When Doctrine Cripples the Message of Christ
Preachers in today’s American Christian Church are often at bitter odds over disagreements in doctrine. Some of the more radical ones toss around terms like heretic and liberal when attempting to label the other side of a Biblical disagreement. A few of these feuds have landed under the public spotlight in recent months thanks to YouTube. So is this healthy for followers of Christ, and beneficial for those watching from outside of the church? And why are other Christians doing the same thing with so much of their time? Has faith in Christ become little more than a competitive sport between teams with different interpretations and worldviews?
Doctrine is often defined as a body of teachings or instructions stemming from a given belief system. When applied to Christian faith, I have even heard it described as “what Christians should believe” with a nagging, finger-waving emphasis placed on “should.” I do value doctrine to a point. Christians accept that God inspired the works of the Bible, and our understanding and response to God is molded in part by that which He has revealed about himself in those pages. There is a great benefit to the study of the Word, for many other reasons but also because it gives us an account of the character of God and Jesus Christ, on which we Christians place our hope.
That is all great. When it starts to become a problem is the moment our sense of identity comes not from God but from our comprehension of His word; when we elevate our standing before Him by how rigidly and tightly we cling to our Biblical interpretation while denouncing those who either struggle to believe as we do or have come to different conclusions. We don’t wash these many sins away by our level of understanding or even by our faithful obedience to God’s commands. Obedience and understanding both matter, but focusing on them is a religious response to God’s desire for relationship and reconciliation.
Plus, it’s just a head game at that point. You might counter by saying “but belief IS a head game.” But Jesus was truth, shared truths and demonstrated the ultimate truth- the greatest act of selfless love- and not in a vacuum. His love was so radical that it changed history. Do we share that today, or do we instead have a lot of angry and hollow words for people who are living outside of our rules and moral codes? Following the well-known commandment to love the Lord with everything that we are, Jesus shared another: “you shall love your neighbor as yourself.” That’s one of those commandments, straight from the mouth of the Christ, that seems to be hiding in plain sight.
Are we loving? It’s a far more difficult and humbling question than the easy answer “of course.” Do we demonstrate love for the poor, our enemies, those in prison, those we don’t like, those who don’t like us, our gay and lesbian neighbors, people who identify themselves as liberals, or those annoying people who just won’t shut up about themselves? I am not trying to say that such a list is “the most damaged goods,” but rather want to highlight a few groups of people that we Christians have been known to neglect in recent history to varying degrees. Is our love reserved only for our family, the nice people at work, and our Bible study group? It can be so easy to cut difficult people out of our path. I won’t lie here- this one is hard for me. I have a very hard time with people who feel that they are qualified to speak about moral political issues just because they have traditional faith. Many of these people are shockingly unqualified to talk about such issues because they are willingly ignorant and won’t bother themselves enough to read and learn the facts, and yet they’re often the loudest and most nasty voices around. The issue for me becomes: then what? Will I stop at my frustrations and push these people aside? That’s not the message of the gospel. It doesn’t matter how much I understand correctly in my mind if that doesn’t lead me to love. The fruit of our beliefs should be love and not just words, arguments or Biblical temper tantrums. As I age, I am amazed by the sting and the damage done by these kinds of personal fights over Biblical differences, especially when it’s between followers of Christ. The Bible teaches that the fruits of the spirit are love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Imagine how this country would respond if Christians were known for those traits instead of bigotry, self righteousness and ignorance.
Speaking of, I hope you’ll check out this really short video clip from a guy named Brian McLaren (which many Christians know to be a controversial guy). The clip speaks directly to this issue, and it helps to make my point because McLaren is often called a liberal heretic for his views.
