With the advent of postmodernism and its wide embrace in our culture, there was a backlash against it by Christians. Postmodernism brought the ultimate death in the notion of any concept of absolute truth and, therefore, God. As is often the case, when the culture swings one way, the Church swings hard to the opposite.
One of the results of this is the conversation about whether there is such a thing as black or white when it comes to things like theology, morality, and sin. I was recently involved in such a conversation myself. Inevitably the conversation came down to these questions question:
Is there such a thing as black and white? Is there such a thing as absolute truth?
Perhaps you have struggled with these questions yourself. In fact, if you haven’t the question should then be, “What rock have you been hiding under?!?!” Now, whenever you involve Christians in these conversations, you’re sure to get an answer and it is predictable 9 times out of 10.
“Yes.”
I agree. I won’t go into all the reasons of why I agree since that’s not my point with this post, but I agree. Chances are if you are Christian then you probably agree too; at least, that’s my experience. But the problem is not in the belief in an absolute, but in one’s confidence that their particular system of beliefs is absolutely true.
Do you see why that’s a problem yet? If not, you soon will.
We Christians have this interest in partnering with God in what he is doing; namely, bringing heaven to earth. This happens both personally, as individuals come into a saving relationship with Christ, and somewhat impersonally, as systems and practices are reformed to be more just, more true, and altogether more Christ-like – and thus good. The two are intimately connected, but it is important to note that in order for the latter to be accomplished, the former must first be in place. All of that to say, Christians have a vested interest in helping others into this saving relationship with Christ. Sometimes we call this “getting saved.”
Among other things, getting saved often involves teaching potential saved folk about God – theology, doctrine, etc. In short, we tell them the right things to believe. In fact, most Christians put so much weight on this matter that disagreement on a given doctrine or belief is typically enough to be deemed heresy or have your faith called into question.
This, I submit to you, is endlessly troubling. And it is built on the assumption that everything is either black or white.
Now, for our purposes, I want to submit that most of us actually will acknowledge that there are some gray areas. For example, Paul talks about how what may be convicting for you is not convicting for everyone else. Paul was speaking about specific cultural things, but the same applies to us today. For a former alcoholic, having a beer with dinner may be sin. But for many others, it is simply another drink, even given its alcoholic content (the Bible is clear that drunkenness is sin, but that is a slightly separate issue). As such, we call this gray area, it is open to interpretation and individual conviction. Such is the case for many other activities as well: certain forms of media, music, movies; modern medicine; political stances; etc.
But eventually we all come down to a set of foundations. There are some issues, we believe, that are black and white and some doctrines that must be believed by every Christian; otherwise, they are not a Christian. These, we would say, are absolute truths.
I want to affirm this notion, it would certainly make most things easier, but it is problematic for several reasons.
First, even if we agree that there are non-negotiables, there is not consensus on what these foundational beliefs should be.
One person or group of people will say that in order to be a Christian, you need to affirm a, b, and c. However, another group of people would add on top of that x, y, and z. Still others include l, m, and n. In other words, depending on who you ask, you will get a different combination of non-negotiables. So where does that land us? Square one. We know that some are in and some are out, but we are not any closer to figuring out who falls where except to measure everyone according to our own foundational beliefs and if they disagree…well, they’re out.
Second, the matter is further complicated by one oft-overlooked fact: even if we agree that there such a thing as absolute truth (in my mind, there must be), none of us have absolute knowledge to know this absolute truth.
For all we know, we are right on some things, close on others, and way off on others. This should not cause us to throw our hands in the air and acknowledge our defeat, but it should cause us to believe and judge with humility. You and I are not God. And that’s good news, indeed.
Third, for better or worse, we are human our knowledge is limited and circumstantial.
