Which is more important: Correct doctrine or a godly attitude toward others?

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EarnestQ

Senior Member
Apr 28, 2016
2,588
311
83
#1
Christian Chat (especially the BDF) is rife with heated arguments about one doctrinal point or another. Some posts are well thought out and presented respectfully. Far too many posts, however, are attacks on a previous poster's character and personality.

The later responses appear to me to present an ungodly attitude toward others. I believe these to be (giving them the benefit of the doubt) from immature Christians, whether their doctrine is correct or not.

So, my question is, "Is it more important to have a 'correct' doctrine and treat your brothers and sisters insultingly, disrespectfully, and ungodly, or, is is better to have a God honoring attitude that reflects the love of Jesus to others and not necessarily have the 'correct' doctrinal position.

A second related question is: "Is Christian maturity measured by 'correct' doctrine or a God honoring character?"

(We will assume a true belief and acceptance of God's Son, Jesus, as ones Lord and Savior on the part of the offending poster.)

Thank you for your comments.
 

Noose

Senior Member
Apr 18, 2016
5,096
932
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#2
I would say both.

Acts 17:2As was his custom,Paul went into the synagogue, and on three Sabbaths he reasoned with them from the Scriptures, 3[FONT=Arimo, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]explaining and proving that the Christ had to suffer and rise from the dead. “This Jesus I am proclaiming to you is the Christ,” he declared.[/FONT]

[FONT=Arimo, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]The only commandment we have is to love one another but even this can elicit a heated argument as to what it means- and how can you love a neighbor when you don't fully understand who a neighbor is as per the right doctrine? some may just think it is people of the same church or same race.
Arguments/debates about doctrines are not bad, Paul routinely did them as per above.
[/FONT]
 

Lucy-Pevensie

Senior Member
Dec 20, 2017
9,261
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#3
^ I can agree with that Noose. Balance is important.
 

LW97

Senior Member
Apr 10, 2018
1,140
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#4
I would say, both.
 
D

Depleted

Guest
#5
Christian Chat (especially the BDF) is rife with heated arguments about one doctrinal point or another. Some posts are well thought out and presented respectfully. Far too many posts, however, are attacks on a previous poster's character and personality.

The later responses appear to me to present an ungodly attitude toward others. I believe these to be (giving them the benefit of the doubt) from immature Christians, whether their doctrine is correct or not.

So, my question is, "Is it more important to have a 'correct' doctrine and treat your brothers and sisters insultingly, disrespectfully, and ungodly, or, is is better to have a God honoring attitude that reflects the love of Jesus to others and not necessarily have the 'correct' doctrinal position.

A second related question is: "Is Christian maturity measured by 'correct' doctrine or a God honoring character?"

(We will assume a true belief and acceptance of God's Son, Jesus, as ones Lord and Savior on the part of the offending poster.)

Thank you for your comments.
To me this is the age old question, "Do you walk to work or carry your lunch?" The "or" makes it a confusing question because there is no "or." It's two distinctly different questions combined together as if somehow they are connected.

First, BDF rarely hits "doctrine." We're most devoted to talking around God without actually talking about God. (And, truthfully, this thread is another along that vein.)

Doctrine means something, and something important, yet most don't understand the word and use it as a filler word.

Real doctrine matters. We rarely talk real doctrine here, because we're too busy talking around God to worry to much about God himself.

And second, to understand doctrine is like understanding Jesus' parables. Only those in him will understand them. The rest just guess.

And once understood who God really is and what he expects, two things happen:
1. We want more of him.
2. We want to understand him.

And what is the first one, but a godly attitude?

And what is the second, but wanting to understand doctrine?

What this forum lacks often is both. But then again, maybe because we're all too busy talking around God instead of talking about God. And in no way do I assume everyone on here is a believer. Matter of fact, I assume most on here are ethnical christians, not regenerated Christians.

So, real answer to your question? GOD! What is most important is God!
 
7

7seasrekeyed

Guest
#6
I can actually understand why some people get coals under their feet at times, but not all the time

I listened to a very thoughtful and inspirational message yesterday, in which the lady happened to illustrate a portion of it with the arguement we read about in scripture between Paul and John Mark. Paul was furious and forbade John Mark to go on a mission trip with himself and Barnabas.

