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I’ve been writing about indifference, a concept developed by Ignatius of Loyola, founder of the Jesuits. He defined indifference as being detached enough from things, people, or experiences to be able either to take them up or to leave them aside, depending on whether they help us to “to praise, reverence, and serve God” (Spiritual Exercises 23).

A friend of mine works for a Christian organization and finds himself at odds with some of their theological perspectives. That would be OK except he insists on challenging them on their beliefs that are different from his. 

I would argue that he would do well to practice indifference. John Wesley apparently did not originate this quote, but he certainly advocated it:

“In essentials, unity; in non-essentials, liberty; and in all things, charity.”

Indifference would help us practice this, would it not? I don’t have to be right! And I certainly don’t have to convince my brother that I’m right and he’s wrong. I don’t have to escalate every difference to the point that it’s life or death if I don’t correct the other person.

I’m enjoying meeting with a young pastor who is in a small denomination that in their Sunday services sings only from the Psalter a cappella. I’m a church pianist! And I love many styles of Christian music. But why would I ruin our relationship by trying to argue him into a broader view of church music? I am indifferent to how his church does music. And I think he is indifferent to my church’s musical preferences. It makes the rest of our interactions possible.  

Welcome with open arms fellow believers who don’t see things the way you do. And don’t jump all over them every time they do or say something you don’t agree with…So tend to your knitting. You’ve got your hands full just taking care of your own life before God. Forget about deciding what’s right for each other. (Romans 14.1, 12, 13, MSG)