I wonder: how many Christians actually take a church’s doctrine into account when choosing a church home?
When it comes to things like that, I’m usually a pessimist. I’d go to Vegas on the wager that very, very few even give a moment’s thought to it.
Recently I had a conversation with a woman (she claimed to be Christian…I’ll take her word for it.) who was one of those in that category.
photo credit: bonitaopc.com
Upon finding out that she goes to a Methodist church, I began to probe (some Methodist churches are known for being off their onion when it comes to theology.).
“How did you choose that church?”
Her answer basically boiled down to one thing: its “feel.” Okaaaaay?
“Have you ever looked at your church’s beliefs and doctrine?”
No. Not really concerned about that.
The conversation continued in a more or less frustrating direction. For example, when I asked her “what beliefs are necessary for someone to be a Christian?” she answered by going on and on about not judging. GAH!
Let me pose this question to you: why should you care about a church’s doctrine and beliefs?
Now let me answer it for you: aside from the many biblical injunctions (“Watch your life and your doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers. 1 Tim 4:16″ If you are supposed to watch your doctrine closely, doesn’t it stand to reason that you should give at least some thought to your church’s doctrine?), it boils down to one thing–ideas have consequences.
Have you ever realized that? That is one big reason why I’m studying philosophy.
As C.S Lewis once quipped, when you encounter a man dying of starvation and you sincerely believe he needs a big meal, you will kill him if you actually act on that belief. Your idea that he needs a steak dinner will mean his ruin.
When it comes to the spiritual realm, spiritual and religious ideas are either true or false. They are not merely a matter of personal taste or “belief.” Therefore, they have dire, sometimes eternal, outcomes.
For example, if a church teaches that there are many ways to heaven, they are putting its congregants on the wide path…and that path, though it is marked “to heaven,” does not lead there (Satan is not that stupid. He does not mark his paths “to hell.”). This belief has dire consequences.
If a church teaches that one does not need Jesus for salvation, it is giving false comfort to the lost. Its like a nurse telling a diabetic, “no, you don’t need insulin. Eat ice cream. Just be sure to pick a flavor you like!” This belief has dire consequences.
If a church teaches the idea that the biblical injunctions against homosexual behavior are just a bunch of ballyhoo and that the homosexual lifestyle is benign, it will leave a vast trail of wrecked lives in its wake. That belief has dire consequences.
What does your church teach about the Bible? Is it God’s word, or a man made flawed book?
What does your church teach about the nature of God? Nature of man? sin? salvation?
What about hell? Truth? Morality? Heck, what does your church teach about “The Church”?
Each of these are very important things to consider when choosing a church, for grand implications flow from whatever your church teaches about them. You want a church that holds to the faith once for all delivered to the saints, one that is on the narrow path.
I know that many consider the word “doctrine” a 4 letter word, but it is a matter of eternal destiny.
If you like what you read, please consider subscribing to my RSS feed (button found at the top right in the sidebar).
: 
: 
: 
: 
: 
: 
: 
: 
: 
: 
: 
