Who Determines Your Theology?

As much as we like to say that we believe the Bible, I'm not sure all of us do; that's because I'm not sure how many of us have a grasp on what it actually teaches. Ok, so that might be an oversimplification. Most of us who say we're Christians, though, strongly believe that we're right and all other doctrinal perspectives are wrong. We base our theology on some key passages that support our view.

Or do we? Our theology is quite often determined, at least in part, by one or more of the following factors:

• Geography: Take the example of the Calvinist/Arminian debate. There's a much higher percentage of Calvinists in the Eastern portion of North America and Arminians are more prevalent in the West.
• Upbringing: I know, this is a no brainer, right? If we're raised Lutheran, Baptist, Orthodox, etc., we tend to stick with that tradition. (We really messed with our kids' heads by marrying outside of our dictated theological perspectives)
• Mentors during times when we are most impressionable: The times in our lives when we are most inclined to "think outside the box" are also the times when we latch onto, and mimic, our mentors; junior high/high school religious instructors, college influences (religious or non-religious), prevailing influences during traumatic times, etc.
• Well written books: How many of us have turned the last page of an author's arguments and begun to wonder if perhaps he isn't right? Maybe he is...
• Popular media: Regardless of what they might try to tell us, media is packed with the worldviews of the writers/producers/editors.
• God: We really are influenced by what He has to say, but I wonder how often we listen to other sources of information first.

Some time ago, I went back to read through the Bible from Genesis to Revelation. I was hoping to come close to reading it with no presuppositions. I'm very sure of what I believe to be the essentials of biblical doctrine. There are other issues where I think the jury's still out. You could try to influence my thinking, but I assure you, I've heard it all and then some. I hope I grow to the place where my primary influence is God's Word and the teaching work of His Spirit.