Community Theology

In a discussion of doctrine and theology, a group of pastors identified three qualities that are significant in the determination of what is proper theology in any community:

1. Scripture
2. Community dialogue
3. Authoritative leadership

All three of these components are essential in determining doctrine in a community, but they must be placed in their proper place.

Scripture:
Scripture is essential, but the clearest truth of God is found in Jesus, not in the Hebrew Scriptures or even in the various epistles. To focus on the Bible as a whole is to encourage dissent, for the Bible can be used to prove any point of view. But to center one’s understanding on the life, death, resurrection and teaching of Jesus is to have clarity and agreement in theology.

Community Dialogue:
It is essential to hear different points of view, and only through hearing various understandings will we understand our own point of view. However, a theological dialogue must be centered on that which gives true understanding—a Jesus-centric understanding of Scripture. If we discuss theology in general or how our theology is understood from the world’s or church’s perspective, we stray from truth about God and rest only on speculation. Authoritative doctrine must not rest on speculation, but on an agreement on Jesus. It is also important that community dialogue be the means and not an end in and of itself. Endless speculation is pointless and accomplishes nothing. In doctrine we must be seeking God’s truth, which is singular. If dialogue is the goal, then we do not accomplish true understanding, but a community exercise of futility.

Authoritative Leadership:
When a community is in agreement about God’s truth, then there is a place for leadership to uphold that standard of truth. But authority can go in a couple wrong directions. First, they could authoritatively support speculation instead of that which is based on a Jesus-centered understanding of Scripture. Just because a majority of the community believes something, that doesn’t make it authoritative doctrine. The cultural beliefs of the congregation and the authoritative doctrines must be distinguished by leadership, especially if they are using any form of church discipline. Secondly, leadership, in the use of church discipline, must be fair and gentle. They must judge with a right judgement, understanding clearly the perspective of one who is questioned. They must give many chances for repentance. And any discipline must be done with gentleness and mercy.