When Views Become Dogma, Dogma Suffers

For many a month, my three year old grandson planned on taking me to the zoo. Delighted, I was coming to visit, he began making plans. On the morning of our zoo visit, I was as excited as he to begin our excursion. Mommy and baby sister joined our trip. Our expedition began with giraffes, chimpanzees, and orangutans. My daughter, directly staring me in the eyes, announced REPTILES were next. Under her breath she emphatically declared, “Mom, your fear isn’t your grandson’s. Please, don’t share it.” I not only fully understood, I, also, agreed with her intercession.

Truth is, I am not afraid, but petrified, of snakes. That zoo morning I realized my snake fear results from my personal view, not any dogma — Christian or otherwise. Wrongly, I could force my view on others ( specifically my grandson) and expect all (him) to accept my declaration as absolute dogma; but this is invalid thinking and forcing my view, not dogma, to be held as valid for all. From this perspective is where today’s blog roots.

Our Country is falling apart, being torn from its stability, I believe, because in many ways we are expecting and forcing our views to be received and realized as dogma by others.

First off, let’s define the difference between views and dogma. A view is “my” conclusion on world issues. Dogma is God’s proclamation outlined and defined in His word, the Bible. Views center in personal choice, estimation and judgment. Dogma is rooted in God’s laws, warnings and conclusions, as defined in Scripture. I (or you) author views. God authors dogma.

Society is being torn apart by personal views being screamed at each other. So very often, dogma inspired directions, especially the Ten Commandments, are not the source of our personal proclamations. Instead, personal views, more and more, are the explosive accusations ripping us apart.

Dogma states it is wrong to not recognize and praise God, kill, steal, commit adultery, not honor parents, bear false witness or covet what belongs to others. Upholding and defending these commands we, as Christians, are called to do, and do strongly. However, personal views, on much that is destroying our land, are not meant to divide us or to be forced on others. The Covid Pandemic, I feel, has torn our Country apart on a higher pitch than any of our conflicts over dogma. For example, masks and vaccinations are not dogma but rather views. However, society (including some Christians) acts as if they are highest dogma.

I wonder, is it worth dividing and destroying our Country over that which is our views. Shouldn’t all of our efforts be directed toward preserving God’s dogma? Could it be that the devil might well be using the tactic of letting our views take over any dominance of Biblical dogma?

Jesus clearly instructed, “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s”. Mark 12:17 (ESV) I suggest a paraphrase might be: what is of Caesar’s is of the world and holds individual value. It’s meaning or direction differs, and is determined, by choice, not dogma. What is of God is dogma and of equal value and sameness for all. Its worth is written in God’s Hand and not to be interpreted by personal view. Why does this matter? Because, the distraction of our views is covering up the relevance and commands of dogma.

Now, before there’s any misconception, this blog is my view. I do not make any pretense of it being dogma. It’s merely a view to mull over, not dogma by which to be sworn!!!