Can a church have an unhealthy devotion to doctrine?

[OZZY]

Are we saved through faith in Jesus Christ... or by correct doctrine?

I don't mean to imply that doctrine is unimportant, and like many of us here I enjoy studying it, to the point where I can qualify as a theology nerd.

But people who are ignorant of most doctrine, and know only that Jesus died on the cross for their sins and was resurrected... well, I think they know enough to be saved, even though they may not be capable of understanding much more.

I think a devotion to doctrine that reverses the ancient Christian principle of lex orandi, lex credendi ("the law of prayer is the law of belief") goes too far and is on the wrong track.

Salvation by faith thru grace IS a doctrine!

It sure is! And one I heartily endorse! But if someone is not very bright and is capable of grasping only that one doctrine... well, I think they'll be ok. But certainly I agree that understanding more is a Good Thing.

Without sound doctrine, cults, isms and looney beliefs flourish.
Which is why teaching them all things is apart of the great commission.

The reason these skulls full of mush discount doctrine is because it gets in the way of their looney methodology.

I don't say it's unimportant. But I do say it isn't the most important thing. Faith and worship rank higher.

Without salvation thru Grace, no other doctrine would matter.So of course it is the most important doctrine.

 

[Izdaari]

Are we saved through faith in Jesus Christ... or by correct doctrine?

I don't mean to imply that doctrine is unimportant, and like many of us here I enjoy studying it, to the point where I can qualify as a theology nerd.

But people who are ignorant of most doctrine, and know only that Jesus died on the cross for their sins and was resurrected... well, I think they know enough to be saved, even though they may not be capable of understanding much more.

I think a devotion to doctrine that reverses the ancient Christian principle of lex orandi, lex credendi ("the law of prayer is the law of belief") goes too far and is on the wrong track.

Salvation by faith thru grace IS a doctrine!

It sure is! And one I heartily endorse! But if someone is not very bright and is capable of grasping only that one doctrine... well, I think they'll be ok. But certainly I agree that understanding more is a Good Thing.

Without sound doctrine, cults, isms and looney beliefs flourish.
Which is why teaching them all things is apart of the great commission.

The reason these skulls full of mush discount doctrine is because it gets in the way of their looney methodology.

I don't say it's unimportant. But I do say it isn't the most important thing. Faith and worship rank higher.

Without salvation thru Grace, no other doctrine would matter.So of course it is the most important doctrine.

Good! You and I haven't agreed on much lately, so I'm glad we agree on that at least. 

 

[Bob H]

http://www.outreachmagazine.com/features/4697-do-you-have-a-zombie-church.html

In this article on Zombie Churches, containing some relevant points, BTW, the author lists "an unhealthy devotion to doctrine" as a problem with some churches.

If doctrine is truth, how can a church have an unhealthy devotion to truth?

This seems to be another young skull full of mush gone politically correct crazy...in order to remain relevant, I'm sure!

No