"Not to Teach Any Different Doctrine"

TEACHING MATTERS: 1 Timothy 1:3-4 (part 3)

There is a bias today among some Christians, particularly it seems in America, and including (lamentably) some pastors, toward the notion that doctrine doesn't matter ... or at least, doesn't matter a lot. In my tradition, Wesleyan Christianity, there is a built-in bias toward actions that holds too-fine distinctions in teaching suspect. There are reasons for this, both historical and practical, but it is, to be candid, a weakness. Doctrine without praxis drifts into a kind of quasi-gnostic detachment from the brass tacks of where God is at work in the world; but praxis that is not rooted in sound doctrine is just busy-ness that too easily become completely detached from Christ. (It reminds me of the riddle, "What do you get if you cross an agnostic with a Jehovah's Witness? Answer: Someone who rings your doorbell for no particular reason.")

A recent series of articles in the Lutheran Witness magazine made this point clearly, detailing the testimony of church leaders before Congress regarding the impact of some public policy proposals on the conscience of believers. The testimony is deeply rooted precisely in the teachings of the Gospel. Apart from them, we are simply adrift, with nothing more than that shadow of Christianity which Kenda Creasy Dean has tagged "therapeutic moralistic deism".

Paul knew the importance of doctrine. The apostle who has given us the clearest references to grace in all the Scripture was clearly willing to go to the mat for it, if necessary. There is always the temptation to trim, to equivocate, to cut the Gospel message to fit the pattern imposed by the world around, compromised by sin and alienated from God. This way lies bondage and death, the death of the spirit. Paul, who would ultimately face martyrdom, reminds his protege that above all, even in the gravest circumstances, we must remain true to the teaching of and about Jesus Christ.

Lord, the temptations to compromise are strong. The world's temptations glitter and threaten to draw my eyes from you. The pressures of society, of friends, even of family are strong. Even the Church is not immune from attack from within. Keep me true, and resolutely oriented to You. And grant me, gentle Lord, the added grace to be gracious about it. Amen.


Prince Frederick, Maryland (Providence)