One’s theology will inevitably affect Christian living. Right worship and right service flow from right thoughts about God. One whose theology is impoverished or distorted will be hindered in his relationship with, service to, and worship of the Living God.
James K.A. Smith, “Theological Preaching: ‘Congregation Repellent?’” The Emmaus Journal, Vol.2/No.3, pg.196
4 comments:
Glenn,
This is a very good quote. It applies well to both the license-filled soul, as well as the legalist. In the first case, a loose interpretation of Scripture results in antinomian beliefs/behavior. In the latter, rigid orthodoxy, the letter-without-the-Spirit kind of interpretation, leads to rule-laden, graceless "obedience", and condemnation of and judgmental thoughts toward everyone else.
The former - the Corinthian church, not dealing with sin, misuse of spiritual gifts, etc. Remember, Paul addressed the church Corinth as brethren, albeit immature ones, not as unsaved heathen.
The latter - the Pharisees, who loved all their little man-made laws and interpretations and traditions, and hated that God did "sinful" things like healing people on the Sabbath. :)
But when one's doctrine is where it should be, grace-filled, Spirit-filled living and worship flows.
-Carolyn
Hi Glenn,
I can generally ignore calvinist or arminian slants. But when the dialogue at any blog steps out from having graciousness, I don't stick around. And an ungracious spirit can come in any stripe.
-Carolyn
Carolyn,
Yes I saw your comment on the other site and just shook my head at the response. She's wrong, simple as that.
Glenn,
Sometimes things like that can get so discouraging. Especially when people would rather cut dialogue than have to be challenged. That's how a lot of Christians behave on social media; when questioned, even with facts and sound doctrine, or when you point out that the things they are holding to are their own interpretation or tradition, rather than accept correction, they just block you.
-Carolyn
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