Doctrine

Things are getting a little boring, so I thought I would throw something out to discuss.

The Webster's dictionary definition of Doctrine is;


<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=665 border=0><COLGROUP><COL width=665><TBODY><TR><TD width=665><DL><DT>Main Entry: <DD>doc·trine <DT>Pronunciation: <DD>\ˈdäk-trən\ <DT>Function: <DD>noun <DT>Etymology: <DD>Middle English, from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French, from Latin doctrina, from doctor <DT>Date: <DD style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0.2in">14th century </DD></DL>1archaic : teaching (http://teaching/) , instruction (http://instruction/)2 a: something that is taught b: a principle or position or the body of principles in a branch of knowledge or system of belief : dogma (http://dogma/) c: a principle of law established through past decisions d: a statement of fundamental government policy especially in international relations e: a military principle or set of strategies

</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>


A doctrine is something that we have been taught as a truth. We consider it a basic part of our belief system. I have many friends who attend various churches where the term "Doctrine" is an anathema. Yet, these same people will say, "We have no creed but Christ." or, "We are guided by the Holy Spirit alone in interpreting scripture." or, "We hold to the Bible alone, not the teachings of fallible men."

These are all doctrinal sayings. These statements are nowhere in Scripture, so they are not from God. If they are not from God, then they are doctrine created by men for the purpose of teaching and explaining what scripture is saying.

What are your thoughts?

Willis, interesting thoughts come to mind on this question.

What is the opposite of doctrine, heresy?

According to Webster, heresy is opinion or doctrine opposite to church dogma.

My thought on doctrine is following and teaching the same gospel and truths as presented by the Lord and his apostles which is recorded in the Bible. Nothing added and nothing taken away.

Well do you want the world's definition or God's?

DOCTRINE:
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c348/fargus080/doctrine.jpg

God is the Author of Scripture:
“16 All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; 17 so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.” (2Ti 3:16-17 NAS95)

The Holy Spirit teaches us:
“"But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you.” (Joh 14:26 NAS95)

There is doctrine from God [Scripture] as well as doctrine (precepts) of men:
“’BUT IN VAIN DO THEY WORSHIP ME, TEACHING AS DOCTRINES THE PRECEPTS OF MEN.’"” (Mt 15:9 NAS95)

However, we should never value the teachings of men over those of God:
“It is better to take refuge in the LORD Than to trust in man.” (Ps 118:8 NAS95)

<SUP>Paul seemed to think sound doctrine important to being able to discern truth from falsehood.


<SUP>
EPH 4:14</SUP> As a result, we are no longer to be children, tossed here and there by waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, by craftiness in deceitful scheming;
<SUP>1TI 4:6</SUP> In pointing out these things to the brethren, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, constantly nourished on the words of the faith and of the sound doctrine which you have been following.


<SUP>1TI 6:1</SUP> All who are under the yoke as slaves are to regard their own masters as worthy of all honor so that the name of God and our doctrine will not be spoken against.

<SUP>1TI 6:3</SUP> If anyone advocates a different doctrine and does not agree with sound words, those of our Lord Jesus Christ, and with the doctrine conforming to godliness,

<SUP>2TI 4:3</SUP> For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires,

<SUP>TIT 1:9</SUP> holding fast the faithful word which is in accordance with the teaching, so that he will be able both to exhort in sound doctrine and to refute those who contradict.

<SUP>TIT 2:1</SUP> But as for you, speak the things which are fitting for sound doctrine.

<SUP>TIT 2:7</SUP> in all things show yourself to be an example of good deeds, with purity in doctrine, dignified,

<SUP>TIT 2:10</SUP> not pilfering, but showing all good faith so that they will adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in every respect
</SUP>
He also had some thoughts about tradition which go along with doctrine. In th one case he speaks of the traditions of men according to the world, and in the other he speaks of the tradition which he taught.

