Thoughts on teaacing heresy

havoc — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 14:10:50 +0000

Carl Trueman, Why and How I Teach Heresy:

And we learn from heresies not simply by refuting them but also by first of all asking the critical question, `Is there a legitimate concern which underlies or drives this particular heresy?’ In almost every case, the answer is yes, and the orthodox can learn from the question as a means of critiquing, refining, and strengthening their own doctrinal understanding and commitment.

Teaching heresy is important because 1) heresy is what gives rise to orthodoxy, and 2) by teaching it, hopefully, we can avoid going through the same errors again.

I'm pretty strange, maybe. I enjoy studying heresies. Not that I play with them, but that I want to see the reasons they are condemned as heresy, to study some of the greatest minds in history and to correct my faith and understanding by understanding why what often seems on the surface to make sense, or sometimes just harmless undermines the historic understandings of the Church.

Theology Rocks Show #61 - "False Teachings, the Damage They Do to the Church and Dealing With Them"

havoc — Tue, 31 Jul 2007 06:01:33 +0000

In 1 Timothy chapter 4, Paul talks to the young pastor about teachings that erode the joy of the gospel, steal from the Church and make the truth that the Church teaches look needlessly foolish. "Godless myths and old wives' tales" that are to be avoided. We should instead train ourselves to be godly. How many times has the Church been dragged into debates about good things that should be outlawed, when everything God has made is good?

Somebody has to stop the nonsense, and in doing so, we can save both ourselves and our hearers.

Keep Dan in your prayers. Dan's doing okay. He still needs your prayers. We're supposed to get together tomorrow for a session. Look for an OD Sidecast this week (hopefully!).

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“Theology Rocks - truths to stand on” is... Simple, clear talk about theological truths for Christians. A conversation between two Christian brothers about all kinds of theological issues, daily issues with theological implications, and how Christianity should permeate every aspect of the Christian's life.

false teachings

Thoughts on teaacing heresy

Theology Rocks Show #61 - "False Teachings, the Damage They Do to the Church and Dealing With Them"