(article continues below video)
Christ was pursued by crowds and invited into homes for meals. He frequently went where he was welcomed, and shared with those who wanted to listen. I just don’t see Jesus provoking people who were trying to ignore him. I can’t imagine Jesus holding signs with loaded messages like “Yep I’m the Lord, but keep walking you’re probably busy.” Jesus also didn’t have an entrance exam for people begging to be fed or healed. I can’t imagine him saying “so what denomination are you? Are you a Calvinist even though John Calvin won’t arrive for 1,500 more years? Do you understand the old vs. the new covenant? Are you pre, mid or post-tribulation? I will heal your blindness if you are pre or mid trib, but if you believe in that Preterist nonsense you’d better find a guide dog!” Christians would be wise to extend the very same dignity of choice to others as God extends to us.
Everyone in this country, Christian and not, understands that Christians believe that Christ was and is both God and man, crucified and resurrected, and the lone savior for those who receive him. It’s been covered. Maybe it’s time that we Christians wait to state the really obvious until people are intrigued enough by our loving actions to ask. It’s no wonder people are less than impressed by Christians- they often see no real positive distinction in the way we live. Are they supposed to be impressed because we go to nice lavish auditoriums once a week to hang out with people just like us? That’s really not very impressive in and of itself, and I’m a church goer. Nowadays, anybody can transform their beliefs in an instant and announce the switch on Facebook, but that’s about as meaningful as changing clothes or a favorite band. Beliefs that benefit a preexisting worldview or selfish behavior are the lowest and most shallow form of conviction. Is that all we’re doing here as followers of Christ? Have we always liked the feeling of being stiff and restrained, or have we actually met the God of all and discovered our need and joy for Him? Have we surrendered and invited His spirit inside? We need to ask these questions of ourselves, and maybe again, before demanding it from the rest of the world.
It is recorded that Jesus later said in the 23rd chapter of Matthew: “But you are not to be called rabbi, for you have one teacher, and you are all students.” Isn’t it true that the best student is one who gives him or herself to the task of listening with an open mind, to asking good questions, to diligent and thoughtful study? More importantly, students are not experts; they are in the process of learning. Sound doctrine implies self-certainty. I’d rather be a student of Jesus.
Thursday, August 27, 2009 at 12:17 am
Good sensible intelligent distinctions and interpretations there in relation to the Biblical contents and doctrines.
In a sense, if not mistaken, let me say,
all distant religions may point out towards the truth, but our life is instant. Life may need an instant ‘Lifle’, rather than a distant Bible or holy sermon, all religions included. No punch meant.
Thursday, August 27, 2009 at 7:09 am
Great post, Ian. Really thoughtful and nuanced…challenging, but gracious.
I’ve been wrestling with a lot of the same questions recently. I wrote a post on my blog the other day about how love is the most fundamental element of the Christian faith…and within a few hours, I had lots of comments and emails reminding me that while love is fundamental, there are other things I needed to take into consideration.
…Which I know is true, but it sorta took the wind out of my sails somehow. Everyone had their own ideas about what piece of the puzzle I was missing. Suddenly there were words to define, clarifications to make, and lines in the sand to draw.
(Of course, a lot of folks agreed with the premise of the post, but you always focus on the negative comments, right?!)
Anyway, I love what you said about Jesus and about the fruits of the Spirit. Have you read
Peter Rollins’ “How (Not) To Speak of God”? I think you’d like it.
Here’s a thought from page 56:
“Rather than describing the Real or reality, the Christian idea of ‘knowing the truth’ can be said to operate in an entirely different realm. For, unlike the former perspectives which refer to the ability to make substantive descriptive claims concerning the Real or reality, the Judeo-Christian view of truth is concerned with having a relationship with the Real (God) that results in us transforming reality. The emphasis is thus not on description but on transformation…To know the Truth is thus to be known and transformed by the Truth.”
Also, I love the font you use for comments. Georgia, right?
Thursday, August 27, 2009 at 8:11 am
I absolutely could not agree more. This is the biggest reason that I am currently only sticking one toe in the water when it comes to going back to church. I have avoided it all together for so long due to a lot of the reasons you mentioned above. I was raised to be very “Christian” but when I grew up, moved out and made my own decisions I started to think maybe the entire thing might just be a crock. I have grown up now and am realizing that I have to put some effort into seeking the truth as well instead of just sitting on my soap box being angry. It is scary though.