<SUP><SUP>
COL 2:8</SUP> See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, according to the tradition of men, according to the elementary principles of the world, rather than according to Christ.

<SUP>2TH 3:6</SUP> Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you keep away from every brother who leads an unruly life and not according to the tradition which you received from us
</SUP>


We recieve doctrine from our pastors, sunday school teachers, parents, friends, and all whom we have learned about our faith. This doctrine forms the basis for our biblical interpretation.

<SUP>Paul seemed to think sound doctrine important to being able to discern truth from falsehood.


</SUP>
He also had some thoughts about tradition which go along with doctrine. In th one case he speaks of the traditions of men according to the world, and in the other he speaks of the tradition which he taught.

<SUP></SUP>


We recieve doctrine from our pastors, sunday school teachers, parents, friends, and all whom we have learned about our faith. This doctrine forms the basis for our biblical interpretation.

The reference you give from 2nd Thessalonians refers to an earlier statement in the previous chapter, 2 Thes 2:15 which describes this tradition.

“So then, brethren, stand firm and hold to the traditions which you were taught, whether by word [of mouth] or by letter from us.” (2Th 2:15 NAS95)

It describes the teaching given under the influence of the Holy Spirit which is now in our Bibles. "Letter" refers to Paul's epistles. Teaching that was not in accord with these letters or oral teaching was deemed "another gospel".

“6 ¶ I am amazed that you are so quickly deserting Him who called you by the grace of Christ, for a different gospel; 7 which is [really] not another; only there are some who are disturbing you and want to distort the gospel of Christ. 8 But even if we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you a gospel contrary to what we have preached to you, he is to be accursed! 9 As we have said before, so I say again now, if any man is preaching to you a gospel contrary to what you received, he is to be accursed!” (Ga 1:6-9 NAS95)

A doctrine is something that we have been taught as a truth. We consider it a basic part of our belief system. I have many friends who attend various churches where the term "Doctrine" is an anathema. Yet, these same people will say, "We have no creed but Christ." or, "We are guided by the Holy Spirit alone in interpreting scripture." or, "We hold to the Bible alone, not the teachings of fallible men."

These are all doctrinal sayings. These statements are nowhere in Scripture, so they are not from God. If they are not from God, then they are doctrine created by men for the purpose of teaching and explaining what scripture is saying.

What are your thoughts?

"You have substituted the traditions of men for the things of God." It's not a new phenomenon. And the word, "doctrine" is related to the words, "doxology", and "orthodox". I think that the system God has set up is designed to make us rely individually on Him and to seek a relationship with Him; although we need mutual support, encouragement, and comfort, we can't rely on the group experience for the thing we need most. I don't see how doctrine can be avoided, at least on an individual level; we all think something if we're not brain-dead. But it's important, too, to recognize our own limitations. We can't possibly comprehend the Mind of God.

I was thinking today of the sacrifices people say they make becoming Christians. But as God owns and operates the universe, those people never owned anything anyway, not even themselves, or their hope for eternal life. The only sacrifice we really need to make is our bundle of illusions. And one of those illusions is that we can know enough to formulate correct doctrine.

I think religious doctrine is sort of like ordinary vision - it's good enough for what we need right now, even if it isn't all-encompassing. It's useful to those who are seeking, but it's not a substitute for the experience of the unconditional love of God.

Willis, interesting thoughts come to mind on this question.

What is the opposite of doctrine, heresy?

According to Webster, heresy is opinion or doctrine opposite to church dogma.

My thought on doctrine is following and teaching the same gospel and truths as presented by the Lord and his apostles which is recorded in the Bible. Nothing added and nothing taken away.


"Orthodoxy" means, "right thinking". If you don't think the way the Roman Empire, dba "the Catholic Church" thinks, then you're a heretic. It's what I call, the "termite theory of social control": the termites live in the earth and go through tunnels touching antennae as they go, which means, "one of us? one of us? one of us?", to which the response is, "yes, one of us, one of us, one of us." They do this by exchange of proteins, and each colony has its own unique protein. But sometimes, a termite makes a mistake and goes down the wrong hole. "Not one of us! Not one of us! Kill! Kill!"

