Sunday, 07 August 2011
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No One Else Thinks That? Maybe You Shouldn't Either
It's no secret that there are some differences in Christian denominations. That's the beautiful thing about Christ's church, that there is unity without always having uniformity. There are some things that people will remain divided on, be it for good reasons or not so good reasons. But, as long as they hold fast to the Gospel of Jesus, then that's the important part. In our theological triage, we must decide what is a primary issue, what is a secondary issue, and what is a tertiary issue. If someone thinks that Jesus was a woman while on earth, or that good works get you to heaven, that is of utmost importance because that shows that person doesn't even understand the Gospel.The president of the seminary I attend says, "You tell me what you believe about Jesus, then I can tell you 95% of the rest of your theology, because what you think about Jesus affects what you think about everything else." If someone is from an unknown, small denomination, it does raise a red flag to me, because usually that means you're in a cult or no one else thinks like you do. If you believe something radically different about Jesus than people have for centuries, there's probably a reason why, and it's usually not good.
So here's the deal. Doesn't it strike you as odd when someone believes something so totally different and radical than everyone else? If 90% of the mainstream Christian community believes something, there's a good chance they're probably right. Not always, but usually. Of course you need to think for yourself at the end of the day, but there are other people who know Jesus and perhaps have walked with him a lot longer than you have, so I would put some stock in what they have to say. We are supposed to seek "godly counsel" from fellow Christians, and we have positions in the church for that reason, so that people can go to them for wisdom and advice. Before I make a huge decision, of course my husband is the first person to go to because he's my spiritual head, but if he tells me it's up to me, then I usually ask the advice of two more people. It's never a bad thing to see what wisdom other people can share.
If everyone around you believes that the Bible teaches one thing and you think it teaches another, there's a couple things you need to do. You need to evaluate your beliefs to see how logical/biblical they are, and then you need to be willing to say that almost everyone is wrong but you. Wouldn't you agree that's almost never the case? If no one else thinks that way, then there's a reason: You're probably wrong.
Usually, it's not because you're smarter than everyone else. Usually, it's not because God has given an epiphany directly to you and excluded the rest of his children. And oh yeah, never does God reveal something to you that Scripture has already stated otherwise. God told you to cheat on your wife? Nah, don't think so. God told you to steal? Nope, sorry.
If you are the only one that thinks something, it doesn't always mean you're wrong, but it's usually a reliable indication that something's up. It really grinds my gears when some people think they can do whatever they want and think whatever they want about God and the Gospel and still call themselves a Christian, when they blatantly disagree with Christ's direct teachings.
Lastly, it is important to remember that I am talking about in the context of the Christian community. If five of your lost friends want you to rob a bank with them, I wouldn't do it just because you're outnumbered! Clearly, those with the Holy Spirit have discernment that nonbelievers do not. In fact, Christianity does believe things that almost every other religion doesn't. That's part of the exclusivity of it. But yeah, when it comes to being in a circle of believers, listen to what they think about things.
So, next time you're deciding what to believe on an issue, if no one else thinks that, maybe you shouldn't either!
Have you ever been the only one who believed something? Was what you believed correct or incorrect? How can we know whether what we believe is correct?
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About the Author
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- From: apb102088@xanga
- Name: apb102088
- About Me: Been married to my best friend for 2 years and we have a beautiful son. We are trying to finish school so that we can go to the mission field in 5-10 years so we can share the Gospel to those who have never heard.
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Comments (30)
I can think of notable exceptions, but overall I think this is an excellent point to remember. When we go off on our own in our thinking and refuse to let others sharpen us, our interpretations can get very distorted. Good post.
"So, next time you're deciding what to believe on an issue, if no one else thinks that, maybe you shouldn't either!" - That's an interesting concept. I prefer free thinking instead of herd metality. The day I allow majority rule to be my decision maker is the day I stop using one of the greatest gifts God has given me; free will. I guess if the first followers of Christ followed that rule then there wouldn't be any Christianity in the world at all eh? I mean most of our current beliefs are based on ideas which were pretty radical and began in small scattered pockets of believers right? Most of the greatest men in the bible were men who stepped outside the box going against tradition, family and the religious norms to follow what they believed was the right path. Where would we be without them?
Then, what do you opine about Martin Luther?
