Especially in the theological circles, in which I formerly ran, the idea of being doctrinally correct and criticizing those outside of our circle, was paramount. Though I am no longer a Calvinist (or even Protestant for that matter), I do still believe that theological precision and accuracy is important. But in a way vastly different than my former days.
In my former days, digging into the original languages, learning the most thorough and precise hermeneutical tools and speaking with precision was the way to godliness. (Except it wasn't.) The Orthodox church, of which I am now part, still holds definite theological positions and posits as true specific and definitive dogmas, these are merely tools for interacting with ones culture. Drawing close to God and putting aside worldly things are achieved by the the sacraments, confession, repentance and love.
But what is the place of theological accuracy?
It is our belief that all men are created by God and sustained, simply in order to give the time and the opportunity to turn, repent and learn to love God and neighbor. Because all men are created in the image of God, are part of the "world" of whom Jesus died for, and while living, are still "men", all men and any men, have a grasp of varying degrees, on aspects of truth. In other words, all men, regardless of religious persuasion, believe some truth.
It then naturally follows that while the Orthodox church is "the" church and the repository of the historical faith, any of us can learn nuggets of truth from anyone, anywhere. The Buddhist, the Hindu, the Native religions, even the Wiccans, have embraced something of truth. And, as all men have strengths and weaknesses, we should learn from those stronger than us and help those weaker.
One very important point amongst all of this is that of framework and foundation. While those of these varying faiths may have aspects of truth, all truth must be understood within the framework of the historic Christian faith and upon the foundation of Jesus Christ. Other faiths may hold truths that are exactly contrary to their own framework and foundation, but this should come as no surprise, no one is perfectly consistent.
And finally, all of our lives should be filtered and controlled by humility. Embracing that which is true is good and right, but it is worthless if it is not done in love and humility.
In my former days, digging into the original languages, learning the most thorough and precise hermeneutical tools and speaking with precision was the way to godliness. (Except it wasn't.) The Orthodox church, of which I am now part, still holds definite theological positions and posits as true specific and definitive dogmas, these are merely tools for interacting with ones culture. Drawing close to God and putting aside worldly things are achieved by the the sacraments, confession, repentance and love.
But what is the place of theological accuracy?
It is our belief that all men are created by God and sustained, simply in order to give the time and the opportunity to turn, repent and learn to love God and neighbor. Because all men are created in the image of God, are part of the "world" of whom Jesus died for, and while living, are still "men", all men and any men, have a grasp of varying degrees, on aspects of truth. In other words, all men, regardless of religious persuasion, believe some truth.
It then naturally follows that while the Orthodox church is "the" church and the repository of the historical faith, any of us can learn nuggets of truth from anyone, anywhere. The Buddhist, the Hindu, the Native religions, even the Wiccans, have embraced something of truth. And, as all men have strengths and weaknesses, we should learn from those stronger than us and help those weaker.
One very important point amongst all of this is that of framework and foundation. While those of these varying faiths may have aspects of truth, all truth must be understood within the framework of the historic Christian faith and upon the foundation of Jesus Christ. Other faiths may hold truths that are exactly contrary to their own framework and foundation, but this should come as no surprise, no one is perfectly consistent.
And finally, all of our lives should be filtered and controlled by humility. Embracing that which is true is good and right, but it is worthless if it is not done in love and humility.
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