There’s no easy way to say this. There will be times when you will wonder whether our doctrine at Sophiculture is twisted. Even we start to wonder about that sometimes, lol. Really, anyone who presents non-traditional information about the Bible online seems suspect.
Add to that the fact that we’re future-oriented, anti-denominational and highly strategic. Launching a blog like this into the current divisive Christian culture feels almost like feeding the family pet to a pack of wolves.
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So why are we doing this? Bottom line: our children will need a different kind of Christianity than the one we grew up with.
An understanding of solid doctrine is, itself, not enough to bring revival in this generation.
However, when we combine solid doctrine with our core values and strategies, we start to see this blog in a whole new light. We’ve got to believe that God is future-oriented, anti-denominational and strategic.
I have three young children who are going to need strong, evangelistic churches when they grow up. Is silence really the best option in this Christian climate?
(For an under-used, yet obvious way of getting a huge boost to face our culture, see the tip at the bottom of this post.)
What follows are the core values of what’s coming (as we launch this blog). They are 100% derived from common sense and Biblical wisdom. We believe in the mind-blowing doctrine of the Trinity and all of the other conservative doctrine that we can get our hands on. That’s no question. And good doctrine should never be swept under the rug.
We also believe that looking down on other denominations is a sin.
You can read these core values with our doctrinal statement at “Beliefs and Core Values,” but I’m going to give them to you here. If Christianity’s self-contradictory representation of the absolute truth is a problem, we’re going to have to change our approach to unity.
That is going to be impossible without a new set of values.
The Core Values of Sophiculture
- Unity in Mystery: We can approach our disagreements knowing that we each have a relatively shallow understanding of the theological realities in which we operate. Let’s agree that as the blood flows from Jesus, our head, through each of us, we can all make valuable contributions to his body (regardless of denominational preference).
- Reverence Diversity: It’s fun to get to know people who are different from us. We can honor these differences instead of using them as reasons to look down on others. We don’t need to have God figured out in order to enjoy him with those around us.
- Meizon Agape with Sola Scriptura: Love is greatest. This principle must be coupled with the sole authority of scripture. Together, they are the train tracks that carry us to our desired destination.
- Relationship Over Behavior: God values relationship over behavior, for relationship determines behavior. Knowing our Father intimately gives us confidence to run to him for the strength to obey when we’re weak, and not run away from him.
- Establish Experimentation: Intimacy with the Godhead is learned, like anything else, through trial and error. We try out different perspectives until our thoughts fit together with the Holy Spirit’s voice inside of us. Experimentation must be acknowledged as the starting point for each of the various scriptural frameworks that God gives to us as individuals.
- Principles in Context: Principles are like circuits that our minds create for our thoughts to run through. Biblical contexts are like codes that tell us where each principle fits into God’s mind. If we ask him, he will show us how his thoughts fit together so that our thoughts will reflect his truth.
- Accountability Partnerships: Bouncing our thoughts off of our friends can help to show us where our principles are are weak and where they are strong. Setting a regular time to talk and pray together boosts our growth and increases our cultural impact.
We have a freebie designed to get you praying over the phone with a close friend on a daily basis. If you’re facing serious battles (and we all are), this is exactly what you need.
You and I both love the boost that comes from a sweet time of prayer with a close friend. Why limit yourself when you can have that every day?
Here’s a tip: You can get the freebie that I just mentioned by signing up for The Worship Course here (it’s free), then scrolling down to the Bonus section at the bottom and clicking “Prayer & Accountability Partnerships.” Click the aqua-colored link “Prayer Partnerships.PDF” under the preview box. It will download automatically.
(By the way, The Worship Course was designed to help you disciple others. If you have teenage children or new converts in your church, it’s pure gold. It’s also 100% free, easy to understand and mobile-friendly. Check out our promo.)
Let’s pray together:
Lord, inspire us to treasure solid doctrine as gold without looking down on those who don’t see it.
-Sophiculture
More to come!