Paul and Barnabas were like chip and chip dip (my words not hers LOL!) they went together. yet, this arguement caused a rif between them.

so it happens. and I never heard someone talk about it the way this lady did. I'm not going to forget it.

I think we should try at all times to be respectful.

that being said, there are people here who project what they do to others...that is something that really steams me up.

I put them on ignore because it is best for me to do so. I might address their amateur psychology first though. :eek:

and of course we also have the op's many object to because they are copy/pastes from a source most would agree are doctrinally misleading...what you might call the skin of the truth stuffed with a lie.

I believe it best to stay out of those threads now, but have contributed in the past. those particular threads will never be resolved but I have resolved them for my own satisfaction.

I wonder how many people pray here in their responses and postings? I do not all the time, but I do find a noticeable difference in how I post. A little check in the spirit, from the Holy Spirit, means to me to move on or tone it down.

I do not consider that as 'proof' of anything to anyone other than my own relationship with God and trying to honor Him in my personal life. No one has to follow my example. Frankly, I find it irritaing when someone backs up what they say with 'God told me to post this or the equally pious sounding 'I know when the Holy Spirit is speaking and so I am right'

Don't anyone take that personally...many people have done that so I am not aiming at anyone in particular. The Holy Spirit does not contradict Himself or the word, so that is a bubble best served with a big pin. haha


A second related question is: "Is Christian maturity measured by 'correct' doctrine or a God honoring character?"
always God honoring IMO. always. this is talking about fruit in our lives...which is personal...not to be confused with the gifts or what you do so much as how you do it. this is always a work in progress, at least for me

(We will assume a true belief and acceptance of God's Son, Jesus, as ones Lord and Savior on the part of the offending poster.)
yes.
 

joaniemarie

Senior Member
Jan 4, 2017
3,198
303
83
#7
There are many "non-essential" doctrines discussed here on CC yet some go after others in the body of Christ because they have a different view than what they or their group has.


1 Peter 2:1-2 Our behavior determines our true spiritual age - not how many times we read the bible, not how long we have been a Christian, not if we pray in tongues for 10 hours a day, not if we pastor a church for 50 years, not if we can read the Bible in Greek, Hebrew, Aramaic, Chinese, Russian or any other language or all of them at once.


Behavior towards others is the standard that Peter and Paul talked about for determining spiritual age in Christ.

If we don't agree with other people we come in contact with in the Christian community.. throwing insults and anger on them is NOT the way to go. No., I don't believe we Christians even have that option. Yet in the flesh., some Christians can and will take that option until they learn better.

Good doctrine is very important and essential for the "essentials" of the Christian faith. But when people argue to the death about non essentials they show they are still babies.
 

notuptome

Senior Member
May 17, 2013
15,050
2,538
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#8
The two are not mutually exclusive. We are always to maintain a Godly attitude and sound doctrine.

Can't say Jesus ever sacrificed one for the other.

For the cause of Christ
Roger
 

Blain

The Word Weaver
Aug 28, 2012
19,173
2,536
113
#9
Well I think of it like this, how can we understand the things of heaven if your not looking up? To understand real doctrine i believe a godly attitude is needed first, both are important but think of it this way people who study astronomy could never do this without first gazing at the sky, in the same sense to understand correct doctrine our hearts eyes must be set only upon him
 
M

Miri

Guest
#11
One thing I notice is at times people will speak, quote others,
copy paste articles, give an opinion etc but they never give
an indication of personal experience. Much of what is
posted is head knowledge but not personal heart
knowledge. That’s rather sad isn’t it.
 
Oct 11, 2017
82
0
6
#12
One thing I notice is at times people will speak, quote others,
copy paste articles, give an opinion etc but they never give
an indication of personal experience. Much of what is
posted is head knowledge but not personal heart
knowledge. That’s rather sad isn’t it.
Watch, they might be misguiding you. Try the spirits to see if they be of God or man.

