It should not be a surprise that these new methods are just re-branded attempts at theological dialogue that have been taking place for centuries. More than 25 years ago, Tony Baker wrote about evangelical approaches to theological dialogue. And his article still has great relevance today, on the eve of the ‘facilitated conversations’ on the Pilling Report.
As well as highlighting a number of dangers we face in these situations, Baker helpfully lays down six principles for engagement:
1. We must constantly face the whole church with the truth and claims of Scripture;
2. We must therefore recognize that the inspiration and authority of Scripture remains the key issue in debate;
3. We must be teachable and repentant ourselves;
4. We must be more ready to argue confessionally;
5. We must realize that the truth of God is not negotiable;
6. We must realize our great responsibility to demonstrate to the whole church what true unity under the Word, in the Gospel and by the Spirit is all about.
Baker leaves us with a question to ponder:
Are we thoroughly convinced that finally, whatever we seek to do in the Lord’s strength in all the areas that we have been discussing, only a thoroughly supernatural reformation and revival can really sort out the Church of England, the churches in Britain, and our nation itself? And are we praying for it?
Baker, Tony, Evangelical Approaches to Theological Dialogue, Churchman 102/1 (1988): 44–53.