Let’s talk about the big questions. You may be here because you’re wondering:
- Does Sophiculture Ministries teach standard, evangelical Christian doctrine?
- Is there anything different or unique about how we operate?
- How can you know that we don’t teach anything twisted or cultish?
To answer #1: First off, yes our doctrine is solid and traditional. We believe that God is Father, Son and Holy Spirit: three co-equal and co-eternal persons in one God. We believe that this doctrine of the Trinity delineates between authentic Christianity and the cults (such as Mormonism and Jehovah’s Witnesses). We believe that those who choose Jesus Christ’s life and death as eternal payment for their sins, receive the power of his bodily resurrection for our victory over sin, death and hell. Jesus is preparing a home in heaven right now for everyone who receives him as Savior.
As an organization, we’re more interested in discovering what Jesus believes than in which denomination is right. Because our purpose is to open structured dialogue between Christians, we keep our doctrinal statement simple and straightforward. The Bible is our sole authority.
To answer #2: Yes, there are some things that are unique about how we operate. Here’s a list of our cutting-edge, completely original core values. We think you’ll like them. 😊
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 everything else, through trial and error. We try out various perspectives until our thoughts fit together with the Holy Spirit’s voice inside of us. Experimentation must be acknowledged as the starting point for the scriptural framework that God develops in each of us as individuals.
- Principles in Context: Principles are like circuits created by our minds for our thoughts to run through. Biblical contexts are like codes that show us where each principle fits into God’s mind. If we ask Him, He will demonstrate how His thoughts fit together so that our thoughts will reflect His absolute 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.
Some random things that you might notice: we use the KJV and we don’t take a stand (for or against) the operation of charismatic gifts (like tongues) in the church. We’d be glad to share more with you if you’re curious about why. Just shoot us an email at hello@sophiculture.com.
To answer #3: Whenever Christians get into talking about the future, we run the risk of prophetic error. This can weaken our trust for one another. Although our ministry prepares God’s people for revival, we don’t claim any special revelation. Nor do we delve much into topics of Bible prophecy. Instead, we strategize for revival using wise Biblical principles and plain old common sense.
Sometimes you’ll come across groups of people who think that their lifestyle is far superior to other Christians. This perspective is cult-like. As you talk with them, you get the feeling that these people are only interested in fighting for their own worldview. They may act sweet, polite and concerned, but watch out for the hidden Pharisee mentality. They worship their textbook beliefs above the Word of God.
As true Christians, we worship Jesus Christ Himself. In addition to upholding evangelical doctrine, we want to help each other stop looking down on other denominations. The Sophiculture strategies draw from the strengths of each group of Christians so that we can operate together with the other diverse, integrated body parts (1 Corinthians 12:14-27). This means we all have to let go of unhealthy opinions that keep us from understanding what God has to show us through each other. God shows each of us how to grow in this individually, in His timing.
Stick around, and you’ll see God open up a corporal dialog to reverse postmodern Christianity’s self-contradictory representation of the absolute truth. With the invention of the Internet, interdenominational doctrinal reconciliation is no longer an impractical dream. We’re watching God design the strategies that will make it reality.
Rest assured that we’re not venturing away from evangelical Christian doctrine. We’re taking a stand against denominational self-righteousness, by facing our own tendencies to look down on others. If you’d like to, join us!