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ACOP Narrative Commentary
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It is important to distinguish between core beliefs, doctrinal distinctives, personal beliefs and personal opinions because if we disagree on core beliefs, we may not even believe in the same God or in Jesus as saviour. As a result, we could fundamentally disagree on what our faith is, not just how we should live it out. However, if we just have a different is personal opinion, we likely can still walk together and disciple people together quite effectively based on our core beliefs. All of these make up a personal and fellowship level identity, and thus they are all important, but differences in conflict or importance if we disagree on these different pieces vary greatly between these four distinctives and so they must be defined separately.
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Distinction in beliefs is important because without distinction, its either anything goes or everything is important. without the distinction of core beliefs from doctrine, personal beliefs and personal perspectives, any such belief could hold uttermost importance which would cause disunity between all believers. The people need to know that the color of shirt you need to wear to the pastors dog’s birthday party is not as important as believing in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. with clarity on core beliefs between all churches, it gives grounds to fellowship and enjoy one another ad brothers and sisters in Christ.
I am now fairly familiar with the ACOP statement of faith but have not yet dove into the narrative commentary. I was always curious about why there was no visual or written distinction between dogma and doctrine in the statement of faith as that could be a turn off to other believers from fellowshipping with our congregation, but knowing there is an article describing distinctions makes me feel a little better about having a compiled statement of faith.
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If you do not distinguish between first, second, third and fourth order beliefs you are less likely to foster unity in the body, but also there are some beliefs that can be denominationally or personally held that although are important are not as grounded and 100% verified. There are also different personal convictions based on history or experience that should be distinguished as such for culturally certain things may not be accepted here vs there but that does not mean they deny the dogma. Not every hill is worth dying on and it is important to distinguish them for cultivating unity and understanding within the body.
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It is important to be aware of the distinction between core believers, doctrinal distinctives, personal beliefs and person opinions for several different reasons: 1) core beliefs –which are shared by all orthodox Christians across the denominational spectrum—make our connection with Christian orthodoxy clear, and, therefore, express the fact that we share fellowship with all believers in Christ who hold these fundamental convictions. This has implications for fellowship, collaborations in mission work, and so on; 2) When doctrinal distinctives are made explicit, it helps us find a point of reference for relating to our own denomination (e.g. understanding our points of emphasis and their theological (etc.) implications) as well as other denominations (e.g. understanding why particular behaviours/attitudes/or actions are taken); 3) Distinguishing between personal beliefs and personal opinions opens the door for healthy dialogue amongst ourselves and other denominations and also loving respect towards those who hold to differing opinions. There is not the divisive insistence that others must conform to our own personal beliefs or opinions.
I am familiar with ACOP's statement of faith and am presently working my way through the recommended reading list that is included in the Narrative Commentary. I am also familiar with the statement of other denominations and Christian organizations who are interdenominational.
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