Why Are Some People NOT Open to Exploring New Theological Positions?

With thousands of churches holding thousands of different theological beliefs, what is the chance that my theology is correct, perfect, and completely true? I’m going to assume there’s very little chance that my theology is totally correct and completely perfect.

I would have to be extremely arrogant to believe that I have entirely pure doctrine and completely perfect theology in all areas. So perhaps a dose of meekness is required here. Jesus said, blessed are the meek for they shall inherit the Kingdom (Matt. 5:5). So I choose meekness when it comes to my theology. I’m actually willing to explore positions that are completely different than mine to see if I can find biblical support to substantiate their position. I have a sign on my desk, "Don't bother to agree with me, I've already changed my mind!"

Well then, where is my certainty? How do I know if I’m being deceived? My answer is…

1. I have a pure heart (Matt. 5:8), and trust the Holy Spirit to guide me into all truth (Jn. 16:13)
2. I seek God with ALL of my heart (Ps. 119:2)
3. I look up ALL verses on the topic using e-Sword to see what I can find.
4. I submit my insights to three mature spiritual advisors for confirmation or adjustment (2 Cor. 13:1; Prov. 11:14)
5. I am committed to honoring the Apostles' Creed

Reasons people are not open to new theological positions

1. Fear of being deceived or of being thrown out of their denomination
2. Unquestioning commitment to the beliefs of their denomination
3. Unwillingness to explore alternative perspectives (and to honor the Scripture verses which contradict one's current beliefs)
4. Unwillingness to honor all people (1 Pet. 2:17). We most often judge, scorn, and disdain those who hold different positions.

Three issues that are "hot potatoes" for the Church

Eschatology – Exactly how are things going to pan out

There are basically four different views on how things are going to work out as this age comes to an end. Here is a book that lays out scriptural support for four views of eschatology. In college, I did a paper where I researched all four views and found enough biblical evidence for each one, to convince me. So I said, “I no longer care about eschatology.” However, I have changed my mind in recent years. I want the Church to have a positive, life-giving view of the end times, which can be summarized with the phrase, “Of the increase of His government, there shall be no end (Isa. 9:7)!

Eternity – Heaven and hell

Well, I never even bothered to look up all verses on heaven and hell, until I was about 60 years of age. Here is a book that lays out scriptural support for four views of hell. I didn’t even consider that there could be more than one position that could be backed up with Scripture. I have now changed my mind and seen there are multiple positions that each have biblical support.

The role of the Spirit TODAY

I was clearly told that the Holy Spirit was no longer working with signs, miracles and healings. I accepted that with regret, wishing I was alive when He was active. Well, I have changed my mind completely on this topic, and have written many books showing how you can actively engage the Holy Spirit in your life today. Our most popular book is 4 Keys to Hearing God’s Voice.

Is it a worthwhile pursuit to seek to come to the truth?

YES! Jesus said, I am the WAY, the TRUTH, and the LIFE (Jn. 14:6). So obviously truth will be discovered in encountering our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. This is assuming I believe I can still encounter Him today. The church I got saved in said there was no living encounter with Jesus today. The only access I had to Him was through the letters written about Him 2000 years ago.

Well, I have rejected that belief, and replaced it with, “My sheep hear My voice" (Jn. 10:27). If from Genesis to Revelation they were able to have living encounters with God and hear His voice and see His visions, then I doubt it has stopped. Especially when the Bible clearly says spiritual encounters WILL continue (Acts 2:17).

The more truth I walk in, the more pleasant and successful my life is, and the more amazing message I get to share with those who have not yet tasted the wonder of a life restored to a relationship with God.

Application

Will YOU choose truth, and pursue it passionately, no matter what it may cost?