Doctrine

By Loren Gjesdal How has doctrine ever helped anyone? Haven’t theological disputes been at the heart of many church splits and even bloodshed over the centuries? Can’t we just agree to disagree, and all get along? Isn’t Jesus all that really matters? Maybe you have heard someone ask questions like this, or maybe you wonder yourself just what benefit there is to doctrinal statements of faith, creeds, and systematic theologies.  Personally, I enjoy delving into esoteric discussions of Bible prophecy, end time events and doctrinal distinctives. But I have also thought of them as matters of personal curiosity without much relevance [...]