I want to address a comment I received about yesterday's post. I think this is very important, so I am going to address it in another post. A very dear friend of mine who was so very influential in my growth as a Christian commented on my post about doctrine/following Jesus. I want to make clear that I was not setting up a false dichotomy. I was not pitting doctrine against following Jesus. As a matter of fact, I believe one cannot be a Christian without following Christ. However, many today do pit doctrine against action. Rick Warren is heard repeatedly calling for a new reformation, one of deeds not creeds, behavior not belief. This is a false dichotomy, and one that Satan dearly loves. When one calls for deeds not creeds, what one is unwittingly doing is saying "Give me Law not Gospel." My wife pointed out a very good article from some years ago by Michael Horton that does a wonderful job of summing up my position on this. (You can find this article here.) My whole point is if one does set up a false dichotomy, then one may be following the wrong Jesus.
Monday, September 17, 2007
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
3 comments:
Alan,
I hope you were not offended by my previous comment. I was trying to have a little fun with the "toot" joke. I thought my comment might stir up some discussion.
As for your follow up post, I don't understand your point. How does your poll question "What is more important, doctrine or following Jesus?" square up with "I was not pitting doctrine against following Jesus"?
Mark, I was not offended, I have heard Paul use that in a SS class and I think I have a pretty good sense of humor. I will admit the question is leading, at least to a degree because I do know most people will read into it an either/or option. But really at the heart of the matter my point was exactly the opposite, trying to make people understand you can't just do away with doctrine and follow Jesus, you have to have both. I appreciate your comments and have been bracing for some disagreements. Lisa said to me when I began this "You know, you are setting yourself up to have alot of mud slung your way." and I agreed with her, I am quite surprised I have had so little yet, it will come. Again thank you for your participation.
In Christ
Alan
You're on the right track, Alan. Doctrine is the foundation of our subjective experience or obedience.
Post a Comment