Is it biblical? - What does that even mean?

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St. SteVen

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St. SteVen

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Is it biblical? - What does that even mean?​


Been giving this some thought lately.

Mostly in the situation where someone accuses someone else of having "unbiblical" doctrine. Say what?

Be it true or false, isn't all doctrine biblical?

Doctrine is man-made.
It comes with biblical "proof-texts".
So, how could doctrine ever be unbiblical?

Is it biblical? - What does that even mean?

--- PARODY ---

Christian #1: Your beliefs aren't biblical.
Christian #2: Say what?
Christian #1: Your beliefs aren't biblical.
Christian #2: I don't understand.
Christian #1: Your beliefs are unbiblical.
Christian #2: That's ridiculous.
Christian #1: Why?
Christian #2: I gave you biblical support.
Christian #1: It was unbiblical.
Christian #2: Are you nuts?
Christian #1: It was clearly unbiblical.
Christian #2: How could that be?
Christian #1: It doesn't match the whole Bible view.
Christian #2: So it was biblical then?
Christian #1: No, it was unbiblical.
Christian #2: It was from MY "whole Bible" view.
Christian #1: That's unbiblical.
Christian #2: How can a Biblical view be unbiblical?
Christian #1: That doesn't make sense.
Christian #2: BINGO!
 

David Lamb

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Is it biblical? - What does that even mean?​


Been giving this some thought lately.

Mostly in the situation where someone accuses someone else of having "unbiblical" doctrine. Say what?

Be it true or false, isn't all doctrine biblical?

Doctrine is man-made.
It comes with biblical "proof-texts".
So, how could doctrine ever be unbiblical?

Is it biblical? - What does that even mean?

--- PARODY ---

Christian #1: Your beliefs aren't biblical.
Christian #2: Say what?
Christian #1: Your beliefs aren't biblical.
Christian #2: I don't understand.
Christian #1: Your beliefs are unbiblical.
Christian #2: That's ridiculous.
Christian #1: Why?
Christian #2: I gave you biblical support.
Christian #1: It was unbiblical.
Christian #2: Are you nuts?
Christian #1: It was clearly unbiblical.
Christian #2: How could that be?
Christian #1: It doesn't match the whole Bible view.
Christian #2: So it was biblical then?
Christian #1: No, it was unbiblical.
Christian #2: It was from MY "whole Bible" view.
Christian #1: That's unbiblical.
Christian #2: How can a Biblical view be unbiblical?
Christian #1: That doesn't make sense.
Christian #2: BINGO!
"Doctrine" is another word for " teaching." True, biblical teaching/doctrine is God-made, not man-made.
 
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XtraPercept

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isn't all doctrine biblical?

Never mind that doctrines are the bones of dead men.

The question "is it Biblical?" is loaded from the start.

It is a challenge for justification to which the only reasonable answer is demonstrable proof.

If one is still enslaved to sin, then what this one believes is indeed unBiblical.

What is Biblical would be that which is supported by the One who wrote it all; the validity of which is observable in the expressions of truth which pour forth from those baptized in the Spirit.

See the first couple chapters of Romans for how it is that faith is what produces the behavior which shines forth as evidence for salvation.
 

St. SteVen

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"Doctrine" is anther word for " teaching." True, biblical teaching/doctrine is God-made, not man-made.
Thanks for weighing in on this.
That's a popular view. But does it really work?
How can doctrines be"God-made" when so many are contradictory?

In my view, a doctrine is created when we read something in scripture and attempt to codify it into a doctrinal statement.
 

St. SteVen

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Never mind that doctrines are the bones of dead men.

The question "is it Biblical?" is loaded from the start.

It is a challenge for justification to which the only reasonable answer is demonstrable proof.
What are you suggesting?
 

David Lamb

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Thanks for weighing in on this.
That's a popular view. But does it really work?
How can doctrines be"God-made" when so many are contradictory?

In my view, a doctrine is created when we read something in scripture and attempt to codify it into a doctrinal statement.
Jesus taught. In other words, He gave doctrine. Was it true? I hope you would agree that it was. All doctrine as stated in Scripture is from God. When fallible man explains the God-given doctrine, that is where the differences occur. That doesn't mean there is anything wrong with the doctrine, or that it wasn't given by God.
 

David Lamb

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Those who have doctrine live out their doctrine.

Those alive in Spirit live in the Spirit.

It's why those with doctrine always end up murdering those who speak truth.
What do you imagine "doctrine" means? Doctrine is teaching. Paul exhorted Timothy:

“Till I come, give attention to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.” (1Ti 4:13 NKJV)

So clearly, not all doctrine is bad.
 

St. SteVen

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Jesus taught. In other words, He gave doctrine. Was it true? I hope you would agree that it was. All doctrine as stated in Scripture is from God. When fallible man explains the God-given doctrine, that is where the differences occur. That doesn't mean there is anything wrong with the doctrine, or that it wasn't given by God.
We need to define what doctrine is. God-given, or man-made?

doctrine /dŏk′trĭn/

noun​

  1. A principle or body of principles presented for acceptance or belief, as by a religious, political, scientific, or philosophic group; dogma.
  2. A rule or principle of law, especially when established by precedent.
  3. A statement of official government policy, especially in foreign affairs and military strategy.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition
 

St. SteVen

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not all doctrine is bad.
Some doctrine is bad?

 

St. SteVen

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Jesus taught. In other words, He gave doctrine. Was it true? I hope you would agree that it was. All doctrine as stated in Scripture is from God. When fallible man explains the God-given doctrine, that is where the differences occur. That doesn't mean there is anything wrong with the doctrine, or that it wasn't given by God.
What is the doctrine here?

