I’ve been thinking about controversy among Christians a lot lately.
A writer I follow on Facebook is accused of promoting a “dangerous” liberal theology. Ironically, his theology isn’t liberal at all, just rooted in a historical Christian tradition the accuser wasn’t familiar with. Which must make it “liberal,” right?
A Reformed book reviewer labels
Ann Voskamp’s book, One Thousand Gifts, “dangerous.”
A friend confides that they keep their Reformed views quiet, for fear of being labeled “dangerous” by the Arminian majority where they live.
I interrogate the poor Christian school administrator visiting our church about what type of science they teach at their school. He launches into a good-natured speech that has obviously been carefully crafted for maximum diplomacy. I find myself wondering if Bob Jones curriculum is “dangerous.”
So I really appreciated Ed Cyzewski’s recent post on The Dangers of Labeling Other Christians Dangerous. Still, I couldn’t help but notice the internal dialogue going through my head while I was reading it. “But some views ARE dangerous! What about heresy? What about wolves in sheep’s clothing? To say some views aren’t dangerous is DANGEROUS!”
That’s when it occured to me. We need to learn the difference between what’s heresy, and what’s just a different hermeneutic.
We know that we all read scripture through human lenses, tinged by our culture, education, life experiences, and limited human capacity, right? It’s possible (and inevitable) for us to come away with interpretations and understandings that differ from the interpretations and understandings of some other Christians. “For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.” (1 Corinthians 13:12)
So how do we know whether a person is promoting heresy, or just a hermeneutic that we are unfamiliar or uncomfortable with?
I believe there are a couple steps we can take.
First, we need to get really clear on what Christianity is. What are the “non-negotiables” of Christian theology, according to most Christian traditions?
Second, it would be helpful to understand Christian traditions and beliefs that are different than our own. This will keep us from freaking out (and coming across as ignorant or rude) when we’re confronted with views that are different from ours, but very much within the realms of Christian orthodoxy.
And third, even if we really don’t understand where a person is coming from, we can learn to be gracious, and consider their views with all the objectivity we can muster. Maybe WE think a certain doctrine or bit of dogma is ridiculous, but can we see how a person might get that view from their reading of the Bible? And more importantly, does it contradict the non-negotiables of Christian theology?
I’ll be talking about these things over the next few days on my blog. But first, I’d love to hear from you.
Have you been labeled, dismissed, or misrepresented for asking certain questions, believing certain things, attending a certain church? Have you done that to others?
What has doctrinal division cost you personally, and the church at large?
And finally, how can we get better at promoting unity within the body of Christ?
I am a youth pastor’s wife. Within the realm of the denomination I attend, I would be considered “liberal.” That being said, I need to know my audience, and whether the topic at hand is worth potential backlash. There are always times when it is best to keep one’s mouth shut, and they there are times when one must speak. Maturity is knowing the difference.
That being said, many Christians take the bible literally, define certain words differently (the way one defines sin is a big one) and as you said, everyone looks through their own lens. Great post.
Of course, the idea of “taking the Bible literally” is figurative. ;-D Which parts? I wish I could remember the exact quote, but some elderly, Baptist-esque theologian complained once about people claiming to believe the “common-sense meaning” of certain Bible verses–he said something along the lines of “The Bible doesn’t neccessarily mean what makes the most sense to you–it means what the author intended it to mean.”
Thanks Valerie! Knowing when to speak and when to stay silent IS a hard line to walk.
Literalism run amuck makes me think of The Wittenberg Door’s illustrated take on the Song of Solomon: http://www.acts17-11.com/snip_song.html
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Warning! Do not attempt to drink your coffee while clicking on that link!
HA!!! Love the hair!
I know you are just getting started with this topic and I don’t know where you are going with it, but be careful and prayerful as you go. Yes, there are certain things that are non-negotiable, like the virgin birth, Jesus being both God and man and thus living a sinless life, His death and resurrection and ascension into heaven. That Jesus is coming back again one day to take all believers to be with Him (rapture) and at the end He will establish a new heaven and earth and a New Jerusalem where He will rule and reign forever. But there are many differences in some “denominations” that are their “traditions” but are nontheless dangerous and outright idolatry. The Roman Catholics (and maybe others) for example pray to Mary and other “saints”. Praying to anyone but God/Jesus is idolatry. No if, ands, or buts about that. Putting any humans on “pedestals” by giving them the title “saint” for their good works and/or miracles performed is just wrong and idolatry. All believers are saints according to the Bible and we are still sinful by nature. Any miracles performed are of God and He is the one who should receive all the glory, not the person. I would go so far to say that anything we truly obsess about or are addicted to has become an idol to us. Anything from drugs, alcohol, gambling, food, and cigarettes, to cars, clothes, shopping, hobbies, sex, TV watching, sports, work/making money, physical fitness…anything that occupies a majority of our time, affection and finances. I’m not saying that all these things are bad in and of themselves, but it’s the importance these things play in our lives. God first always in our affections and attention, then others and then ourselves. Anytime we focus too much on ourselves and our desires we make ourselves little idols. I could go on and on, but I won’t, it’s your blog not mine. =) Blessings
Thanks Julia! What you say about idolatry is very, very true.
