How We Can Approach Theological Differences
1. The Christian faith is not a virtuous intellectual leap into the dark, believing that trusting Yahweh means that you check your brains in at the front door. How is Christian faith defined?
Christian Faith is defined as a faith that stands the test of time, the test of reason, the test of objectivity, the test of rationality, the test of revelation, the test of experience, and it is very much based on evidence given to us by Yahweh. This type of faith, in contrast to blind faith, is not easily dashed and only grows surer as it passes all the above tests. We are welcomed and, in fact, are urged by Yahweh to justify our faith in Him by examining the evidence closely.
2. Read Isaiah 45:18–22; 46:5–10.
Do these passages encourage or discourage “blind faith”?
"18 For this is what Yahweh says -- he who created the heavens, he is Elohim; he who fashioned and made the earth, he founded it; he did not create it to be empty, but formed it to be inhabited -- he says: "I am Yahweh, and there is no other. 19 I have not spoken in secret, from somewhere in a land of darkness;
I have not said to Jacob's descendants, 'Seek me in vain.' I, Yahweh, speak the truth; I declare what is right. 20. "Gather together and come; assemble, you fugitives from the nations. Ignorant are those who carry about idols of wood, who pray to gods that cannot save. 21 Declare what is to be, present it -- let them take counsel together. Who foretold this long ago, who declared it from the distant past? Was it not I, Yahweh? And there is no Elohim apart from me, a righteous Elohim and a Saviour; there is none but me.22 "Turn to me and be saved, all you ends of the earth; for I am Elohim, and there is no other" (Isa.45:18-22, NIV).
5 "To whom will you compare me or count me equal? To whom will you liken me that we may be compared? 6 Some pour out gold from their bags and weigh out silver on the scales; they hire a goldsmith to make it into a god, and they bow down and worship it. 7 They lift it to their shoulders and carry it; they set it up in its place, and there it stands. From that spot it cannot move. Though one cries out to it, it does not answer; it cannot save him from his troubles. 8 "Remember this, fix it in mind, take it to heart, you rebels. 9 Remember the former things, those of long ago; I am Elohim, and there is no other; I am Elohim, and there is none like me. 10 I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say: My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please" (Isa.46:5-10, NIV).
In verse 18, Yahweh points to the evidence of creation. In 19, Yahweh declares that He did not speak, and does not speak in secret, in 20, Yahweh declares that those who worship idols have no “knowledge”, and in 21, He tells us to declare and present our case!
Yahweh exhorts His followers to examine all the proof, to gain knowledge of Him and to present Him to those who don’t believe by making our cases with full assurance.
Pay particular attention to Yahweh’s rebuke of the Israelites for worshiping other gods. Which took more “blind” faith, to worship a carved idol or to worship an Elohim who predicts the future? Which kind of faith is Yahweh mocking them for having?
Basically, it looks to me like Yahweh is mocking them for worshiping something they cannot even have a relationship with, in stark contrast to us worshipping Him.The very fact that we are able to have a relationship with Yahweh, removes blindnessbecause a relationship is interactive, it builds up the proof, reliability, and consistency that we can count on and that deepens our faith. An idol worshipper’s faith is not a living, growing, faith.
3. How does this change your thinking about what it means to have faith?
It doesn’t change my thinking on what it means to have faith, but reinforces it by glaringly demonstrating the difference between Christian faith and blind faith.
4. Irenic theology is described as theology that is done in a peaceable manner, accurately and humbly representing all views, even if you disagree with them. Polemic theology is described as theology that is done in a warlike manner inside the Messianic Community/Church, prophetically speaking against those with whom there is disagreement. Do you think that Irenic theology is a better starting point for doing theology than Polemic theology?
Most people, when they feel someone is wrong in someone else's theology, want to prove it to them and make them see their error. Learning about Irenic theology should teach us to be more balanced in our approach and it is often a better starting point for doing theology, because it is more balanced and quietly authoritative. It allows for peaceable interaction. Isn’t that how Yah'shua won people to Himself, through interacting with them and showing them real love?
5. Are there times when polemic confrontation is necessary?
Definitely! Probably as a last resort though, or if someone has the type of personality that responds to that sort of approach.
Think of possible times when you have been personally rebuked for something sinful, destructive, or selfish. Did you need someone to peaceably come and represent your side, or did you need someone to give you stern rebuke?
Sometimes a bold confrontation is appreciated when we are in need of correction, especially if we are assured that the person bringing it is truly concerned for our best interest.
6. How was your thinking most challenged by the lesson?
The most challenging aspect of this lesson was the admonition to leave all our assumptions aside, especially for me. I come from a very abusive childhood and learned early on to trust only my assumptions. Recently, a very close friend has been pointing out to me that my assumptions are often wrong, but because of my past they are all I trust. I am ready for this challenge, ready to humble myself andexplore theology anew.
Adapted and reproduced with thanks from http://terrilynn.wordpress.com/tag/worship/
