Should you divide the church over jots and tittles in the Bible?

Do you want to split a church over matters as specific as "jots and tittles" (the smallest details or markings in the Hebrew text or manuscripts of the Bible)?

Jots and Tittles: What Does It Mean?

The phrase "jot and tittle" comes from the Gospel of Matthew (5:18), where Jesus says, "For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished." The "jot" refers to the smallest letter in the Hebrew alphabet (Yodh), and the "tittle" refers to a small mark or stroke that distinguishes certain Hebrew letters. It speaks to the precision and permanence of God’s Word.

 

Should Churches Split Over Small Differences?

Ultimately, the decision to split a church should be a last resort. It's important to weigh the potential benefits against the harm it may cause to the body of Christ. 

Doctrinal Integrity vs. Church Unity:

Doctrine is Important: The Bible is central to Christian faith, and disagreements over core theological issues such as the nature of God, salvation, and the authority of Scripture should not be taken lightly. However, it’s also important to distinguish between core doctrines that define Christianity and minor interpretative or textual issues. Differences over translations, textual variants, or minor points of the law (like jots and tittles) might not justify a split if they do not undermine the central message of the gospel.

Unity Is Crucial: The New Testament stresses the importance of church unity (e.g., John 17:21, Ephesians 4:3). Dividing over peripheral issues could harm the witness of the church and fracture relationships within the body of Christ. In this sense, it's important to strive for unity where possible, even when disagreements arise over less central issues.

 

Hermeneutics and the Spirit of Grace:

Differences in interpretation of Scripture are common throughout church history. While it's critical to uphold the truth of God’s Word, the way the Bible is interpreted can vary on non-essential matters. The key is whether a particular interpretation compromises the gospel message or leads people into error.

Disagreements over jots and tittles often represent deeper theological, historical, or cultural differences in how the text is approached. A thoughtful and gracious approach to these differences can preserve the peace of the church, allowing room for differing views without splitting.

 

Theological Traditions and Emphasis:

Some traditions might place a greater emphasis on the inerrancy of Scripture down to the smallest details, while others may focus more on the broader theological themes of the Bible. For example, debates around the King James Version versus modern translations can often center on perceived issues of textual integrity. However, even within the realm of textual criticism, most scholars agree that while small variations exist, they do not affect the core message of Scripture.

 

Biblical Guidance for Disputes

Romans 14:1-4: Paul encourages believers to accept those whose faith may differ on disputable matters. He teaches that Christians should not judge one another over things like eating certain foods or observing certain days but should be fully convinced in their own minds.

1 Corinthians 1:10: Paul calls for unity among believers, urging them to be of one mind and judgment. While he addresses division over various issues in the Corinthian church, he emphasizes that Christ is not divided, and unity in Him should take precedence.

Ephesians 4:1-6: The apostle Paul appeals to Christians to live in a manner worthy of their calling, "with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love," and to "make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace."

 

Conclusion

One should not split the church over "jots and tittles" in the Bible. The phrase "jot and tittle" refers to the smallest parts of the Hebrew alphabet. Jesus used this phrase to emphasize the importance of the Law, but not to justify division within the Church.

The Bible repeatedly emphasizes the importance of unity among believers. Different people can have legitimate differences of opinion on specific biblical passages. Christians are called to extend grace and forgiveness to one another, even when there are disagreements. The core message of the Gospel—salvation through faith in Jesus Christ—should always take precedence over minor doctrinal disagreements.

While it's important to hold to sound doctrine, it's equally important to avoid unnecessary division. By focusing on the essentials of the faith and practicing love and tolerance, we can maintain unity within the Church.

In summary, splitting a church over issues like jots and tittles may not be the most productive or spiritually healthy response, especially if those issues are not central to the gospel. While maintaining doctrinal integrity is essential, the Bible also calls for patience, grace, and unity in areas where differences exist. It's crucial to assess whether a particular issue truly threatens the core of Christian faith or if it is a secondary matter that should be approached with understanding and dialogue.

If a church is considering a split over such a matter, it may be worth evaluating whether the heart of the disagreement is more about theological interpretation or relational dynamics. Often, deeper underlying issues, such as a lack of grace or a desire for control, may be at the root of such divisions.