The Standard

In preparing for tomorrow's message I have heard or read so many different opinions about hell and the nature of God.  Some of these opinions are "off the charts," and as I try to figure out where they came up with such an idea I realized that so many people are creating their understanding of God from logic, or experiential things or philosophy.  None of these things are verifiable and even to have a discussion about these opinions is difficult, because there is not one similar standard for measuring against these things to discover which opinion is more correct than others.

That is why the importance of a standard for the Christian faith was such an important decision in the fourth century.  There were so many different thoughts about defining the Christian faith and it caused continual disruption and pain within the church.  So the gathered leaders decided on a Canon (standard) of writings which defined the teachings of Jesus and the Christian understanding of God.  With this Canon, we have a common base from which we can discuss and decide on important issues of theology and faith. 

Of course, there is still disagreements on interpretation, but ultimately there is Standard and throughout history Christians have gone back to this Standard (Canon) to solve these disagreements and discuss differences.  But is this Standard is not the authority, real discussion cannot happen because someone can just use their own thoughts, or quote a famous person to gain authority for their position.  We must go back to the Bible constantly for our beliefs, otherwise we will continue to create God in our own image, and create spiritual understandings that cannot stand. 

Do you know the Standard (Canon - Bible)?