A DEFINING QUESTION

           This past week, I have been teaching "Contemporary Theological Issues" here in Alexandria, Egypt. There are a few differences in the topics that I usually cover in a stateside class, but most are pretty similar. Dealing with theological error requires the same approach, no matter where you may be. While we can ascertain the weakness of erroneous positions by reading the material, the flaws can be dealt with only from the Scriptures.

           What is amazing is that most people look only on the surface of these contemporary issues, but that does explain why the average Christian accepts so much of this folly. Even the cults are finding a comfortable home in evangelicalism these days. Erroneous fads, with their underlying error, have become popular even in fundamental churches. Raw humanism in counseling, evangelism, and ministry is an everyday occurrence.

           I watched this week as a group of professing Christians stared at a television screen in a public area. A popular minister was speaking. The observers appeared to be impressed that he had an open Bible and was reading from it. At first glance, one might think he was an average evangelist, but that was not the case. In fact, the man on the television believes, and is teaching, contrary to the central doctrines of the Bible. So, why was he getting a positive review from those Christians? The answer is simple: they did not have a clue as to his theology.

           This is the defining issue, and the defining question is: "What is his theology?" Many believers and pastors have little time for theology but theology is teaching. It is doctrine, and it is imperative.

WHAT DOES HE BELIEVE?

           In teaching this class in the States, I will often give the students a list of names and ask them to research the theology of each individual on the list. They always come back to class stunned at what they have learned. Why is there such a famine in the area of knowledge of a theology that is biblical? This journal recently pointed out one reason for you: there are so few people who qualify as biblical theologians. It is very difficult to consider the doctrinal error of another person if you have little doctrinal knowledge of your own. The biblical mind is always shocked at error. It reacts to error in music, in preaching, in teaching, and in the media.

           Some years ago, a couple in our church told me they had been supporting an orphaned child in another country for over 10 years. They proudly produced the most recent photo of the recipient of their gifts. It never dawned on them that the child should have been much older than what that picture showed! When my wife and I lived in Cuba, it was almost impossible to find radio broadcasts with Christian teaching. I had not been saved long, and we were growing in our understanding of the Bible. We especially enjoyed one program that emphasized family and marriage, and so we began sending them small gifts. In return, we received some "free" booklets.

           Back in the States, I shared this interesting ministry with our pastor. I could tell by the look on his face that something was wrong. He took down a book from his shelf and identified this ministry as a cult! It had never occurred to me to ask what their theology was. I would not have known enough to ask the right questions, anyway.

NOTHING NEW UNDER THE SUN

           We need to ask why so many believers blindly follow some large and successful movements in our country, movements that in reality are controlled by people whose doctrinal views mock the Bible. Biblical discernment seems to be a rare commodity these days. Recently, in a church service, I leaned toward the individual next to me and asked, "Am I the only person in this room who knows that what is being sung is directly opposite to what God's Word teaches?" But then, maybe folks do know and just don't care. This would be very serious because to reject what God has said in His word is to reject Him as well. So, what is the answer? Never before in our lifetime has the Bible been more important to all of us. It is the one thing that will keep us from error. It is the light that will identify theological error and destructive humanistic belief. Those who know little of God and His book will say it is secondary, just a matter of semantics; but that will have no effect on the truth of the Bible. It only serves to demonstrate their awful ignorance of the precious Word of God.

           Excusing and defending error has become quite popular, and some high-profile people have scolded me about my pressing the issue on matters of heresy and downright doctrinal error. Those attacks only demonstrate their terrible lack of Bible knowledge. Let me suggest that you learn to ask, "What is their theology?" before you decide to jump on someone's bandwagon.