How should one respond to theology that one doesn't agree with?
Saturday, April 19, 2008 at 8:13AM This week I had two of my closest friends email me with questions about events that have theologies that differ from where we are. Both of these friends are trusted and wise, people whose opinions I value and trust. I have often sought their input and guidance.
One of the queries related to the conference I am at this weekend, the 'Mighty men of God'. I will confess that I only visited the website to complete my registration, and did not take the time to read their statement of faith. However, that would not have been likely to alter my excitement to get here. Of course I have also seen the 'Faith like potatoes' movie and read the book of the same name. I have also been to one or two meetings where he has spoken, and so I was not unaware of what I assumed his theological position to be.
I know that there will be some elements of his theological position that are likely not to resonate with mine. The issues is, in instances like this, one knows most of the men here could care less about theology, they are gathered for a Christian weekend with other guys. They want a bit of challenge and inspiration.
However, the question is, how should one respond to such a theological difference? I can think of a few possible options:
1. You simply stay away. I have done this at certain times where I have previously encountered events that I believe are so out of step with the Gospel that one should not support them.
2. One could simply turn a blind eye (or ear) and go along with what is taking place. Sadly I have made this mistake as well a few times in my Christian walk.
3. The third option, to my mind, is that one could attend with a receptive, yet discerning, heart and see what the Lord may do. This is ,ost likely to be my position on most Church and Christian events. Heck each group seems to have certain blessed strengths and certain blindspots and weaknesses. My own denomination has many! However, God seems capable of working in spite of this!
What do you think? How do you respond to this delicate tension between doctrinal purity and less than perfect experiences of God's grace?
I think I have approached this weekend with the 3rd option in mind. I have already been blessed by the conversations, friendships, and the experience. But of course there are also some persons and perspectives that I have seen, heard, and just smiled at and not agreed with. True diversity requires some measure of acceptable compromise.
Technorati tags: Mighty men of God, Angus Buchan, Christian men, incredible blessing
Reader Comments (6)
That's the basic problem with ecumenism, isn't it?
At any ecumenical gathering you are bound to encounter people and groups whose theology you disagree with.
Those who regard ecumenism as an unmitigated heresy will say "stay away" (or "get out" if you are already there). Ecumaniacs will say "Denomination doesn't matter, we are all united in Jesus regardless of race, colour or creed" (Creed? Even Muslims, Hindus, atheists?).
I think what you suggest is best: a discerning, and if necessary critical participation unless you think that participation would necessaerily mean that you would depart from the truth.
i also wonder if the purpose of the event/meeting matters? think of it this way: would you require someone's statement of faith to have dinner with them? certainly not! (well, i say it in this silly manner, but i know a few who actually WOULD avoid dinner with people on these grounds, but will leave that for another conversation).
if you are gathering with 50000 men to sing and hang out, does it matter what "they" believe? At this point, wouldn't you have to ask for that same statement from all 50000 anyway?
Thanks, as always, for giving us an inside look at what's happening!
It's about time you went to man camp. I hope you 'man up' while you're there... Last time I heard of men in tents talking about pride was in the campsite at Knysna... But then they spoke about pink Loeries too - never seen one of those.
I think you are behaving like a Wesleyan... Casting out demons in Jesus' name in spite of your differences... Wesley would approve... Imagine how good his sermons would have been if written in a jet - and not on the back of a horse.
Thanks for posting your insights into this amazing event, Dion. By chance(?) my morning devotion was William Barclay's exposition of 1 Timothy 1:3-7. Barclay explains that the ruling class in Greece loved argument but despised physical action. This predilection spilled over into the early church at Ephesus, causing Paul much concern. He warns Timothy about church members who prefer "idle tales", "speculation", and "empty and useless discussions" rather than effective church administration . James 2:14 also speaks out against faith without deeds. Theology is like a compass on an adventure trail; it's important to have a good one, but if you don't actually go anywhere then it's a total waste of time.
Whatever Angus Buchan's theology may be, no one can accuse him of being a couch potato, of having faith with no deeds. Our country and many other countries in Africa desperately need godly men and women to boldly assert God's values and truths in the various situations that confront them. If Angus' gathering of 52,000 men facilitates this, what a blessing!
The ultimate litmus test of people is the simple but powerful one given to us by our Lord Jesus Christ in Matthew 7:16: "by their fruits shall ye know them".
Hey everyone, thanks so much for the comments. I am learning a lot from these new experiences, and learning a lot from all of you.
All that I can say is that it was a fun weekend and very inspirational.
Oh, I can also say that Gus is a 'biscuit' ;-)
PS. I am feeling more Wesleyan (and Christian) than I have in some time. It feels good.