In a bold demonstration of unity, two prominent Christian pastors, Greg Locke and Dean Odle, have come together to reconcile their differences following a contentious debate on the topic of the Earth’s shape. The debate, which took place on Dec. 2, 2023, at Global Vision Bible Church in Mount Juliet, Tennessee, saw Pastor Locke and Pastor Odle passionately arguing for their respective views on the matter.
Pastor Locke, who believes in a spherical Earth, and Pastor Odle, a proponent of the flat-Earth theory, engaged in a heated discussion that ultimately ended with an abrupt halt, police intervention and a shattered sense of unity. However, both pastors have since recognized the importance of putting their differences aside. Speaking at his church on Sunday, Dec. 17, Pastor Locke explained that he had reached out to Odle to address the debate.
“We’re as guilty as anyone else, we’ve fought stupid battles. We fought one a couple weeks ago,” Locke shared referring to the Shape of the Earth debate that took place.
Locke shared that the two had been in communication and that forgiveness had been granted by both sides, with Locke revealing he had apologized for “getting a little hot under the collar.”
Odle confirmed that the two had discussed the events on a recent podcast, but said he hasn’t addressed it publicly at church yet due to illness.
It is of utmost importance for Christians to live peaceably with one another and with others, even when they disagree. This is a core principle taught in the Bible, as seen in Romans 12:18, which states, “If it is possible, as much as it depends on you, live peaceably with all men.”
The Bible emphasizes unity and love, as seen in 1 Corinthians 1:10, where it says, “Now I ask you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak in agreement and that there be no divisions among you. But be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.” This unity allows Christians to work together in harmony, despite their differences, and is something for which all who declare Jesus as Lord must strive.
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James Lasher is Staff Writer for Charisma Media.
