Tags
balance, Bible, bibliology, hermeneutics, religion, Theology, thoughts
David Leach
A balance in the right understanding of theology is not some yin and yang thing that forces one to an obligatory responsibility to accept conflicting views and make some sort of “middle mush” palatable to all. The truth is not determined by weighing the merits of this Scripture or doctrine and that other Scripture and different doctrine in (seeming) contradiction, and then finding some compromise between opposing views. Rather, it is found of those who set aside their presuppositions and simply in faith believe the Word of God. Balance, yes. Compromise, no.
What of the man who says, “OK, I get that much – but you hold that truth (whichever one) out of balance. You believe aright, perhaps, but you over-emphasize it.” Well, most certainly, a disproportional emphasis on any Biblical point is always a possibility, and certainly ought be avoided. I am opposed to the notion of “women pastors” as totally unbiblical, but I would shy away from a man who preached on that subject twenty times a year, every year. On the other hand, some subjects beg for repetition, both from the pulpit and in the reading and thinking of the average Christian. Grace, salvation, sovereignty and providence, God’s attributes, the need for holiness and a life consecrated to God ought be emphasized, and re-emphasized. And so many other truths that likewise need be refreshed in the mind of readers and hearers of truth. Can you emphasize these things and still maintain balance? Of course! In fact, by definition if you do not cover the weightier matters, you are going to be imbalanced! Those people most likely to go off on secondary or even meaningless tangents are those who do not ground themselves in the most basic of truths. I have known prophecy “experts” who seemingly knew nothing outside the realm of prophecy. This ought not to be.
We must hold truth in balance commensurate with the genuine emphasis we find it in the Word of God. This practice keeps us from both extremism and bias, lopsidedness and willful ignorance. May God help us to genuine understanding.
- David Leach
I think you’re spot-on, David. Brought to mind 2 Peter:
3 His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, 4 by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire. 5 For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, 6 and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, 7 and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. 8 For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 For whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he is blind, having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins. 10 Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to make your calling and election sure, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall. 11 For in this way there will be richly provided for you an entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
12 Therefore I intend always to remind you of these qualities, though you know them and are established in the truth that you have.
2 Peter 1:3-12 (ESV)