The Importance of Doctrine
“….that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ…” (Ephesians 4:14-15)
True Doctrine: A lighthouse in the midst of battering waves
Why so many Christian denominations? It’s estimated there are more than 200 Christian denominations in the U.S. and a staggering 45,000 around the world, and growing. Many of these groups are modern versions of Christianity, existing just 200 years or less. They were usually started by individuals claiming divine revelation or divine appointment. Yet, they vary in beliefs on various important matters of faith including: the nature of God, the nature of man, the heavenly realm, salvation, the Church, and the Holy Scriptures. Certainly, they can’t all be right.
What’s a Christian to believe? The Bible warns that after Christ would come some who would lead others astray with false teachings. Today, everyone has access to the Bible. It’s commonly heard in some faith groups: “This is what this Bible verse means to me,” or “God is speaking to me what this Scripture is saying.” It’s not uncommon for five people to read the same Bible verse, and walk away with five different interpretations. These are personal views, framed by one’s casual reading, religious background and oftentimes limited knowledge of the verse’s context, language, customs, and audience. Using their personal exegesis, or interpretation of Holy Scripture, they create their own doctrinal ideas, and eventually, start their own “churches.” However, “…God is not the author of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints.” (1 Corinthians 14:33). The Apostle Paul warned his spiritual son, Timothy: “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15).
Despite all the Bible has to say about truth and right doctrine, many today downplay the importance of doctrine, arguing that it is divisive. This approach has led to a buffet of differing views on many subjects, leaving individuals confused and without clear answers. Professing Christians are overwhelmed by the variety of contradictory statements, and yearn to return to the beliefs of the Early Church. Some are now discovering this Ancient Church and tapping those early beliefs, enjoying the fullness of the Faith.
Yes, doctrine matters because truth matters. The Church is entrusted to preserve and proclaim the Truth. The Apostles and early martyrs shed their blood for the Truth - a transformational and liberating truth, the ultimate way of life, not a vain, human philosophy.
There is a word that is rarely used in Christian circles today: heresy. Who has authority today to decide which views are heretical? During its first 1,000 years, the Christian Church was undivided, and convened ecumenical councils to sort out any variances of the faith, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. This birthed the Creed that’s been in existence and has remained unchanged for almost 2,000 years. This Creed is a standard the Holy Orthodox Church relies on, in addition to Holy Scripture and sacred canons, to distinguish between right teachings- “orthodox” (expressing true glory), and alternative teachings- “heterodox” (expressing a different glory). Outside the Ancient Church no one else can declare with authority which beliefs are heretical. That is likely why today truth has been traded-in for general acceptance of all views, with modernistic and meaningless expressions such as: “Your truth and my truth differs...” In the end, what really matters is: “What’s God’s Truth?” The 2,000 year-old Church holds the answers.
What We Believe - The Nicene Creed (4th Century)
I believe in one God, Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible.
And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God, begotten of the Father before all ages; Light of Light, true God of true God, begotten, not created, of one essence with the Father through Whom all things were made. Who for us men and for our salvation came down from heaven and was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary and became man. He was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate, and suffered and was buried; And He rose on the third day, according to the Scriptures. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father; And He will come again with glory to judge the living and dead. His kingdom shall have no end.
And in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the Creator of life, Who proceeds from the Father, Who together with the Father and the Son is worshipped and glorified, Who spoke through the prophets.
In one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church.
I confess one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.
I look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the age to come.
Amen.
St. Irenaeus argues for the receipt of true knowledge and doctrine (as opposed to heretical doctrine) by means of the succession of bishops:
True knowledge is that which consists in the doctrine of the apostles, and the ancient constitution of the Church throughout all the world, and the distinctive manifestation of the body of Christ according to the successions of the bishops, by which they have handed down that Church which exists in every place, and has come even unto us, being guarded and preserved without any forging of Scriptures, by a very complete system of doctrine, and neither receiving addition nor suffering curtailment [in the truths which she believes]; and [it consists in] reading [the word of God] without falsification, and a lawful and diligent exposition in harmony with the Scriptures, both without danger and without blasphemy; and above all, it consists in] the pre-eminent gift of love (2 Corinthians 8:1; 1 Corinthians 13), which is more precious than knowledge, more glorious than prophecy, and which excels all the other gifts of God] (Against Heresies IV.33.8).
An Orthodox Perspective on the Protestant Reformers
Click on the right for an insightful interview with Orthodox Archpriest Josiah Trenham, the author of the acclaimed book, Rock and Sand