For most of my life I have always assumed that “doctrine” as discussed in the bible were the various -ologies I had been taught over the years in bible studies, training union, and the like. Doctrine, for me, has always been things like Christology, soteriology, eschatology, pneumatology, ecclesiology, and so on ad nauseum. I think that is the common assumption.
I’d like to know why we assume this. I may be missing something, but as I study 1 and 2 Timothy and Titus, the three books that talk the most about “doctrine” I cannot determine that such subject matters are the kinds of things we need to be teaching when we think of “sound doctrine.” And, because I am questioning something here that isn’t normally questioned (at least not in the circles I’ve ever been a part of), I would love to hear from others as to why systematic theology is or isn’t the doctrine of the Word of God.
The Greek word that is translated “doctrine” simply means teaching. In fact, there are places where various translations will translate the word differently, either teaching or doctrine. And, because of the way we use doctrine and indoctrinate in English today, I think it makes a profound difference in the way the verses sound.
For example, look a 1 Timothy 4:16 –
Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers. (New International Version)
Pay close attention to yourself and to your teaching; persevere in these things, for as you do this you will ensure salvation both for yourself and for those who hear you. (NASB)
Keep a firm grasp on both your character and your teaching. Don’t be diverted. Just keep at it. Both you and those who hear you will experience salvation. (the Message)
If Paul really means for us to interpret doctrine/teaching here as the one sound way to interpret and believe in God’s sovereignty and free will, atonement, baptism, the Holy Spirit and spiritual gifts, eschatology, and the like, then it would appear that this verse is saying that right belief on all those “doctrines” is the only way to ensure salvation. Because such an interpretation of the word “doctrine” in this verse would render the rest of the New Testament’s expression of the gospel of Jesus as something more than grace through faith in Christ, I think it is clear that we cannot read 1 and 2 Timothy and Titus to be suggesting that sound doctrine and maintaining good doctrine as something to do with right knowledge of various -ologies within the broader category of theology.
What do you think? More posts to come.