High Doctrine

[cupotea]

Since I am relatively new and still in the learning process, what is meant by the term "high doctrine?"

What would be considered "low doctrine" if there is such a thing?

Is it basically the Scriptures as high doctrine and the confessions and creeds suboordinate standards or "low doctrine"?

 

[Learner]

I think non-reformed folks would be more inclined to say"high doctrine". Some of the writings of Paul ,Peter said
were hard to understand.He didn't say impossible.Many today would consign a hearty portion of God's word to the
dismissive category of "mystery".Since those passages do not conform to their sentiments and philosophy those portions would be put aside for the "ivory tower theologians".Then they would feel compelled to condemn
anyone commenting on such on the grounds that they were
being too logical.But the book of Romans for instance contains deep doctrine.Yet it was addressed to many who were not skilled theologians.They were ordinary people,many
were semi-literate."High doctrine"is for all Christians who want to know the Lord better.

 

[Me Died Blue]

Another context in which you may have heard the term is in churches or individuals having a "high doctrine" of the church, the Scriptures, the sacraments, etc. As I've heard it used, having a "high doctrine" of something basically means that you hold [i:25f1dd619a]utmost[/i:25f1dd619a] reverence for it, and strongly believe the Bible to have given it an [i:25f1dd619a]extremely[/i:25f1dd619a] high, specific place in the Christian's life. For instance, the Roman Catholic Church and the Greek Orthodox Church both have a "higher" doctrine of the Church that do historic Anglican, Lutheran, Methodist and Presbyterian churches, yet those churches have a "higher" doctrine of the church than do the Assemblies of God, the Evangelical Free Churches, the Churches of God, and the Churches of the Nazarene. Furthermore, Reformed Theological Seminary has a "higher" doctrine of the Scriptures than does Fuller Theological Seminary.

Hope this helps clarify.

In Christ,

Chris

 

[rembrandt]

[quote:933f4346eb][i:933f4346eb]Originally posted by Me Died Blue[/i:933f4346eb]
Another context in which you may have heard the term is in churches or individuals having a "high doctrine" of the church, the Scriptures, the sacraments, etc. As I've heard it used, having a "high doctrine" of something basically means that you hold [i:933f4346eb]utmost[/i:933f4346eb] reverence for it, and strongly believe the Bible to have given it an [i:933f4346eb]extremely[/i:933f4346eb] high, specific place in the Christian's life. For instance, the Roman Catholic Church and the Greek Orthodox Church both have a "higher" doctrine of the Church that do historic Anglican, Lutheran, Methodist and Presbyterian churches, yet those churches have a "higher" doctrine of the church than do the Assemblies of God, the Evangelical Free Churches, the Churches of God, and the Churches of the Nazarene. Furthermore, Reformed Theological Seminary has a "higher" doctrine of the Scriptures than does Fuller Theological Seminary.

Hope this helps clarify.

In Christ,

Chris [/quote:933f4346eb]

What is the critera that we use to say that a church has a "higher" doctrine of eccelesiology than another church? Is it in their government and dogmatics etc.?

 

[cupotea]

The reason I asked is because of a sermon by Spurgeon called "High Doctrine." Plus I did a word search and saw that it was used in reformed circles, but wasn't sure of the meaning and how it was used.

 

[Me Died Blue]

[quote:ec525c7ebe][i:ec525c7ebe]Originally posted by rembrandt[/i:ec525c7ebe]
[quote:ec525c7ebe][i:ec525c7ebe]Originally posted by Me Died Blue[/i:ec525c7ebe]
Another context in which you may have heard the term is in churches or individuals having a "high doctrine" of the church, the Scriptures, the sacraments, etc. As I've heard it used, having a "high doctrine" of something basically means that you hold [i:ec525c7ebe]utmost[/i:ec525c7ebe] reverence for it, and strongly believe the Bible to have given it an [i:ec525c7ebe]extremely[/i:ec525c7ebe] high, specific place in the Christian's life. For instance, the Roman Catholic Church and the Greek Orthodox Church both have a "higher" doctrine of the Church that do historic Anglican, Lutheran, Methodist and Presbyterian churches, yet those churches have a "higher" doctrine of the church than do the Assemblies of God, the Evangelical Free Churches, the Churches of God, and the Churches of the Nazarene. Furthermore, Reformed Theological Seminary has a "higher" doctrine of the Scriptures than does Fuller Theological Seminary.

Hope this helps clarify.

In Christ,

Chris [/quote:ec525c7ebe]

What is the critera that we use to say that a church has a "higher" doctrine of eccelesiology than another church? Is it in their government and dogmatics etc.? [/quote:ec525c7ebe]

What I basically had in mind was that someone's doctrine of something gets "higher" as they place more binding relevance and authority in our lives upon it.

In Christ,

Chris

 

[alwaysreforming]

I've heard of it in the same context as Mr. Chris; except that the term used is "High Church." Its used when people ascribe a great deal of authority to the Church. I believe Roman Catholics are the greatest practitioners of "High Church" because they'll elevate what comes from the "Church" as having equal weight and authority as God Himself (since they believe they can infallibly speak, and bind the conscience in so doing.)

 

[rembrandt]

Shouldn't everything the church says bind on our conscience?

 

[Me Died Blue]

[quote:8a5d25c7b9][i:8a5d25c7b9]Originally posted by rembrandt[/i:8a5d25c7b9]
Shouldn't everything the church says bind on our conscience? [/quote:8a5d25c7b9]

Certainly to some extent, albeit a fairly high extent. However, as Christopher pointed out, it should [i:8a5d25c7b9]not[/i:8a5d25c7b9] bind our consciences with the same weight as the Scriptures themselves. He pointed how out Rome has taken a "high church" doctrine too far in elevating the church to having the same measure of authority as God Himself.

In Christ,

Chris