Welcome to the inaugural post to the “Grumpy Christ Follower” blog! The endeavor of this blog is to post my thoughts, which I hope align with scripture concerning doctrinal (closed-fisted) and non-doctrinal (open-fisted) issues in Christianity. I hold to the literal-historical hermeneutic when interpreting scripture. In general, that means a literal interpretation of God’s Word. That literal interpretation does not mean that everything is taken “literally”, e.g. God has “ears.” (Jas. 5:4). I will be posting soon my “theology”. I conform to orthodox Christian beliefs, but there are some particulars I need to spell out (doctrine of grace, eschatology, etc.)
Why Grumpy? My original idea was Skeptical Christian/Christ Follower, but I think that might lead too many to think I am skeptical of Christianity, particularly its foundations (the close-fisted stuff.) That is not case, so I do want to confuse anyone. So, Grumpy. Basically, if I was to spew out every thought on things of doctrine, “controversies”, and other issues in various doctrinal and non-doctrinal issues in Jesus’ Church, I might be thought of as “Grumpy”. It is a little more playful…although I am thinking my posts will not be.
From time to time, I will probably offend some in the Church, maybe even my church (gasp!). Of course, the intent is not offend for offense sake, but to provoke thought. Particularly, I endeavor to draw one close to Scripture. The overriding thesis is that too often I have observed that many otherwise exegetical thoughts/teachings on various doctrine of Scripture are colored by experience/outside evidence (i.e. eisegesis). This thing sometimes even comes from the so-called “popular” preachers (names WILL BE named when appropriate!) Lest one think I believe I know every truth from Scripture, I cannot claim it. I just get confounded when Scripture either clearly (given the hermeneutic above) does not teach a certain doctrine or viewpoint or is unclear (open-fisted.) I would rather change what I believe given what Scripture clearly teaches rather then try to conform it to some systematic theology.
So, let’s go!!! My first blog will be titled “We are not Guaranteed a Happy Ending.” Stay Tuned!
Grumpy Christ Follower 