Sometimes we oversimplify and sometimes we over complicate.

I have been having trouble in my life keeping to what is really true. I try not to make my faith academic and overcomplicated but at the same time I have a thirst. I’m thirsty for Truth, truth about scripture, truth about life. I can’t be satisfied saying that there are a few things I need to know and to study further is unnecessary.

I believe it to be wholly crucial to study and learn the deepest level of truth you can reach. It’s not enough to read the bible. People in my life have said (this includes myself at a younger age) that the bible is all they need and I’ve even heard that it’s better to not read anything else. I’m open to the possibility that is might be enough to read the Bible and nothing else (though I am reluctant) but I cannot at this point be content in saying that it is better not to read anything else. There is an abundance of information available to us about scripture that reveals truth that would not be found by an individual submerged in our western culture. The cultural exegesis of scripture is in many cases exclusive. To evolve the scripture to conform to relative culture is a no-no, it is oversimplification. We must read and listen. It’s not enough to read scripture without any kind of wise council. Oversimplification may be the explanation for many of the things I personally am most annoyed by in Christianity; Alter Calls, Sinners prayer, our obsession with the afterlife, our self absorbed interpretations of God’s purpose for us, etc.

But when have we gone too far? I believe that when truth has become purely academic and does not come out in action there is sufficient substantiation for an over-complication of faith. We often get so “nit picky” about trivial things. We have no grounds for arguing the essentials of Christianity until our heart has sought God’s. Why do we argue? Why do we debate?

Arguing and debating is good. A more positive designation for arguing would be discourse. If division is created within the discourse it’s a bad thing. It is trifling conflict. Let not our faith become so complicated that the fact is more important than the person.

My friend Jesse and I are good friends. We differ slightly in our theology. Jesse is slightly more “orthodox” than I am. We constantly dialogue our view points and it will sometimes get a little heated but when it comes to action we can work together great. If we see someone in need we both share compassion. Jesse and I can work together despite our trivial differences.

May our theological ideas be as full as we can make them but may their importance not exceed the bonds of Fellowship in Christ.