If only it were more clear...

Jeff: I wish the Bible were more clear about certain issues, such as abortion and drug use and polygamy.
Charles: Well, that’s understandable, but what do you think that would accomplish?
Jeff: It would make it a lot easier to persuade people that certain things are incompatible with Christian faith.
Charles: This is an interesting complaint. Tell me, do you think the Bible is clear that sex outside of marriage is wrong?
Jeff: Of course.
Charles: And do you think the Bible is clear that divorce is almost always wrong?
Jeff: Of course.
Charles: And do you think the Bible is clear that homosexuality is unacceptable?
Jeff: Yes! Now if only the Bible could be that clear about everything!
Charles: But, Jeff, haven’t you noticed that many people, including Christians, ignore or deny that the Bible is so clear on those subjects?
Jeff: Of course. It’s very frustrating.
Charles: And have you also begun to notice that other Christians seem to ignore other, equally obvious elements in Scripture?
Jeff: What do you mean?
Charles: Well, is the Bible clear that we are to help the poor?
Jeff: Abundantly clear.
Charles: And is it clear that we should be humble and kind in dealing with people who sin rather than angry at them?
Jeff: Sure.
Charles: And does the Bible teach us to avoid greed and violence?
Jeff: Yes. Jesus is pretty clear about all of that.
Charles: So your original complaint was that the Bible isn’t as clear as you would like on issues that people disagree with you about. But it seems that even when the Bible is abundantly clear, many Christians still seem to find a way to ignore it.
Jeff: I guess you’re right about that.
Charles: So, it doesn’t seem like the real problem here is lack of Biblical clarity after all.