Doctrinal Dilemmas in the 21st Century?

Is the church in the 21st century equipped for teaching and preaching sound doctrine? If we look at different trends today, one might conclude that there are issues in answering this question affirmatively.

For example, a recent report in The Christian Century indicates that the economic forces causing a “tightening of the belt” in the general population in the United States likewise has affected colleges and seminaries. Declining enrollments and rising costs have forced both colleges and seminaries to re-evaluate the effectiveness of certain programs and to adjust to financial shortfalls. One seminary stopped offering Bible courses (yes, you heard it right) and encouraged students to take those courses at other institutions. Also, the curriculums of some seminaries today abound with various practical ministry courses, such as handling the finances of church and how to run small group ministries, leaving little room for traditional Bible and theology courses. These trends also resulted in the downsizing of faculty and staff in important areas of study within the seminaries.

Another barometer that perhaps reflects this issue of doctrinal dilemmas is a study of trends in attitudes toward biblical truths held by Christians in the U.S. This study by The Barna Group, cited in their report from May 21, 2007, show that two-thirds of Christians in the U.S. agree that their purpose is to love the Lord God with all of their heart, mind, soul, and strength, yet their beliefs and behaviors call this into question. According to the Barna study, declining numbers of Christians believe in an omnipotent and omniscient God, a sinless Jesus, an adversary called Satan, and a responsibility to share the Gospel. Also, smaller numbers of believers read their Bibles outside of their regular church attendance each week (41%) and even smaller numbers attend any kind of Bible study group or small group fellowship throughout the week (19%).

Whatever we do in response to these trends, we should keep in mind that our purpose and the purpose of our church is to maintain the pre-eminence of Jesus Christ in all that we are and do (Colossians 1:24—2:5). We should work within our sphere of influence to insure that believers embrace sound doctrine within their churches and in application to their daily lives. Even the word “doctrine” may strike fear in the mind of a believer, however, we must emphasize that the word merely means “teaching” and that sound doctrine is “healthy teaching.” In Paul’s letter to Titus, he gave instructions that Titus must teach what is in accord with “sound doctrine” (Titus 2:1). Scripture encourages us to both know about God and to know Him personally and experientially (Jeremiah 9:23-24, John 17:3, Philippians 3:7-9).

Where are you today in this matter? Take that first step of repenting of your sins and believing in Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord (Mark 1:15). Obedience is better than sacrifice, and doctrinal matters are a joy to know and apply to our lives once we surrender our wills to God’s will as an act of obedience in every matter of life.