How do we navigate the differences while respecting one another’s perspectives?

After dropping my child off at school yesterday morning, I stopped by a local coffee shop. While enjoying my coffee, I noticed a man sitting outside, reading his Bible. Curious, I approached him and struck up a conversation. He shared that he attends a local Baptist church and expressed frustration about a recent change—his church had installed a woman pastor. He felt strongly that women should not be pastors, citing that the twelve apostles were all men.

Unfortunately, I had to leave before we could delve deeper into the discussion. But this encounter got me thinking about the ongoing debates within our faith communities. It’s 2024, and while some hold traditional views, others embrace more inclusive interpretations. How do we navigate these differences while respecting one another’s perspectives?