It is evident that leading neo-evangelicals believe that our main
goal is to eliminate doctrinal distinctives and to emphasize unity among
those claiming to be believers.
One of the basic ideas of today’s philosophy of ecumenical evangelism
is that love is more important than doctrine. Ecumenical evangelists
say that doctrine divides, whereas love unifies. What does the Bible
say? Is it true that in the New Testament love is more important than
doctrine, or truth?
In the so-called “love chapter,” we are told: “Now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love [agape]” (NKJV, 1 Cor. 13:13).
Some say—“That settles it: love is supreme!” But when we examine this
chapter more carefully, we discover that truth is also mentioned. In v. 6
we are told that love “rejoices in the truth.” In other words, faith,
hope and love are virtues, but truth has an altogether different status.
It is the frame of reference, the foundation, the atmosphere without
which virtues such as love cannot exist at all.
Love “rejoices in the truth.” Why? Because without truth to define,
interpret, protect, guide and channel it, love can become a total
disaster. We dare not place truth on the same level as virtues. Virtues
would shrivel up and die if it were not for truth.
Here is an example from the natural world. We cannot imagine life on
this planet without water. Water is absolutely essential for life—as
long as it stays within proper channels, such as canals, aqueduct and
pipes. But when water gets out of control, it is the second greatest
catastrophe that can happen to this planet—second only to fire. On the
one hand, it is an absolute blessing, but on the other hand it can be a
total disaster. So it is with love. Keep Reading...
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