If you're not orthodox, you're "not one of us."

The Holy Spirit will guide you into all Truth.

Do not be afraid of what you ought to be full of, or you would be equal to the horse with blinders going through the corn.

Discussion is not needed beyond this, that the Holy Spirit is the source of work in the Trinity, from Genesis to now, Including in your mind when you need to know what sound doctrine is.

Just you, the book, and Him.

The Holy Spirit will guide you into all Truth.

Do not be afraid of what you ought to be full of, or you would be equal to the horse with blinders going through the corn.

Discussion is not needed beyond this, that the Holy Spirit is the source of work in the Trinity, from Genesis to now, Including in your mind when you need to know what sound doctrine is.

Just you, the book, and Him.

You do realize that this is one of the most common doctrinal statements, don't you?

You do realize that this is one of the most common doctrinal statements, don't you?

Have you heard anyone ever say there are no absolutes?
I always answer, are you sure there are absolutely no absolutes; because you just told me you believe at least one?!

Of course this is THE most common doctrinal statements, let me back it up with this, if you never had tasted steak, would you ask another what it tastes like; or would you want the taste itself? Takes away the need for discussion, there is only ONE Mediator between God and man.

Man to man, discussion is vital, but him to God, only conversation between the author and student.

Have you heard anyone ever say there are no absolutes?
I always answer, are you sure there are absolutely no absolutes; because you just told me you believe at least one?!

Of course this is THE most common doctrinal statements, let me back it up with this, if you never had tasted steak, would you ask another what it tastes like; or would you want the taste itself? Takes away the need for discussion, there is only ONE Mediator between God and man.

Man to man, discussion is vital, but him to God, only conversation between the author and student.

I am not speaking of mediators. I agree that there is only one, Jesus, our Lord.

I am speaking about doctrine and how many hold to a doctrine which denies that they hold to a doctrine! These same people, in their denial, knock others who admit that there is doctrine.

Paul told us repeatedly that sound doctrine is necessary. He also said the following;

<SUP><SUP>
1Co 12:28</SUP> And in the church God has appointed first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, also those having gifts of healing, those able to help others, those with gifts of administration, and those speaking in different kinds of tongues.
</SUP>
Why would we need apostles, prophets, and teachers all filled with the Holy Spirit if we only need the bible?

Remember what Peter said;

<SUP><SUP>
2PE 3:14</SUP> Therefore, beloved, since you look for these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, spotless and blameless,
<SUP>2PE 3:15</SUP> and regard the patience of our Lord as salvation; just as also our beloved brother Paul, according to the wisdom given him, wrote to you,
<SUP>2PE 3:16</SUP> as also in all his letters, speaking in them of these things, in which are some things hard to understand, which the untaught and unstable distort, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures, to their own destruction.
<SUP>2PE 3:17</SUP> You therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehand, be on your guard so that you are not carried away by the error of unprincipled men and fall from your own steadfastness,
</SUP>

We need teachers so that none will be untaught and that none will distort. Peter is saying that picking up the Bible with no background for understanding will lead to error. Sound teaching = Sound doctrine.

I am not trying to convert anyone. I am saying that doctrine is necessary. All that you have been taught by your pastor, sunday school teacher, parent and friends is truly doctrine.

Amen! Good post.

I really don't want to sidetrack this discussion but, has anyone noticed the general discussion topic. There is a porn add on it. It really looks bad. Have the monitors observed this entry? It's called freemans porn. Can this be removed?

I really don't want to sidetrack this discussion but, has anyone noticed the general discussion topic. There is a porn add on it. It really looks bad. Have the monitors observed this entry? It's called freemans porn. Can this be removed?

I don't see it. Perhaps, thank God, it has already been removed.