(It’s funny that dictionary.com defines dogma in the following manner:
adjective 1. Relating to or of the nature of a dogma or dogmas or any strong set of principles concerning faith, morals, etc., as those laid down by a church; doctrinal: “We hear dogmatic arguments from both sides of the political spectrum.” 2. Asserting opinions in a doctrinaire or arrogant manner; opinionated: “I refuse to argue with someone so dogmatic that he won't listen to reason”. At first glance, these two meanings seem to be competing ideas, but that is only at first glance. Before we go any further, allow me to define a few terms that I will be using so there is no misunderstanding. Visible Church: People/Organizations that claim to be “Christian”, consisting of both true and false converts. Invisible Church: Those who are genuine converts on earth combined with the saints that have died before us. (For a deeper look at these terms: Click this link) In the definition of dogmatic above, notice the language “laid down by a church”, I think we all have to allow for the fact that not everything the visible church has “laid down” as teaching is correct. Therefore, it is safe to say the visible church has asserting opinions (arrogantly at times). See any debate of Calvinism vs. Arminianism. (Disclaimer: I affirm the doctrines of grace as God’s Sovereignty in election) I’ll admit that according to both definitions, I am a dogmatic person. I have been guilty of the sin of arrogance, though it is not my desire to be arrogant. See, I love the Scriptures, I love Church History, but I also believe very strongly that this is too important to get wrong. My heart breaks for the lack of Biblical literacy and discernment in the visible church. It is an epidemic, for far too long people have said “I don’t have to read my Bible; I just want to love Jesus”! When I was 21 years old, a popular song (on Christian Radio at least) was Memoir by Audio Adrenaline. I use to sing it, oh well I was 21, what did I know? But there is this line: “I don't need theology to know that God's been good to me”, and now I just think how silly that line is. Now, theology is probably best defined as ‘the study of God’ or ‘words about God’; it comes from two Greek words theos meaning God and logos meaning word. If you know God’s been good to you, then that is (by definition) a theological statement, but I am getting side tracked. As a Christian Pastor, a teaching Elder, I make dogmatic statements, it kind of goes with job description. When I do so in my self and with my own flawed understanding, I must acknowledge that I could be wrong. After all, only scripture is infallible, and I must admit that my understanding is utterly fallible. So, I will contend for the faith (Jude 1:3), I will watch my life and doctrine closely (1 Tim 4:16), but I will be teachable/correctable if someone can show me a more excellent way (1 Cor 12:31) in Scripture. Proof is in the pudding, I was raised an Über Charismatic Arminian, During the process of sactification, I have become a Reformed Baptist.. Why? Because someone was able to take me to the Scriptures and show me my misunderstandings, I then adopted the more Biblical view every step of the way. I don’t have an open mind, but I do have a renewed mind and open Bible. This is just too important to get wrong.
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