@aN_amAYzInG_storrII@xanga - Again, his beliefs were very biblical and he could show that very clearly. I doubt many of those around him enforcing the laws/traditions they did were even believers.
your opinion is strange, considering the origins of Christianity in relation to Judaism. if Jesus' early followers had listened to you, your religion wouldn't exist.
actually, let's carry this back even further. research has shown that humanity's earliest religious tendencies were essentially animistic in nature. without someone following their own opinions, monotheism wouldn't exist.
i dunno... you just strike me as someone who is incapable of thinking for yourself, from how much you value others' opinions above your own. and people like you need religion and authority to tell you what to believe, i guess. but that's not the kind of person i am. i'm not afraid to try something and end up being wrong. the best rewards come with the greatest risks.
apb102088@xanga "It really grinds my gears when some people think they can do whatever they want and think whatever they want about God and the Gospel and still call themselves a Christian..."
When Jesus asked the disciples who they thought He was (mat 16:17) Peter said the Christ and Jesus said, "Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven."
Given your strong emotion on this topic is there something that God is revealing to you...and you're wondering what to do with it? It seems that revelation comes from God...or maybe it only did when Jesus walked the earth.
God bless you as you come into deeper intimacy with the one who loves you unconditionally!!
There are huge differences in denominations, and not necessarily just the small churches spoken of. You really can tell the difference by attending a church for a while, and seeing just how much thinking is going on. If it's the same stuff you see over and over again on street placards, or just limited biblical study, then you can bet you are either going to sink into a cult like behavior, much like fundamentalism, or, you can get out, and find a thinking group to be with. When you have ministers preaching politics from the pulpit, it's time to get your bible out and research just how political Jesus was. Did he share space and time with those who differed from him? Did he reach out to those in need, and not tell them to pull themselves up by their boot straps? Looking at my life through the lense of Christ, at what he may actually live were he here amongst us today, has been a major focus of my choosing a worship community.
@too_pretty_to_die@xanga - I'm talking about today's church, not Christianity's historical relationship with Judaism or the roots of monotheism. In that case, I would agree with you though. But, I do think for myself, deciding on my own that I would rather follow what Christ said than just make up something on my own :) If it's clear in the pages of Scripture, there's no need to believe otherwise.
Interesting thoughts and I think I understand your general point. Nonetheless, it makes me a bit nervous because the greatest advances in our history have been made by those who were willing to think (and act) differently from the mainstream. For hundreds of years, those who have spoken up for the rights of the poor, the ill, the weak, and the powerless have usually spoken against the sentiments of the majority. Yes, you can argue that there is a Biblical foundation for those movements, but the majority in the churches were not in favor of those changes.
@christao408@xanga - Right, I see what you are saying. I was talking about today's church and not necessarily historical movements, in which case, I would say yes, they needed to stand up and be different! What I had in mind (and maybe I should've clarified more) was when someone says, "Oh, I believe that what Jesus really meant in this passage was..." or, "God has revealed to me and my church that we are modern day prophets and we are right," even when it contradicts scripture and no one else thinks that. I've been the minority in a group of friends before, but I've always had biblical passages to back up my stance. I don't like when we throw out everything that historical Christianity has always thought and pretend all the former apostles/Christians were dumb and we're the smart ones. Hope that makes sense!
@apb102088@xanga - Fair enough. Thanks for the clarification.
then again; maybe you're wrong. because experiences were recorded a long time ago doesn't mean its any less valid than anything that someone experiences now, does it? by no means, do i believe everyone who claims God has given them a message; but if they believe it happened with every inch of their being; who are you to tell them differently?
"It really grinds my gears when some people think they can do whatever they want and think whatever they want about God and the Gospel and still call themselves a Christian..."
As a Catholic, my relationship is between myself and God and NO ONE has the right to tell me otherwise. (as an example) As a Catholic I believe in my religion to the extent that my personal beliefs don't infringe the rights of others. I believe in a Catholic marriage being between two Catholic's of any gender who love each other and are willing to claim each other until death with God as their Witness. That's very definately contradictory to what my religion teaches. As a human being, i choose to live a life where i have the best intentions; do in fact love thy neighbour and am able to sleep at night; because i like myself. That doesn't make me a bad Christian. It's Christians like YOU make ME look bad.
