Examples of Bad Theology and Their Negative Impacts

Theology and Doctrine as a Literary and Scholarly Field

Theology, the study of God and divine things, is a field deeply intertwined with the history and practice of faith, particularly within the Christian tradition. A key phrase often used is that theology is the problem and doctrine is the challenge within the problem, as expressed by Hugh Gordon. This highlights the continuous need to evaluate theological teachings critically. Biblical theology, which involves understanding God through the lens of the Bible, includes the nature of God, creation, humanity, and salvation.

Bad Theology Divides the Church

One of the most harmful manifestations of bad theology is the division it creates within the church. As Hugh Gordon suggests, it is not from the Holy Spirit. Jesus prayed fervently on the night of His passion for the unity of His disciples, stating, that they all may be one; even as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us (John 17:21). Similarly, Paul in the Epistle to the Ephesians exhorts believers to maintain unity, stating:

#9679; You were called to one glorious hope, with one body, one Spirit, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one God and Father of us all. (Ephesians 4:4-5)

Historically, one major issue leading to division within the church is the interpretation of Election. This doctrine has divided the church denominationally, leading to debates over Foreordination, Predestination, and the nature of salvation. As mentioned, these topics often stem from differing views on human freedom and divine sovereignty. The devil, seeking to sow discord, has perpetuated this division, often through the manipulation of Scripture.

Contradictory Theology Undermines Scripture

Bad theology often manifests through contradictory interpretations of Biblical teachings. For instance, debates about the preservation or loss of salvation, or the concepts of unconditional vs. conditional election, and irresistible vs. resistible salvation, can lead to confusion and misalignment with God's clearer intentions. The Bible itself provides a balanced view, indicating both the irrevocability of salvation and the potential for apostasy, recognizing the interplay between divine sovereignty and human free will (e.g., Romans 9-11).

Dishonoring God through Bad Theology

Bad theology can also dishonor God by over-simplifying or misinterpreting His attributes. One such example is Open Theism, which suggests that God does not have exhaustive knowledge of future events. This directly challenges the Biblical teaching of God's omnipotence and omniscience. Conversely, Christian Determinism, which argues that God predetermines salvation, can eliminate human free will, reducing God's attributes to a lesser extent. Both of these views, and others like them, lack logical consistency and textual support, ultimately not aligning with the overall perspective of Scripture.

Contradiction of Jesus' Teachings

The final category of bad theology involves arguments that contradict or negate Jesus' teachings. This can lead to misinterpretations of His parables and messages. For instance, interpretations that negate the idea of baptism with the Holy Spirit as Jesus did, can cause division, such as between Neo-Pentecostal and Reformed churches. This division can negatively impact the church's global mission and the path to salvation. Additionally, theological interpretations that explain away Jesus' teachings, such as the doctrine of Cessationism, often negate the direct command and teaching of Jesus.

As highlighted by Paul in Galatians 1:6-9, those who distort the Gospel are to be avoided. The Bible strongly warns against bad theology, much like avoiding a bad friend. Such teachings can lead to a self-centered lifestyle, arrogance, and behaviors that jeopardize our spiritual journey towards salvation.

Therefore, it is crucial to engage in critical, open, and honest evaluation of theological teachings, ensuring they align with divine scripture and the teachings of Jesus, to preserve the unity and mission of the church.