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Welcome to Varied Expressions of Worship

Welcome to Varied Expressions of Worship

This blog will be written from an orthodox Christian point of view. There may be some topic that is out of bounds, but at present I don't know what it will be. Politics is a part of life. Theology and philosophy are disciplines that we all participate in even if we don't think so. The Bible has a lot to say about economics. How about self defense? Is war ethical? Think of all the things that someone tells you we should not touch and let's give it a try. Everything that is a part of life should be an expression of worship.

Keep it courteous and be kind to those less blessed than you, but by all means don't worry about agreeing. We learn more when we get backed into a corner.

Wednesday, January 2, 2013

Opus 2013-3: Links: Response to “Denominations”, part 1 of 2

Recently at Gorges’ Grouse there was a post on Denominations.  It is worth reading if you have not done so yet.  I might nit pick but on the whole he has good points.  My basic thoughts here are taken from a note I wrote myself a couple of years ago.  As I was reviewing old ideas his post got me thinking this would be a good addition to the discussion.

In the study of theology you have different objectives.  One the one hand you have “systematic” theology.  Another emphasis would be “Biblical” theology.  This would seem to be redundant but it is a necessary difference.  There are certain teachings that are a required part of orthodox Christianity that you will not find in the concordance.  One is the teaching of the Trinity.  The world is not in the Bible but you do find both the statement that there is one God along with the divinity of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.  That would be "systematic."

There is also a difference between theology and straight Biblical teaching.  For instance, how do you deal with the teaching about the filling with the Holy Spirit?  In my background, the Church of the Nazarene, we have a doctrine to explain it.  We call it “entire sanctification.”  This is theology saying there is a work of grace by the Holy Spirit subsequent to regeneration by which we are filled with the Spirit and sanctified entirely.  That is a theological statement.  Most denominations would disagree with the way the Nazarenes state it.

How does this work out in teaching the Bible.  The Bible says we are to be sanctified wholly.
(1 Thessalonians 5:23 KJV)  And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
No believer would claim it does not say this.  We simply disagree on what it means.

One is theology, one straight Bible teaching. 

To be continued...

homo unius libri

2 comments:

  1. You're getting too deep for my shallow mind, my friend! :-)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I doubt it. I am probably guilty of using jargon that I am familiar with instead of explaining clearly. There are times when the problem of communication are the fault of the listener. Since you are a good listener, that does not apply.

      Maybe better next time.

      Grace and peace.

      Delete

Comments are welcome. Feel free to agree or disagree but keep it clean, courteous and short. I heard some shorthand on a podcast: TLDR, Too long, didn't read.