By that I mean we are each only able to understand what our background, education, experiences, etc. allow us to understand. We often make the mistake of assuming that everyone thinks, and is able to understand, like us. But this ignores a great number of issues, not least of which are mental illnesses, physical deformities, tragic experiences, psychological disorders, etc. But even without those issues in place, we can only be accountable for our best. That is to say, all that we can expect from ourselves (and all God can expect from us) is to make the best possible decision given the information we have. And this is highly subjective as it is a matter of conscience. I assume you would be uncomfortable being told to believe that Jesus had a wife named Maria and they had two kids together, Quantavius and Lucy, when, given an examination of the evidence, you find this conclusion to be unconvincing. You have to make that decision. And so do I. But we need to acknowledge that our differences as human beings means that we will come to different conclusions on what is true and what is not.
Now, I’m sure at this point, you think I have degraded into the depths of postmodernism and believe that there is no truth (or at least no knowledge of the truth) and thus everyone is as good and equal as the next person. That is not the case. I do believe in Truth and I think that my beliefs are the closest to that truth – otherwise, I would change my beliefs.
To some, this may actually seem like bad news, but its not. Its good news.
It always has been because it means that our salvation is accomplished by Christ alone by the grace of God and not by our doctrines. All we need is to surrender and accept that grace. Sometimes, that will mean changing a belief when he tells us to (this, by the way, is one of the roles of the Holy Spirit – interesting that we’ve assumed this role ourselves). Sometimes, it means that we need to recognize our own ability to believe what is most convenient despite the fact that we are actually convinced otherwise. And, at times, it means we live without knowing what to believe on a particular issue.
Most of all, it means that we can stop playing God and rest in the realization that we need his grace as much as the next person, good theology or not, and that at the end of the day, we can trust Him to be just – both to us and to others.
Filed under: Uncategorized Tagged: | Belief, God, Gospel, Jesus, Salvation, Theology
i think it is black and white… that’s why God has set up different “levels” of paradise – so that those that could not live in total white – but only in gray areas – if you will – will inherit a lower salvation… but that’s just what i believe.
Thanks Melissa. You will have to forgive me, but not being Mormon I don’t quite know about the “levels of paradise” that you referred to. Also what, precisely, do you think is black and white? Everything or just certain activities and doctrines?
I think everything is black and white – all activities and all doctrines… it’s up to us to figure out what is white and live toward that end. But you are right that God is just and merciful. I believe that because he is just and merciful He will not allow those saints to live with sinners in the hereafter because we just wouldn’t be comfortable with each other – that’s why there are “levels”
I mean really – isn’t it awesome that everyone will inherit eternal life no matter what?! it’s so cool – but I don’t think I will be living with the same guy for eternity that hurt little kids in a bad way… that’s why i say there are “levels”.
In Mormon doctrine there is a difference between eternal life and exhaltaion. To be exhalted and live on the right hand of God… one must live in the white! or at least really really try and then we must let his Grace be sufficient for us.
Hmmm…well I guess there is not much in common between the Mormon view of heaven and traditional Christian views. Traditional Christianity doesn’t believe in levels in heaven and also doesn’t believe that all will be “saved.” I don’t think I have much to say about Mormon heaven. Sorry!
I guess Mormon doctrine does believe that not all will be saved. There are a few souls that will inherit “outer darkness” – but i’m thinking not many… i think most souls will get a pretty good afterlife.
“In fact, most Christians put so much weight on this matter that disagreement on a given doctrine or belief is typically enough to be deemed heresy or have your faith called into question. This, I submit to you, is endlessly troubling.”
I’ve found this to be troubling as well. The church nowadays, at least in my experience, stresses the ‘absolute truth’ aspect of every doctrine it preaches. There is very little leniency in deviation from this ‘truth.’ I think that the opposite should be encouraged. Jesus stressed the importance of a relationship with God, indeed, His death is the bridge that allows this relationship. Then, isn’t individual experience and personal acquisition of knowledge immensely more valuable to the Christian? Discussion of unconventional ideas leads to the validation of beliefs and gives credibility to conviction. Intolerance of ‘unconventional’ Christians is disrespectful and damaging to who Jesus was.
“As such, we call this gray area, it is open to interpretation and individual conviction. Such is the case for many other activities as well: certain forms of media, music, movies; modern medicine; political stances; etc. But eventually we all come down to a set of foundations. There are some issues, we believe, that are black and white and some doctrines that must be believed by every Christian; otherwise, they are not a Christian. These, we would say, are absolute truths.”