I often say that if churches/Christians focused a little more on the love that Jesus has for us and a little less on the fact that he is just waiting for us to screw up so he can send us to Hell, they would have to start holding church in a much larger place because people would be flooding through the door.
Very well written. I really enjoyed your perspective.
Thursday, August 27, 2009 at 11:27 am
You touch on a lot of interesting points here. It’s definitely true that a lot of people divide over things that are pretty inconsequential. As McClaren was saying, we can’t just cut ourselves off from people the moment there is a disagreement.
But, on the flip side, there is also a danger in adopting some sort of approach that says, “truth isn’t the main thing, all that really matters is that we love…” We can look at parts of scripture like 1 Cor. 13, and really fixate on being loving, but still forget something. We can forget that “love” according to the standard of the world is often not the same as how God defines “love”.
Does Jesus want us to be rude, obnoxious bigots? Of course not. But often times if you are going to share with other people anything about how Jesus redeemed you from things like sexual addiction, drugs, selfishness, etc., then you will nonetheless be labeled a “bigot” by the people who are still embracing those things…
The focus has to be removed from you’re bad I’m good, because we’re all really the same… except some have come to know the truth, while others either haven’t heard it, or reject it.
It’s true that Jesus didn’t have some sort of method of testing people on issues like pre or post trib, or there stance on Calvinism or whatever, before healing them. What He DID constantly press them on, was this question: “Who am I?”
Good stuff, challenging we will definately be back.
Peace
Friday, August 28, 2009 at 8:15 am
One thing I would like to point out, from my point of view Daniel-Heather, is that if you decide to share your view and someone is reflexively defensive enough to call you a bigot, should that stop you from talking about your experiences to interested parties?
I would assume we can get into the weeds on whether or how the Christian Gospels should be shared with non-believers, believers of other faiths, etc, but I wonder how much one giving that testimony or advice should be concerned about the reaction of the person hearing the information/thought/philosophy? This is not to presuppose or assume you can turn off your emotions (it always stings to be rejected for your beliefs) but is there a drive in believers to not take to heart negative feedback or reactions?
If you are talking to someone about drug addiction, for example, and they are an addict, you can count on a negative reaction — its part of their addiction. So should you avoid that confrontation with someone you love if you believe you have something that help them with their disease? I certainly don’t have any universal answer for that. But as a person who subscribes to no particular religion, I wonder about how the faithful of a religion that preaches out reach and testimony (especially the Mormon religion or the Jehovah’s Witnesses who literally go door to door with their philosophies) deal with the cases where they are either summarily discounted or directly challenged.
Thursday, August 27, 2009 at 6:22 pm
1 Timothy 6:12 Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses
thanks for share GBU
Thursday, August 27, 2009 at 7:12 pm
Wow. Excellent article Ian. The video really hit home too; one of the major turning points in my young life was watching my family shut out my beloved uncle when he came out. Quoting scripture, we were not allowed to ‘eat at the same table’, so we therefore lost the chance to see or even speak with him before he passed as the HIV left him defenseless to pneumonia.
Very timely, well written and important article.
Geez, I like this blog! And great pictures too, how do you manage those?
Friday, August 28, 2009 at 9:10 am
sulochanosho- it took me a minute but I think I understand your point and it’s an interesting one. Not a punch at all. We may have different views about other religions or just how vital the Bible is, but I can agree with you that the Bible, while important and applicable, is not an index of answers for every question or situation in life, nor was it intended to be. I get in trouble for saying that and I’ve never understood why. Welcome to the site and thanks for joining in the discussion.
Rachel- Thank you for that; your writing and ministry are things that I really admire. I read your article and will leave you a comment about it over on your site. And I sympathize with your experience. Isn’t it ironic that while you were arguing for love, many used it as an opportunity to set up rules? Great quote, from a book that I haven’t read but will add to my list. Are fonts optional? The font that I use is whatever the template defaults to. You’d be surprised by how little I know about web design.
