Confusing Theology
I recently saw a TV interview asking the question, "Can one embrace two religions at the same time?" In the interview the host was interviewing two scholars who were embracing both Christianity and Islam as dual faith practices. They both suggested, "Theology is progressive to the extent that all religions reveal God." Since theology is the study of our knowledge of the attributes of God, are we suggesting that our understanding of God evolves as we grow? Or, are we inferring that God changes as we mature? Or is God adjusting His Will to our ways? Or should we be adjusting our ways to His Will (Isa.55:7-8)? I would like to interject here that I believe theology is certainly revelational, progressive, and illuminating; but to what extent and to what end is the questions?
I don't intend to answer all these questions in one article, but I hope it provokes food for thought. In order for Theology to be revelational God must first make a self-disclosure of himself. Then we must constantly change our viewpoint of God or because we evolve or grow our perception of God changes. What the bible teaches is that our understanding of God is revealed as we become more holy and sanctified in our thoughts and character, and we draw closer to Him.
People in general consider themselves progressive in terms of cultural trends and religious tolerance. However, social acceptance does not equate to religious stability. How can one be loyal to more than one ideology at a time? Since most religions teach loyalty to a cause or leader or both. How can one do justice by being inconsistent and serve more than one (Luke 16:13)? The real issue here is whether we can follow this path and not offend anyone. Or bury our head in the sand and say "as long as it doesn't affect me."
The trend today is not to approve or disapprove, but accept. We have moved toward a society that accepts all types of lifestyles and behavior, without personal involvement or condemnation. I am not suggesting hate but discipline. How can one not be touched by the behavior of others and remain pure? Unfortunately, it only takes one bad apple to spoil the barrel and one bad thought to infect your actions.
For the Christian, the lack of commitment to biblical accuracy and spiritual discernment has led to a tragic swift in traditional, Biblical, Christian values. So we must answer the deeper question of our Faith. Is our mission to accept or change the lives of people? The issues are deep, but the Early Church focused on keeping the Faith pure and speaking out against false doctrine, false religion, and perverse lifestyles (Jude 1-5).
So then do we need more education or indoctrination? Let's see, education means to become knowledgeable and factual in a systematic fashion. Information can certainly develop us, but at some point you have to evaluate all the information you receive and draw some type of conclusion. You are going to have to eventually make a discussion on what course in life you are going to pursue. For one to be indoctrinated, you must decide to follow a certain philosophical viewpoint or teaching. In this case, to become indoctrinated in the Christian faith, one must follow the teachings of Jesus and the apostles (Acts 2:42). This requires one to not only study, but apply one's lifestyle and character to Christian standards.
The Church today is full of contradictions. We don't want to be salt and light. We want to be the light, without changing the darkness. We want to be inclusive and evasive to gain acceptance. Jesus said, we should not only become light, but salt (MT 5:13- 14). This means while we are trying to gain center stage, we must also arrest sin. Speak out on evil and embrace holiness. Is the church designed to entertain and raise super stars or prepare disciples for that grand audience with the King of Kings? I believe we must evaluate our options, desires, and direction in order to produce acceptable worship to God in our churches.
I have probably asked more questions than I have time to answer but at least I got you thinking. We have invented answers to questions that have no substance. Marketing is not the key. Entertainment enhancement is not the goal; and wealth is not the prize. No wonder Paul stated, "I press toward the mark of a higher calling in Christ Jesus (Phil 3:14)". True evangelism is designed to convert sinners, make disciples, and strengthen believers. Let's not forget our heavenly goal, while we are pursuing our earthly pleasures.