This is an idea that many Christians fail to acknowledge. There are base beliefs that make you a Christian: belief in God, belief in Christ as the Son of God who saves us in our state of depravity, etc… But these beliefs do not necessarily determine other aspects of life, those which you’ve termed ‘gray areas.’ Many political stances, to identify one specific gray area, depend solely on individual interpretation of Jesus life and words. Politics have evolved immeasurably from those systems that were in place in biblical times. As such, politics is now concerned with many and different issues that the Bible gives no clear direction toward.
“Third, for better or worse, we are human and our knowledge is limited and circumstantial . . . But we need to acknowledge that our differences as human beings means that we will come to different conclusions on what is true and what is not.”
This again addresses my point of individual experience. Each person experiences God in their own way, whether those persons acknowledge God or not. Many things that many Christians consider to be truth, I do not. Many things that I consider to be truth, many Christians do not. But both those ‘many Christians’ and myself believe ourselves to be ‘right.’ Here is where many use the tenets of postmodernism as a cop out – if there can be no consensus on what is truth, then there can be no absolute truth. I find this line of thinking faulty. We are human beings, “our knowledge limited and circumstantial.” Atheists and other people of disbelief should not take our convictions as truth. Rather, they should seek God in their own way. If God is as big as we think He is, then He will surely show Himself to those who truly seek Him.
Good thoughts, Evan! I think we’ll be amazed at how graceful God really is. Most of us assume God gives grace to those who believe correctly, but I think his grace covers even our faulty beliefs.
In I think 14 or 15 of The Apostle Paul’s Epistles, He and others Stress the importance of making absolutely sure we take care to beware of “false doctrine” and to beware of “false teachers in the last days”. If you believe the Word of God truly was written under the Inspiration of the Holy Spirit, then you MUST accept it as absolute truth that Believing “Right” doctrine is very important to God or He would not have put such emphasis on tell us to beware of the doctrine we believe.
There are many erroneous statements which reveal your belief system.
It is not now nor has it ever been okay to form OUR own opinion as to what the Scriptures teach…But we are to believe exactly what God in His Word say’s whether we like it or not…We can not assume God’s Grace will somehow over look someone who chooses to believe a doctrine that God Himself calls false. Yes, God sees and judges the thoughts and intents of the heart. True. However, He is also a righteous Judge and a thrice Holy God and He WILL judge us according to what we choose to believe. So does Doctrine Matter? Absolutely YES…the Bible is filled with warnings concerning Doctrine.
The Apostle Paul said the if He or even an angel from Heaven preach ANY OTHER JESUS other than what he has preached, and what we have learned from him, “Let him be accursed”. Jude, Jesus’ half brother warns us to EARNESTLY contend for THE FAITH that was once delivered to the Saints”….why would we receive this warning if it didn’t matter which DOCTRINE we believed.?
I encourage anyone who claims the title of Christian to make sure that the Doctrines of the Apostles and Jesus Himself are the ONLY doctrines they adhere to and profess…GOD’ S Grace covers many things but Believing a FALSE DOCTRINE is not one of them. Or He would never have put so many warnings in His Word.
Jesse, your statement…”I THINK HIS (GOD’S) GRACE COVERS EVEN OUR FAULTY BELIEFS” is a very dangerous “opinion” because it IS just an opinion and has no Biblical foundation to back it up.
You expound on many things here and most appear to be sound, however, God calls those who choose to believe “Doctrine” contrary to God’s Word as being fasle or “Believing a LIE”. Otherwise God would never have put so many warnings telling us to be careful WHAT we belive and who we believe.
I can tell you have a genuine love for the Lord. I would, out of Love, caution against relating personal OPINIONS..
The Holy Spirit, through Peter tells us that All Scriptures are given by inspiration….NOT of private interpretation, not by the Will of man, but by the Holy Spirit as those men were given utterance.
The Importance of Doctrine and The True Biblical Concept of Love
by Tim Hicks on Sunday, February 27, 2011 at 6:25am
Let me begin by saying I can not take credit in any way for this study, but felt it so important, I had to repost it here for all the world to see.