Matthew 5:3-10 NIV
“Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4 Blessed are those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
5 Blessed are the meek,
for they will inherit the earth.
6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be filled.
7 Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.
8 Blessed are the pure in heart,
for they will see God.
9 Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called children of God.
10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
 

David Lamb

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We need to define what doctrine is. God-given, or man-made?

doctrine /dŏk′trĭn/

noun​

  1. A principle or body of principles presented for acceptance or belief, as by a religious, political, scientific, or philosophic group; dogma.
  2. A rule or principle of law, especially when established by precedent.
  3. A statement of official government policy, especially in foreign affairs and military strategy.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition
I am thinking of the word doctrine as used in the God-inspired bible.
 

David Lamb

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What is the doctrine here?

Matthew 5:3-10 NIV
“Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4 Blessed are those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
5 Blessed are the meek,
for they will inherit the earth.
6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be filled.
7 Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.
8 Blessed are the pure in heart,
for they will see God.
9 Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called children of God.
10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
The doctrine or teaching of what true blessedness/happiness is.
 

St. SteVen

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I am thinking of the word doctrine as used in the God-inspired bible.
That's a very narrow and non-descriptive use of the word.

Key Doctrines of Christianity​

Christianity is built on several core doctrines that define its beliefs and practices. Here are the essential doctrines:

1. The Trinity​

  • Definition: One God in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
  • Importance: This doctrine emphasizes the unity and co-equality of the three persons, each fully possessing the attributes of God.

2. The Person of Jesus Christ​

  • Nature: Jesus is both fully divine and fully human.
  • Significance: His dual nature is crucial for understanding salvation and the Christian faith.

3. The Virgin Birth​

  • Concept: Jesus was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary.
  • Implication: This doctrine affirms the miraculous nature of Jesus' birth and his divine origin.

4. Atonement​

  • Explanation: Jesus' death on the cross provides the means for humanity's reconciliation with God.
  • Outcome: Through his sacrifice, believers receive forgiveness for their sins.

5. Resurrection​

  • Event: Jesus rose from the dead on the third day after his crucifixion.
  • Relevance: This event is central to Christian faith, symbolizing victory over sin and death.

6. Salvation​

  • Process: Salvation is received through faith in Jesus Christ, involving repentance and acceptance of his grace.
  • Assurance: Believers are promised eternal life with God.

7. The Holy Spirit​

  • Role: The Holy Spirit empowers believers, guiding them in truth and helping them grow in faith.
  • Function: He is involved in the process of sanctification, making believers more like Christ.

8. The Church​

  • Definition: The community of believers who gather for worship, fellowship, and ministry.
  • Purpose: The Church serves as the body of Christ on earth, fulfilling the Great Commission.
These doctrines form the foundation of Christian belief and are essential for understanding the faith's teachings and practices.
nae.org The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary
 

XtraPercept

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I am thinking of the word doctrine as used in the God-inspired bible.

I am thinking of the meaning of the word, the idea behind it, the nature of it, and the behaviors it inspires.

I am considering the image drawn to mind by the expression and how that tends to play out among good intentions without knowledge.

A true word remains true, even with lies attached.

Lies only lead to tragic and wasteful dissipations.

Truth is sustenance to those who endure its burn in acquiring the taste.
 

St. SteVen

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That's a very narrow and non-descriptive use of the word.

Key Doctrines of Christianity​

Christianity is built on several core doctrines that define its beliefs and practices. Here are the essential doctrines:

1. The Trinity​

  • Definition: One God in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
  • Importance: This doctrine emphasizes the unity and co-equality of the three persons, each fully possessing the attributes of God.

2. The Person of Jesus Christ​

  • Nature: Jesus is both fully divine and fully human.
  • Significance: His dual nature is crucial for understanding salvation and the Christian faith.

3. The Virgin Birth​

  • Concept: Jesus was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary.
  • Implication: This doctrine affirms the miraculous nature of Jesus' birth and his divine origin.

4. Atonement​

  • Explanation: Jesus' death on the cross provides the means for humanity's reconciliation with God.
  • Outcome: Through his sacrifice, believers receive forgiveness for their sins.

5. Resurrection​

  • Event: Jesus rose from the dead on the third day after his crucifixion.
  • Relevance: This event is central to Christian faith, symbolizing victory over sin and death.

6. Salvation​

  • Process: Salvation is received through faith in Jesus Christ, involving repentance and acceptance of his grace.
  • Assurance: Believers are promised eternal life with God.

7. The Holy Spirit​

  • Role: The Holy Spirit empowers believers, guiding them in truth and helping them grow in faith.
  • Function: He is involved in the process of sanctification, making believers more like Christ.

8. The Church​

  • Definition: The community of believers who gather for worship, fellowship, and ministry.
  • Purpose: The Church serves as the body of Christ on earth, fulfilling the Great Commission.
These doctrines form the foundation of Christian belief and are essential for understanding the faith's teachings and practices.
nae.org The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary
Not all Christians agree on these doctrines.
Some don't believe in the Trinity or the deity of Christ.
Positions differ on the role of the Holy Spirit. Etc.
Some believe that Mary was also the product of a virgin birth.
There are arguments about what day Jesus rose from the dead.
And disagreements about the assurance of salvation and how the atonement works.
 

XtraPercept

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It's why those with doctrine always end up murdering those who speak truth.

I feel it pertinent to specify that this is hyperbole; something I typically avoid so that I don't feel compelled to do this very sort of thing.

It is the propensity for willful misconstrual which I feel necessitates my striving for clarity of understanding.

Ya feel me, bro?