One of the reasons that I am writing this series is because I have noticed a tendency among Christians to address disagreements with generalities and labels. Instead of discussing the issue at hand, we just tell the person that their views are unbiblical (because they don’t fit into OUR interpretation of scripture), label them accordingly, and move on. It’s very dishonoring, betrays a spiritual pride, and does nothing to build up the body of Christ.
Of course, this series is going to show MY bias, as part of a non-dogmatic tradition.
The “non-negotiables” are different for different traditions, and I’m going to be using my own, which are quite simple. But I think the simplicity will serve this discussion well.
Hi Julia, As a former Catholic, I certainly have no desire to subject myself to the authority of Rome. However, there is a lot of variety of views among Catholics and their own theologians do a pretty good job of creating boundaries against things like idolatry. The problems come when the superstitions and bad theology creep into Catholic Churches that have no clue what their theologians are actually saying.
So I don’t quite know how far you were saying we should go when speaking of Catholics (as in, are they Christians or not), but there is no doubt in my mind that plenty of Catholics are true followers of Jesus, even if I don’t agree with their practices. I mean, we all have our idols, right? ha! I think some even pray to saints in such a way that it isn’t idolatry. I can’t do that perspective justice, but I know that there is a variety of perspectives here that we need to take into account, even if I have no intention of ever praying to saint. One member of my prayer group was a Catholic who knew Jesus deeply and intimately, and he really overturned some of my misconceptions about Catholicism.
Roman Catholics don’t worship Blessed Virgin Mary or the saints, we honor Mary and ask the saints to help us in this life to bring us into closer relationship to Jesus. If you look at an icon of the Blessed Virgin Mary and Jesus notice the position of her hands always pointing to Jesus, so with the help of Mary we come to know and love Jesus. Of course Jesus wants us to honor his Mother…. he did and does. We are all called to be saints, that is the goal of our Christian life to be a saint in heaven with God. Healing always comes from God whether its through the skill of a doctor or the prayers of a saint and the glory and thanksgiving of healing should always go to God I’m sure a saint would say the same. I’m a Catholic Christian and I love my faith all the smells, bells, saints and tradition. We Christians are all working for the same goal it’s nice when we can work together and help each other to heaven forever with our beloved Jesus. God bless!
Thanks Beth–I was hoping you would chime in! I think the “smells, bells, saints and traditions,” as you refer to them, can be confusing and a little intimidating to people who don’t understand what it’s all about. I know I felt very out-of-place the first (and only?) time I attended mass–but then, the same thing happened the first time I attended a Presbyterian church! I had NO idea what was going on!
I’m so thankful that you are willing to offer the Roman Catholic perspective, and to do it so graciously!!! xoxo!
Have you been labeled, dismissed, or misrepresented for asking certain questions, believing certain things, attending a certain church?
There is a blog that started up last year that looked very promising. The team writing there was a bit more to one end of a theological spectrum than I, but I thought it would be good to read and possibly engage in discussions with them. The reading part was good as I gained some insights. The discussion part was not. Whether my comments or those of others, views that did not fit squarely in the blog’s doctrinal stance were answered rather strongly and at times harshly. Frankly, at times I got flamed by the blogmeisters. I was looking for a more irenic forum. It wasn’t, so I stopped visiting.
Tim
What a bummer. Their loss.
I know in my younger years I felt like I had to play “doctrine police,” setting everyone straight if their views did not line up with what I thought the Bible taught. It was really obnoxious. Thankfully, I outgrew that with acne and adolescent angst. Engaging in discussion is one thing, but insisting on “fixing” everyone else’s belief system (because we OBVIOUSLY have it all together!) is something else entirely. We’ve got to leave some room for the Holy Spirit to work in all of our hearts and minds as well!
“Their loss.” Word, woman.
Tim
This is perhaps a bit off topic, but I despise being told by someone who was listening in on a conversation between me and another person;
1. that I should have said…
2. Why didn’t you say/ask…
3. Don’t you think they meant…
4. What if they meant…
The panic, that we as Christians have, over “fixing” another person upsets me.
Often, I will be chatting with someone and want to make a comment when the Holy Spirit tells me, “No!”. I try to listen with understanding and love, not necessarily agreement. Perhaps the timing is all wrong. Perhaps the person doesn’t know the scriptures (even if they are a believer) and just wants/needs a friend. Perhaps the person just wants to hear his/her own head roar. I don’t know. But, this I do know…it’s not my “job” to fix someone. That is between them and the Lord. And, if the Lord says, “Hands off, mouth closed”, I had better obey. I do struggle with not knowing why I am not allowed to say anything, but that I have to leave in the Lord’s hands, as well.
