I’ve been taking another look at the “slippery slope” argument that some of us use to defend our conservative values and beliefs.
As I understand it, the point of “the slippery slope” is similar to the idea that “if you give some people an inch, they will take a mile.” In both cases, being careless or naive can result in ending up somewhere we didn’t want to go.
Admittedly, where “slippery slopes” exist, they deserve to be taken seriously. The picture above is of an ominous looking Hoover Dam overflow drain. At least, by appearance, it illustrates real physical danger. On the left, a steep slope in Jerusalem’s Valley of Gehenna, an ancient city dump used as an image of “hell” in the New Testament. It represents the greatest of all spiritual dangers.
But here’s what I’ve been wondering. Is a “slippery slope” warning appropriate for matters that may be more about conserving traditional views of “assumption” and “perspective” than they are about protecting the most important truths and principles of the Bible?
My guess is that many of us have heard the “slippery slope” argument used over the years for issues that include but are not limited to departing from the King James Version of the Bible; drinking alcohol even in moderation; allowing divorce in instances of abuse; admitting that the days of creation in Genesis may not have been 7 literal 24 hour days; entering into honest conversation with those with whom we have doctrinal disagreements; or allowing women into positions of church leadership, teaching etc.
Tel Aviv Stairway
Admittedly, the mention of any one of these issues could be a source of argument or conflict among us. But that’s exactly the point. Issues for which the “slippery slope” argument are used are typically not clear and foundational issues of biblical faith.
Instead, in matters of far less importance, the “slippery slope” warning is used to suggest that– somewhere– prior to what the Bible clearly and necessarily means– our spiritual conclusions and destinies are determined.
So, here’s what I’m thinking. If, after carefully listening to both sides of an issue, we are convinced that the matter at hand involves a clear and necessary implication of Scripture, then we do need to honor the truthful and loving principle of that Scripture. But, if we find that there really is room for disagreement, it’s hard for me to believe that the only thing we are left with is a slippery slope into the pit of heresy.
I’m convinced that whenever we are faced with “possible” rather than “necessary” implications of the Bible, there are always– for the slope on which we must walk– “safety rails”, “fences,” or “level” places for anyone who wants to stop sliding.
The Scriptures are full of hand rails that, for example, enable those who aren’t sure that the picture of Genesis is 7 literal 24 hour days– to still grasp other clearer historical claims of the Bible. For those who can’t find clear prohibitions of alcohol, there are plenty of warnings about drunkenness. For those who believe that marital abuse can be equal to the worst kind of unfaithfulness, the Scriptures continue to uphold God’s ideal of marital faithfulness for promise-keeping husbands and wives. etc.
I remember a day when some thought not dressing up for church amounted to a slippery slope that would end up with a complete lack of respect and reverence for God. But all the while… for certain– and without question–our Bibles were warning us more about “dressing to look good” while concealing hearts that were actually hiding from God.
Seems to me that we need to look for those times when “slippery slope” warnings are often more about “control” and “intimidation” than about taking called for risks of real faith, truth, and love…
That’s my take. Would like to hear yours.
PS Because I can see from some of the following comments that I didn’t make my point clear, here is a sentence summary: Those truths that the Bible emphasizes, clarifies, illustrates, and teaches by repetition are safety rails for walking through the slippery places of the issues we tend to disagree about.
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