Tim Hicks
Below, in BOLD type, is the modern seeker friendly churches view..
Followed by the TRUTH of God’s Word on the subject of “Is Doctrine Important to God.
As believers we are often guilty of quibbling over foolish questions and arguments which can only engender strife rather than godly edifying which is by faith (see 1 Timothy 1:4; 6:3-4; 2 Timothy 2:23; Titus 3:9; Philippians 2:14). Our desire should always be to build up and edify our fellow believers in the Lord (1 Corinthians 14:26; 8:1; etc.).
On the other hand, Modern “seeker friendly” churches seem to imply the following attitude: “It doesn’t matter so much what you believe as long as you ‘love’ one another.” The following quotation is taken from the same issue (Worldwide Impact, a Campus Crusade for Christ publication, May 1972)
We are to put aside the peripheral issues (that is, doctrinal issues) that divide us …. Men are reminded that the real issue is Jesus Christ, and that we are to love one another even if we do not agree theologically or philosophically (or doctrinally). I encourage you to apply this principle of LOVE and acceptance with all of your Christian friends, and help make Christ the real issue [emphasis and parentheses are mine].
This philosophy could perhaps be restated as follows: “It is sinful to divide the body of Christ on earth by separating ourselves from any Christian over any doctrinal or ecclesiastical issue. The mark of true orthodoxy is love, not doctrine. Therefore, if we truly love one another, we will not allow doctrines or ordinances to divide us…To win the world for Christ, we must bury our differences and proclaim the essential core of the gospel in a positive way.”
Really?
Are we sure about that?
All the above statements sound good and may even invoke a warm and fuzzy feeling BUT….
Let us now test this philosophy by the Word of God (see 1 Thess. 5:21): This study MUST be done with your Bible open to the following scriptures. Very Important.
1.
What place did the Lord give to teaching (doctrine) in the Great Commission as given in Matthew 28:19-20? What exactly was to be the content of their teaching? Were they to be teaching only “essential” doctrines?
2.
Why was the early church unified and healthy (Acts 2:42)? Did they consider doctrine important? Remember, we must never have unity at the expense of truth.
3.
Did the Apostle Paul carry on a ministry of total indoctrination (Acts 20:26-31) or did he seek to avoid “offensive” doctrines?
4.
Consider this statement: “We are to put aside the PERIPHERAL ISSUES that divide us.” Does the Bible contain any peripheral issues? Are there any nonessential doctrines in God’s Word? Is there any part of God’s Word that should not be boldly proclaimed (Acts 20:27)? We are to conform our lives to how much of God’s Word (Matthew 4:4)? Do we have the right to judge which parts of the Bible are important and which parts are not? According to 2 Timothy 3:16-17 how much of God’s Word is important and profitable for the believer?
5.
The Thessalonian believers were confused concerning the removal (rapture) of the church and the coming day of wrath—see 1 Thess. 4:13; 5:1-2; 2 Thess. 2:1-5. If these are not important matters, then why did the Lord direct Paul to write these letters? If these are merely “peripheral issues,” then why did Paul take the time to teach the Thessalonian believers concerning these doctrines (see 2 Thess. 2:3-5 and note especially verse 5)? What was Paul’s desire for these believers? Did he want them to be ignorant concerning these matters (see 1 Thess. 4:13)?
6.
Was the Lord Jesus tolerant towards the Sadducees who differed from Him doctrinally concerning the resurrection (see Matt. 22:23-33 and note verse 29)? What was it that astonished the multitude (Matt. 22:33; cf. Matt. 7:28-29)?
7.
What is the characteristic of a true disciple (John 8:31-32)? When believers harmonize together according to truth, what effect will this have upon the world (John 13:35; 17:23)?
8.
How do we manifest and demonstrate our love for the Lord Jesus (John 14:21-24; 15:9-10; 1 John 2:3-6; 5:2-3 etc.)? How can a pastor demonstrate that he truly loves the Master (John 21:15-17; 1 Pet. 5:2; Acts 20:28)?
9.
