One topic that has been discussed continually and is coming to the forefront of debate today is what topics found in Scripture are matters of faith and what are considered only opinion. The idea presented by some is that there are many more issues that are subjective and, therefore, do not influence fellowship. A favorite way of framing the question is, “Is that a salvation issue?” In other words, they are asking if a topic is truly so important that it will affect fellowship and salvation or is it something that can be agreed to disagree on.
Making people decide which category things fall into who lack understanding of how doctrine is defined can force them to prematurely assume things. A good example of this trend and the effects it can have can be seen in a recent article by the Christian Chronicle by Calvin Cockrell on October 10th entitled, “Get over your differences – We’re about Jesus.” It was a celebration of two Spokane, Washington, churches of Christ who decided to “put aside” their doctrinal differences and merge together.
Following the Trend
Sunrise church of Christ and Northside church of Christ had always been close in proximity, but after Covid both congregations were down in numbers. They discussed meeting together, but among other “key doctrinal differences,” one group used instrumental music while the other held to the importance of a cappella music in worship. It was decided that “it was clear they should use a blended model of a cappella and instrumental music in the new church’s worship.” The congregation that had previously been a cappella “hoped” it might give more appeal to the younger generation and help with evangelism. In response to questions of compromise, it is reported:
“To be clear, Northside leaders don’t believe they’re compromising on truth — rather, they say some of the doctrines they once believed were vital were really traditions. And they don’t feel they have the luxury of clinging to traditions that hinder their ability to evangelize.“
Convenience now overruled commandment, reducing doctrine to personal preference regarding entertainment.
What Is Doctrine?
Doctrine was made to be a matter of opinion that Christians should be able to overcome if they love one another, but this is contrary to what is found within Scripture. Doctrine is teaching, teaching that comes from God (2 Tim 3:16-17). If God is love (1 John 4:8), then making sure correct doctrine is taught is showing love to each other.
Paul tells Timothy it is vital to “Pay close attention to yourself and to your teaching,” (1 Tim 4:16) to know what is being taught is correct. In the same letter, Paul describes the type of person who would teach a doctrine that does not “agree with the sound words of Jesus Christ” (1 Tim 6:3) as “conceited” and “understanding nothing,” and they “have a morbid interest in controversial questions…out of which arise envy, strife, abusive language, evil suspicions” (vs 4). According to the apostle Paul, through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, people who try to adapt doctrine to fit their needs are only there to promote controversy.
What It Means
What this means for the two congregations in the article is that the members (especially elders and preachers) should look to the Bible to see what doctrine is taught about music in worship. If they do, they might find that singing is specifically commanded to be done by brethren during worship for multiple purposes such as teaching and admonishing (Eph 5:19; Col 3:16). The same Greek word for “sing” is used to describe Gentiles glorifying God (Rom 15:9) and as how to praise God when cheerful (Jas 5:13). The fact that these ideas are taught as doctrine should be able to guide them in what they need to do.
What this means for all Christians is that their obligation to God is to carefully study the Word of God to know where they have cause for employing opinion, and where God has left no room for compromise. “If you put these things before the brothers, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, being trained in the words of the faith and of the good doctrine that you have followed” (1 Tim 4:6 ESV).
