Why does Theology Change?

[Hobie]

Here is the change with Martin Luther...
"As Luther approached the city, he was overcome with emotion and fell to his knees calling out “Holy Rome, I salute thee.” As Luther entered the gates of Rome, he was bitterly disappointed. He had believed Rome to be the very epitome of purity, but in reality, Rome was a cesspool. A swamp that teemed with every kind of vice imaginable the likes of which he had never seen. Luther struggled to make sense of what he encountered, writing “No one can imagine what sins and infamous actions are committed in Rome; they must be seen and heard to be believed. Thus they are in the habit of saying, ‘If there is a hell, Rome is built over it: it is an abyss whence issues every kind of sin.’

Preoccupied with these thoughts, Luther made use of an indulgence the Pope had issued to anyone that ascended “Pilate’s Staircase” on their knees. While ascending the staircase, Luther heard a voice saying to him for the third time “The just shall live by faith”. Luther jumped to his feet and left the scene feeling ashamed and afraid – the verse seared on his soul. This was a turning point for Luther and one that would alter the course of his entire life." https://whatthebiblesaysabout.com/ma...ll-live-faith/

This question comes from something I read that said basically that God's truth never changes but our understanding of it grows, thus our Theology changes as we build a 'better comprehension"..........

What are your thoughts on this?

 

[ChristisGod]

Luther was not a man like the Apostles to be emulated. His treatment of the Jews was despicable as were many others.

But your OP has a point in that our understanding changes as we grow and seek the Lord for truth. It takes years to develop an understanding of sound doctrine/teaching through the Holy Spirit. There are many aspects of theology for instance with soteriology, Christology, eschatology etc.......

 

[justbyfaith]

The Holy Spirit leads us and guides us into all truth (John 16:13).

We have an unction from the holy one; and we know all things (1 John 2:20).

Nevertheless we are "being transformed by the renewing of our minds" (Romans 12:1-2);

And therefore, while we may know all things in our hearts, the understanding in our minds is developed over time. When we come across truth, if we have this unction our spirit bears witness within us that it is the truth. If we come across falsehood, if we have this unction within us our spirit will testify to the fact that it is falsehood that we are listening to.

Then there are those who think that they have such an unction when in all reality they do not.

 

[Nancy]

Here is the change with Martin Luther...
"As Luther approached the city, he was overcome with emotion and fell to his knees calling out “Holy Rome, I salute thee.” As Luther entered the gates of Rome, he was bitterly disappointed. He had believed Rome to be the very epitome of purity, but in reality, Rome was a cesspool. A swamp that teemed with every kind of vice imaginable the likes of which he had never seen. Luther struggled to make sense of what he encountered, writing “No one can imagine what sins and infamous actions are committed in Rome; they must be seen and heard to be believed. Thus they are in the habit of saying, ‘If there is a hell, Rome is built over it: it is an abyss whence issues every kind of sin.’

Preoccupied with these thoughts, Luther made use of an indulgence the Pope had issued to anyone that ascended “Pilate’s Staircase” on their knees. While ascending the staircase, Luther heard a voice saying to him for the third time “The just shall live by faith”. Luther jumped to his feet and left the scene feeling ashamed and afraid – the verse seared on his soul. This was a turning point for Luther and one that would alter the course of his entire life." https://whatthebiblesaysabout.com/ma...ll-live-faith/

This question comes from something I read that said basically that God's truth never changes but our understanding of it grows, thus our Theology changes as we build a 'better comprehension"..........

What are your thoughts on this?

"God's truth never changes but our understanding of it grows, thus our Theology changes as we build a 'better comprehension"

I do believe we never stop growing and learning. If one has the humility to be teachable there is much we could learn from one another.
I know that many times, what I thought meant one thing ,(concerning His Word), turned out to be something so different. So, remaining teachable is crucial...IMO :)

 

[amadeus]

"And the apostles said unto the Lord, Increase our faith.
And the Lord said, If ye had faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye might say unto this sycamine tree, Be thou plucked up by the root, and be thou planted in the sea; and it should obey you.
But which of you, having a servant plowing or feeding cattle, will say unto him by and by, when he is come from the field, Go and sit down to meat?
And will not rather say unto him, Make ready wherewith I may sup, and gird thyself, and serve me, till I have eaten and drunken; and afterward thou shalt eat and drink?
Doth he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded him? I trow not.
So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do." Luke 17:5-10

"For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith." Rom 1:17

Our faith indeed begins with Him and finishes/ends with Him.

"Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God." Heb 12:2

When our faith is ended/finished, should that not be when our vision has been increased from a through a glass darkly to face to face?

Is that not when we no longer live by faith but by knowledge?

"For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known." I Cor 13:12

Should we call that also changing "theology"?

 

[Michiah-Imla]

Matthew 15:9 KJV
But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.

