What are other examples of the difference between theology and Bible teaching?
On Pentecost the disciples, who were believers and were timid and hiding, suddenly had an experience with the Holy Spirit and were out preaching. That is not doctrine but a Biblical teaching. In Acts 15 where it says God cleansed their hearts by faith is a Biblical teaching. Putting them together is a theological statement. We need to know and understand the difference. We believe in the Bible. We try to organize it with our theology.
The difference in emphasis and organization in this theology is where we get our denominations. I personally have a lot of room for different understandings as long as we don’t try to de-Christianize those we disagree with.
I see a parallel between our understanding of political parties and denominations. Intellectually, I believe that it is possible to be a Democrat and be a patriotic American. I would say the same for most other political parties. Emotionally I don’t see it, but I accept that people don’t need to agree with me on tax rates or the size of the military to be good Americans.
I do not apply that to members of the Communist party or devout Muslims who are out to destroy what we have here.
So, I think denominations are good things. They serve an important role. They make a place for all of us to fit in. I would be glad to worship with you, take communion with you and sit beside you at the Wedding Feast of the Lamb. Just don’t expect me to like your music or your New Living Translation.
homo unius libri
Now some of that, I can understand! (And agree with.)
ReplyDeleteOne of the great things about the body of Christ is that there is so much we don't need to agree with as long as we are on the same page with the basics. We will have an eternity to work out our differences but if variety is the spice of life here just think how much spice we will need in the first million years.
ReplyDeleteGrace and peace.