Is God concerned about doctrinal purity (Tit. 2:7; 1 Tim. 1:3)? Should we be concerned when men deviate from sound doctrine (1 Tim. 6:3-5; 2 Tim. 2:16-18)? How are we told to “convict the gainsayers” (Tit. 1:9)? Why should we reprove certain men sharply (Tit. 1:13)? What should be the measure of our speaking (Tit. 2:1)? What does Christ think of false doctrine in the church (Revelation 2:14-16)?
10.
Why did Christ give certain gifted men to the local church (Eph. 4:11-12)? According to Ephesians 4:11-16 how is true Christian unity (Eph. 4:1-6) achieved and enjoyed? What is the great danger of neglecting doctrine (Eph. 4:14)? What is the relationship between truth and love (Eph. 4:15)? Consider carefully the unity of believers as described by Christ in John 17:22. Is there any doctrinal disagreement between God the Father and God the Son?
11.
If we truly love our fellow believers will we warn them about false doctrine and false teachers (Acts 20:29-31; Phil. 3:2; Col. 1:28; and see the example of Christ–Matt- 7:15-20; 16:6-12; 24:4-5; Luke 12:1,15)? If we truly love someone, will we exercise proper discipline (Heb. 12:6; Rev. 3:19; 2 Thess. 3:5-6,14-15)?
12.
According to the example of our Lord Jesus, if we truly love someone, will we tell them what they need to hear even if it offends and hurts them (Mark 10:21)? Can love and hate co-exist at the same time (Hebrews 1:9)? Was the Apostle Paul manifesting love when he wrote Galatians 1:8-9? What does love rejoice in (1 Cor. 13:6)? How should our love abound (Phil. 1:9-10)?
13.
If we really love people is it possible to reprove and rebuke them (2 Tim. 4:2)? Why do people turn to false teachers (2 Tim. 4:3)? When you reject the truth, what’s left (2 Tim. 4:4)?
14.
Did John, the Apostle of Love, minimize the importance of truth and doctrine (2 John verses 1-9)? How did John love Gaius (3 John 1)? What was John’s greatest joy (3 John verses 3 and 4)? For what should we earnestly contend (Jude 3)? How are we to love (1 John 3:18)?
15. Read Revelation 22:18-19 and compare Deuteronomy 4:2; 12:32 and Proverbs 30:6. IS DOCTRINE IMPORTANT?
[I am greatly indebted to Dr. John C. Whitcomb for some of the material used in this paper](this, from the author of this study)
CONCLUSION
Doctrine is extremely important. Biblical love never minimizes the importance of Bible doctrine. If we truly love a person then we will desire that person to be totally indoctrinated in the truth of God from Genesis to Revelation, including every jot and tittle of God’s precious Revelation. True unity can never come at the expense of truth. In fact, true unity is only realized and enjoyed as believers harmonize together and function according to truth (Ephesians 4:11-16). The only basis for the enjoyment of true Christian unity (Ephesians 4:1-6) is a COMMON UNDERSTANDING OF AND OBEDIENCE TO THE WORD OF GOD. The ones who are hindering the cause of Christian unity are those who refuse to stand faithfully and obediently upon the written Word of God. When doctrine becomes the issue, truth must prevail!
At this point you should be able to Biblically evaluate the position as illustrated and presented at the beginning of this paper. “Prove all things (test by the Word of God), hold fast that which is good” (1 Thessalonians 5:21).
God will Bless Every Believer who Studies and learns His Word for themselves and who will NOT compromise the Doctrines found therein.
The Importance of Doctrine and The True Biblical Concept of Love
by Tim Hicks on Sunday, February 27, 2011 at 6:25am
Let me begin by saying I can not take credit in any way for this study, but felt it so important, I had to repost it here for all the world to see.
Tim Hicks
Below, in (Parenthesis), is the modern seeker friendly churches view..
Followed by the TRUTH of God’s Word on the subject of “Is Doctrine Important to God.
