Opinion vs. Biblical Theology

I have received a few letters the past few days challenging my 'changing' ways. I have been called a compromiser and had my ethics questioned all because of disagreement. Let me clarify a few things...

The problem that I see with the few people that have written from an authoritative standpoint concerning my apparent doctrinal error is that it is based on the idea that they are automatically right and anyone who disagrees with them is by default wrong. If there is any disagreement then the one disagreeing with them is automatically wrong and doesn't deserve a Biblical reason for the disputed doctrine. So far I've been called a compromiser, had my ethics questioned, and told I was in blatant doctrinal error. These same people have told me they are telling me these things because they genuinely care about me. Here's the problem: If they care about me so much and I'm in possible doctrinal error, then they should at least take the time to explain to me from a Biblical standpoint why I am in error. They haven't done this. As a matter of fact, when asked to do so they simply refuse. They come in claiming love and genuine concern and then fail to give me a Biblical reason why they believe I'm in error. I can only take from this that it is simply their opinion that I am wrong and, therefore, they lose all authority to make such bold claims. If I'm wrong and you show me Biblically that I am (and by Biblically I mean contextually, not simply pulling a verse here and there to back up wild claims) I will gladly change my position in a heartbeat. My greatest desire in life is to be thoroughly Biblical and I'm learning every single day. But if you just make accusations and cute alliterated jabs about who I am without one single Bible reference, I simply cannot do anything with that. It is not helpful and cannot be taken seriously. If there is going to be reason then reason with Scripture and not with opinion. If one claims that the KJV is absolutely perfect then the burden of proof lies on that person to back up that amazing claim Scripturally. If I claim that the sky is orange then it is not up to you to prove it is blue. The burden of proof would lie on me. If one says that everyone needs to wear a suit and tie or they are not right with God then the burden of proof lies on the one making the claim and not on the one who doesn't.

Let me make this perfectly clear...

I believe in the Trinity, Virgin Birth, the Diety of Jesus Christ, The Atonement, Salvation by grace through faith, The inerrancy of the Bible, the inspiration of Scripture, and the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. Line that up with anyone throughout history and this position is nothing short of being historically fundamental. If people believe these things then there is absolutely no reason to have disunity or separation without blatant willful and unrepentant sin.

As for KJVO, dogmatic views of eschatology, certain dress standards, music standards, etc. These simply have no place in historical fundamentalism. If you make the bold claims that only certain music is ok and only certain dress is acceptable and only one particular version of the Bible is absolutely perfect, then the burden of proof lies on you to show that your claim is Biblical. The burden of proof does not lie on me to prove why I don't believe these things. If you want to believe these things, I don't have a problem one with that, but don't tell me I'm a compromiser and unethical because I do not. Especially in light of the fact that the claims have not been backed up with one relevant passage of Scripture.

We have not and will not use this blog to tell people they are wrong for believing differently that we do. We realize there are cultural and social considerations for things such as dress and music and preaching style. There are also traditional considerations in many places that must be taken into account. We realize that people are going to do things differently than we do and that is perfectly fine. I don't wear a suit and tie, but there great men of God who do. That doesn't make one of us right and one of us wrong, but rather that makes us different and diverse. We have a contemporary worship style but others do not and they often have strong reasons to do so, but again we don't call each other heretics, we both have hearts crying out to God with different means. When there is difference that doesn't have to mean that there is right and wrong. That is absurd. It simply is what it is: difference. There are certain things that cannot be compromised and we believe in those things with all our hearts and souls. But for all the rest I quote Augustine,

"In necessary things, unity; in doubtful things, liberty; in all things, charity."

Let us sound a call for unity that allows for diversity! Let's love one another in spite of our differences and not simply because you agree with me or vice versa. How can we ever learn, discern, or grow if all of us are exactly the same. The beauty of Christianity is the ability to disagree on the peripheral while agreeing on the necessary. May we not compromise that great freedom given to us by our great God and Lord, Jesus Christ.

Trevor