DAVEH wrote: > ... what do Christians see as the downside of > having misconceptions? Without some negative > result, what motivation would Christians have > to seek the truth?
The downside of misconceptions is that they lead to sinful action. Nevertheless, we are not judged for the misconception, but for the sin that might result from it. For example, if someone believes the false doctrine that some people are born as homosexuals and so their homosexual behavior is perfectly normal and proper, such a view will lead to iniquitous behavior. They are judged for the behavior that results from the doctrine, not for thinking the false idea that homosexuality is good. God hates false doctrine because of the fruit that it produces. You can know that what I am saying is true by considering the conscience. Consider sins that you might have engaged in, and consider the thoughts that led up to it. Generally speaking, temptation arises by thoughts in the heart, which do not at first condemn (unless there is a meditation and a plan involved). Then when the temptation is yielded to, and the action of sin is done, the conscience becomes bruised and guilt comes. The false concept might have led to the sinful action, but the conscience was not effected until the sinful action was done. This testifies that it is the action and not the idea itself that is sinful. This is not to say that a premeditated plan could not be sinful. It can. What I mean to say is that sometimes thoughts and ideas are temptations and not sin within themselves for which we will be judged. The definition of "sound doctrine" concerns whether or not the teaching leads to holiness. Sound doctrine is that which promotes holiness, whereas teaching that promotes unrighteous behavior is false doctrine. There are some teachings which do not effect moral behavior. For example, setting dates on when certain epistles were written might not really have any moral ramifications. We should allow much freedom in such areas for research and consideration of various viewpoints, but teachings which lead to immoral behavior should not be tolerated. Peace be with you. David Miller, Beverly Hills, Florida. ---------- "Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer every man." (Colossians 4:6) http://www.InnGlory.org If you do not want to receive posts from this list, send an email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] and you will be unsubscribed. If you have a friend who wants to join, tell him to send an e-mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] and he will be subscribed.