There is no starting point for discussion with anyone who doesn't agree the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments to be the only standard of doctrine and rule of faith and practice. What can be proved by them must stand, and what can not must fall.
 

Grandpa

Senior Member
Jun 24, 2011
11,551
3,188
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#13
This is an impossible question because both depend on the observers own point of view of what each one is.

But correct doctrine will not cause "incorrect" Godly attitude.

Godly Attitude would be an interesting one to discuss. I'm sure we each have our very own different idea of what this is.
 

Dino246

Senior Member
Jun 30, 2015
24,555
13,320
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#14
I have challenged several contributors over the years, noting the disparity between their claims to Christian belief and the way they treat others in their posts. If someone has been a Christian for decades and still frequently acts like they are in middle school, something doesn't add up.

At the same time, some of the nicest people I know aren't Christians at all, so behaviour is not "supreme" by any means. I think both right doctrine and right behaviour are necessary. Given that both are addressed in Scripture, perhaps they are different sides of the same coin.
 

joaniemarie

Senior Member
Jan 4, 2017
3,198
303
83
#15
Who came up with the idea of "non-essentials"? lol
Probably those who have been around and met other believers who didn't see the Bible exactly the same as they do in areas like speaking in tongues for instance... or the rapture.

When you see Christians willing to argue and malign others about these and other "non essentials" one might come to understand that since they do not have to do with who Jesus Christ is and the salvation by grace through faith in Him., the other matters are not issues to part ways about. And I say some Christians because there are many who will not be able to do that. Below are essentials to the Christian faith in the Bible. The other issues are things we are daily growing and learning about more and more.

We believe;


  • In one God, who exists in three Persons—the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. He is loving, holy and just.
  • That the Bible is God’s Word. It is inspired and accurate. It is our perfect guide in all matters of life.
  • That sin has separated us all from God, and that only through Jesus Christ can we be reconciled to God.
  • That Jesus Christ is both God and Man. He was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. He led a sinless life, took all our sins upon Himself, died and rose again. Today, He is seated at the right hand of the Father as our High Priest and Mediator.
  • That salvation is God’s gift to us. It is available to anyone who confesses the Lord Jesus with their mouth and believes that God has raised Him from death to life.
  • That water baptism is a symbol of the cleansing power of God and a testimony of our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.
  • That the Holy Spirit is our Comforter. He guides us in all areas of our lives. He also blesses us with spiritual gifts and empowers us to yield the fruit of the Spirit.
  • That the Holy Communion is a celebration of Jesus’ death and our remembrance of Him.
  • That God wants to transform, heal, and provide for us, so that we can live blessed and victorious lives that will impact and help others.
  • That we are called to preach the gospel to all nations.
  • That our Lord Jesus Christ is coming back again just as He promised.
 
Last edited:
Oct 11, 2017
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#16
This is an impossible question because both depend on the observers own point of view of what each one is.

But correct doctrine will not cause "incorrect" Godly attitude.

Godly Attitude would be an interesting one to discuss. I'm sure we each have our very own different idea of what this is.
Neither will incorrect doctrine cause ungodly attitude.
 
Sep 4, 2012
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#17
1 Corinthians 13 is a good answer to the question. Contend for the faith (Jude 1), but always do so in humility and in love.
 
Oct 11, 2017
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#18
Probably those who have been around and met other believers who didn't see the Bible exactly the same as they do in areas like speaking in tongues for instance... or the rapture.

When you see Christians willing to argue and malign others about these and other "non essentials" one might come to understand that since they do not have to do with who Jesus Christ is and the salvation by grace through faith in Him., the other matters are not issues to part ways about. And I say some Christians because there are many who will not be able to do that. Below are essentials to the Christian faith in the Bible. The other issues are things we are daily growing and learning about more and more.

We believe;


  • In one God, who exists in three Persons—the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. He is loving, holy and just.

Who then is Jesus' God?
 

Grandpa

Senior Member
Jun 24, 2011
11,551
3,188
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#19
Neither will incorrect doctrine cause ungodly attitude.
Yes, it would have to.

If you believe wrong then you would act wrong based on those wrong beliefs.

What do they say? The road to hell is paved with good intentions...