What DON'T you believe?
Looking at the “What We Believe” section of college and church web sites I am reminded of something I heard John Piper say recently. He was commenting on Ephesians 2:9 - “not by works” – and said that by using this negative assertion Paul was able to more clearly explain what he meant in v8 “saved by grace through faith.” He said we find out much more about what people really believe when we ask them what they DON’T believe.
Based on their doctrinal statements, it seems most Christian organizations share much in common, and yet this is obviously not true in many cases. I'm not trying to cause division where it doesn't exist, but there are simply huge and conflicting differences between organizations that share an almost identical "What We Believe" section. Most everyone believes that eternal life comes through Jesus Christ, but in practice there are vast differences in how we are led to obtain that eternal life. Most everyone believes the Bible is God's writing, but in practice it is interpreted in many contradictory ways.
So, I vote for these web sites and handouts to also include, "What We DON'T Believe" sections. These would serve to refine the "What we do believe" sections. Of course, many would think these sections would reflect a judgmental attitude, but we are called to be discerning - "diakrisis", which also means to judge. Hebrews 5:14 therefore means that we are to judge good from evil, truth from error (also 1 John 4:6), on the basis of what we learn from scripture (see v13.) So there is a healthy (non-hypocritical) judging we are supposed to do - even our love for the brethren is supposed to be rooted in knowledge and discernment (Philippians 1:9.)
These "negative" sections would surely help me get to the bottom of what would otherwise only become apparent with more time and experience. Could save a whole lot of heart ache and avoid some unnecessary primrose paths.
Based on their doctrinal statements, it seems most Christian organizations share much in common, and yet this is obviously not true in many cases. I'm not trying to cause division where it doesn't exist, but there are simply huge and conflicting differences between organizations that share an almost identical "What We Believe" section. Most everyone believes that eternal life comes through Jesus Christ, but in practice there are vast differences in how we are led to obtain that eternal life. Most everyone believes the Bible is God's writing, but in practice it is interpreted in many contradictory ways.
So, I vote for these web sites and handouts to also include, "What We DON'T Believe" sections. These would serve to refine the "What we do believe" sections. Of course, many would think these sections would reflect a judgmental attitude, but we are called to be discerning - "diakrisis", which also means to judge. Hebrews 5:14 therefore means that we are to judge good from evil, truth from error (also 1 John 4:6), on the basis of what we learn from scripture (see v13.) So there is a healthy (non-hypocritical) judging we are supposed to do - even our love for the brethren is supposed to be rooted in knowledge and discernment (Philippians 1:9.)
These "negative" sections would surely help me get to the bottom of what would otherwise only become apparent with more time and experience. Could save a whole lot of heart ache and avoid some unnecessary primrose paths.
Comments
Calvary Bible College does not foster, teach, or provide a hospitable atmosphere for the “tongues” movement. If one of tongues persuasion desires to enter Calvary as a student and is willing to study with an open mind, he is welcome. However, he is definitely prohibited from practicing or propagating his belief concerning the tongues doctrine and is carefully helped to understand the institution’s position on this important issue. The institution’s position is clear. Tongues is not a part of our ministry, nor is it beneficial or necessary to our Christian life. It is neither sought nor encouraged. We are non-charismatic. (Calvary Bible College, Kansas City, MO.)
This may come off not as negative, but deals with "hot topics" and I think effectively demonstrates the point you are making.