From Murray and Spurgeon on the sometimes difficult task of "...rightly dividing the word of truth." (II Tim. 2:15 KJV)
The difference between truth and error is not a chasm but a razor's edge.—John Murray (1898-1975)Theology is a tricky business. False teaching throughout the history of Christianity begins with the slightest twisting of a text or diversion from principle, even a minor redefinition of words in favor of the innovator's predilections. The only corrective has been free, open, often excruciating "contending for the faith," sometimes arguing over seeming minutae—"on the razor's edge." Great, solid, resilient doctrines have been formed and clarified in the crucible of controversy from the Jerusalem Council onward. It's been fascinating to me over the last few years of reading (and experience), how in the development of aberrant Christian groups one of the first things insidiously ruled out has always been internal or external doctrinal debate—too "contentious," "divisive" or "distracting" —solidifying the position of leaders but effectively closing the door to any restorative influence, insulating the group from change or growth and ensuring a continuation of error.
Discernment is not a matter of simply telling the difference between what is right and wrong: rather it is the difference between right and almost right. —Charles Spurgeon (1834-1892)
In the political sphere you also encounter that "fine line" dividing true public virtue from moral insanity. For example: It is always a Christian virtue to care for the weak and needy. But is it Christian virtue to entrust that task to an ever more oppressive, confiscatory secular state—in the name of Christian virtue? True compassion flows from an ethic which rightly values life originating in the command "Thou shalt not kill." But should that compassion be implemented at the casting aside of another Christian virtue rooted in the command "Thou shalt not steal?" My good friends on the religious left seem to think so.
These are indeed times for discernment—and drawing fine lines.
1 comment:
Commenting on my own post!?!...
It occurs to me on re-reading this that I probably sound like one of those ever-contending-over-minutae types, preoccupied with the slightest incorrectness at every turn. Gosh, I hope not! My only points are that:
1) Sometimes big disasters begin with small errors and equivocations
2) Free and open debate is healthy
3) Groups that suppress truth pursuit in the name of "unity" are harmful and usually disingenuous
4) Fine lines are difficult but sometimes very important to draw in Theology and elsewhere
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