Are Christians allowed to question each other's doctrinal stances?

Question

2nd Timothy chapter 4 is a good example of the responsibility Christians have to keep heresy out of the church. Is rebuking someone who calls themself a Christian and teaches a false doctrine wrong?

Eds: Divisions are also created by those who teach false doctrines, correct. Do you leave a tumor inside your body because it will hurt to remove it? Peace at any price inside the Christian church only causes the Gospel to be watered down and damaged.

primoa: I'm about a "3 point" Calvinist.
I also see truth in the Arminian position.

To Rachel RTR: When we argue over disputable matters, I agree. When the discussion turns to those things that are the very foundational truths of Christianity, then I say we MUST stand for truth.

Unsilenced Lamb: I'm leading a bible study right now on Romans, and right now we're in chapter 8. Pretty powerful theology in that book. Paul was so passionate about what he was writing.
We're in the middle of discussing predestination and the calvinist point of view.

Answer 1

Absolutely. Especially if they bring it to your front door.
Whether it's on TV, radio, newspaper, or pamphlet, you must examine all doctrines in the light of God's word. We must work every day to keep heretical teaching out of the church.
If somebody teaches a different jesus than is presented in the scripture, they are, quite simply.....anti-christ.

Answer 2

You're absolutely right! We know that the truth can hurt and be upsetting, even when given as softly as possible, But it is our Christian duty, in love, to share with them what we know. Jude 1:3 tells us to "...earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints." Note also Philippians 1:7, 17; I Timothy 6:19-20; Titus 1:9; I Peter 3:15. The defense of the gospel is no indifferent matter, to be left to a few specialists, but one to which all believers should be trained and committed!

The Bible clearly warns us not to be carried about with every wind of doctrine.

Ephesians 4:14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;

Remember the Christian is not "judging others" but simply telling the world of God’s judgment —that God {not the Christian} has judged all the world as being guilty before Him (Romans 3:19,23). God Bless you! Keep up the good work.

Answer 3

I don't know if I'd say it is "wrong," but the attitude a lot of people take while "rebuking" can be quite arrogant. If there are two doctrinal stances which are opposite but both theologically sound, and both backed up with scripture, who are you to say you are right and the other person is wrong?

Believe me, I love theology and doctrine, studying them and even arguing about them once in awhile but in the end it's all details...details that Christians spend way too much time bickering over when really there are better things we could be doing.

Answer 4

Greg. I would expect that that is the way we keep satan's doctrines out of the Christian faith...we should always keep looking at what we believe and if we are worshiping in truth.

Greg: I knew that I liked you, I am a 2 1/2 point Calvanist.

A little shaky on the pre chosen stuff..i see scriptural support for both.

Answer 5

It can come down to rebuke, but essentially, at first, the process is not unlike what science does when someone comes up with a new belief or idea, and the rest of the scientific community subjects the idea/belief to critical thinking.

It is when someone puts forth a doctrine and employs a "immunizing strategem" that rebuke becomes the only option left.

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Answer 6

Sure why not.

There are some perverted versions of Christianity out there. The Mormons, Jehovah Witnesses, Branch Dravidians etc.

One should first look at the statement of faith, and then proceed with an examination of the doctrine, prior to deciding whether or not that religion is right for you.

Answer 7

Congrats on the Bible study! Romans Rocks! It's always good to question and fellowship this way. I like what Paul said to the Corinthians.

Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you are disqualified. 2 Cor. 13:5

It's never wrong to call out false prophets! Jesus did it with the Pharisees.

But there were also false prophets among the people, even as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Lord who bought them, and bring on themselves swift destruction. 2 Pet. 2:1

According to the verse above it's wise to examine Scripture in order not to be deceived.

These were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and SEARCHED THE SCRIPTURES DAILY TO FIND OUT WETHER THESE THINGS WERE SO. Acts 17:11

Answer 8

Jesus told us to watch out for wolves in sheep clothing acc: to me he said watch out ie: Discern not attack, yes one may move away from the enviroment , but at the same time be led by God , if u feel that it is necessary to warn do it but lovingly if you point a finger then you've lost the whole point
one can be a one man army to no avail
or one who uses tact and an understanding that the person who is advocating the wrong doctrine is actually so lost himself (pity Him) I would say

Answer 9

Not at all. It is a necessity. Read Matthew 18 - it is a roadmap for how to go about correcting a brother who has strayed. It applies to sin, and I believe it applies to teaching false doctrine, as that would be a sin. It is all to be done in love, not to shame the person or embarrass him publicly. In love, all correction is helpful.

Answer 10

Of course, examples are when Paul wrote to the church of Corinth, and in revelations when it points out the churches. That is why I try to bring the truth to the light but people see it attacking.