I think there are some very clear things that are hardly contestable within Christianity (or outside of it) where this line of thinking is appropriate.
For example, let's say someone doesn't think Jesus really died. What evidence brought you to that conclusion? The torture and crucifixion? The blood and "water" spilling from his side (evidence of cardiac shock, I think)? The fact that Roman executioners were required to make sure that criminals were in fact dead and would be punished if wrong by death? The fact that after all of this suffering Jesus somehow allegedly rolled a huge stone out of the way three days later and scared off the Roman guards? Obviously none of these support your case, so where are you arguing from?
However, other issues that are held almost unanimously by the Church I think are contestable, e.g. the Trinity, what Hell is like, etc. The evidence for some of these positions are relatively weak and I think there are equally strong opposing arguments, so siding with the majority seems pointless, and possible dangerous, to me.
progress is bad?
This post is right on. People claiming to be "free thinkers" and such seem to think that they are right to disagree with two thousand years of Christian belief. If no one else believes it, you better be absolutely sure you are correct and can argue it using Scripture in context.
People mentioned Luther disagreeing with the Catholic church. He did disagree with them, and he argued it from Scripture used in context, and his beliefs match with the early believers as evidenced in their writings, creeds, and confessions. He appealed first to Scripture, but also to past believers. Sometimes when things have become corrupt we have to look to the past.
If more Christians would look at church history they would see that Christian belief is well established with few that disagree on any major points of theology.
@that___teenageromance@xanga - Your beliefs disagree with your church, and with the bible, that makes you wrong, and should lead you to repent, not say that you know better than them.
@StatelessPilot - @drawmafreezone@xanga - @aN_amAYzInG_storrII@xanga - @apb102088@xanga - @splinter1591@xanga - @kk_grayfox@xanga - @that___teenageromance@xanga - @christao408@xanga - @too_pretty_to_die@xanga -
Sorry to spam reply everyone. Most disagree with what I said, and it concerns me. That is why I tagged you in the comment.
@MagisterTom@xanga - Thanks so much for your response! I'm glad you are on page with me!
This is a good idea, IF you are really surrounded by true blue believers who have the Holy Spirit. The sad thing in America today, is that there is a huge trend AWAY from what the Bible actually says; ie: Health wealth and prosperity preaching - Homosexual preachers - things like that. In America if you do not like something in the Bible, you simply rewrite it to soothe yourself. I think it is very important to have communion with the Holy Spirit above all. He will always correct you.
@mtngirlsouth@xanga - You are exactly right!
@MagisterTom@xanga - LOL, yep spam is pretty nasty; and I still think that most of the greatest men in the bible were men who broke your rule all to heck and back again. I have no problem with most of the currently held beliefs of our faith but I've seen how much damage can be done by blind followers and I will always believe that God gave me a mind and a free will both of which he expects me to use.
@drawmafreezone@xanga - Actually, most of the men in the bible were lead to do what they did, and wrote, by the Holy Spirit. And, all that they said aligns with Scripture that had been written before. With the obvious exception of Moses' books, as they were the first ones.
@MagisterTom@xanga - Exactly, led of the spirit to go against what others commonly believed. Starting with Moses if you like, or possibly even before. Led by God to hear something new to follow a radical path. To turn away from tradition and listen to his word for them. I just don't think he's finished leading us. I don't think God's made his curtain call with humanity just yet. I don't propose we go against God I just think it's majorly wrong to follow the herd and do things the way they've "always been done" just "because we've always done things that way". I think closing our minds and hearts to hear a new thing from God is shutting a door in the face of the creator who makes all things new. Christianity has evolved dramatically over time because of radical faith and that's not always a bad thing.
@drawmafreezone@xanga - The bible is complete and unchanging. Everything we know of God comes from the bible. Since the bible is complete and unchanging there isn't a need for Christianity to "evolve." There instead the need to read and obey what the bible teaches. And we have 2000 years of Christian history that mostly all agrees on the majority of everything covered in the bible. There isn't a need for "new beliefs" or for an "evolving faith." As the OP said, if you are different from everyone else, you are probably wrong.
@MagisterTom@xanga - "Actually, most of the men in the bible were lead to do what they did, and wrote, by the Holy Spirit."
May I ask what would be the evidence you would cite to support that?
@kk_grayfox@xanga - The bible itself…