1. Introduction
Biblical Theology is the study of God, as revealed in the Bible, about who He is, what He is like, His creation, the world and human beings, and their condition in relation to God, and His Plan of salvation. Since the study uses the contents from the Old and New Testament Scripture, any doctrinal statement embraces elements contrary to the teachings in Scripture, or not in full alignment with the Bible, may be considered as ‘Bad Theology.’ Although, theoretically, from the one primary source which consist of 66 Canonical books, there should be one unified and universal Christian ‘belief system’ that perfectly aligns with the Bible, a perfect theological system does not exist.
Theological Diversity Within Evangelical Churches
Even within Evangelical churches, multiple theologies exist, each claiming fidelity to Scripture, but none are ‘perfect.’ These diverse theological perspectives and doctrines come with their strengths and weaknesses, biases, and even aberrations. What’s particularly concerning is that certain mainstream church doctrines worldwide include elements that contradict teachings found in Scripture. This issue of ‘Bad Theology,’ with its potential negative impact on the spirituality of believers, their rewards, and salvation, as well as its influence on the mission of Christ’s church, has persisted without adequate scrutiny for too long. This represents an inconvenient truth and a darker aspectof the Evangelical belief system, succinctly summarized as ‘Theology is the problem, and doctrine is the challenge within the problem.’
The Bible warns us to avoid ‘Bad Theology,’ just as we would avoid a ‘bad friend (ὁμιλία)’ or a poor ‘homily.’ These negative influences can lead us towards a self-centered lifestyle, arrogant thinking, and behaviors, including narcissistic tendencies, that may jeopardize our path to Heaven. The Bible cautions us with the words, ‘All things are lawful,’ but not all things are helpful. ‘All things are lawful,’ but not all things build up’ (1 Corinthians 10:23). Proverbs 16:25 also reminds us, ‘There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death,’ and Paul vehemently condemns those who distort the Gospel (Galatians 1:6-9).
How can we discern ‘Bad Theology’ without being drawn into endless theological debates?
In this post, I would like to share ‘My Checklist for ‘Bad’ Theology.’ The criteria of the checklist will focus on the consequential effects on the Christ Church, salvation, and the lives of believers, and how well it holds up to the ‘glory of God.’ As Jesus said, ‘A tree is known by its fruit,’ and Paul advised us to ‘do all to the glory of God’ (1 Cor 10:31).
This checklist is a personal tool I have developed, serving as a valuable ‘first checkpoint’ for assessing theology and doctrine objectively, without becoming entangled in endless debates. It is crucial to establish a platform for open conversation and reflection on what defines ‘bad’ theology. I invite you to participate in the discussion.
2. This checklist is a personal tool I have developed, serving as a valuable ‘first checkpoint:
Doctrines Should Never:
#1: Cause division within the Church.
Theology or doctrine that divides and harms the unity of the church is not of the Holy Spirit. On the evening of the Passion, Jesus fervently prayed for ‘unity. In his Epistle to the Ephesians, Paul exhorts us to diligently preserve unity in the bond of peace, for ‘you were called to one glorious hope, and there is one body, one Spirit, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God, and Father.’ Paul was particularly critical of the ‘division’ among the Corinthian church and asked, ‘Has Christ been divided into a ‘Paul Christ,’ an ‘Apollo Christ,’ and a ‘Peter Christ?’
One of the major contentious points that has led to division within the church is centered around the doctrine of salvation, with ‘hair-splitting’ details—e.g., ‘We must be renewed first to be born again’ (Ephesians 2:1,5); ‘Predestination and Reprobation,’ where God, in eternity, made it certain that some would be saved and others condemned. Christ’s church has been divided denominationally based on theological and doctrinal affiliations.
The origin of ‘division’ can be traced back to the Devil in the Garden of Eden, where he sowed discord and division between God and humanity. This divisive influence has persisted throughout all human history. Ever since the Devil employed this strategy in Eden and succeeded by manipulating the Word of God, he has continued to employ the same tactic even in the present-day church. And one might ask, why wouldn’t he?
As history shows, when the Christ Church stands firm in solidarity and even spreads like wildfire under external attacks and persecutions, but internal division does the exact opposite. It weakens the church to fall, just as Jesus said, ‘a house divided cannot stand.’ We must resolve these doctrinal differences and restore the unity of Christ Church.
#2: Contradict the interpretation of key scriptural texts.
Theology and Doctrine aim to systematize God’s teachings in the Bible into an accessible, accurate formula for churches and believers across generations. Errors, oversights, and differing interpretations are expected in human endeavors. However, these interpretations must align with supporting texts in their proper contexts. Contradictory interpretations represent ‘Bad Theology.’
For example, consider the debate between ‘Preservation of the Saints,’ (‘once saved, saved forever) versus ‘Falling from Grace,’ (believer can apostatize and lose salvation). These views are influenced by theological traits, emphasize ‘God’s Sovereignty’ and ‘human autonomy of free will.’ There are additional contrasting doctrines, such as Unconditional vs. Conditional Election and Irresistible vs. Resistible saving grace.
The Bible teaches both the ‘irrevocability of salvation’ and ‘apostasy,’ along with the interplay between God’s Sovereignty and human free will. In essence, God’s ways are not ‘one-size-fits-all’ but possess multifaceted aspects. Bible tells, ‘do not turn from the whole Law of God to the right hand or to the left.’ ‘Bad Theology’ disregards this multifaceted perspective.
