Confessional vs. Non-confessional Churches?

Summary

In this episode of Doxa Logic, Scott and Chris explore the difference between confessional and non-confessional churches, focusing on the role of historical doctrinal statements like the Westminster and London Baptist Confessions. They discuss how Doxa Church values these confessions as tools for understanding biblical orthodoxy but doesn't require strict adherence or expertise for membership. The conversation also touches on the importance of respecting historical church traditions without becoming overly traditionalist, emphasizing Scripture as the ultimate authority in Christian life. The episode provides insightful perspectives on church doctrine and practice for a broad Christian audience.

Takeaways

• 😀 Confessional churches adhere to historical theological confessions, like the Westminster and London Baptist Confessions, which were created in the 1600s.
• 😀 The term 'confessional' does not refer to confession of sin but to adherence to specific doctrinal statements.
• 😀 Confessional churches require members to be knowledgeable about these confessions, sometimes even making them a prerequisite for membership.
• 😀 Doxa Church does not strictly require confessional aptitude for membership but values confessions as tools to measure doctrinal faithfulness.
• 😀 Historical confessions act as a gauge to ensure beliefs align with Scripture, particularly those formulated after the Reformation.
• 😀 The Westminster Confession is associated with Presbyterianism and emphasizes covenantal theology and infant baptism.
• 😀 The London Baptist Confession is more aligned with Baptist beliefs, especially regarding believer’s baptism (credobaptism).
• 😀 Although Doxa Church doesn't follow confessions rigidly, it still appreciates their historical value in preserving orthodoxy and encouraging scriptural faithfulness.
• 😀 There is a distinction between rejecting confessions entirely and simply not being 'strictly confessional.' Doxa is not against confessions but uses them more flexibly.
• 😀 The confessions crafted in the 1600s were carefully written by faithful men, seeking to remain faithful to Scripture amidst theological disagreements.
• 😀 While some might mistakenly view non-confessional churches as rejecting all tradition, Doxa values historical documents like the confessions, acknowledging their role in shaping Protestant faith.

Q & A

What is the main difference between a confessional and a non-confessional church?

The main difference lies in whether the church adheres to specific theological confessions. Confessional churches hold to doctrinal statements or confessions that outline core beliefs, while non-confessional churches may not require formal adherence to these documents but still may share similar theological views.

What is meant by a 'confessional' church?

A confessional church is one that subscribes to a specific doctrinal confession, such as the Westminster Confession or the London Baptist Confession, which summarizes its core theological beliefs. Members are often expected to be familiar with and uphold these confessions.

How do confessions like the Westminster Confession and the London Baptist Confession shape a church's theology?

These confessions provide a framework for understanding and interpreting scripture, ensuring that the church’s beliefs are in line with orthodox Christian teaching. They address key doctrinal issues such as the nature of God, salvation, and church practices like baptism.

Is Doxa Church considered a confessional church?

No, Doxa Church is not strictly a confessional church. While they value and teach from historical confessions, they do not require members to be experts in them or make them a prerequisite for membership.

Why does Doxa Church teach from confessions like the Westminster or London Baptist Confessions?

Doxa Church uses confessions as a tool to ensure faithfulness to scripture and to guide believers toward orthodoxy. These confessions serve as a helpful gauge for understanding biblical teachings and for preserving doctrinal integrity.

What does it mean to be 'confessional' in the context of church membership?

In confessional churches, becoming a member often involves understanding and agreeing with the doctrinal confession. This might include learning the confession thoroughly and agreeing to uphold its teachings as a standard of orthodoxy.

Why might some churches not be considered confessional, according to the transcript?

Some churches may not be considered confessional because they do not require formal adherence to specific confessions. Instead, they may focus on teaching biblical truth and may not see the need for a doctrinal confession as a barrier to membership.

What is the relationship between confessions and the authority of scripture?

Confessions are not seen as equal to scripture but are considered authoritative where they align with biblical teachings. They are created by men seeking to faithfully interpret the Bible and act as a guide to ensure that the church's beliefs are in line with scripture.

What role do historical confessions play in ensuring orthodoxy?

Historical confessions help safeguard the church’s teachings by providing a clear, doctrinal standard that reflects careful, scripture-based thought. They serve as a tool to evaluate whether a church's beliefs are consistent with traditional Christian doctrine.

What is the difference between being non-confessional and being anti-confessional, as discussed in the transcript?

Being non-confessional means not adhering to a specific doctrinal confession, while being anti-confessional would imply a rejection of the historical teachings and practices encapsulated in confessions. The hosts clarify that Doxa Church is not anti-confessional but has a different approach.