When Doctrine Divides: Why Dogmas Must Bow to Truth
Subtitle: Breaking the Chains of Division for a Unified Body of Christ
Let’s Be Honest: Dogmas Are Getting in the Way
There’s no shortage of opinions in the Church today. Denominations. Labels. Traditions. Lines in the sand. Yet Jesus prayed something radically different:
“That they all may be one… so that the world may believe You sent Me.” (John 17:21)
But instead of reflecting that unity, we often reflect division. Why? Because we’ve confused our personal interpretations and inherited traditions with divine truth.
What Is a Dogma—and Why Should You Care?
A dogma is a belief system proclaimed as absolute truth—untouchable and non-negotiable. But when these dogmas aren’t rooted directly in the unfiltered Word of God, they become walls instead of bridges. Jesus warned:
“In vain do they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.” (Matthew 15:9)
If we’re not careful, our dogmas become idols, and our theology becomes tribal. Unity disappears. And our witness to the world grows dim.
Are You Using Scripture—or Submitting to It?
2 Timothy 3:16 tells us that all Scripture is for teaching, correction, and training. Not just for confirming what we already believe. The Bereans were praised in Acts 17:11 for testing every teaching against the Word—not blindly accepting it because it sounded spiritual.
So here’s the question:
Are we really seeking God’s truth—or are we just trying to protect our theological territory?
The Mirror Doesn’t Lie
James 1 calls the Word of God a mirror. When we look into it, we’re supposed to see what is—not just what we want to see. But if we walk away and forget our reflection, we fool ourselves. And sadly, the modern Church has forgotten hers.
The result? Competing camps, fractured fellowships, and a Church that too often resembles the world in its pride and division.
The One Thing That Can Heal Us
Unity. But not superficial unity. Not agreement on every side doctrine. Biblical unity—the kind that flows from understanding the oneness of God and submitting to His truth together. As Paul writes:
“One body, one Spirit… one hope… one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all.” (Ephesians 4:4–6)
That’s not just theology. That’s Kingdom DNA.
The Way Forward:
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Return to Scripture as Supreme – Not tradition, not denomination—Scripture.
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Be Willing to Be Wrong – Humility opens the door to revelation.
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Choose Unity Over Being “Right” – Don’t sacrifice your brother on the altar of your argument.
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Let Jesus Be the Center – “I determined to know nothing… except Jesus Christ and Him crucified.” (1 Cor. 2:2)
Final Thought:
It’s time to let go of the dogmas that divide and cling to the truth that unites. If we want to reflect Jesus to a watching world, we must reflect His love, His Word, and His unity.
“By this all will know that you are My disciples—if you have love for one another.” (John 13:35)
Grace & Peace
Dr. John Roberts THD