Musing – How to distinguish between Critical and Arguable ‘Truths’?

Hebraic Musing – How to distinguish between Critical and Arguable ‘Truths’?

Christianity has certain foundational doctrines to determine if a person, church, denomination is truly Christian. I propose that the only critical doctrinal belief issues are – (1) Full deity and humanity of Jesus; (2) Authority of Scripture; (3) Justification by Faith; (4) Triune nature of Our God; and (5) Birth, Death and bodily Resurrection of Jesus.  Folks may disagree with some of these, but I hold these as non-arguable, foundational truths.  They represent the undeniable, unarguable, defining distinctives of Christianity.

However, Denominations, Pastors and even some Churches hold some other distinctive beliefs or tenets that are defended, debated, argued and become strongly held beliefs. These beliefs become known as Denominational Distinctives; and they become cause for division in fellowship among Christians. But should they?  But God has combined the members of the body … so that there should be no division in the body…. 1 Corinth. 12:24-26

Denominations differ on issues of Beliefs, Practices, Social issues, Ethical issues, Theology and Worship Styles. Here’s a sampling of Denominational distinctives. Are any of these worth losing fellowship over?

·         Baptism as infant or adult

·         Baptism by sprinkling or immersion

·         Ordinations of Women pastors

·         Confession to Priests as intercessors

·         Significance of Mother Mary

·         Infallibility--of Pope or Denomination

·         Teachings of a Mega-Church pastor

·         Torah as Law or guide or irrelevant

·         Sabbath or Sunday worship

·         Pre or Mid or Post or Pan-trib

·         Salvation – Secure or worked out

·         Which Bible version is Authorized

·         Role of the Holy Spirit (or Ghost)

·         Nature and role of Angels

·         Views toward other denominations

·         Alcohol consumption

·         Rules of communion

·         And on and on the list goes….

I repeat the question - Are any of these worth breaking fellowship over?  I am not trying to diminish the importance each of the above issues, but maybe we should spend more time understanding where our Brothers in Christ are coming from.  Being multi-denominational myself, it has been an adventure!  If you disagree with someone, can you state their position and reasoning?  It is only fair.

At my Father’s funeral, I became the patriarch of the family. My siblings, seven of them, represent a variety of denominations and sought me out for understanding.  While flying home at 35,000 feet, I thanked the Lord for all the different denominational ways He gave me to bless Him.  The Lord spoke to me almost audibly – “Joe, those are all the ways I have to bless you.” 

Last Sunday my son suggested that each denomination reflects the different characteristics and nature of Our Almighty God.  So in the multi-denominational church service that afternoon we had each person share their denominational background – and we identified the strength, blessing and Godly nature of each denomination.  How uplifting it was to experience God’s perspective!

Points to Ponder

Can we have Christian Unity while discussing non-critical, non-salvific differences?

Do any Denominations or Churches live in ‘glass houses’? 
Besides ‘Crystal Cathedral’    :<)

I really would like to hear your opinion on these points!

Yosef   a.k.a.  Joe Brusherd                                                                   February 18, 2014