I remember as a teenager first reading C. S. Lewis’ book Mere Christianity. I particularly liked the title and the concept of mere Christianity (i.e., those core beliefs that all Christians can and should agree on). As a teenager, I was ignorant of the fact that many Christians fought not only over the peripheral issues in Christianity, but more surprisingly, even what seemed to be central issues (e.g., the person and work of Christ). As I hit my twenties and headed for my thirties, I became disillusioned with the pursuit of the concept of mere Christianity or what some may call essential Christian doctrine.
But then, my in thirties, I took a class with my friend Kevin and he helped at least see a possibility for how to wrestle with what was primary, secondary, and tertiary. Since first seeing this, I have worked on it over the years, trying to refine and clarify. I’ve found it useful to frame discussions in classes I teach in church as it puts issues in perspective for people (or at least for me). Here is what I have come up with so far with significant help from Kevin. I hope it is helpful for others out there.
1. Primary (or essential) doctrines
1.1. Definition – a doctrine in which, if someone disagrees, they cannot be considered a Christian.
1.2. Examples:
1.2.1. The Trinity
1.2.2. The Person and Work of Christ
2. Secondary doctrines
2.1. Definition – a doctrine on which Christians can disagree and still be Christian, but in order to maintain harmony in the local church, they cannot disagree or major problems will result. Primary cause of denominationalism and church splits.
2.2. Examples:
2.2.1. Church government – you cannot try to practice Episcopalian government in a congregational church.
2.2.2. Charismatic gifts – you cannot practice sign gifts (e.g., tongues) at a cessationist church.
2.2.3. Sacraments – if you believe that the sacraments are unnecessary (Salvation Army), you cannot practice in a church that does uphold the practice of the sacraments.
2.2.4. Worship music – you cannot do hymns in church’s that only want to do modern, praise music.
2.2.5. Egalitarianism – you cannot put a woman pastor in a non-egalitarian (i.e., complementarian) church.
2.2.6. Calvinism vs. Arminianism debate – difficult for Arminians to feel at home in a Calvinist church and vice versa.
3. Tertiary doctrine
3.1. Definition – a doctrine which people can disagree on in the local body, but still live harmoniously within the local body in spite of the difference.
3.2. Examples – note: these can be elevated to primary & secondary issues by some
3.2.1. Style of worship
3.2.2. Amount of tithe
3.2.3. Clothes you wear to church
3.2.4. Role of angels in the Christian life
3.2.5. End time/millennial view
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C. S. Lewis made an attempt to define mere Christianity in his book of the same title, Mere Christianity. You can purchase this book HERE through the Deus Tecum bookstore. Just click on the button below to visit the store.
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