In the Bible, idolatry is identified primarily by practice first, not by what one professes. The prophets and Jesus were all too familiar with those who would say the right things while walking in darkness.
A main test of orthodoxy to the first table of the Law was not...
whether someone affirmed accurate understandings of Yahweh, but rather, the health of their practice - both religious and social. To believe rightly and to do rightly was held together. There is no division between a "head theology" and a "hands theology."
Reading the Bible...
with this in mind should shape the way we approach questions of orthodoxy in the midst of heinous heteropraxy.
We should not baptize a post-Enlightenment emphasis of the rational mind above the other faculties to create a novel category of Christians who were "theologically...
orthodox" but had "blind spots" or were "products of their time." Rather, we should see them (and ourselves) as those who indeed have a whole-orbed *theological* problem by the practices they participated in.
Those who practiced, promoted, and defended slavery while...
subscribing to the Westminster Standards or Three Forms of Unity had a serious theological problem, not just an ethical problem.
We find ourselves going against the grain of the narrative of the Bible when we prioritize the mind over practice. We find ourselves missing the...
"punch" of the prophetical witness of the prophets, Christ, and the apostles because they were telling people who thought they were theologically elite that they were theologically lacking. They were shaking up "the pews" of their times and clarifying what it means to know God.
Relatedly, spiritual formation in the Bible often emphasizes practice. While many Christians today may prioritize the mind (e.g. you have to 'remember the gospel' in order to walk aright), the Bible often shows a praxis-led sanctification, where our hearts and heads are changed..
by new practices and habits. We can become convinced in our hearts of God's goodness by partaking in the Supper, not by waiting until our minds can be persuaded enough. By "losing your life" in service for Christ you "find your life" in the good life of the kingdom. "It is...
more blessed to give than to receive" is learned by doing, not by thinking alone.
Finally, recapturing a biblical understanding of idolatry and theological orthodoxy should reshape how our churches discern candidates for leadership. It is not enough to have pastoral...
candidates who are only gifted. Character and practice should count as much if not more for a person who is being considered for gospel ministry. Seminaries and other training institutions should reshape the way in which their students are being formed and reshape what "success"
looks like. Far too often, success looks like writing books, being invited to speak at conferences, and having a high profile name within the theological camp you're a part of.
Share this Scrolly Tale with your friends.
A Scrolly Tale is a new way to read Twitter threads with a more visually immersive experience.
Discover more beautiful Scrolly Tales like this.