Man’s traditions change. How they twist and make void the scriptures change.

God’s commandments do not change.

All we need to do is listen to God and his prophets through his word.

 

[Hobie]

Luther was not a man like the Apostles to be emulated. His treatment of the Jews was despicable as were many others.

But your OP has a point in that our understanding changes as we grow and seek the Lord for truth. It takes years to develop an understanding of sound doctrine/teaching through the Holy Spirit. There are many aspects of theology for instance with soteriology, Christology, eschatology etc.......

Luther had his faults, much like Peter, but God was able to use him as he was open to truth and much was revealed because of it.

 

[DNB]

Here is the change with Martin Luther...
"As Luther approached the city, he was overcome with emotion and fell to his knees calling out “Holy Rome, I salute thee.” As Luther entered the gates of Rome, he was bitterly disappointed. He had believed Rome to be the very epitome of purity, but in reality, Rome was a cesspool. A swamp that teemed with every kind of vice imaginable the likes of which he had never seen. Luther struggled to make sense of what he encountered, writing “No one can imagine what sins and infamous actions are committed in Rome; they must be seen and heard to be believed. Thus they are in the habit of saying, ‘If there is a hell, Rome is built over it: it is an abyss whence issues every kind of sin.’

Preoccupied with these thoughts, Luther made use of an indulgence the Pope had issued to anyone that ascended “Pilate’s Staircase” on their knees. While ascending the staircase, Luther heard a voice saying to him for the third time “The just shall live by faith”. Luther jumped to his feet and left the scene feeling ashamed and afraid – the verse seared on his soul. This was a turning point for Luther and one that would alter the course of his entire life." https://whatthebiblesaysabout.com/ma...ll-live-faith/

This question comes from something I read that said basically that God's truth never changes but our understanding of it grows, thus our Theology changes as we build a 'better comprehension"..........

What are your thoughts on this?

We are currently looking through a glass darkly, as in not all things have been revealed. But also, Biblical exegesis is an extremely difficult endeavour, and I've never trusted anyone to be a reliable exegete who says otherwise. Even Christ's disciples did not understand everything that he said, as he spoke to them in their native language, within their native culture, and at the same time in history. There are countless passages that, to this day, I still haven't a clue what they mean. eg: Matthew 16:28, John 21:22, Judges 11:30-31, (John 1:32-33 vs Matthew 11:2), etc.. Meaning, there is an extreme profundity and level of mystery (not incomprehensible, but unrevealed) in the Bible, meant to separate the wise from the foolish.

But also, there is the interpretation aspect, of both the clear text, and the not so clear. Example, if you take 10 people to see the same movie, you will invariably get 10 diverse synopses on what occurred in the movie and the significance of each event. Thus is the nature of Biblical exegesis, maturity, experience, study, diligence, etc all define what separates one person's perception from another's. Either way, what is incumbent upon us all in order to gain a proper understanding of Scripture, is to stay at it. Study as one would for any other discipline i.e concordances, study bibles, theological works, Church history, Greek & Hebrew if possible, etc..

 

[Hobie]

We are currently looking through a glass darkly, as in not all things have been revealed. But also, Biblical exegesis is an extremely difficult endeavour, and I've never trusted anyone to be a reliable exegete who says otherwise. Even Christ's disciples did not understand everything that he said, as he spoke to them in their native language, within their native culture, and at the same time in history. There are countless passages that, to this day, I still haven't a clue what they mean. eg: Matthew 16:28, John 21:22, Judges 11:30-31, (John 1:32-33 vs Matthew 11:2), etc.. Meaning, there is an extreme profundity and level of mystery (not incomprehensible, but unrevealed) in the Bible, meant to separate the wise from the foolish.

But also, there is the interpretation aspect, of both the clear text, and the not so clear. Example, if you take 10 people to see the same movie, you will invariably get 10 diverse synopses on what occurred in the movie and the significance of each event. Thus is the nature of Biblical exegesis, maturity, experience, study, diligence, etc all define what separates one person's perception from another's. Either way, what is incumbent upon us all in order to gain a proper understanding of Scripture, is to stay at it. Study as one would for any other discipline i.e concordances, study bibles, theological works, Church history, Greek & Hebrew if possible, etc..

That is why we are given the Holy Spirit to guide us or we would have no clue..

 

[DNB]

That is why we are given the Holy Spirit to guide us or we would have no clue..

Not entirely, all men are endowed with the image of God. No one is devoid of wisdom, even Buddha, Plato, Ghandi or Dhali Lhama spoke many truths. This is why men are accountable, because it doesn't require an esoteric understanding to comprehend repentance and grace, the words are even in dictionary. Thus, to reject Christ is inexcusable, for the Bible teaches clearly of the gratitude that we owe God, of the obedience and love of Christ, of God's patience and wisdom. All these principles are elementary to creatures created in God's image, there is no special source of information required.
But, when we pray, God does enlighten us accordingly.

