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Can unorthodox doctrine be truly well intended?

Discussion in 'Baptist Theology & Bible Study' started by Jeremy Seth, Apr 14, 2016.

  1. Jeremy Seth

    Jeremy Seth Member

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    Under the understanding of Orthodox meaning "right teaching" and God has made an objective correct answer on a given issue;

    If a person arrives at an incorrect doctrine, can they truly be well intentioned, given that the result differs from God's will?
    2 Timothy 2 talks about people being ensnared by the devil to do his will, but I don't know if this is specifically in regard to salvation.

    In 1 Corinthians 1 we see that Christians can have wrong ideas on how to practice Christianity, so it isn't just a matter of having the holy spirit.

    If God's will is perfect, and a person isn't aligned with it, that seems to say they are motivated by something other than God. This motivator is therefore sinful, and not a good intention but tarnished by pride, selfishness etc.
    Is there a term for this concept?
     
  2. Iconoclast

    Iconoclast Well-Known Member
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    Welcome to BB Jeremy,
    Many a sincere person will hold a wrong understanding because they have not seen or heard true teaching put forth as yet.
    Some sit under false teaching for awhile and it takes time and providence to get them to undo the false ideas already absorbed.
    The passage you offer in 2 tim. Speaks of time and interaction with other believers that can be used by God to bring correction.
     
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  3. preachinjesus

    preachinjesus Well-Known Member
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    Some of the most sincere people I know hold to heterodoxical beliefs. Some of the most influential people in the history of the Church have been heretics.

    Theology isn't about sincerity, or comfortability, it is about honoring God's ways as revealed in His words and helping others understand who He is and how we relate to Him. That doesn't always end up being touchy feely goodness either.
     
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  4. Jeremy Seth

    Jeremy Seth Member

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    In the ways that they hold to heterodoxy, are they not truly submitting to God's will to have not arrived at the correct answer?

    I feel the need to be clear that I don't claim to have all the correct answers myself.
     
  5. Van

    Van Well-Known Member
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    One person's orthodoxy is another person's heterodoxy. Today, we look at the orthodoxy of the Catholic church of the dark ages as heretical. Yes, well intentioned people can be mistaken.

    Progressive sanctification refers to the process all "born anew" believers are undergoing. Every day we pick up our "cross" and strive to follow Christ. And every day we fail. We are to constantly evaluate ourselves (not others) and be diligent to address our shortcomings.
     
  6. Martin Marprelate

    Martin Marprelate Well-Known Member
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    One can certainly be mistaken in theology from the best of motives. The prime example of that is Apollos in Acts 18:24-28. The great thing about him is that although he was a learned man and 'mighty in the Scriptures,' he wasn't too proud to learn from others.

    There's a lesson for us all in that! :)
     
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  7. Sapper Woody

    Sapper Woody Well-Known Member

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    Saying that someone who hasn't arrived at the correct answer is not submitting to God's will is a dangerous thing. Look at this board as a prime example. (I hesitate to mention this because) all you have to do is bring up Calvinism, and you've got a heated debate. Which side is truly submitting to God?

    Sent from my QTAQZ3 using Tapatalk
     
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  8. TCassidy

    TCassidy Late-Administator Emeritus
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    And that's the crux of the matter, isn't it? Which side submits to God. Those who believe salvation is all of God and none of man, or those who think God is powerless to save a person without that persons help/consent?

    (There, did that fulfill your prophecy? :D :D :D :D )
     
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  9. JamesL

    JamesL Well-Known Member
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    This thread is just an example of the scriptural abuse employed in John 16:13 - However when He, the Spirit of Truth, is come, He will guide you into all truth

    The common misapplication insists that "we" have been given this promise. We, as in every believer.

    So if "we" have been promised to be guided into all truth, then most certainly "I" am.

    Therefore, since "I" have been, or am being, and you have a different "truth", then I can safely say you aren't one of "we" or "us"
     
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