As believers we are often guilty of quibbling over foolish questions and arguments which can only engender strife rather than godly edifying which is by faith (see 1 Timothy 1:4; 6:3-4; 2 Timothy 2:23; Titus 3:9; Philippians 2:14). Our desire should always be to build up and edify our fellow believers in the Lord (1 Corinthians 14:26; 8:1; etc.).
((((((((On the other hand, Modern “seeker friendly” churches seem to imply the following attitude: “It doesn’t matter so much what you believe as long as you ‘love’ one another.” The following quotation is taken from the same issue (Worldwide Impact, a Campus Crusade for Christ publication, May 1972)
We are to put aside the peripheral issues (that is, doctrinal issues) that divide us …. Men are reminded that the real issue is Jesus Christ, and that we are to love one another even if we do not agree theologically or philosophically (or doctrinally). I encourage you to apply this principle of LOVE and acceptance with all of your Christian friends, and help make Christ the real issue [emphasis and parentheses are mine].
This philosophy could perhaps be restated as follows: “It is sinful to divide the body of Christ on earth by separating ourselves from any Christian over any doctrinal or ecclesiastical issue. The mark of true orthodoxy is love, not doctrine. Therefore, if we truly love one another, we will not allow doctrines or ordinances to divide us…To win the world for Christ, we must bury our differences and proclaim the essential core of the gospel in a positive way.”)))))))))
Really?
Are we sure about that?
All the above statements sound good and may even invoke a warm and fuzzy feeling BUT….
Let us now test this philosophy by the Word of God (see 1 Thess. 5:21): This study MUST be done with your Bible open to the following scriptures. Very Important.
1.
What place did the Lord give to teaching (doctrine) in the Great Commission as given in Matthew 28:19-20? What exactly was to be the content of their teaching? Were they to be teaching only “essential” doctrines?
2.
Why was the early church unified and healthy (Acts 2:42)? Did they consider doctrine important? Remember, we must never have unity at the expense of truth.
3.
Did the Apostle Paul carry on a ministry of total indoctrination (Acts 20:26-31) or did he seek to avoid “offensive” doctrines?
4.
Consider this statement: “We are to put aside the PERIPHERAL ISSUES that divide us.” Does the Bible contain any peripheral issues? Are there any nonessential doctrines in God’s Word? Is there any part of God’s Word that should not be boldly proclaimed (Acts 20:27)? We are to conform our lives to how much of God’s Word (Matthew 4:4)? Do we have the right to judge which parts of the Bible are important and which parts are not? According to 2 Timothy 3:16-17 how much of God’s Word is important and profitable for the believer?
5.
The Thessalonian believers were confused concerning the removal (rapture) of the church and the coming day of wrath—see 1 Thess. 4:13; 5:1-2; 2 Thess. 2:1-5. If these are not important matters, then why did the Lord direct Paul to write these letters? If these are merely “peripheral issues,” then why did Paul take the time to teach the Thessalonian believers concerning these doctrines (see 2 Thess. 2:3-5 and note especially verse 5)? What was Paul’s desire for these believers? Did he want them to be ignorant concerning these matters (see 1 Thess. 4:13)?
6.
Was the Lord Jesus tolerant towards the Sadducees who differed from Him doctrinally concerning the resurrection (see Matt. 22:23-33 and note verse 29)? What was it that astonished the multitude (Matt. 22:33; cf. Matt. 7:28-29)?
7.
What is the characteristic of a true disciple (John 8:31-32)? When believers harmonize together according to truth, what effect will this have upon the world (John 13:35; 17:23)?
8.
How do we manifest and demonstrate our love for the Lord Jesus (John 14:21-24; 15:9-10; 1 John 2:3-6; 5:2-3 etc.)? How can a pastor demonstrate that he truly loves the Master (John 21:15-17; 1 Pet. 5:2; Acts 20:28)?
9.
Is God concerned about doctrinal purity (Tit. 2:7; 1 Tim. 1:3)? Should we be concerned when men deviate from sound doctrine (1 Tim. 6:3-5; 2 Tim. 2:16-18)? How are we told to “convict the gainsayers” (Tit. 1:9)? Why should we reprove certain men sharply (Tit. 1:13)? What should be the measure of our speaking (Tit. 2:1)? What does Christ think of false doctrine in the church (Revelation 2:14-16)?
