Doctrine … what is it, and who cares?  1 Timothy 1.3-11

To read Scripture: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Timothy%201.3-11&version=NLT&interface=print

Greetings!

It was Saturday morning and we were in mid conversation, when I had a thought and blurted it right out—‘Hey, would you like to come to my women’s group?  You know, the Bible study I lead?  Oh, I would so like it if you came!’  Hmmm, how long have I known her?  Well, I guess more than three years, as we have cheered for our soccer-playing sons on the sidelines of many a field.  We have had bits and snatches of conversation about Christianity, as I am quite open about my faith.  (Her husband makes it clear that he is a proud atheist, and yet we enjoy a great relationship.  Both husband and wife know I am praying for him, and in a strange way, it seems to comfort both of them) That said, I am embarrassed to say that I had never thought about inviting her to Women of Passion until this weekend, and I am not quite sure why.

She asked if I would ‘spot’ her a Bible, commenting she would not know which attic box to find an old one, and then she said, “You know I am much more spiritual than religious, (there it was again) . . . oh, and there won’t be much dogma, will there?”

Dogma.  Huh, I do not really have a clear definition of it, or how it relates to doctrine, though I am certain it does.  And is doctrine even important? Well apparently it is, because Paul cautioned Timothy to teach no other doctrine—not those things that distract or dilute or pervert or are contrary to the sound doctrine or teaching that comes from the glorious Good News entrusted to me by our blessed God.¹

The best definition I found for Doctrine: The core beliefs of the Christian faith. Grounded in Scripture and aiming to maintain the integrity of Christianity by distinguishing it from non-Christian beliefs. Doctrine is of central importance in Christian preaching and teaching in that it equips the people of God for effective and faithful service in his world.²

On the other hand, the earliest English origins of Dogma appear to come from the Greek word that means philosophical tenet or belief.  Through the centuries, some church traditions have defined dogma as truths that came directly from Jesus Christ, while doctrine is the teachings and set of beliefs that grew up around those truths.  [In truth, if you are into the origin of language and the development of its usage, studying the word dogma is fascinating.]

And one more thing: why does the term dogma have a kind of negative connation in my mind?  I think because the word dogmatic is derived from it.  When folks become arrogant or prideful in the expression of their beliefs, they are said to be dogmatic, and that is usually thought to be rather boorish. 

Now to answer the question--will my fellow soccer mom encounter dogma or doctrine at Women of Passion if she comes to Bible study this week?  Yes, of course, probably both!  Because we are in the middle of this first chapter of First Timothy that deals with keeping our doctrine about Jesus Christ pure and the message of the Gospel central … how could we not discuss right doctrine??  The Scripture is God’s Word—it is God’s words to us, and therefore we seek to understand it, endeavoring to learn and apply its truths—all of them, even as some prove difficult, complicated, or contrary to our popular culture. 

All of us like to hear inspirational messages from the pulpit, Friends, but those messages must emanate from sound Christian doctrine. For instance, the entire basis of these Morning Briefings is the Word of God, with practical application for daily living, right?  Therefore we must have a correct belief about the inerrancy and infallibility of Scripture—one of the core tenets of Christian doctrine.

So yes, whether or not doctrine or dogma are of interest, those who endeavor to follow Christ need to be students of what they truly believe as Christians, and make sure it is based on truth.  Indeed, it is of the utmost importance!

Christine