Bible Question: I have been a Christian for 36 years and never ever worried whether or not I am a 'Calvinist' or an 'Arminian' in my theology. Our pastor has begun teaching on the sovereignty of God and has presented Calvinism or reformed view as the only 'God' centered interpretation of scripture. Should I find this as an awfully bold and scary claim? |
Bible Answer: Hi Confussled, Your screen name demonstrates a sense of humor, that's great. Anyway, I started not to respond because I think Kalos (and through the help of CRI) summed it up for the most part; but I did want to offer some words that I hope will be encouraging. Dogma, in it's most extreme form, refers to something that is settled, or at least is a settled opinion (webster's 1829) Doctrine is what follows in the way of teaching. I bore you with definitions to make a point (I hope). Don't be sidetracked into placing your Hope in another man's "settled opinion" except that man be Jesus Christ. Humbeledbygrace gave a good explanation in post #155011. Humbled's focus was on "denominations" which is relevant. After all, denominations are started and maintained by their doctrine. The challenge is not to decide on a particular label to which you place your loyalty. Too many christians today prioritize their loyalty to their denomination first. If one becomes unbendenly loyal to his/her denomination (as many are in my humble opinion) they may in-turn learn to look to it rather than to the word of God and the Spirit who is able to reveal all truth. John 15:26 But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me: KJV The task at hand is to trust in Him. Go to His word and let Him produce in you your own settled opion on each matter. This is not easily done. It is sufficiently hard work. But one's eternity may rest on it. Through this, if in fact it is a lie that you believe, the Spirit of God will correct you with the truth at which time you shall be truly comforted (though as Doc pointed out there may be significant discomfort through the process). And if it is the truth that you believe, when the lie is spoken you will recognize it for what it is and no discomfort will come to you save for your sorrow for the liar. I was reminded by one who is much newer to christianity than I am of the importance of putting all else aside from time to time in order to focus soley on the word of God. There is the one and only sure place that truth can be found. If you watch the posts on this forum closely, you will see that there are more than a few who regularly (if not habitually) quote the words of men far more often than they do the bible. One last thing. know that you are right in questioning even your church pastor when he teaches what disturbs your spirit. Do it with love and responsibility and only directly after having searched the scriptures. As Doc suggested; that discomfort may be the truth trying to push the old lie out of the way. But it may also be the truth resisting the temptation of the lie. Hope this is helpful, Jeff |