Getting Hung Up on a Point of Doctrine

[SpeedRacer]

It amazes me to see the dedication that people will devote to one single point of doctrine. They commit to it so wholly, that they are consumed by it. It can blur their vision of almost all else, as if you do not accept this one point of doctrine, they cannot engage in any other conversation with you. It is not always doctrine, but something they claim as truth, and create as personal doctrine. Let me explain.

Modern day churches are the easiest. 7th day Adventists for example hinge their entire church on the fact that the Jews observed the sabbath on the day of sabbath, which they did, and that modern Christianity is all going to hell for observing it on Sunday. The Jehovah's witnesses will not talk to you unless you acknowledge that Jehovah is God, and that Jesus was just a man who is not Jehovah. Pentecostals insist that all people must speak in tongues if they have received the spirit, and you are obviously not saved if you have not.

In our day we see people, even on this forum, who adopt their pet topic as the most vital. They harbor it, and condemn all who do not see it as they do. It does not have to be a church doctrine, it can be anything. A historic event, a scientific principle, the way you eat, etc. It becomes entertaining for an antagonist such as I to observe these traits in people. Something I should repent for, but I do enjoy poking at the nest. At the same time I feel sorrow for a soul that has gone off the path of the gospel, and has done so unaware that they have.

Let me give you an example. I have a cousin-in-law who has done extensive research into the Book of Mormon geography. He has traveled all over central and south America trying to find all of the cities and geographic landmarks that would coincide with the Book of Mormon descriptions. He had spent so much time focused on this, when I asked him the question about the opportunities he must have had to learn of all the other topic in the Book of Mormon, he looked at me quite confused, and with an irritated face. He said that every word in the Book of Mormon was inspired, and therefor of equal value. I thought to myself that I guess you could rationalize that, but it did not feel right. Not wanting to content with a distant relative who had created a livelihood from this, I conceded and moved on. No joking, the next general conference, one of the Brethren said that not all of the verses and passages of the Book of Mormon had the same value, calling out the ones talking about the descriptions of terrain. I felt sad for this man.

I have had to review my own thoughts from time to time to see if I had become like this. If I were waiting for a GA to discuss a certain topic to validate me and my opinion. I have learned that I should not do this, but should take questions to the Lord through the scriptures, GC, and prayer. I should not get hung up, but patiently wait and continue my study and efforts on other subjects as well.

This of course will offend some people. That is not my intention, but just to encourage self introspection for increase progression.

[Gadiantun]

Nothing new here, this is why Paul was sent off to get after the early saints for their dissensions and heresies that were developed from within. The same was true with Joseph Smith the Third and the Community of Christ, (AKA RLDS church) and the Church of Christ, and the many other break offs of the LDS church. All is still not well in Zion.

[JohnnyL]

It amazes me to see the dedication that people will devote to one single point of doctrine. They commit to it so wholly, that they are consumed by it. It can blur their vision of almost all else, as if you do not accept this one point of doctrine, they cannot engage in any other conversation with you. It is not always doctrine, but something they claim as truth, and create as personal doctrine. Let me explain.

Modern day churches are the easiest. 7th day Adventists for example hinge their entire church on the fact that the Jews observed the sabbath on the day of sabbath, which they did, and that modern Christianity is all going to hell for observing it on Sunday. The Jehovah's witnesses will not talk to you unless you acknowledge that Jehovah is God, and that Jesus was just a man who is not Jehovah. Pentecostals insist that all people must speak in tongues if they have received the spirit, and you are obviously not saved if you have not.

In our day we see people, even on this forum, who adopt their pet topic as the most vital. They harbor it, and condemn all who do not see it as they do. It does not have to be a church doctrine, it can be anything. A historic event, a scientific principle, the way you eat, etc. It becomes entertaining for an antagonist such as I to observe these traits in people. Something I should repent for, but I do enjoy poking at the nest. At the same time I feel sorrow for a soul that has gone off the path of the gospel, and has done so unaware that they have.

Let me give you an example. I have a cousin-in-law who has done extensive research into the Book of Mormon geography. He has traveled all over central and south America trying to find all of the cities and geographic landmarks that would coincide with the Book of Mormon descriptions. He had spent so much time focused on this, when I asked him the question about the opportunities he must have had to learn of all the other topic in the Book of Mormon, he looked at me quite confused, and with an irritated face. He said that every word in the Book of Mormon was inspired, and therefor of equal value. I thought to myself that I guess you could rationalize that, but it did not feel right. Not wanting to content with a distant relative who had created a livelihood from this, I conceded and moved on. No joking, the next general conference, one of the Brethren said that not all of the verses and passages of the Book of Mormon had the same value, calling out the ones talking about the descriptions of terrain. I felt sad for this man.

I have had to review my own thoughts from time to time to see if I had become like this. If I were waiting for a GA to discuss a certain topic to validate me and my opinion. I have learned that I should not do this, but should take questions to the Lord through the scriptures, GC, and prayer. I should not get hung up, but patiently wait and continue my study and efforts on other subjects as well.

This of course will offend some people. That is not my intention, but just to encourage self introspection for increase progression.

Thanks for sharing. So easy to see in others, huh? Good to be reminded of it and think about ourselves, too. It helps to enjoy people where they are, like Paul did.

[kathyn]

Good post, SpeedRacerLFF.

[Kingdom of ZION]

This is call having a Hobby Horse Doctrine or Belief. And it is said of those who have them, that they will ride it into the dirt! I dare say that there are those on this Forum that probably think I have a Hobby Horse doctrine... or two. How little they know me.

It would take years to come to really know a person and all their beliefs before I would say that of a person, that they have a Hobby Horse beliefs. I have had friends who do have Hobby Horse Doctrines, and yes they are unbalance in the Gospel. Generally it is because of some great immaturity or sin that has also made them unbalanced from the beginning. Out of chaos has never came peace and tranquility... only more chaos! Love and harmony must first dwell in you before you can emulate it to others.

In a Forum, you do however want to mirror your beliefs to see what others think of what your thinking about. So singing to the choir would not be helpful, and only comparing beliefs we all have in common, what would be the point? With that said, we are here talking about our differences in beliefs.

Blessings and Shalom

[SpeedRacer]

Thanks for sharing. So easy to see in others, huh? Good to be reminded of it and think about ourselves, too. It helps to enjoy people where they are, like Paul did.

Thanks for this. You are making me review my own life and positions. I think I may have a number of things I need to re-think or re-evaluate.