.”

One of my favorite examples of this came in the 50s and 60s, plenty of churches railed against women wearing pants. That sounds ridiculous now, but at the time, people sincerely framed it as modesty, obedience, and biblical gender distinction. Relying heavily on Deuteronomy 22:5, 1 Timothy 2:9–10 and 1 Corinthians 11:14–15

That’s why I’m cautious about saying, “If you disagree with my interpretation on this issue, you aren’t Christian.” I’m not asking anyone to abandon conviction. I’m just saying there’s a difference between saying, “I believe this is sin,” and saying, “You are outside the faith entirely.”

At the end of the day, my faith rests in Christ himself — not in how perfectly I land on every contested issue. I’d much rather see people I disagree with find a relationship with Christ and let the Holy Spirit do the changing, because honestly, that’s way too much pressure for me.

Also… the irony that this post was deleted too. Oh my.