One of the first texts that I studied as a theology student, an encyclopedic guide to church doctrines, made the point that much of traditional church doctrine was hammered-out on the anvil of heresy. IOW, they were formulated specifically to refute specific heresies that had arisen.

Further study revealed the basic flaw in that process � formulating basic doctrine from within the dim caverns of personal understanding rather than from careful study of God's revelations of Himself and His will.

Further study also revealed that many "heresies" were in fact scripturally sound � that the church doctrines that were intended to refute them were in fact contrary to God's revelations of Himself and His will.

Whatever anyone's personal opinion or understanding may be, the only ones that count are God's � and they aren't always automatically obvious to personal meditation or committees' decisions.


"Good enough" isn't.

Always take your responsibilities seriously but never yourself.