Tiffany- good thoughts once again, and I admire you for pushing through your negative experience with faith growing up. That’s never easy.
Daniel/Heather- thank you for the counterpoint. It’s a necessary one in a conversation about this topic and I agree with you completely and like the way you explained things. I will add that, in my limited, personal experience, I see the problem as Christians fixating on what you described in your first three paragraphs, however true, and missing the call to love and fruitful action because of it. So I do not propose an abandoning from what you are saying about truth and uncomfortable truths at times, but rather a balance with that in play along with the acts of love and selflessness that distinguished Christ in the first place. And I think you’re largely saying the same thing. I look forward to hearing more from you two. Solid thinking.
Brian- that’s a great point and even as a Christian I have no clear, universal answer or standard for that. I lean on freedom in Christ, acknowledging that people will be different and will address their discipleship differently. To the assertive person who relies too heavily on words and confrontation, may he or she find some restraint and compassion. To the coward who says nothing and is entirely pliable, may he or she find some backbone. I have been both of these extremes at times in my life and continue to struggle in the extremes today; so I am thankful that God’s grace and guidance are also for me.
Christianquote- I think I follow your point but next time I hope that you’ll share some of your own thoughts as well.
Andrew- tough story. Again this very difficult issue of standards vs. compassion arises. There are no easy answers, but as you are implying (I think), I too would rather act in favor of compassion than retreat to rigid boundaries, guidelines and a process of inevitable division. Wasn’t that part of the reason that Christ was hated by the religious elites- for showing compassion in the face of their rules and doctrine? Your participation and encouragement are really appreciated by all three of the writers here. Thanks man. Oh- and google image search on the photos. Nothing too fancy. Yeah I lucked out this time- the cartoon at the top was PERFECT for this topic.
Sunday, August 30, 2009 at 6:58 pm
Ian, good post, good thoughts, and good writing. Have you thought about writing for something other than a blog?
Monday, August 31, 2009 at 6:03 pm
Thanks Greg- glad to see you back around these parts
I have thought quite a bit about writing for something other than (in addition to) this blog- like a mag or doing a non-fiction book. I’ll be honest and admit that I’m not really familiar with either process/how to get my foot in the door. Got any suggestions?
Tuesday, December 1, 2009 at 8:22 am
Bless you and thank you. I have been struggling with this issue for many years, knowing in my heart that each day I attempt to be the person the Good Lord would want me to be. I have been believing in my heart that a huge part of what He wants from us is that we make the most and the best of the gifts he has given us. I withdrew from the church because I felt in my heart that condemnation against any group is sinful and against what his word says. I live my faith daily between myself and my God. For years and years, I have listened, read, studied and tried to know, to understand that it is ok not to participate in an “organized church” and that to be with God on my own is what is important. I TRULY feel that in my heart and mind, I know what God wants from us all and I can see with my own eyes that many in churches are simply locked into that battle you refer to. My neighbor is the least Christian person on the planet and yet, she has verbally attacked me twice as if she resents my belief that I am close to God because I’m not doing what she is doing. She lives her life with meaness. (forgive me God for even with those typed words I find a bit of revenge against her and I know that revenge is wrong). I STRUGGLE to find good feelings for her! Enough about that. The main thing is that you helped to give me strength in my beliefs and in fact, as my eyes opened this morning, your words were circulating in my brain. I always awake thanking God for the day and today it was a bit special because I had sort of MORE CONFIDENCE that the beliefs I’ve struggled to find over many years are valid. Thanks
Thursday, December 3, 2009 at 6:14 pm
Hi Regina and thanks for that. I think most people myself included can identify with the struggle of living with an organized church. It can feel lonely and at times hurtful and personal as we struggle to make roots in a church body made up of preexisting friendships and groups but also made up of people who are imperfect. That’s setting aside all the potentially nuttier stuff that churches can accomplish. But I encourage you as I’ve encouraged myself to find a church that you can at least support theologically (meaning Christ and love are the center) and then step out towards people there. It’s hard but worth it, in my experience. I think the popular notion is right and that we are meant for community. Christians wither when in isolation over time and that’s not to question your vibrant relationship with God but just to urge you not to miss out on the joy of community also.
