Are there more professing Christians, today, that think that doctrine is divisive, and should be avoided?I've heard that point made, and I've heard about, "Why can't we all just love Jesus, and stop arguing about doctrine?"That may sound sweet, but why are they presented as opposing views? i.e. either loving Jesus, or doctrine?If the move today is to avoid doctrine, then why would Paul,in the pastoral epistles to Timothy and Titus, mention the word doctrine/doctrines a total of 16 times?Do people today think that those epistles were only for another time and another people, and not relevant for us?Good doctrine and sound doctrine do not cause division, do they?Is it not rather the other way around?
Romans 16:17 Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.
Do not some of the things that Paul mentioned about doctrine, in those pastoral epistles, sound safer, and not bad for churches today?
I Timothy 4:6 If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained.13 Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.16 Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.
I Timothy 5:17 Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.
II Timothy 3:10 But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience,16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
II Timothy 4:2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.
Titus 1:9 Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.
Titus 2:1 But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine:7 In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity,10 Not purloining, but shewing all good fidelity; that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things.