A Call to Dogmatism

“Words mean something.” I think the first time I began to cogently reflect on the need for dogmatism was the day I heard Kirby Anderson, host of the radio show Point of View, say those words. I do not remember the exact context of that occasion, perhaps it was during a discussion on the Bible or maybe the Constitution but whatever it was those words jumped out and caught my attention like the “Hot Doughnuts Now” sign at Krispy Kreme. It is not that I had not at least obliquely thought about this from time to time but it was one of those moments when a conglomeration of stray thoughts were suddenly rounded up into one corral. Yes, words do mean something.

I am fascinated at studying cultural shifts that have taken place throughout history and how those changes have opened the door to radically different thinking. For example, there is no doubt that the life and work of Christ is unquestionably the most significant event in history to bring about a paradigm shift in human understanding. When Jesus walked out of that borrowed grave about 2,000 years ago, everything we collectively though was turned upside down and inside out and the way that we look at everything has changed because of it. There are, however, other things, all be they substantially less important, yet necessary to bring us to the point we are now. For example Alexander’s conquering of the known world, the bubonic plague, the invention of the printing press, and the list could go on. With each of these things people saw the world very differently after the experience and in some cases it was for the better and in others perhaps not so much. Another of those shifts in thinking that was certainly momentous at its time but has also grown in its impact through the years is Darwin’s fable of evolution. For so many this tale became a watershed moment when random hopes of there not being a Creator to whom they will answer were collectively brought together in one, albeit silly argument, but an argument nonetheless. Of course Charlie was not the first to postulate such fantasy, but he has become the poster-boy and his words mean something.

Tragically, what his words have meant to mankind continue to be devastating as his story about a mythical world that just magically appeared with mountains and oceans and 401k plans for all the monkeys to enjoy for a small number of days until they again disappear, has created an avalanche that is eroding the very fabric of humanity at an increasingly alarming rate. In this grinding down of civilization one of the casualties has been dogmatism and I believe we would do well to vigorously push back against those who would have us cast aside all axioms into a sea of relativity. Most recently I have noticed a trend toward ambiguity, in that many are careful to state their positions in such a way that perhaps a close friend to the speaker may know exactly what they are saying but to the casual observer there is tremendous latitude for interpretation. Why are we doing that? Why are we continually choosing through our words and actions to pretend that there is so much “middle ground”, so much “gray area?” With this I am most concerned with the Churches willingness to even embrace this wicked ideology of wishy-washiness that is the offspring of Darwin’s misguided notions.

We, as those entrusted to be the stewards of this time must in the name of Christ push back against this tide of the comparative. All roads do not lead to God and He is abundantly clear in His Word and we should be as well. We do no one any favors when we sheepishly refuse to say what we know to be correct. There is a way that seems right to a man but the end leads to death and to fail to be dogmatic is akin to a fireman unwilling to go into a burning building to get people out in the middle of the night for fear that they are sleeping and he does not want to wake them up. In the end it would be better for a Christian without the courage of his convictions to attempt to conceal his belief so as to not water down the gospel through his silence.