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3.3 Statements of Faith
Twin Errors: Theological Liberalism & Theological Fundamentalism:
- The error of theological liberalism is a basic disrespect for biblical authority and the church’s treasury of truth. The mark of true liberalism is the refusal to admit that first-order theological issues even exist. Liberals treat first-order doctrines as if they were merely third order in importance, and doctrinal ambiguity is the inevitable result.
- Fundamentalism, on the other hand, tends toward the opposite error. The misjudgment of true fundamentalism is the belief that all disagreements concern first-order doctrines. Thus, third-order issues are raised to a first-order importance, and Christians are wrongly and harmfully divided.
How can Pentecostals guard against falling into either of these two errors? Reflect in a paragraph.
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25 Replies
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It can be rather challenging in practice to avoid these two ditches of theological liberalism and theological fundamentalism. However, I think there are three things we can do to avoid these two pitfalls. First, we must recognize that Scripture is a trustworthy and reliable source of truth about God’s character and salvation history. Without respect for the witness of Scripture, theological dialogue becomes very difficult, sometimes impossible. Second, the witness of church history must have some bearing on our understanding of which tenets of the faith are first order, second order, etc. The Apostles Creed and the Nicene Creed are great guardrails for discussion of which beliefs are essential to be identified as a Christian, but there is very little in our discussions today that has not been argued and debated by those who have gone before us. Being a good student of Scripture and of Church history will help us recognize the difference between dogma, doctrine, and adiaphora. Finally, we need humility and the ability to listen well. The ability to look critically at our own beliefs, and ask the question of what if we are in the wrong, the wisdom to see from the eyes of another who may perceive something we are blind to, and the courage to admit when we are uncertain will help all of us avoid the pitfalls of fundamentalism and liberalism as we pursue unity and constructive theological dialogue in the church.
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I think it is important to hold tightly to our core and first-order beliefs and not be afraid to be unwavering in them. It is also really important to have conversations and teaching times of what our core beliefs are so that there is continued clarity on what we all agree on and hold tightly to. With secondary beliefs, I think we need to have spaces to pray together and look through scripture together and seek understanding. We need to do this in grace and love and give space for God to speak through each other as we decide what stance we are going to take. And then we need to be very kind with ours and others personal beliefs as we God has called the Church to unity and we have to take that seriously!! Jesus is the Way and the Truth and the Life and the only way to the Father, we cannot neglect truth or be casual with it. But Jesus calls us to be ONE, and we cannot elevate small issues over that!
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To guard against theological liberalism and fundamentalism, Pentecostals can:
1. Prioritize biblical authority and core doctrines.
2. Discern between primary and secondary issues.
3. Foster respectful dialogue and understanding.
4. Emphasize unity in essential doctrines while allowing diversity on non-essential matters.
By striking this balance, Pentecostals can maintain doctrinal integrity while promoting unity and cooperation within the body of Christ. This approach enables them to navigate complex theological issues with wisdom and discernment.
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I think having the courage to have dialogue, and then even publish something like the Narrative Commentary can help Pentecostals avoid the twin errors of Theological Liberalism & Theological Fundamentalism. A simple appeal to scripture is often not enough, and most of these errors can pinpoint a scripture to support their liberal or fundamentalist approach. There must be something greater; perhaps risky, but the unity of shared experience in and with the Spirit of Truth. Of course all sides will claim He is inspiring their position, but fruit will be evident, and that fruit is often relational, discovered in dialogue or the lack thereof, and centres around the centrality of Christ not just as the Truth, but as the Way and the Life too. Knowing him this way keeps us grounded. He is not our truth if he is not also the Way and the Life. Ongoing dialogue, ongoing attempts to proactively listen, but to aggressively maintain the unity of the Spirit (of Truth) in the bonds of peace will help. A lot of errors happen around wounds, rejection, and reactions to something or someone, whereas love rejoices in the Truth!
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