The Serious Dangers of Freelance Theology

[Dylan569]

Isolation from Accountability

Freelance theologians may lack the accountability provided by a church community or academic institution. This can lead to unchecked interpretations or theological errors, as there is no formal structure to challenge or refine their ideas This can be seen in rejection of any creeds and/or confessions of the churches

Arrogance and Intellectual Pride

The pursuit of theology without communal checks can foster arrogance, where one becomes overly confident in their interpretations and dismissive of differing views. This intellectual pride can alienate others and undermine humility, which is central to theological study This can be seen when an individual considers himself a better translator than the standard versions of the Bible

Disconnection from Practical Faith

Theology that is not rooted in the life and mission of the local church risks becoming abstract and self-indulgent. It may fail to serve God's people or address real-world issues, reducing theology to an intellectual exercise rather than a transformative practice

Risk of Divisiveness

Freelance theologians might emphasize their unique perspectives to the point of creating division within Christian communities. This can occur when personal interpretations are elevated above shared doctrinal essentials

Theological Systems Over Scripture

Relying heavily on specific theological systems can lead to interpreting Scripture through a predetermined lens rather than allowing Scripture itself to shape understanding. This rigidity can stifle growth and openness to new insights

Neglecting Spiritual Growth

Theology pursued independently may prioritize intellectual development over spiritual growth, leading to a disconnect between head knowledge and heart obedience. This imbalance undermines the purpose of theology, which is to deepen one's relationship with God

Vulnerability to Misuse

Without oversight, freelance theologians may inadvertently promote ideas that are harmful or inconsistent with biblical teachings. Their work could be misused by others who lack discernment or proper theological grounding

 

[Rxlx]

If the church doctrine is false it has to be challenged as when I have asked numerous ministers and officials if they are descended from Adam and Eve or evolved from monkeys.
If they answer 'monkeys' I tell them Satan is delighted with them.
The vast majority of British ministers now say they are evolved from monkeys.

 

[Butch5]

Isolation from Accountability

Freelance theologians may lack the accountability provided by a church community or academic institution. This can lead to unchecked interpretations or theological errors, as there is no formal structure to challenge or refine their ideas This can be seen in rejection of any creeds and/or confessions of the churches

Arrogance and Intellectual Pride

The pursuit of theology without communal checks can foster arrogance, where one becomes overly confident in their interpretations and dismissive of differing views. This intellectual pride can alienate others and undermine humility, which is central to theological study This can be seen when an individual considers himself a better translator than the standard versions of the Bible

Disconnection from Practical Faith

Theology that is not rooted in the life and mission of the local church risks becoming abstract and self-indulgent. It may fail to serve God's people or address real-world issues, reducing theology to an intellectual exercise rather than a transformative practice

Risk of Divisiveness

Freelance theologians might emphasize their unique perspectives to the point of creating division within Christian communities. This can occur when personal interpretations are elevated above shared doctrinal essentials

Theological Systems Over Scripture

Relying heavily on specific theological systems can lead to interpreting Scripture through a predetermined lens rather than allowing Scripture itself to shape understanding. This rigidity can stifle growth and openness to new insights

Neglecting Spiritual Growth

Theology pursued independently may prioritize intellectual development over spiritual growth, leading to a disconnect between head knowledge and heart obedience. This imbalance undermines the purpose of theology, which is to deepen one's relationship with God

Vulnerability to Misuse

Without oversight, freelance theologians may inadvertently promote ideas that are harmful or inconsistent with biblical teachings. Their work could be misused by others who lack discernment or proper theological grounding

If these are valid, please explain how the church got so far away from the original Christian faith. Or could it be that the church today is a result of these principles?

 

[Dylan569]

If these are valid, please explain how the church got so far away from the original Christian faith. Or could it be that the church today is a result of these principles?

"I have applied all this to Apollos and myself for your benefit, brothers and sisters, so that you may learn through us the meaning of the saying, “Nothing beyond what is written,” so that none of you will be puffed up in favor of one against another." (1Cor 4:6 NRSV)

When our theology becomes based on "we can infer from..", or "those words imply....." rather than the explicit statements of scripture, we have gone into free lance theology. It is done by those eager to set themselves apart as being special, and wishing to become a leader of their own group. As Paul's words show, that error existed in his day as well.

A typical retort to sticking to the explicit statements of scripture is "The word Trinity is nowhere found in the Bible!"

Nor is the word "Trinity" found in the Apostles Creed or the Nicene Creed. The First London Confession of Faith 1644/1646 that I embrace does not have the word "Trinity" either, but it does state clearly:

I
"THE Lord our God is but one God, whose subsistence is in Himself; whose essence cannot be comprehended by any but Himself, who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light, which no man can approach unto; who is in Himself most holy, every way infinite, in greatness, wisdom, power,love: merciful and gracious, long- suffering, and abundant in goodness and truth; who giveth being, moving and preservation to all creatures.
1 Cor.8:6; lsa.44:6. 46:9; Exod.3:14; 1 Tim.6:16; Isa. 43:15; Ps.147:5; Deut.32:3; Job 36:5; Jer.10:12; Exod.34:6.7; Acts17:28; Rom.11:36."

II
"IN this divine and infinite Being there is the Father, the Word, and the Holy Spirit; each having the whole divine Essence, yet the Essence undivided; all infinite without any beginning, therefore but one God; who is not to be divided in nature, and being, but distinguished by several peculiar relative properties.
1 Cor.1:3; John 1:1, 15:26; Exod.3:14; 1 Cor.8:6."

So while this Baptist Confession does not have the word "Trinity", it does teach what the meaning of the Trinity is, based upon the scriptures, of which only a few are given. This is the main reason I embrace this Baptist Confession, it come closer to being solely based on the explicit statements of scripture than some others. It does not teach that their are three Gods, but three Persons in the One God.

When I think on this topic, I keep in mind the following: a man can be identified as what he is by his nature, "a man"; but, the man can also be identified by the work or role he holds in life. A man may be an employer or an employee, each having different work and role, but still man.

I also keep in mind, One cannot be Three in the same way or same respect, but God is One, and the Persons are Three; Father, Son and Holy Spirit.