Does It Really Matter?

While watching one of the religious channels on TV some time ago, an interesting observation was made by a denominational teacher. The question was raised about people leaving his particular religious affiliation, and the teacher was asked his thoughts about it. “When I think of people leaving because the church down the street has a choir that rocks, or a preacher who can elicit an emotional response from them, or a youth program that appeals to their children, it just breaks my heart because of what they’re losing.”

How can this be? Hasn’t society concluded what really matters is sincerity, that as long as you’re sincere, it doesn’t matter what you believe? Haven’t diverse religious groups (including the one on this TV program) recently signed joint statements of fellowship with each other? Haven’t preachers from different religions exchanged pulpits to show doctrine doesn’t really matter anymore? In an age of tolerance, why would someone make such a seemingly intolerant statement?

Could it be that, despite all the protests to the contrary, doctrine still does matter? Of course it does! Subjectivity is fine as long as it’s philosophic, not practical with people leaving one group for another. Under these circumstances, it becomes an entirely different matter. No matter what the current theological buzz may be, people still want to feel they’re right. If doctrine didn’t matter, why would all these different denominations still exist? Instead of signing fellowship agreements, why wouldn’t they just merge into one big spiritually nebulous organization, which would accept anything and everything?

Interesting enough, those groups that do accept anything and everything experience an immediate drop in membership. To accept everything is the same as standing for nothing, and people still understand the need for some absolutes in their lives. Of course, Scripture affirms that right doctrine is essential for right living. Paul exhorted Timothy, “Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine” (1 Timothy 4:16). To Titus he wrote, “But as for you, speak the things which are proper for sound doctrine” (Titus 2:1). Jesus Himself said, "My doctrine is not Mine, but His who sent Me” (John 7:16).

Obviously, people still think it matters what you believe. And they’re right, because truth does matter. If we allow Scripture exclusive rights to our lives spiritually, we will chart a course that will lead to eternal life. "If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free" (John 8:31-32).

Robert Johnson