Doctrine

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Posted by sy (203.127.188.143) on January 27, 2003 at 18:53:53:

Dear Elder Yong,

Is it necessary to continue discussion with another believer about issues of different doctrine after much exchanges ?

For eg in the area of prophecy, a brother is adament about God's continuing revelation through prophets and this, he implies, is the way God speaks to us today... There are so many areas in life (eg marriage) which we still need people with prophetic gifts to direct us. I made my stand about what I gathered about the reformed faith where we believe in the revelation of God being completed and sufficient. The Bible alone is sufficient as a guide for all true beleivers in all aspects and the teachings of a true preacher ought to be biblical (not extra-biblical) and in accordance with the revealed Word of God.

My question is this - How important are Christians to be sharing the same doctrine ? Or can we 'agree to disagree' on certain doctrines yet happily worshipping together ??? But then, am I right to say that having the right doctrines (again, depending on who defines what is right ...) is fundamental to a believer's conviction towards his faith and this in turns, influences his world views and etc ? Isn't this also fundamental to how we understand our God to be (i.e whether my God can be 'manipulated' by me thru some prayers and what not) and by what attitude we worship him and lead our lives ?

Some doctrines tend to be anthropo-centric (correct spelling ?) and some others God-centred. Right to say that if a set of doctrines is based on the latter (and perhaps there are some around), it should not be too wrong ... but then again, shouldn't a theologically sound set of doctrines be absolute in that no compromises can be tolerated ? Is it permissible to have many sets of theologically sound doctrine that are a result of faithful yet different interpretations of the Bible ? (Don't mean that we have the right to redefine God's Word by claiming to be as faithful as we can be. Afterall, we are totally deprived in sins...)

Would like to understand more from you. Do correct me if I am wrong.

Thank You.

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Re: Doctrine Yong TM 11:21:46 01/30/03 (0)

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: Dear Elder Yong, : Is it necessary to continue discussion with another believer about issues of different doctrine after much exchanges ? : For eg in the area of prophecy, a brother is adament about God's continuing revelation through prophets and this, he implies, is the way God speaks to us today... There are so many areas in life (eg marriage) which we still need people with prophetic gifts to direct us. I made my stand about what I gathered about the reformed faith where we believe in the revelation of God being completed and sufficient. The Bible alone is sufficient as a guide for all true beleivers in all aspects and the teachings of a true preacher ought to be biblical (not extra-biblical) and in accordance with the revealed Word of God. : My question is this - How important are Christians to be sharing the same doctrine ? Or can we 'agree to disagree' on certain doctrines yet happily worshipping together ??? But then, am I right to say that having the right doctrines (again, depending on who defines what is right ...) is fundamental to a believer's conviction towards his faith and this in turns, influences his world views and etc ? Isn't this also fundamental to how we understand our God to be (i.e whether my God can be 'manipulated' by me thru some prayers and what not) and by what attitude we worship him and lead our lives ? : Some doctrines tend to be anthropo-centric (correct spelling ?) and some others God-centred. Right to say that if a set of doctrines is based on the latter (and perhaps there are some around), it should not be too wrong ... but then again, shouldn't a theologically sound set of doctrines be absolute in that no compromises can be tolerated ? Is it permissible to have many sets of theologically sound doctrine that are a result of faithful yet different interpretations of the Bible ? (Don't mean that we have the right to redefine God's Word by claiming to be as faithful as we can be. Afterall, we are totally deprived in sins...) : Would like to understand more from you. Do correct me if I am wrong. : Thank You. : sy

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