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Romans 14 is such a tough chapter. Not really tough to understand, but tough to do. It seems that the summary verse is 13. It says, "Therefore let us not pass judgment on one another any longer, but rather decide never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother." What's so hard about that? Have you struggled with fulfilling this scripture? Have you been on the other end of someone else struggling to fulfill this scripture? We do this in the church - too often. Instead of considering ways to encourage and help strengthen our "weaker" brothers we expect them to rise to our level of spiritual maturity. And when they don't, we isolate, alienate and marginalize them.
Romans 14 is such a tough chapter. Not really tough to understand, but tough to do. It seems that the summary verse is 13. It says, "Therefore let us not pass judgment on one another any longer, but rather decide never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother." What's so hard about that? Have you struggled with fulfilling this scripture? Have you been on the other end of someone else struggling to fulfill this scripture? We do this in the church - too often. Instead of considering ways to encourage and help strengthen our "weaker" brothers we expect them to rise to our level of spiritual maturity. And when they don't, we isolate, alienate and marginalize them.
Try to be objective for a moment and consider whether or not you are guilty of this. Think about this question as a litmus test for yourself - do I doctrinalize issues that are were not meant to be doctrinal? This seems to be the starting block for much of the issues we have. We read issues, contexts and opinions into scripture - when in fact it does not belong. This was the issue that came up in Acts with the Jewish brethren who insisted that their gentile brothers ought to meet their traditions before they could be accepted into the body. That was wrong. So why do we do the same thing? Why do we carry on our traditions, call them scriptural or doctrinal and insist that others follow us down this road?
It's past time for us to come together under the umbrella of scriptural unity. Understanding that we will not always agree, we can not continue to doctrinalize issues that make us uncomfortable and expect to be able to call names because people don't follow "our" doctrine.
I was wondering in what sense you are comparing traditions to doctrine. Because I see doctrine not as the word of God but reflective of the word of God therefore to change doctrine is to alter the word of God. For example we find in the New Testament that women should not be pastors or elders. Therefore a doctrine is created that explains this position and defends it. So if this doctrine is compromised for the sake of unity then you are also compromising the meaning of scripture thereby compromising your faith.
ReplyDeleteThank you for this particular blog. I think you have hit on something here that will make many people uncomfortable. That's a good thing.
ReplyDeleteDavid,
ReplyDeleteI think we agree in principle. Perhaps not in the way we are defining the terms. Doctrine to me is essentially the "how" and "what" of the Word. It's the tangible. For your example, the doctrine would be that actual principles relative to women's roles in the Church - not necessarily the explanation of it. Pretty much semantics though. Thanks for the post.
Jeremy
Anonymous - thanks for posting. I appreciate your input and encouragement. Sometimes uncomfortable is a good place to be. God Bless!
ReplyDeleteJeremy
David,
ReplyDeleteI just thought through your comments again. What I meant by "doctrinalizing" is taking an issue for which we have not directive from God and that is essentially left up to our discretion and we take our opinion and descretion (i.e. traditions) and act as if they are issues of doctrine, or spoken of in the text. For example, many congregations have struggled greatly with translations. Some appreciate the older KJV and try to insist that it is the only accurate translation. Thus, we all must use this translation. Hope that makes sense.
Jeremy
Jeremy, thanks for your thoughts. Your last post made me think about the different translations debate. What are your thoughts on different translations? Best? One's to stay away from?
ReplyDeleteA response on translations: use them all. Just kidding. Sort of ;-)
ReplyDeleteFirst of all, when it comes to translations, we must remember that we are talking about translations that were created by men. Thus, they are not inspired. The original text is the inspired, infallible and inerrant Word of God. Beyond that, we are using documents that sinful, subjective and biased (albeit well-intentioned) men have had their hands on. Hearing this is uncomfortable for some. And I have gotten some strong responses. But I always tell people that if you want to be certain, learn Greek and Hebrew and work with the text in the original languages.
This having been said, if you are reading for devotional purposes or to follow along in class or worship, use a translation that you are comfortable with; and are able to read without having to consistently consult a dictionary.
However, if you are interested in deeper study or are preparing to teach, I would use a word-for-word translation (in contrast to a paraphrase). Two really good translations are the New American Standard and the English Standard versions. Additionally, I would use a Greek lexicon or interlinear Bible to accompany any significant study.
Some of the more popular translations are of course the NIV, New Living Translation, TNIV and The Message. For devotional reading and study, the first three are fine. I have concerns with The Message. It appears to take too many liberties with the text. And in some instances it does not accurately capture the true intentions of the author.
The bottom line is that there are issues with every translation - because they were translated by men. So, find one you're comfortable with and go with it. For what it's worth, I use the New American Standard.
God Bless!
Jeremy
For the serious student of the Bible I would recommend the Software program Bible Works 8. Its a bit pricey at 350 dollars but you have access to well over 100 English translations and you have the Greek and Hebrew translations with parsing. For those starting out learning Greek and Hebrew I would not get this right away because it can become a crutch. This software works really well for someone who has had the training and needs to quickly check on the meaning of the Greek and Hebrew.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the help Jeremy. I appreciate your opinions.
ReplyDelete