When those around me get frustrated with me and ask me why I didn’t “correct the other’s point of view”, I find myself getting frustrated. I interpret their questions as accusatory and condemning. That’s my junk. I have actually been asked, “Well, what if they get hit by a car and die? How will you feel?” Ummmmm…bad, sad, hoping that the Lord brought someone into their life to share God’s point of view with them…wishing that person could have been me. Gosh. Wondering if they found the Truth.
I try to be very intentional about telling the truth of the scriptures when God allows me to. I try to do so often. I try to do so in love. And, I know that I have to be very discerning with EACH situation. I have sometimes failed at this. And, I have succeeded on occasion. I want to represent Christ well. But, there are times when I just plain fail…badly. You know me, Jen.
I have been labeled a false prophet. I have been told that I prey on weak willed women and lead them astray. Once, when someone found out that I had (at that time) 2, count ‘em, 2!!! homosexual friends, they asked me, “Isn’t your husband the head of Youth for Christ?” This one always frustrated me, “How can you let your kids play with that person…what if they decide to become a Muslim, Hindu, Mormon…”. Did my children playing with children of another faith concern me? Well, sure. (Mostly because of the parent’s influence) Did I try to be very careful with my children? Yes. Did I fail, at times? Absolutely. But, I believe that I gave my children as solid a foundation, in the Lord, as I was able to give them. I had to believe that God cared for my children with regard to this issue. So, I had to let go and trust God with them.
I have been misunderstood. Most often by those who don’t ask…they just tell/judge. And, it has cost me. It is often very messy to be friends with or associate with those who are, as the Bible calls it, distressed. Distressed people need the freedom that can be found in Christ.
I remember that Jesus was labeled a drunkard, a friend of sinners (and not in a good way), a rebel…somehow that comforts me. I don’t want anyone to get the idea that I am not willing to share my concerns and admonitions with others. I am. But, I must try to do so in love, honoring the person and honoring the Holy Spirit.
I long for us to be people who listen to the Lord and walk in the Spirit. We need to let Him “fix” people. We need to go to the person we have issues with and be lovingly direct…ask questions, not judge motives. That would fix a ton of problems within the Church.
Oh, Mom. You have been SUCH an incredible example of a person who lets the Holy Spirit lead you, even when it’s directly into the line of fire. Because that’s where the “distressed” tend to be, right? On the recieving end of EVERYONE’S bullets. I’m so, so thankful for you!
Well…thank you, Sweetface.
Thank you for hearing my heart.
Yes, the distressed often tend to be on the receiving end of someone’s “bullets”. There are days when I just want to grab my distressed “friend”, “cover” them and protect them…as only Christ could do. Under His wings. But, that is not my “job” either. I choose to love them and lead them to the cross. Sometimes, I just stand there with them. Wondering. Crying. Laughing. Sometimes getting pummeled with them. *heavy sigh*. We all have so much to learn. Boundaries are wonderful things! I’m still learning.
Off to make dinner. Humble pie, anyone? *tee-hee*
Thanks for linking up and reflecting on this.
Being an egalitarian, I get dismissed all of the time as not caring about reading the Bible seriously. That always comes from people who don’t know about the 3-4 years I invested in exploring gender roles very carefully before switching from the complementarian perspective.
Another thing to add is that even orthodoxy itself has shifted a bit over the years. Origin would technically be a heretic if he showed up 100 years after his time! While the essential dogmas are pretty stable, even some of our church fathers who defended the faith in other areas had some views that crossed a few lines. Good thing we serve a God who knows our hearts and doesn’t give theology tests!
“Good thing we serve a God who knows our hearts and doesn’t give theology tests!”
Ed, you’re giving away tomorrow’s post!!!
It IS interesting to consider how orthodoxy has shifted. Forget the church fathers, though–it was actually Rebecca (as in Abraham’s daughter-in-law) that began to shake my theology up in this area. I knew that God had revealed himself to Abraham, but Rebecca talked about God, too, before she even met Abraham–WHO was she talking about?! What was her conception of God? For that matter, what was Abraham’s? Amazing the rabbit trails thinking too hard about that can lead a person down. It was the beginning of a long, winding journey for me, for sure.
I’m super interested to see where you take us the next few days Jenny. You ask: “What has doctrinal division cost you personally, and the church at large?” For me, many of my theological positions loosened as I worked for several international non-profit organizations. I labored alongside Christians living, working, worshipping, evangelizing, discipling, proclaiming the Gospel in their countries, among their cultures, in their native tongues. I held hands with them and prayed with them, myself in English and they in Farsi and Lugandan and Chinese and Dutch and Hebrew. I felt the “brotherhood” of unity, of co-laboring, and saw my God as bigger than my small country, my small city, my ‘church’ with a lowercase c. I think when we divide over doctrinal issues (that aren’t the majors) we lose this gift–the beauty of His Church and all its diversity.
Thanks Karen! I think it’s my background as a missionary kid that makes this such a big deal to me. You come to realize that people who think and believe very, very differently from you still love and follow Jesus. Someday I’m going to write a big ol’ post about the contextualization of the gospel, and the redemption of cultures, not just people. But THAT is a lot to bite off right now!