 

[justbyfaith]

Thus, to reject Christ is inexcusable,

By your own words you will be judged.

If you reject Christ for who He is (the God who created you), you will die in your sins (John 8:24).

 

[DNB]

By your own words you will be judged.

If you reject Christ for who He is (the God who created you), you will die in your sins (John 8:24).

Circular reasoning.

 

[justbyfaith]

Circular reasoning.

How do you figure?

I will only say that you are gambling on eternity by rejecting the doctrine of Christ's Deity.

 

[Yan]

Not entirely, all men are endowed with the image of God. No one is devoid of wisdom, even Buddha, Plato, Ghandi or Dhali Lhama spoke many truths. This is why men are accountable, because it doesn't require an esoteric understanding to comprehend repentance and grace, the words are even in dictionary. Thus, to reject Christ is inexcusable, for the Bible teaches clearly of the gratitude that we owe God, of the obedience and love of Christ, of God's patience and wisdom. All these principles are elementary to creatures created in God's image, there is no special source of information required.
But, when we pray, God does enlighten us accordingly.

Other religion who have a wisdom to love thy neighbours had already fulfilled the requirements of the law, they were classified as the people who have the law written in their heart (Romans 2:14-15).
Many other religion already testified that Jesus was the one true God, but they don't want to convert to Christianity because they don't see many christian (both catholic or protestant) are truly believers of Christ that's why they believe that Jesus had already welcome them without being converted into Christianity (Acts of the apostles 10:34-36).

 

[DNB]

How do you figure?

I will only say that you are gambling on eternity by rejecting the doctrine of Christ's Deity.

Yes, and I will say the same, obviously. We are trying to determine who is correct, and you jumped to the conclusion before proving your point. Thus, circular reasoning.

 

[DNB]

Other religion who have a wisdom to love thy neighbours had already fulfilled the requirements of the law, they were classified as the people who have the law written in their heart (Romans 2:14-15).
Many other religion already testified that Jesus was the one true God, but they don't want to convert to Christianity because they don't see many christian (both catholic or protestant) are truly believers of Christ that's why they believe that Jesus had already welcome them without being converted into Christianity (Acts of the apostles 10:34-36).

Yes, I agree with you. In your second statement, you are saying that the unchristian behaviour of many so-called Christians, have turned many away from the faith? If so, yes, ...and to the point that even the best of us, do not always exude a good image of Christ that would compel outsiders to come to the faith.
Very good points Yan, thank you!
...mind you, I entirely disagree that Jesus Christ was the one true God, this is extremely incorrect, and offensive.

 

[justbyfaith]

Yes, and I will say the same, obviously. We are trying to determine who is correct, and you jumped to the conclusion before proving your point. Thus, circular reasoning.

I have proved my point on many occasions; but people like you never understand (or receive) the point that is being made. It is very much what is written by Isaiah and repeated in Acts:

Act 28:26, Saying, Go unto this people, and say, Hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and not perceive:
Act 28:27, For the heart of this people is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes have they closed; lest they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.

 

[DNB]

I have proved my point on many occasions; but people like you never understand (or receive) the point that is being made. It is very much what is written by Isaiah and repeated in Acts:

Act 28:26, Saying, Go unto this people, and say, Hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and not perceive:
Act 28:27, For the heart of this people is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes have they closed; lest they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.

Actually, those verses were talking about you, not me.

 

[justbyfaith]

Actually, those verses were talking about you, not me.

Nope, you...

Unless you can come up with any verse in the Bible that says I will be condemned for believing in the Deity of Christ.

You won't find any such verse; because the Bible teaches the opposite (John 8:24).

 

[Yan]

Yes, I agree with you. In your second statement, you are saying that the unchristian behaviour of many so-called Christians, have turned many away from the faith? If so, yes, ...and to the point that even the best of us, do not always exude a good image of Christ that would compel outsiders to come to the faith.
Very good points Yan, thank you!
...mind you, I entirely disagree that Jesus Christ was the one true God, this is extremely incorrect, and offensive.

He was acquired as God when he had risen from the dead and Jesus was the only intermediary between mankind and God (2 Corinthians 5:18-21), So then who was rise up Jesus from the dead ?
It was Allah the father whom worshiped by Adam & Eve, Noah, Moses, David. That's why Allah was called in the old covenant as God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (Exodus 3:4-6). Jesus himself was fulfilled God promises to Abraham as a replacement lamb of Isaac (Genesis 22:5-14; John 1:29-30). Because since Noah, God had a promises to him that he will never destroy earth with flood (Genesis 8:15-22), that's why Jesus was called as redeemer from God's wrath (Romans 1:18-20; Romans 5:8-11; 1 Thessalonians 5:9).