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For almost 2000 years now, there have been contentions in the Christian church. This often lead to hard feelings by each party, and sadly in some cases, it lead to violence. More recently in history, we have observed some churches splitting over the appropriate color of the carpeting, while others complacently tolerate all sorts of bizzare beliefs or behavior. And of course, there is a certain buzz word out there, which some Christians would rather avoid, while other professing believers use it in idle flippancy. The word has been around a long time, but too few really know what it means. Yet, even despite that at the very utterance of this word, people have been imprisoned, burnt at the stake, or worse. The word I speak of, is "Heresy."

So, in light of all the vagueness and all the debate on the very nature of certain debates, it is tempting for the modern Christian to just live and let live. Yet, is this the apropriate response? What if, in our attempt to make peace, unwittingly let wolves in, which would be even more dangerous than the wolves outside of the church? And we haven't even talked about how we should deal with such matters with new believers and prechristians, who are probably at the most risk among us.

But, is this even a discussion we should be having? Since our interpretations of the Bible are "subjective," are we any more right than those who disagree?

In light of all these issues, it became apparent that some sort of clarity had to be sought. And despite the potential hornet's nest, I opted to honor God in my conviction that if www.john15.net would be worth its weight in dirt, I must by His wisdom and authority address this issue. Thus, I started this series with these goals in mind: (1) give a definition of heresy which jives with the Bible, (2) address what the appropriate, Christian response should be to heresy, (3) outline what doctrines are so essential to Christianity, that the denial of should mitigate one's position in the church if not one's state with God, (4) why these doctrines matter so much, and maybe (5) what are some practical implications of this debate?

Essays:

The Other 'H' Word -- A general survey of the concept of heresy from the background of the church and the Bible.
The Trinity, Part 1 -- From ancient Nicea through today, the Trinity Doctrine has been a vital part of biblical, Christian theology.
The Trinity, Part 2
Resurrection -- Jesus Christ was bodily raised from the dead, and is the "firstfruit" of the general resurrection of the dead at the end of the age.
Justification by Faith -- Do we merit salvation, or are we justified by faith apart from merit?
Conclusion: Heresy of the Heart -- Conclusion to the Core Christianity Series.