The Church of the Poisoned Mind

I've decided that churches should come with warning labels; that way people would be able to tell, before even entering the door, whether or not they'd be welcome there. Take our last church, for instance, (really, take it, I beg you)...it could have a label that says, To God's infallible and inspired Word we add the doctrine of American Conservatism. If you are not conservative enough for us in politics and dress we will have you in for a chat with our elders. See, if they'd had that label somewhere on their website or the door to the entrance, we never would have bothered. Think of all the time we'd have saved.

Here's a label most Reformed churches in our area could all put on their door, "If doctrine is not more important to you than even Godly living, you will never belong here." Look, I love doctrine. I understand its importance. My favorite books are theological books. I read Ursinus' Commentary on the Heidelberg to my kids for fun and buy my kids Joel Beeke books on CD for Christmas.I LOVE theology. But in our area, head knowledge is King. Heart knowledge is considered relatively worthless.  I'll admit the last church we attended was much better on this, it's just that when they combined American Conservatism to their doctrine it became a nasty situation.  Apparently we weren't the first people to leave over it either.

I understand that we all add something to our Christianity. I teach my kids that it is pretty much the biggest problem all churches have. But I have come to the conclusion that if that added thing detracts from compassion and love for others, it's the spot where I must draw the line. Without compassion and love we become brash and judgmental. Having been at the receiving end of church leaders who felt it their duty to judge then thrash, I can see now why this over-emphasis on doctrine is bad. Christ said to love God with all our heart, soul, and mind.  He didn't say, Love God with your mind more than your heart. Or, it's more important to make sure you have your doctrine straight than it is to love God. It's all equally important.  I wonder, now, though, if he said "heart" first because he knew our nature. It is soooooo much easier to have "sound doctrine" than to show compassion. There is no risk in having your theology straight. Just ask the devil. He knows it all. Hasn't helped him one bit.