Over Scripture or Under Scripture – Lyle Says Under

For those of us who follow Jesus, we look to the Scriptures. We Baptist Christians often refer to ourselves as “people of the Book.” That might be true if our lives looked more like Jesus. But, since we often race to the Scripture in order to be “over” someone else we too take a position “over” the Scripture.

Lyle contends in a blog post titled, “How do we know what we know?,” that we should find ourselves under Scripture. Thinking about how we learn, he hoped that some with whom he had an affinity would help understanding any gaps in what he knows should he find something out of step with Jesus. He wrote,

So I am trying to look at things I believe and make sure they are consistent with Scripture, the world and my own life, if not then maybe some of my ideological soul mates will have some correct doctrine that I can believe.

Here is Lyle’s post.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 15, 2005

 

How do we know what we know?

In taking some of these worldview and theology quizzes that are out there, I have found that some of the ideas and people my views are linked to, I know little about.
How is it, for example, that I may share some of Anselm’s views, but have read only a little about his theory or atonement or Barth, though I have read a little about him I have not read his works….yet. 

So I think I should meet some of these folks, I have read Calvin, Augustine, Lewis and others but I really should find out what these great thinkers have to say. I may find that I don’t agree with them after I read them and that would be OK as well.

Back to my original thought, “how do I know what I know?” Will God reveal it to me or do I have to search for knowledge and then He reveals it? So how does the average Christian (like I used to be and maybe still am) who hardly reads and does not know Karl Barth from Karl Marx formulate their theology and their core beliefs?

In talking to some folks I ask myself, “where did they get that from?”, then I remember the days long ago when someone had said, “God only helps those who help themselves” or “you don’t have to be baptized” or “I ain’t takin the Lord’s Supper ’cause I might die” then I realize if we hear it at church we think it’s true no matter who says it sometimes.

So I am trying to look at things I believe and make sure they are consistant with scripture, the world and my own life, if not then maybe some of my ideological soul mates will have some correct doctrine that I can believe.

POSTED BY LYLE AT 11:14 PM

 

About the Author
Husband to Patty. Daddy to Kimberly and Tommie. Grandpa Doc to Cohen, Max, Fox, and Marlee. Pastor to Snow Hill Baptist Church. Graduate of Oklahoma Baptist University and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Reading. Photography. Golf. Colorado. Jeeping. Friend. The views and opinions expressed here are my own and should not be construed as representing the corporate views of the church I pastor.

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