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.
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.
Doctrine - is it important? Yes, for even being born again requires a certain amount of doctrine.
Character - is it important? Tremendously important - "by this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one for another" - Character is way more important than doctrine.
A faithless unbeliever can give mental assent to a list of doctrines just as easily as a true Christian can.
On a scale of 1-100 of importance, I would put Christian character at 100 and correct doctrine at 10.
Let me ask this - when you are in trouble and need help, when you are depressed and need a friend? Who will you go to? Will you go to the person who has his doctrine all laid out in detail? Or will you go to the person who has character, love, and tenderness? (So who would you go to on CC if you needed help? - I am not asking for people to give names - but am making a point here!)