#3: Dishonors God in any way.
Human beings, created in the image and likeness of God, are distinct from God, who is uncreated and transcendent. Our understanding of God is limited, akin to a ‘frog in a well’ seeing the sky, and saying, ‘how small the sky is!’ Any attempt to redefine or limit God’s infinity in ‘knowledge and ability’ dishonors Him.
Open Theism, for instance, redefines God’s omniscience, suggesting that He does not possess exhaustive knowledge of all future events. This view raises a series of questions, such as, ‘Did God foreknow what Hitler would do? Or did He knowingly create him anyway? Why, if God is loving and almighty, didn’t He stop Hitler from doing evil, or, for that matter, all the evils in the world? This view challenges the Biblical teaching of God’s perfection and undermines His other attributes, reducing Him to a lesser deity.”
On the other hand, Christian Determinism posits that God predetermines some for salvation and others for damnation, leaving no room for personal choice. It implies that every aspect of the biblical narrative, from creation to redemption, is part of God’s prewritten plan.
Both views, along with other conflicting doctrines, exhibit contradictions, lack of logical consistency, and insufficient textual support, ultimately not aligning with the teachings and overall perspective of the entire Scripture. They show disregard and disrespect for the holy, just, and perfect God.
#4: Contradict or undermine the words and teachings of Jesus.
In hermeneutics, the art of interpreting the Bible involves examining related texts in the context, the lexical definition of words, and the plain meanings. However, the perspective matters. Without a God-centered perspective, interpretation can become subjective.
A God-centered perspective hold that the Scripture is the very words of God, written for our understanding. It also rests on the foundation that Jesus is the Word of God incarnate. His teachings in the Four Gospels serve as the bedrock for all Kingdom of God messages. These teachings encompass a wide range, from the concept of being ‘born-again’ and living as a citizen of the Kingdom to the ultimate goal of victorious entrance into Heaven. Acts to Revelation, build upon the Jesus’ words and teachings that bear precedence and authority.
While Paul preached ‘justification by faith,’ ‘Redemption through His blood, remission of our trespasses,’ and a new creation in the Lord,’ and emphasized ‘life in Christ.’ James, on the other hand, said, ‘A person is justified not faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.’ Although they might seem distinct from the Gospels and other forms of Scripture, they align perfectly within the context of the Gospel records.
Nevertheless, some theological doctrines present contrary perspectives, prioritizing the Epistles over the words of Jesus. For instance, Cessationism claims that ‘spiritual gifts’ were provisional and intended for authenticating the Apostles, and these gifts ceased with the end of the Apostolic era. This doctrine cites Paul’s words, specifically the phrase “when the perfect comes,” suggesting that the completion of the biblical canon resulted in the cessation of these ‘spiritual gifts.’
This teaching negates the very words of Jesus – ‘You will be baptized with the Holy Spirit and receive power from on high to be witnesses of Jesus to the ends of the earth.
Consequently, Cessationism not only contradicts the teachings of Jesus, but has also caused significant divisions between Neo-Pentecostal and Reformed churches worldwide.furthermore, it has had a negative impact on the united efforts of the worldwide evangelistic mission. After all, if the apostles and their messages required authentication through the manifestation of ‘spiritual power and gifts,’ then it stands to reason that post-apostolic witnesses would similarly require such authentication no less than the Apostolic generations, if not more
#5: Explain away or diminish the significance of Jesus’ teachings.
One of the most concerning yet often overlooked aspects of theology is how certain theological interpretations can take precedence over the teachings and words of Jesus. This is especially significant because Jesus’s teachings have profound implications for one’s ability to attain a victorious entrance into Heaven.
Consider, for instance, the parable of the ‘foolish builder’ whose faith ultimately crumbles when his house, built on sand, is destroyed and swept away by the storms. In a broader context, this signifies a complete loss of faith and an inability to enter Heaven. Some theological clichés, such as ‘Predestination’ and ‘Once saved, always saved,’ are often used as convenient interpretational solutions. According to this perspective, the ‘foolish builder’ was never ‘elected’ or predestined in the first place, and as a result, he could not build on the rock, leading to his eternal damnation. This interpretation applies to other parables as well, including the story of the five foolish virgins, the ‘one-talent’ and ‘one mina servant,’ the ‘non-fruit-bearing branch of the true vine tree,’ the ‘three fields that received the seed but yielded no harvest,” and the miracle worker to whom Jesus said ‘I never knew you, depart from me, those worker of lawlessness.’
In Summary:
As stated at the outset, Theology is a human effort, the study of God as revealed in the Scripture. As such, there can be no perfect theological system to fully represent the Biblical teachings, not even one. The very existential reality of competing theologies is proof that each system has strengths and weaknesses. Some, more than others, exhibit deviations from the ‘hermeneutic rules,’ not to mention the preunderstood assumptions about the selected texts they aim to yield.
We, the Church, as the Body of Christ, should come together and strive to resolve present ‘Bad Theologies,’ and restore the unity of the Body of Christ.
Ending Notes:
This checklist provides a framework for evaluating theology objectively, focusing on its effects on the Church, salvation, and believers’ lives while emphasizing the glory of God. To foster open conversations about ‘Bad Theology,’ your insights and feedback are welcome.
Sam With Bible 