Orthodoxy

I must have been about 26 when those words were first shouted by and elder in response to a statement I made while teaching an adult class. To say everyone in the class, including my wife, was shocked by the proclamation would be an understatement. It was disconcerting to me to be sure, and it demanded follow-up for clarification.

The discussion which ensued was something of a relief, as others in the class rushed to support the statement I had made (now long forgotten). It was even humorous when, a few moments later, the elder made the same point in different terms. He apologized for the outburst before we parted that day. Nevertheless, the experience left a deep impression on me. Let’s be sure we understand what people mean by what they say, before we issue such harsh judgments.

How quickly we rush to dismiss something because it strikes us as incorrect. Like spiritual automatons, stimulus/response kicks in and we react without thinking – often without really hearing! If the truth is known, we often don’t want to hear what disagrees with our cozy belief system. The greatest obstacles to our learning are those things which we already “know.” Instead of automatically rejecting an idea, humility dictates that our first response should be to admit it is possible we are wrong.

It’s easy to label something as heresy or false doctrine and dismiss it, especially if we have a select group around us who will jump on the bandwagon and confirm our evaluation of the situation. At some point in life, we start to learn that just because a lot of people believe something, doesn’t necessarily mean it is correct. I grew up hearing about “false doctrine”. False doctrine was what other denominations taught. I don’t recall ever being given a definition of false doctrine. What does that phrase mean to you?

Well, it may come as a surprise, but this phrase does not appear in the New Testament. Instead, we find the admonition to uphold sound doctrine. This leads us to ask, “What is doctrine?”. Is it all the rules and regulations with which men have encumbered the simple message of the gospel, or is it something else?

At the most basic level, sound doctrine is that Jesus, is the Christ, the Son of the Living God, who raised Him from the dead that we might have salvation in His name alone. Paul told the Corinthians, “For I determined not to know anything  among you, save Jesus Christ, and Him crucified.” (1 Cor. 2:2). He admonished them because of the divisions among them. There focus was to be on Jesus, not the person who brought them the good news of the kingdom. Today he would chastise believers who divide because they are of Luther, Calvin, Knox, Campbell, and on and on ad nauseum.

The transition from life under the Law to life under the royal law required instruction, and it is obvious the first century believers received such doctrinal instruction from the apostles: “And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.” (Acts 2:42) So much of their instruction was very specific to the time in which they lived. Other aspects of it are relevant for all time. Great debates have arisen over exactly what falls in each category. Godly people have honest disagreements based on diligent study. Does this mean one or both are guilty of teaching false doctrine? I don’t think so. Only those who deny Christ and His redemptive work, or pervert it, fall into this category.

To be sure, there were, and always will be, those who pervert the truth out of improper motives: quite often self-promotion. Our time is a witness to this on the big screen for all to see. How long it will take to undo the damage done by these biblical hacks is something God alone knows, but it is certainly business which confront believers worldwide for generations to come.

I love the story of Apollos. You’ll remember from his story in Acts 18, that he was a man of God who knew the word and diligently taught it to the best of his knowledge and belief. However, his teaching was faulty. Aquila and Priscilla didn’t lambaste him with a charge of false doctrine. The quietly took him aside and explained the truth “more perfectly” to him. He responded by accepting that truth and conforming his teaching to it, and in doing so he became an even more useful servant of Christ.

How happy the occasion would be, were we to approach our differences this way! When we attack others as though we are the final arbiters of truth,, we forfeit not only the opportunity to learn and teach, but also the fellowship  we might otherwise enjoy.  Sadly, we also forfeit the testimony of unity in Christ. When we make the issue  one of who is right and who is wrong, instead of what is truth, we do a disservice to everyone, including ourselves.

As a seeker of truth, I have been well received by approaching those with whom I disagree with something like, “Brother, I know we understand this issue differently, and I believe we both want to know God’s truth, and obey it. I’d appreciate it if you would take the time to tell me how you develop your view from scripture. Then, I’d like for you to listen to why I see things differently, so we both can benefit mutually. Would this be agreeable with you?”

If you want a key to open up relationship with other believers, I think you will find an approach like this helpful, but you must be honest in making the offer. Just using such language to manipulate the situation to engage someone in discussion without being serious about understanding why they believe what they believe is counterproductive. You must enter the discussion with the deep awareness that what you believe may indeed be wrong, and you must have a sincere commitment to making necessary changes if this proves to be the case.

Growing in faith, building relationships with other believers, and living a life that testifies to the unity there is in Christ, requires us to do the uncomfortable thing, putting what we believe to be true on the table for others to examine and critique. Those who blindly cling to tradition tend to avoid such encounters. Instead, the shun the opportunity or dominate it to pound you with their view while totally ignoring yours. Those who seek truth will welcome the opportunity, and they will be delighted you cared enough to engage them in dialogue. When that happens, it is a beautiful, God honoring thing!

Try it! When you do, you will find that your doctrine becomes more sound, and shouts of “false doctrine” will be unmasked for what they are, fear of change and growth, or perhaps just laziness.