A Word Gone Dirty

(Pro 4:2 KJV) For I give you good doctrine, forsake ye not my law.

One thing that puts my teeth on edge is the number of people who go around claiming to be followers of Jesus and rejecting the idea of doctrine.  They say it is all about Jesus not doctrine.  That is a totally unbiblical and unchristian attitude.  The KJV uses “doctrine” (3498) while the NASB tries to avoid controversy by translating “teaching”.  This simply begs the question which moves on to “What do you teach?”  If you are part of the “Jesus Only” group then the question is, “What do you teach about Jesus?”  Whether you teach what He taught or teach about Him you have moved into doctrine.

The New Testament is more clear on this issue.  The word translated doctrine in the NT and the word translated teaching are almost always the same.  Doctrine is not a dirty word.  It is simply one of those words that the modern age has tried to avoid because it requires them to surrender some of their ego and self power.  That sounds like a good thing.

So?  Of course there is bad doctrine as well as good doctrine.  The best way to know the difference is by reading the source of the doctrine and using your own mind under the leadership of the Holy Spirit.  Happy growing.