Hope to hear from you again,
ian
Thursday, December 3, 2009 at 8:45 pm
Wow!! I’m impressed and honored that you truly read and understand my dilemma. Thank you so VERRRY much for the very wise words of encouragement. Not just wise but sincere. I might have a hard time but I could try again. I’ve tried in the past and there always seems to surface a self-serving agenda or a condemnation that I can’t tolerate hearing in a place meant to be for the worshipping of Jesus. I also found that in non-denominational churches I felt ambiguously more close to God than those around me, OR, like a hypocrite. Can’t say that I understand that one but that describes both reactions I’ve had in Christian churches. Needless to say when your emotions are going off in such a negative direction when you are seeking the opposite, it is very disconcerting. I was raised Catholic and I used to blame those reactions on my years of Catholic school and it’s teachings but I had to let go of that rationale because I am very capable of sorting through my own interpretations and I know I cannot put the blame on all the nuns and priests I grew up with. I am too independent in thought. Anyway, it has been an ongoing dilemma as I said. In order to feel at peace and to be able to concentrate on the goodness of God and not all the other junk, I had to remove myself from the radical things I witness coming from the mouths of so called preachers or people pretending to be spreading the word of God. I’m sorry to be going on and on here but I don’t want to miss out on any good intentioned help as I can see and feel, your’s is.
Did you see the movie “Angels and Demons” just released with Tom Hanks? There was a line spoken that helped me to feel my thoughts and feelings are shared around the world. The priest (at this point in the film seen as the pure of heart) asked Tom Hanks if he was religious. Tom Hanks either hesitated or I don’t exactly remember his response and the priest then said, “I don’t mean what man tells you about religion, I mean do you believe in God and I gasped at those words. Honestly, I did. That sums up my years of struggle to get to where I am now. Now, I feel I’m blessed to be believing in God and that I am living as he wants us all to live. I feel at peace with him daily. He guides me and helps me. I take pleasure from his gifts all around us. I guess what I’m saying is that I was finally able to cut through it all and to be at peace that God witnesses my true intentions and how I live in respect to him and in accordance to what I am certain he expects from us. I believe in my heart, that is the main thing he wants from us. I used to suffer a great deal that I wasn’t going somewhere to worship and the belief that it was required to do that. I felt so much in despair to see how “non-Christian” were the philosophies in those places where I attempted to worship. I gave up. The truth is, I feel so much more at peace and so much closer to God this way. I feel deep sorrow when I hear a person, supposedly of faith, condemning in general, groups of people for a difference in theology. I guess I am a hopeless case to what you are encouraging me to do. Recently, I have been driving around looking for a church that might invite me in. I haven’t found one yet.
Thank you so very much for encouraging me and for really reading my comments and trying to help. Regina p.s I totally understand human failings and how so imperfect we all are but I take offense to a self righteous individual claiming to be interpreting Gods words and scorning those who don’t take heed when the words coming out of the mouth are the most non-Christian, self-serving, twisted interpretations of the bible. I guess since I left the Catholic church, I haven’t really given enough time to seeing the full scope of any non-denomination church I’ve gone to. I’m DEFINITELY NOT saying they are all bad or wrong. I just haven’t found one that I felt wasn’t guilty of interpretation, by personal agenda, of God’s words.
Wednesday, December 9, 2009 at 11:07 am
Thanks for opening up, Regina. I have had some of your frustrations with Church in my past as well (and still do today at times). Stepping away from harmful things (or churches) is a good move, and that resting period can be very useful for sure to sort through things. Glad it’s been such a growing experience for your relationship with God.
If you’re interested- let me know what city or area you’re in and I’d be happy to ask a few friends in ministry if they know of any good churches in that area. I can’t promise that I’ll deliver but especially if you’re near a big city I might be able to get a few suggestions for you. Click over to the ‘author bios’ and then send me an email and that way I can get back to you with a couple of recommendations privately.