Different views

[Tom 1]

Hello,

Just wondering how many people have dealt with the issue of being part of a congregation while disagreeing with some of what is being taught, and what solutions anyone has found.
I was part of a church whose teachings I initially accepted completely, because I didn´t know any better. The teachings weren´t incorrect as such, just misleading in that they excluded other beliefs and practices with little justification. Many of the leaders, preachers etc in this church are admirable people, great examples in their personal lives, and very gifted in many ways, but few of them have any advanced knowledge of the bible and they tend to be, in my view, dogmatic about their own rather limited theology. I have a friend who teaches NT studies at a prestigious University and he is a committed member of this same church, although he doesn´t agreed with everything that is taught, he is committed to the people and to the church as a whole. I have tremendous admiration for my friend, I don´t know how he manages it really. I struggle with this, particularly with leaders who insist that their superficial notions about the bible are the whole truth and should be accepted as such. How does a person remain involved in a church when he or she disagrees with some of the fundamental teachings of that church? How to deal with leaders who simply refuse to reconsider their fixed ideas?

Any thoughts?

Tom,

 

[AACJ]

Hello,

Just wondering how many people have dealt with the issue of being part of a congregation while disagreeing with some of what is being taught, and what solutions anyone has found.
I was part of a church whose teachings I initially accepted completely, because I didn´t know any better. The teachings weren´t incorrect as such, just misleading in that they excluded other beliefs and practices with little justification. Many of the leaders, preachers etc in this church are admirable people, great examples in their personal lives, and very gifted in many ways, but few of them have any advanced knowledge of the bible and they tend to be, in my view, dogmatic about their own rather limited theology. I have a friend who teaches NT studies at a prestigious University and he is a committed member of this same church, although he doesn´t agreed with everything that is taught, he is committed to the people and to the church as a whole. I have tremendous admiration for my friend, I don´t know how he manages it really. I struggle with this, particularly with leaders who insist that their superficial notions about the bible are the whole truth and should be accepted as such. How does a person remain involved in a church when he or she disagrees with some of the fundamental teachings of that church? How to deal with leaders who simply refuse to reconsider their fixed ideas?

Any thoughts?

Tom,

Has God called us to sick Church's or only to healthy Church's?

Has the Lord made it clear to you that you are to remain there? If not, then ask Him to reveal such.

How much prayer are you directing to positive change related to what you have explained? Perhaps God has you there to effect the change you desire? Who better than you who are aware of the stated problem? I have never been part of a Church where I agreed with everything the leaders supported and taught. We are partly here to stand in the gap. Consider it an opportunity and not just a problem.

 

[Johnny4ChristJesus]

Hello,

Just wondering how many people have dealt with the issue of being part of a congregation while disagreeing with some of what is being taught, and what solutions anyone has found.
I was part of a church whose teachings I initially accepted completely, because I didn´t know any better. The teachings weren´t incorrect as such, just misleading in that they excluded other beliefs and practices with little justification. Many of the leaders, preachers etc in this church are admirable people, great examples in their personal lives, and very gifted in many ways, but few of them have any advanced knowledge of the bible and they tend to be, in my view, dogmatic about their own rather limited theology. I have a friend who teaches NT studies at a prestigious University and he is a committed member of this same church, although he doesn´t agreed with everything that is taught, he is committed to the people and to the church as a whole. I have tremendous admiration for my friend, I don´t know how he manages it really. I struggle with this, particularly with leaders who insist that their superficial notions about the bible are the whole truth and should be accepted as such. How does a person remain involved in a church when he or she disagrees with some of the fundamental teachings of that church? How to deal with leaders who simply refuse to reconsider their fixed ideas?

Any thoughts?

Tom,

If you are walking in a relationship with God, He is the One who will lead you. Many people can give advice; but, you are responsible to Him, Tom, for what He tells you to do. I would strongly urge you to take whatever advice you get back to Him for confirmation or rejection. When you stand before Him, blaming others won't be a valid excuse. He gives us His Spirit to follow Him, not what man would tell us. There isn't safety in numbers before God. Think about Moses and the Israelites. Moses was safe with God. The golden calf was a result of the wisdom/ag

 

[Tom 1]

Has God called us to sick Church's or only to healthy Church's?

Has the Lord made it clear to you that you are to remain there? If not, then ask Him to reveal such.

How much prayer are you directing to positive change related to what you have explained? Perhaps God has you there to effect the change you desire? Who better than you who are aware of the stated problem? I have never been part of a Church where I agreed with everything the leaders supported and taught. We are partly here to stand in the gap. Consider it an opportunity and not just a problem.

Yeah that’s more or less where my own thinking is leading me. In regard to that particular church it’s kind of a moot point as I’ve moved to a different country, but it’s one of the things I’m thinking about before joining a different congregation.

 

[Albion]

Hello, Tom. It's a problem that's shared by a lot of people, although that isn't much of an answer to your question, I realize.

The main thing I would say is to find out if the congregation/church/denomination itself is absolutist about doctrinal conformity, considering dissenters to be heretics or worse. If the church has a position about certain doctrines but doesn't make an issue about the privately-held beliefs of members (AND the disagreement is intellectual, as opposed to a matter of practice, like worship style or infant baptism or marital issues) then you might feel comfortable belonging. But if the opposite is the case, I think it would be an ongoing problem that will cause you to question your own integrity.

 

[Tolworth John]

How does a person remain involved in a church when he or she disagrees with some of the fundamental teachings of that church?

Depends whether those views are fundamental to Christianity or whether they are secondary issues.
As Albion has said find out.

How to deal with leaders who simply refuse to reconsider their fixed ideas?

Talk to them privately, asking them to explain their views from the bible. Ensure that you know what you are talking about and are able to show just what the bible teaches and also what varrious groups have also taught on the subject.

Only do this if they are willing to examine their believes and do it gently and respectfully.