Round and round we go, where it stops, nobody knows.
Theology can freeze the mind into a rigid pattern that seduces and imprisons thought, so that any different viewpoint is not prayerfully pondered, but is instantly rejected and renounced.
We are safer by studying the Bible, with occasional reference to commentaries, instead of devouring and adhering to a system of hermeneutics as though it was the ultimate, infallible, comprehensive truth.
The real danger is exalting theology above the Word of God and elevating a theologian above the Savior.
We may like and agree with much in a certain theology, but we must retain the resilience to question and reject any elements that seem to contradict the scriptures.
“How can this system or preacher be so right about so many things, yet be so wrong about other things?” is the troubling question that lingers unpleasantly. So we trust God and know that in heaven all will be perfectly clear and resolved…forever.
Some of the most popular and prominent pastors and youth leaders have fallen in shame. Their followers are in confusion and dismay. They begin to question the whole package. It is just an aspect of the battleground we have entered when we became Christians.
Which goes back to my persistent woe that burdens me: I wish every church, every denomination, was just a slight variation on the one true gospel.
I wish it was easier to find a place where the salvation message was foremost, sanctification was taken seriously, genuine love prevailed, and evangelism was practiced joyfully. A sanctimonious country club has often replaced the church. People figure out how to play the game of church and fit in smoothly. But not much that is truly spiritual is going on.
Sadly, some institutions and systems are apostate, abusive, abhorrent. I wish we could walk into any church or seminary and enjoy the fellowship and teaching of true believers. Often, the tares seem to overwhelm the wheat. In some cases, it seems like there is nothing but tares.
Theology can freeze the mind into a rigid pattern that seduces and imprisons thought, so that any different viewpoint is not prayerfully pondered, but is instantly rejected and renounced.
We are safer by studying the Bible, with occasional reference to commentaries, instead of devouring and adhering to a system of hermeneutics as though it was the ultimate, infallible, comprehensive truth.
The real danger is exalting theology above the Word of God and elevating a theologian above the Savior.
We may like and agree with much in a certain theology, but we must retain the resilience to question and reject any elements that seem to contradict the scriptures.
“How can this system or preacher be so right about so many things, yet be so wrong about other things?” is the troubling question that lingers unpleasantly. So we trust God and know that in heaven all will be perfectly clear and resolved…forever.
Some of the most popular and prominent pastors and youth leaders have fallen in shame. Their followers are in confusion and dismay. They begin to question the whole package. It is just an aspect of the battleground we have entered when we became Christians.
Which goes back to my persistent woe that burdens me: I wish every church, every denomination, was just a slight variation on the one true gospel.
I wish it was easier to find a place where the salvation message was foremost, sanctification was taken seriously, genuine love prevailed, and evangelism was practiced joyfully. A sanctimonious country club has often replaced the church. People figure out how to play the game of church and fit in smoothly. But not much that is truly spiritual is going on.
Sadly, some institutions and systems are apostate, abusive, abhorrent. I wish we could walk into any church or seminary and enjoy the fellowship and teaching of true believers. Often, the tares seem to overwhelm the wheat. In some cases, it seems like there is nothing but tares.
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