Exploring doctrinal reliability through Three Lenses, evaluating theological truth-claims confidently. Discussion on God and Jesus possibly being married, forgiveness and repentance in religious teachings, and universal salvation through Christ's atonement. Delving into progression between kingdoms and evolution in LDS beliefs, highlighting the importance of defending beliefs with high doctrinal confidence.
Differentiating doctrines with high confidence like faith in Christ from those with lower confidence like evolution views is crucial for understanding Church teachings.
Examining sources and critical thinking skills are essential in assessing doctrinal and historical confidence levels and navigating challenging questions with humility.
Recognizing areas of doctrinal ambiguity, engaging in respectful discussions, and using doctrinal heuristic tools can help maintain unity and charity while embracing diverse viewpoints within the Church.
Deep dives
Doctrinal Confidence in the Teachings of the Church
When it comes to determining what is and what is not reliable doctrine, opinions can differ among Church leaders. Some teachings have high doctrinal confidence, such as the necessity of faith in Jesus Christ for salvation and the assurance of forgiveness through sincere repentance. However, other teachings have lower confidence, like the possibility of progression between kingdoms of glory and the validity of evolution as an explanation for the origin of man. It is important to recognize that the Church has no official position on evolution and that individual apostles and leaders have expressed differing views. Given this diversity, it is essential to approach these topics with openness, humility, and respect, acknowledging that faithful members can hold different perspectives while still remaining within the bounds of Church doctrine.
Evaluating Doctrinal Confidence and Historical Confidence
Understanding and evaluating doctrinal confidence requires an examination of the sources and statements made by Church leaders. It is essential to recognize that not all teachings carry the same level of certainty or official endorsement. Some doctrines are firmly grounded in scripture and repeated teachings, while others may be less emphasized or subject to differing interpretations. The same applies to historical confidence, which involves assessing the reliability of historical sources and recognizing that historical consensus can evolve as new evidence emerges. By applying critical thinking skills and seeking knowledge from reliable sources, individuals can develop a deeper understanding of both doctrinal and historical issues and navigate challenging questions with humility and grace.
Navigating Ambiguous Doctrinal Topics
There are instances where the Church has not provided a definitive stance on certain doctrinal topics. These areas of ambiguity can be challenging, as various Church leaders have expressed differing opinions or have refrained from making conclusive statements. In such cases, it is important to recognize that personal beliefs and interpretations may play a role. Individuals should approach these topics with an open mind, engage in respectful discussions, and strive for understanding rather than focusing solely on defending personal viewpoints. The goal should be to maintain unity, charity, and mutual respect within the body of Christ, recognizing that sincere and faithful Latter-day Saints can hold differing opinions on non-fundamental matters.
The Value of Doctrinal Heuristic
The concept of doctrinal heuristic, a framework for evaluating and assessing doctrinal teachings, can be a valuable tool in navigating areas of uncertainty. This approach recognizes that certain doctrines have higher confidence due to consistent scriptural support, repeated teachings, and widespread acceptance among Church leaders. On the other hand, doctrines with lower confidence may lack clear scriptural endorsement or have varying interpretations among Church leaders. By employing a doctrinal heuristic, individuals can distinguish between foundational doctrines with higher confidence and non-fundamental matters that allow for different perspectives and interpretations. This approach promotes humility, open-mindedness, and a commitment to the core principles of the gospel.
Emphasizing Unity and Grace in Doctrinal Discussions
In discussions of complex or controversial doctrinal topics, it is important to prioritize unity and grace. Recognizing and appreciating the diversity of perspectives within the Church can foster an atmosphere of respect and understanding. Rather than engaging in divisive debates or attempting to force agreement, individuals should focus on learning from one another and cultivating an environment that allows for thoughtful exploration and personal growth. By valuing unity and grace, we can maintain strong relationships and work together in a spirit of love and mutual support, even when navigating differences in doctrinal understanding.
How can we confidently determine what is and what is not reliable doctrine so we can decide what to believe? This is what Casey and I discussed in our last episode where we introduced what we called the Three Doctrinal Lenses, or criteria, by which we can assess the doctrinal reliability of a truth claim.
In today’s episode of Church History Matters, we’re going to practice putting these three lenses to work by actually using them to measure and evaluate various theological truth-claims to determine the level of confidence we have in them. So, welcome to Scott and Casey’s doctrinal workshop!
