Are Wrong Beliefs Sinful?

March 23, 2005 Posted by Roger Overton

In the Introduction to Essential Truths of the Christian Faith R.C. Sproul says, “I often startle my seminary students by saying that theological errors are sins.” (pXIX) It’s understandable that such a claim is shocking to some. However, through most of church history certain ideas were considered sinful- they’ve been called heresies.

Heresy, according to the Oxford English Dictionary, is a “theological or religious opinion or doctrine maintained in opposition, or held to be contrary, to the ‘catholic’ or orthodox doctrine of the Christian Church, or, by extension, to that of any church, creed, or religious system, considered as orthodox. By extension, [heresy is an] opinion or doctrine in philosophy, politics, science, art, etc., at variance with those generally accepted as authoritative.” This doesn’t really help, since many communities with theological differences don’t accuse one another of heresy; instead they form different denominations. So obviously not every difference in doctrine is considered heresy.

Heresy typically refers to some belief that brings into question the salvation of the holder (if God had truly regenerated the holder they would believe correctly). But where is the line drawn between a difference of opinion and damnable theology? There have of course been differences of opinion of what constitutes heresy. I prefer to relegate it to two areas- God and and salvation as revealed in Scripture. If some one believe Jesus is not a member of the Trinity, for instance, they end up worshipping an entirely different God than the God of the Bible.

It’s likely that we all believe a little heresy; none of us have it all together. Certainly some beliefs are wrong, but do certain wrong beliefs also have moral imports? It’s not likely a sin to believe Star Wars: Episode 1 was a good movie (although clearly mistaken), however, is believing the one must be baptised to be saved sinful or that some works are necessary for salvation?

In regards to heresy, I think it is a term too long forgotten which should be resurrected. The Church of England is considering bringing it back, which I discussed here: Heresy Trials Lead to Revival. Why? God gave us boundaries through His Word for proper thinking, feeling, and practice. When we fail to adhere to those boundaries we end up with things like this: Bishop Sorry for Denying Gay's Funeral Rites. I don’t think the Bishop should have denied the funeral rights, but it is his confusion on the issue which is a result from the boundaries of God’s Word being lost in a political agenda.