The truth about truth
Last Sunday, the pastor at my church taught from Revelation 20, which includes a reference the infamous 1,000 year reign of Christ.? What Stu had to say about that was interesting, but something else he talked about caught my attention.? He noted that the discussion of this millennial period has historically been a point of division in Christian circles.? This one little point of doctrine, nestled into the back of the back of the Bible, has become so important in some communities that Christians are willing to break fellowship over it.
Stu noted that Truth is extremely important, and that we should all strive to conform our beliefs to the Truth of the Bible.? And yet, he also described the three "Circles of Truth" that we need to be aware of:
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Core:? In the core are beliefs that are non-negotiable.? These are the "essentials," which we must agree upon if we are to be in community?together as Christians.? The list of doctrinal issues that fall into this circle is short, but important.
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Creed & Confession:? Most churches and denominations have a one-page "Statement of Faith" that defines their position on important points of doctrine.? As Presbyterians, we have a book consisting of thirty-three chapters, published in 1646, that we count as our Confession.? It details the church's position on everything from Creation to the Last Judgement.? The confession is specific enough to address many key doctrinal issues the church must wrestle with, but broad enough that some liberty remains.? We can disagree on some of these points and still "get along" as Christians, worshipping and working together in service to the same King.? Differences on this level have lead to the multi-denominational America we live in today.? Baptist believe different things than Presbyterians, who believe different things than Methodists, and so on.? All of these groups would (hopefully!) consider the others to be Christians, but with a different opinion on some important but non-essential doctrinal positions.
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Convictions: These are the "fringe issues," and liberty abounds in this circle.? People sitting five feet from one another on a Sunday morning may have radically different views on issues of this nature without it becoming an issue.? For instance, you might believe that drinking alcohol in any quantity is a bad idea, whereas I might consider drinking in moderation to be the appropriate enjoyment of a blessing from God.? When the communion tray comes around, you might grab the grape juice on the outside and I grab the wine in the middle.? No big deal.?
Now, why was this Circles of Truth diagram interesting to me?? If you've ever read my blog, you'll notice that I tend to get a little worked up about things from time to time.? As a typical first-born, I tend to see things in a very black-and-white way.? I believe what I believe with a passion, and I normally have a pretty full bag of reasons why.? My own personal Circle of Truth looks something like this:
I seem to have trouble distinguishing which issues I should let slide by and which issues warrant the "nuclear option."? I would also add that I really like to debate and argue (which is the heart and soul of the blogosphere) even when I know an issue is not that important.?
I've come to learn that not everybody is like that.
For me, I can spend two hours telling you why you completely misunderstand the nature of the Atonement, the biblical practice of baptism, and the purpose of marriage and the family in relation to the Kingdom of God, and then flip a switch and enjoy a burger and a beer with you as we watch college football together.? Unfortunately, my Uncle Doug is one of the only other people I've met that enjoys debating as much as I do.
As I "mature," I am trying to learn to take it easy on a few more things.? I hope to remain vigilant in the defense of the Truth, but compassionate in understanding that most people aren't interested in debating the differences between synergism and monergism for hours on end.? Hopefully someday I will be able to figure out how to manage that balance.? Until then, you can continue to read my blog at your own risk!
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