Library News - February 2008

Perspectives for Pondering

Perhaps you have noticed the sign "Perspectives for Pondering" on the library bulletin board, and the articles beneath it. These are writings we have run across that make some good points to think about in various areas. Like most of the items in the library itself, they are not necessarily fully endorsed by the church, but offer points of view that hopefully contribute to our thinking about the world. In this article I would like to mention a couple of essays found on the internet that give some good food for thought.

Dr. Albert Mohler, president of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, on his website has a paper entitled "A Call for Theological Triage and Christian Maturity." This essay talks about how theological issues can be divided into three categories, and thus help us decide which are worth spending our time on (either promoting or disputing).

The first category of theological issues is the "essentials" or non-negotiables of our beliefs, which are those doctrines such as the virgin birth and incarnation of Christ, his atoning death, resurrection and return, and the inerrancy and authority of the Bible - what separates us from other religions. The second tier of doctrines are those that typically separate denominations: for example, the meaning and mode of baptism and communion, church government and the role of women. In the third category are beliefs that could be disputed among Christians in the same church, such as eschatology, social action, science, or music and worship styles. As an example of how these categories could be wrongly used, liberal churches can denigrate the importance of first category beliefs in favor of stressing social justice activities. Or on the other hand, a church group could spend too much time on a third category issue, to the detriment of evangelism or other outreach.

A second, related paper of interest is called "Polemic Theology: How to Deal with Those Who Differ from Us", by Dr. Roger R. Nicole, Emeritus Professor of Theology at Reformed Theological Seminary in Orlando, Florida. Although the word "polemics" can be defined as "the branch of Christian theology devoted to the refutation of errors", the author points out that the principles he advocates can equally be applied to many areas of our lives where we find ourselves in disagreement with another, such as politics, business, or the family.

Nicole lists and develops three questions to consider:

1. What do I owe to the person who differs from me?
2. What can I learn from those who differ from me?
3. How can I cope with those who differ from me?

In the end, the basic point is, are we disputing an issue with someone for our own satisfaction and glory, or from a sincere desire to help them?

"A Christian who carries on discussions with those who differ should not be subject to the psychology of the boxing ring where the contestants are bent upon demolishing one another. Rather 'The Lord's servant must not quarrel: instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. Those who oppose him he must gently instruct, in hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, and that they will come to their senses . . . ' (2 Tim. 2:24-26). "

I hope these "perspectives" are thought-stimulating. If these kinds of articles are of interest to you, let me know, or contribute your own suggestions at library@spencerportbiblechurch.org.