Understanding Christian Judgmentalism (Through the Lens of Tim Keller)

One of the perplexing questions many people grapple with is: If Jesus is indeed God and the embodiment of love, why do some Christians appear so judgmental? To delve into this, we must first understand the essence of Christian faith through a few key biblical passages.

John 3:16 (ESV) tells us, "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life." Similarly, 1 John 4:16 (ESV) asserts, "So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him." Moreover, 1 John 4:8 (ESV) states, "Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love."

### The Motivation Behind Sharing Faith

At the heart of Christianity is the profound transformation that believers experience through knowing Jesus. This transformation compels Christians to share the gospel—not out of a desire to judge, but from a place of love and concern. Tim Keller, a renowned pastor and theologian, often emphasizes that Christians share their faith because they believe it has the power to change lives both now and for eternity.

Christians genuinely believe that knowing Jesus offers immense benefits in this life and promises an eternal life to come. John 3:16 encapsulates this belief, highlighting that those who believe in Jesus are saved from eternal separation from God.

### The Eternal Perspective

The urgency that Christians feel in sharing their faith stems from their understanding of eternal consequences. According to Christian doctrine, to be separated from God is to face eternal punishment. This belief in the stakes of eternity drives Christians to speak up, hoping to guide others away from what they see as perilous paths. Keller would argue that this is an act of love, not judgment—a desire to rescue others from impending danger.

### The Nature of Sin and Judgment

Many find it perplexing that Christians focus on pointing out sin. To understand this, one must appreciate the Christian view of sin and God's nature. Christians believe that God, being perfect and just, cannot tolerate sin. Every act against God's will, no matter how minor it seems to us, is significant in His eyes. This perspective is rooted in the belief that God's standards are far higher than human standards.

God’s justice means that everyone gets what they deserve, but His mercy means He offers forgiveness. The Christian message is about turning away from sin and embracing this offer of forgiveness through Jesus Christ. Hebrews 9:27 (ESV) warns, "And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment," underscoring the urgency of seeking God's forgiveness now.

### The Path to Forgiveness

For Christians, obtaining God's forgiveness is the most critical need in life. They believe that God has provided a way to avoid eternal separation through Jesus Christ, who took on the punishment for sin. This is seen as the ultimate act of love—God providing a means for humanity to be reconciled to Him.

Isaiah 53 prophesies about Jesus as the one who would take away the sins of the world, a prophecy Christians believe Jesus fulfilled. Jesus' life, death, and resurrection are viewed as the ultimate solution to sin, offering new life and eternal hope to those who believe.

### The Love That Compels

Christians are called to love their neighbors and to share the good news of God's forgiveness. This mission is rooted in the love they have experienced from God and their desire for others to share in this transformative relationship. Despite the message sometimes being perceived as judgmental, the intent is one of rescue and reconciliation.

### The Relationship with Jesus

Beyond the warning of judgment, Christians earnestly want others to experience the joy and peace of knowing Jesus. For believers, Jesus is not only a savior but a source of profound joy, contentment, and peace. This relational aspect of faith is something they deeply cherish and desire others to know.

If you find yourself curious about God or seeking something more, Christians encourage you to explore this relationship. They believe that if you genuinely seek God, He will reveal Himself to you, offering a transformative and eternal relationship.

In summary, while it may seem that Christians are judgmental, their actions are driven by a profound love and concern for others' eternal well-being. Understanding this motivation can help bridge the gap between perception and intention, highlighting the heart of the Christian message: love, forgiveness, and reconciliation with God.

Understanding Syncretism, Heresy, and Christianity (Through the Lens of Tim Keller)

Syncretism, as defined by Wikipedia, is the practice of combining different beliefs and various schools of thought. For Christians, the purity of their faith as taught by Jesus is of utmost importance. This is why they have developed Creeds—statements summarizing essential Christian truths.

### The Role of Creeds in Christianity

The Apostles' Creed and the Nicene Creed are among the most well-known and widely accepted Creeds. These Creeds serve as foundational summaries of Christian beliefs, encapsulating the core tenets of the faith handed down by Jesus and his apostles.

Tim Keller often emphasizes that these Creeds are not just historical documents but living testimonies of faith. They provide a concise framework that helps Christians understand and articulate their beliefs, ensuring that the teachings remain consistent with the original gospel message.

### Summarizing Biblical Teaching

In addition to Creeds, Christians have created detailed summaries of biblical teaching. One of the most famous of these is the Westminster Confession. This document, along with others like the Thirty-Nine Articles, aims to offer a comprehensive guide to understanding Scripture.

Keller would highlight that these summaries are crucial in helping believers navigate the complexities of the Bible, ensuring that their interpretations align with the historical and theological foundations of Christianity. They serve as guardrails against misunderstandings and misinterpretations that could lead to doctrinal errors.

### The Danger of Heresy

Heresy, defined as any belief or theory strongly at variance with established beliefs, is a significant concern for Christians. The Bible warns against adding or subtracting from God's Word, underscoring the importance of adhering to the original teachings (see Deuteronomy 4:2 and Revelation 22:18-19 for biblical warnings against altering Scripture).

Keller often addresses the issue of heresy by stressing the need for doctrinal purity and faithfulness to the gospel. He argues that deviations from core Christian teachings can lead to confusion and spiritual harm, both for individuals and the broader faith community.

A contemporary example of syncretism and resulting heresy can be seen in the teachings of figures like Desmond Tutu. While Tutu is respected for his work in social justice, some of his theological views have been criticized for straying from orthodox Christian doctrine.

Keller would approach this topic with a balance of truth and grace, acknowledging the positive contributions of such figures while also warning against their theological errors. He would emphasize that while Christians should engage with the world and other belief systems, they must do so without compromising the core truths of their faith.

### Maintaining Doctrinal Integrity

In summary, the importance of maintaining doctrinal integrity cannot be overstated. The Creeds and Confessions serve as essential tools for preserving the purity of Christian teaching. By adhering to these foundational documents, Christians can guard against the dangers of syncretism and heresy, ensuring that their faith remains true to the gospel of Jesus Christ.

### Concluding Thoughts

Keller's approach to syncretism and heresy underscores the need for a robust and well-articulated faith. He encourages Christians to deeply engage with their theological heritage, understanding the Creeds and Confessions as vital resources for spiritual growth and doctrinal fidelity. By doing so, believers can navigate the challenges of modernity while remaining steadfast in their commitment to the unchanging truths of Christianity.

In an era where blending different beliefs is increasingly common, Christians are called to uphold the integrity of their faith with love, wisdom, and discernment, reflecting the grace and truth of Jesus Christ in all they do.