Journal: Emmaus Journal
Volume: EMJ 18:1 (Summer 2009)
Article: Whatever Happened To Heresy?
Author: Larry Dixon

---

EMJ 18:1 (Summer 2009) p. 63

Whatever Happened To Heresy?

Larry Dixon

Larry Dixon is a graduate of Emmaus Bible College and Professor of Church History and Theology at Columbia International University Seminary and School of Missions. He is the author of numerous publications and is a frequent speaker at various assemblies and Bible conferences. Larry has taught at Emmaus as an adjunct faculty member.

“The whole world is saved—They just don’t know it!” (Bishop Carlton Pearson)

“Heaven can be heaven only when it has emptied hell.” (Nels F. S. Ferre)

“I believe Jesus had a special relationship with God and an important role in human history, though I’m no longer persuaded this required his divinity. I’m committed to living the way of Jesus, though I no longer insist ‘there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.’” (Philip Gulley)

Introduction

In this series of articles we will explore such topics as the meaning of the term “heresy,” how heresy originates, how we should respond to heresy, how we can prevent heretical teaching from poisoning our churches, etc. We want to be like the apostle Paul and not allow false teachers to remain anonymous, so we will be quoting and identifying those whose teachings stand in contrast to the major doctrines of Christianity.

Our culture, which staunchly defends the First Amendment’s right of free speech, is not comfortable with the term “heresy” or any efforts to suppress, critique, or condemn heterodoxy (a term which means that which is other than orthodoxy). To silence, persecute, chastise, or otherwise respond negatively to

EMJ 18:1 (Summer 2009) p. 64

those we perceive to be teaching false doctrine is considered by some to be the greatest form of mistreatment.

This series of articles is not a call to re-engage the church in Inquisition-like heresy trials, burning at the stake, or aggressive efforts at excommunication. However, if there is such a thing as heresy, and if heresy is damaging to the church and to its gospel witness (as it certainly is), Christians who take the Bible seriously need to respond biblically to those who set forth “contrary doctrine.”

Three Working Assumptions

There are three working assumptions in these articles with which the reader ought to be aware.

• First, I am assuming The functional authority of the Scriptures, by which I mean that the Bible is God’s Word and, properly interpreted, is the judge of all the thoughts and intentions of man’s heart—and of his head.
• Second, I am assuming that there is great confusion about the essenti...
  
  You must have a subscription and be logged in to read the entire article.
  Click here to subscribe
  visitor : : uid: ()