I just got home from spending a week in Germany. I attended a conference for Christian filmmakers in Europe (and other parts of the world). It was a wonderful week of business, faith and encouragement.
The fact that was most impressed on me was the varied beliefs that the groups held while still holding the common goal of using film to reach the world for Christ. I, personally, disagreed with most of the other Christians there on one view or another (European Christians tend to be much more liberal than many American Christians) but that didn't matter. We were united under something far more important than theology - we were united by our love for Christ.
I think it is important to study theology and doctrine and know exactly what you believe. It is important to be able to back up those beliefs scripturally and be able to defend them too. But just as important is the ability to put aside those theological differences for a time to fellowship with Christians of a different mind. When all is said and done God is a God of grace - a characteristic that we need to demonstrate toward each other as much as we receive it from God.
In fact, during the conference there was real sharing and love. I think that is often the case when the trappings of "religion" fall away and the common love of Christ is left among believers. It was a lovely time.
*As a side note I wanted to announce a Christian film from Germany that is available in English here in the US. Please note the English dubbing will not match the lip movements exactly since it was filmed in German. This would be a great way to support some European filmmakers. You can find the film at: https://www.visionvideo.com/detail.taf?_function=detail&a_product_id=35645&refurl=/search_by_category.taf?%5Ffunction%3Dsub%5Flist%26sub%5Fcat%3D72%26name%3DGerman
It sounds like it was a very encouraging and unifying time. Those moments are such blessings.
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