10.
Why did Christ give certain gifted men to the local church (Eph. 4:11-12)? According to Ephesians 4:11-16 how is true Christian unity (Eph. 4:1-6) achieved and enjoyed? What is the great danger of neglecting doctrine (Eph. 4:14)? What is the relationship between truth and love (Eph. 4:15)? Consider carefully the unity of believers as described by Christ in John 17:22. Is there any doctrinal disagreement between God the Father and God the Son?
11.
If we truly love our fellow believers will we warn them about false doctrine and false teachers (Acts 20:29-31; Phil. 3:2; Col. 1:28; and see the example of Christ–Matt- 7:15-20; 16:6-12; 24:4-5; Luke 12:1,15)? If we truly love someone, will we exercise proper discipline (Heb. 12:6; Rev. 3:19; 2 Thess. 3:5-6,14-15)?
12.
According to the example of our Lord Jesus, if we truly love someone, will we tell them what they need to hear even if it offends and hurts them (Mark 10:21)? Can love and hate co-exist at the same time (Hebrews 1:9)? Was the Apostle Paul manifesting love when he wrote Galatians 1:8-9? What does love rejoice in (1 Cor. 13:6)? How should our love abound (Phil. 1:9-10)?
13.
If we really love people is it possible to reprove and rebuke them (2 Tim. 4:2)? Why do people turn to false teachers (2 Tim. 4:3)? When you reject the truth, what’s left (2 Tim. 4:4)?
14.
Did John, the Apostle of Love, minimize the importance of truth and doctrine (2 John verses 1-9)? How did John love Gaius (3 John 1)? What was John’s greatest joy (3 John verses 3 and 4)? For what should we earnestly contend (Jude 3)? How are we to love (1 John 3:18)?
15. Read Revelation 22:18-19 and compare Deuteronomy 4:2; 12:32 and Proverbs 30:6. IS DOCTRINE IMPORTANT?
[I am greatly indebted to Dr. John C. Whitcomb for some of the material used in this paper](this, from the author of this study)
CONCLUSION
Doctrine is extremely important. Biblical love never minimizes the importance of Bible doctrine. If we truly love a person then we will desire that person to be totally indoctrinated in the truth of God from Genesis to Revelation, including every jot and tittle of God’s precious Revelation. True unity can never come at the expense of truth. In fact, true unity is only realized and enjoyed as believers harmonize together and function according to truth (Ephesians 4:11-16). The only basis for the enjoyment of true Christian unity (Ephesians 4:1-6) is a COMMON UNDERSTANDING OF AND OBEDIENCE TO THE WORD OF GOD. The ones who are hindering the cause of Christian unity are those who refuse to stand faithfully and obediently upon the written Word of God. When doctrine becomes the issue, truth must prevail!
At this point you should be able to Biblically evaluate the position as illustrated and presented at the beginning of this paper. “Prove all things (test by the Word of God), hold fast that which is good” (1 Thessalonians 5:21).
God will Bless Every Believer who Studies and learns His Word for themselves and who will NOT compromise the Doctrines found therein.
Interesting commentary and analysis. I understand that postmodern perspectives do mean that more controversial issues may be more up for grabs than we thought.
However, human dignity is pretty fundamental in all cultures. It also seems at the core purpose of most forms of secular ethics from justice to morality to political rights and responsibilities. Incidently, dignity is at the very core of most any hope for diversity and respect for cultures.
If we give into the notion that all ethics or perspectives are equally valid–it seems to defeat the purpose of talking and comparing those values in the first place. Even feminists, like Catherine MacKinnon, have tested postmodernism and found it wanting. She points out that genocide, rape, and presumably other violations of dignity are more compelling than the concerns outlined by post modernists.
In the Biblical context I think the fruits of the spirit and the Sermon on the Mount are pretty clear:
Galatians 5:22-23 (New International Version)
22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
Thanks for the comment, compassion. Understand that I’m not saying that any and every view is equally valid, I’m merely saying that no view can set itself up as right among all others without objective knowledge – which none of us have.