Friday, August 12, 2005
Basic Theology
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The past week with my family resolidified my conviction that false or even just 'poor' theology is responsible for many, many problems and 'dysfunctions'. (And poor theology is a moral issue, because God has promised to lead us in the truth if we seek it. If you don't have good theology, it is because you don't want it. Please note, I do not think that we are saved and then immediately ought to have perfect theology. Admittedly our theological understanding is somewhat of a journey. Nor do I think we can perfectly understand God or His ways or even some of the mysterious doctrines of truth given us (such as the incarnation or trinity), however we can know everything necessary for life and godliness.) My mother is pretty stubborn about some doctrines and many of her personal issues and those bequeathed to my sisters and I seem to stem directly from incorrect views about God. (If mom reads this, she won't agree, but I still love her anyway! And I have learned to quit arguing. I am not the Holy Spirit and I don't make a very good one either!)
For example, Abi always thinks of herself as the 'black sheep' and everyone else (or all those who are reasonably healthy and functional) are 'good people'. Thus she acts accordingly. My mother always talked about how good people were and she always assumed people have the best intentions. She excused a great deal of behaviors this way and I have never really heard her affirm the doctrine of total depravity. Abi sees her own heart for what it is because she is perpetually in trouble, but assumes because of the theology she was raised with that everyone else is so good inside with the best intentions. Thus, she feels she could never be like them, might as well roll with the partiers and go down in a flame of fun. On the flip side, I also see my sister, like mom, naively assume the best in people, drop boundaries and then wind up used and hurt and confused as Hades again and again. This is partly why Jeremiah 17:9 and John 2:24 have become verses of healing for me.
I must stop my ranting now, but the point is, for the sake of your children, SEEK THE TRUTH whether you think you will like it or not, because it leads to life and peace. BTW - my sis and I grew up hearing a lot of the right doctrines, but what really matters in raising your children is if you act like they are true.
A doctrine quiz on the White Horse Inn inspired my little rant. Check it out. I was surprised to answer a few incorrectly myself. Comment here if any of the answers seem strange and maybe we could have a nice little thread about it. :-)
For example, Abi always thinks of herself as the 'black sheep' and everyone else (or all those who are reasonably healthy and functional) are 'good people'. Thus she acts accordingly. My mother always talked about how good people were and she always assumed people have the best intentions. She excused a great deal of behaviors this way and I have never really heard her affirm the doctrine of total depravity. Abi sees her own heart for what it is because she is perpetually in trouble, but assumes because of the theology she was raised with that everyone else is so good inside with the best intentions. Thus, she feels she could never be like them, might as well roll with the partiers and go down in a flame of fun. On the flip side, I also see my sister, like mom, naively assume the best in people, drop boundaries and then wind up used and hurt and confused as Hades again and again. This is partly why Jeremiah 17:9 and John 2:24 have become verses of healing for me.
I must stop my ranting now, but the point is, for the sake of your children, SEEK THE TRUTH whether you think you will like it or not, because it leads to life and peace. BTW - my sis and I grew up hearing a lot of the right doctrines, but what really matters in raising your children is if you act like they are true.
A doctrine quiz on the White Horse Inn inspired my little rant. Check it out. I was surprised to answer a few incorrectly myself. Comment here if any of the answers seem strange and maybe we could have a nice little thread about it. :-)
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