I've been meaning to write on this question for some time, but have put it off because I've been unable to get my head around to formulate what I needed to write. I guess one can call this writer's block. There have been events in my life and things that I've witnessed, and also on books that I've read which triggered me into asking a question like this.
I believe this is a question that drives to the heart of who and what we are, and drives to the heart of what we think and believe. From what I've witnessed, it seems its really not a question that one really likes mainly because its a question that actually challenges the very core of what we profess to believe, what we profess to be, and then from that basis, of how we live these things out. Therefore when asked this question from this kind of perspective, I would imagine that it actually leaves one feeling terribly uncomfortable, just to say the least. With all that said, however, I believe this is a very important question for the following reasons:
In a very recent hotly contested argument between 2ThePoint and myself, this very issue of beliefs and what the point of them were came to the fore. In that argument I made the following points of how what one can actually test their validity and relevance.
I think that when examining these kind of things from this perspective, I really believe that it can be extremely disconcerting because it places what one believes to a specific criteria which is, in a sense, being judged, and no one really likes that at all. I know I don't, but if I am to have the view of Christ, or the mind of Christ, then I have to have my beliefs put to the test so that in the end they are what brings glory to him, and builds and strengthens one another in Christ. And essentially that is what we are suppose to be about.
So, with that, I trust that you will be encouraged and blessed by what I have shared. And moreover, I trust you are challenged in the way you believe, and that you will grow as a result of it.
Blessings,
I believe this is a question that drives to the heart of who and what we are, and drives to the heart of what we think and believe. From what I've witnessed, it seems its really not a question that one really likes mainly because its a question that actually challenges the very core of what we profess to believe, what we profess to be, and then from that basis, of how we live these things out. Therefore when asked this question from this kind of perspective, I would imagine that it actually leaves one feeling terribly uncomfortable, just to say the least. With all that said, however, I believe this is a very important question for the following reasons:
- It causes us to examine our motives
- It causes us to examine the reasoning of our thinking
- It causes us to examine the underlying issues of our insecurities
- It causes us to examine the direction of one's life
- It causes us to examine if what one believes is based on truth, or that its based on emotions.
- And last, but certainly not the least, it causes us to examine if what one believes adds or takes away from Jesus Christ.
In a very recent hotly contested argument between 2ThePoint and myself, this very issue of beliefs and what the point of them were came to the fore. In that argument I made the following points of how what one can actually test their validity and relevance.
And if it actually doesn't do that, then I honestly believe the question could and should be asked, "then what is the point?"
- Why is it there
- What does it do
- What is its purpose
- Does it build up and edify
- Does it focus in on Jesus Christ and magnify Him
- Does it bring us to that place of unity of faith and of the Holy Spirit
- Does it give clarity of understanding of the Word of God
- Does it draw us closer to Jesus
- Does it leave you in awe of the majesty and splendor of Jesus Christ
I think that when examining these kind of things from this perspective, I really believe that it can be extremely disconcerting because it places what one believes to a specific criteria which is, in a sense, being judged, and no one really likes that at all. I know I don't, but if I am to have the view of Christ, or the mind of Christ, then I have to have my beliefs put to the test so that in the end they are what brings glory to him, and builds and strengthens one another in Christ. And essentially that is what we are suppose to be about.
So, with that, I trust that you will be encouraged and blessed by what I have shared. And moreover, I trust you are challenged in the way you believe, and that you will grow as a result of it.
Blessings,

I think theology that includes the known Bible doctrines is needed just to make easier the reading and understanding of the original text. That is all. All theology is secondary, if compared to the Biblical text, which is sacred. What is sacred most of all deserves attention, it should be read, analyzed, studied, learned by heart etc.
The truth is that the Scriptures represent such a wealth of knowledge that traditional theology that studies the so called Bible doctrines cannot fully encompass it.