Someone (Christiecrite) thinks that non-Biblical sectarian beliefs are "deviations". Aren't they simply non-foundational?
Yes, many "non-Biblical sectarian beliefs" are better described as non-foundational (or secondary/adiaphora) rather than automatic "deviations."
This touches on a classic tension in Christianity between
sola scriptura (Scripture alone as the sole infallible rule) and broader views of authority. Here's a clear breakdown:
Foundational vs. Non-Foundational
- Foundational/core: Beliefs essential to historic Christianity, drawn directly from Scripture and affirmed across nearly all branches:
- Trinity, divinity of Christ, resurrection, salvation by grace through faith, etc.
- These are in the Bible and the early creeds (Apostles', Nicene).
- Non-foundational/secondary: Practices, disciplines, interpretations, or developments not explicitly commanded or detailed in Scripture. Examples relevant to your prior question:
- Strict prohibitions on dancing or all alcohol (beyond drunkenness).
- Specific styles of worship, church government (episcopal, presbyterian, congregational), end-times views (premillennial, amillennial), spiritual gifts (cessationism vs. continuationism), fasting rules, etc.
- These often arise from cultural context, prudential wisdom ("better safe than sorry"), or attempts to apply broad biblical principles (modesty, self-control, avoiding stumbling blocks).
Calling them "deviations" assumes a pure, Bible-only baseline from day one, with everything else as corruption. That's a strong
sola scriptura perspective (common in some evangelical/fundamentalist circles), but it's not the only historic Christian view.
Why "deviations" is a strong claim
- The Bible itself doesn't operate in a vacuum. Early Christians relied on apostolic teaching, oral tradition, and church discernment alongside writings (2 Thessalonians 2:15; 1 Timothy 3:15 calls the Church the "pillar and foundation of the truth"). The canon of Scripture was discerned by the Church over centuries.
- Development happens: Doctrines like the precise formulation of the Trinity were clarified at councils (Nicea 325, Chalcedon 451) using extra-biblical language to combat heresies. Protestants accept these but often reject later developments (e.g., certain Catholic Marian dogmas or papal infallibility).
- Sectarian diversity is built-in: Denominations exist precisely because sincere believers interpret the same Bible differently on secondary issues. Paul addressed similar disputes (Romans 14 on food/days; meat sacrificed to idols). He urged unity on essentials while allowing liberty on disputables.
- Every group has "extra-biblical" elements: Protestants have confessions/creeds (Westminster, Augsburg), worship styles, and traditions; Catholics/Orthodox emphasize apostolic succession and liturgy rooted in early practice.
Balanced perspective
- Not all non-explicit = deviation/error. Many are legitimate applications of wisdom, cultural adaptation, or "good and necessary consequence" from Scripture. Total rejection of them can lead to its own sectarianism (e.g., churches that forbid musical instruments because they're not mentioned in the New Testament).
- Some are problematic: If a belief contradicts clear Scripture (e.g., denying resurrection) or adds requirements for salvation (legalism), it crosses into deviation or error. Prudential rules on alcohol/dancing can be wise pastorally without being universal law.
Christianity has always had both unity on the gospel and legitimate diversity on "how to live it out." Focusing on the foundational keeps perspective; treating every secondary practice as dangerous deviation often fuels unnecessary division.