Discovering Diversity and Learning Tolerance

The Bible preserves contradictory conceptions of great depth and uniqueness on such fundamental issues as humanity's place in the universe, the origin and meaning of evil, the purpose of reward and punishment, the role of free will and predestination in human affairs, the nature of the covenant, the character of worship, the function of the sanctuary, and the role of the political leader in Israel's redemptive future. We shouldn't gloss over these disagreements to create fake harmony and oneness. Rather we should enjoy the richness and complexity of the divine symphony that these different viewpoints and voices create in the Bible.