Myths, Mysteries & Morality: Difficult Questions for God

You are about to embark on a theological adventure into God's Word! Dr. Pope and I have enjoyed collaborating together to bring what you are about to read. It has been interesting as well as challenging for both of us to approach the information from the vantage point of two disciplines, theology and medicine. While we agree on all substantive points the reader may detect or discern some stylistic differences. Many hours have been poured into early morning meetings this past year. It is our mutual hope you will grow in your knowledge of God and how He is actively administering His will into a culture and world which seems to ignore Him in many aspects. This same culture has spawned many myths and perpetuated numerous mysteries about God's standard of morality.

At the onset, as you begin your journey of discovery, allow us to make two important distinctions concerning theology and doctrine. We find this important because many will use the terms interchangeably, doing harm to both.

Theology comes from two Greek words; "Theos" freely translated "God" and "logos" meaning "word". Through the years "ology"(as in theology) has come to mean "the study of". Thus the term theology would be freely translated "The study of God's Word". Note if you would, "theology" as a word or descriptor is not found in the Bible.

Doctrine, on the other hand, comes from the Latin word "doctrina", meaning teaching or instruction. It is found 56 times in the Bible. (51 times in the New Testament and 5 times in the Old Testament.) Two Greek words are used to describe doctrine in the New Testament; "Didaktos" and "Didache". Both mean "teaching or instruction".

We make these distinctions for you the reader, because what you are going to encounter in the following pages is overwhelmingly theology, rather than doctrine. We felt this distinction was necessary because our goal was not to teach, but rather to reveal the scriptures (the study of God) to you. Our intent is for you to come to your own understanding based on the various views you will be presented with. Because of this, we have attempted to keep from "deciding anything for you". This is your journey. We just want to be your tour guide.

Our mutual prayer is you will not only grow in your knowledge of God but also discover your own understanding of doctrine.

One final thought, before you depart on your voyage. Keep in mind education is learning something you did not heretofore know. It does not intimate or demand you agree, adopt, or change your view. Out of knowledge comes wisdom, which is an honorable pursuit. That said, when confronted with new knowledge, you may very well change your mind about certain aspects surrounding the study of God's Word. If so, your journey will not have been in vain.

Our mutual prayer is you will enjoy discovering more about God, and maybe even pick up a little doctrine along the way.

L.D Holmes; BA, Th.M Th.D

KirbyPope, MD, FABP