When we don’t question our beliefs, when we just accept what
others have told us (whether from a pulpit, from a seminary, or from a
publication), there are repercussions well beyond our own belief structures.
Some of the things that we’ve unquestioningly believed for a
few generations have functioned as incredible obstacles for people who don’t
know God’s nature; some of these people take our un-questioned beliefs
literally, point out the very logical failures of those beliefs, and cause
formidable damage to our Father’s reputation on the Earth.
One of those beliefs is the version of hell that was
primarily outlined by an unbalanced Catholic politician, pharmacist and monk in
the 14th century. His imagination was brilliant, but not particularly either
Biblical or true. These details which did not trouble him, but his writings
have been (probably unintentionally) adopted by the “turn or burn” evangelists
as the default definition of “burn.”
Their depictions of Heaven were similarly unbiblical, and similarly designed to maximize the number of people running to the altar at the end of the service.
Their depictions of Heaven were similarly unbiblical, and similarly designed to maximize the number of people running to the altar at the end of the service.
The result of such haphazard doctrinal foolishness included
a large number of “converts” eager to escape this horrendous and unbiblical
threat, often described as “buying fire insurance,” which, of course, was never
God’s goal.
My hope is that we will ask questions about what we’re being
taught, to test the doctrines that teachers are telling us are “The Truth.”
·
I’ve observed that the more any particular doctrine is mirrored in the “distinctive” practices or
beliefs of a denomination or a fellowship, the more those particular doctrines
need to be challenged. This is true in both traditional denominations and more
fundamental or Pentecostal fellowships and denominations.
·
One of the best ways to test our belief sets –
in addition to questioning their conformity to Scripture’s simple contextual
instruction on the topic – is to examine the fruit of the doctrine. And examine
the fruit of that doctrine among believers and among non-believers: does this
doctrine increase people’s love for God and love for each other, or does it
regularly result in resentment, legalism, judgment, generally keeping people
from embracing God’s love for them.
This is part of Paul’s admonitions to his apostolic leaders:
“Pay no attention to … myths or to the merely human commands of those who
reject the truth.” “Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal
life to which you were called.”
The best part of the conversation will be on Facebook. Come join in.
No comments:
Post a Comment