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Christian theological controversy

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Christians have had theological disagreements since not long after the time of Jesus. The history of Christianity contains numerous episodes in which people of God came into conflict over proper interpretation of the meaning of scripture. Theological disputes have given rise to many schisms and different Christian denominations.





Contents





Background


One difficulty is to find the meaning of the original languages in which the scriptures were written. In order to obtain a full understanding of the original writing, it is necessary either to learn these original languages, or to rely on translations. However, translational difficulties occasionally arise, in part due to the non-literal meanings of some words in the original text and the difficulty in transliterating them into a different cultural setting.


Another difficulty is determining the context in which the original words were spoken. The context of a passage of Scripture can be more fully understood by reading through the entire chapter or book. However, it is also important to gain an understanding of the historical context of the time that the passage or book was written. For example, the New Testament authors incorporated references to cultural and religious practices of the era into their writings. These practices in some cases need to be taken into account when making an interpretation because of differences in the modern era.


A number of differences arise over parts of Scripture that use imagery or concepts that are difficult to express in human ways. For example, the Book of Revelation contains a great deal of imagery and the varying views of this book have led to several major theological disputes. The concept of the Trinity, or Godhead, and that of the deity and humanity of Jesus Christ, are just a few of the important but extremely challenging concepts that have also brought division.


The following sections list some of the areas of theological distinction or difference that have occurred in the history of the Christian church. It will immediately be seen that heresies, schisms or minor points of dissent are by no means uncommon. 


In modern times, a number of organisations known as "Discernment Ministries" (Discernmentalists) have sprung up to counter perceived heresies, mainly in Protestant teaching. They generally appeal to "traditional" scriptural interpretations.



Pre-Reformational distinctions

This section lists key areas of distinction or differences that arose in Christian theology of the era. In the early years of the Christian church, these chiefly took the form of small sects or movements; as time went on, key doctrines were established, most of which are still taught in the Anglican Church, Roman Catholic Church (RCC) and the Eastern Orthodox Church (EOC). Most of the RCC and EOC doctrines listed here are considered heretical in Protestant theology. Some Episcopalian doctrines persist in certain Protestant churches but not in others. Some doctrines initially considered heretical persist in certain Protestant churches but not in others.





Post-Reformation distinctions

Since the Reformation emphasized the rights of Christians to expound their own views of theology, most theological distinctions have occurred between the various Protestant denominations. Some elaboration of RCC doctrines however have been promulgated since that time. The differences between many of the denominations are relatively minor and have helped ecumenical efforts in recent times.





Present-day distinctions


Most present day controversy revolves around the Pentecostal/Charismatic movements, largely a product of the 20th century. Conservative Evangelical/Reformed theology typically teaches that the charismata, or "sign gifts" of the Holy Spirit, were only given to the early church, and died out permanently after that. These views are in opposition to many Pentecostal denominations and churches that are a growing feature of modern Christianity, as well as to charismatic movements in mainline Protestant denominations and the Roman Catholic Church. Roman Catholic and Orthodox theology generally denies that the "sign gifts" died out permanently, and many stories of the saints and others include various miraculous signs.


Other key areas of difficulty focus around:


Discernmentalists typically focus on perceived heresies in Pentecostalism, Charismatism and Ecumenism, among others. They defend their actions by citing Scriptural injunctions regarding the testing of scripture and cautioning against false teachers. Some Pentecostal/charismatic theologians claim that their interpretations of certain passages have been divinely inspired, a claim other Discernmentalists reject. Many outside the movement regard Discernmentalists as judgemental legalists who have absented themselves from teaching the grace that is a key Christian doctrine.


Discernmentalists should not be confused with anti-cult ministries, which work primarily in alerting Christians to the alleged dangers posed by churches that they consider to be cults. 


Some areas attacked by discernmentalists include:


Most discernment ministry organisations are small but have achieved greater influence through the Internet. In summary, the purveyors of these ministries seem to proclaim themselves as ultimate authorities on all of the subjects which they publish an opinion on.



See also











 





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