Junk Theology?

I have been researching the topic of TheoPhostic Healing and came across an interesting comment from secular science. It describes a phenomenon called 'Junk Science'Junk science results when conclusions are drawn using low-quality data such as testimonials, anecdotes, and case reports rather than from randomized, controlled clinical experiments.Skeptical Inquirer, Vol. 25, No. 4, pp. 31-32 It got me wondering whether there ought to be an equivalent definition for 'Junk Theology'? Something like Junk Theology results when conclusions are drawn using low-quality data such as testimonials, anecdotes, case reports and "God told me so's" rather than thoughtful exposition of balanced Biblical statements. What do you think? Is there a case for a definition of 'Junk Theology'?

Junk Theology results when conclusions are drawn using low-quality data such as testimonials, anecdotes, case reports and "God told me so's" rather than thoughtful exposition of balanced Biblical statements.Amen, brother. Testimonials are used to sell a lot of products, and it works! Some of the testimonials are outrageous. However, if people don't know enough about the product, or have general knowledge - then they "swallow" it. Ex: A naturopathic drug company convinced countless people to buy one of their special pills because someone once took one and suddenly got cured of a major illnness. I looked at the special pills and saw that they were just iron pills. It was obviously coincidental that the person got "cured" at the same time as taking the pills. There are countless other factors. I don't rule out that those "speicial pills" had an incantation put on them. Yes, we need to be grounded in knowledge of the Bible. But even then, we can be blind. The Pharisees, who knew every dot and letter, missed the big stuff - like Christ's advent. Everything we study is filtered through the grid of our existing mindsets. If we aren't ruled by the Spirit, and we don't have our mind transformed by him, we will miss a lot. I could give many examples of modern day heresies which are strengthened by "testimonials" - even in our evangelical churches.I'm not sure if any of us are exempt. We need to learn how to let the Spirit give us discernment, rather than people with emotionally pulling "testimonials". Diane There are a lot of low-quality testimonials that take man

What do you think? Is there a case for a definition of 'Junk Theology'?Certainly. This is why so much of religion is more superstition than religion. There are many things that come to mind. I think of a concept William Gurnall (I think it was) once used; "superstitious reverence." We have a 'superstitious reverence' about things that is more like Granny on Beverly Hillbillies than bible. This is why we need to prove all things and hold fast to that which is good. The question I have is why it seems that folk are often sooner to discard biblical truth than they are their junk theology?

a testimonial is a testimony given to support a product

Yeah, it would be great if we could just show people the black and white nature of Truth versus the Un-Truth that so many adopt and cling to.I totally agree with this, also. While I think there are many debateble issues that really aren't so important, there are many that are almost literally black and white in what the Bible instructs. Thank the Lord that the way of our salvation and knowing him is one that's painfully clear. It's amazing sometimes how people will change the Word of God to fit what they feel it should be, or want it to be.Grace and Peace...

I was just listening to Ray Comfort in an Athiest debate that's posted here on SI. Well, he shows that there is a God by appealing to (1)creation, (2)the Bible, (3)personal experience, (4)conscience.Well, he talks about his personal experience of burning his hand on a hot stove after being warned not to. As soon as he touched the stove, he moved from the realm of believing the stove was hot into the realm of knowing the stove was hot.Well, he has a point. And that's what spurrs this. Unfortunately, there's a lot of "personal experience" that is blatently contradictory to scripture, but at the same time it is utterly necessary in knowing God. Can you know God without having experienced him?That's where I think scripture comes in. We have a clear doctrinal outline given to us. But we also have the gift of the Holy Spirit as believers in Chirst, that gives us the knowledge of God, and allows us to know him. I believe that this is something essential in an intimate walk with Christ, given for that reason.Now, to base your theology off of this? Never! Joseph Smith has lead millions to the pit of Hell because of his "personal experience", and the "church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints" that was created. How about Christian Scientists? Even Buddhists, New Agers, etc. They base their beliefs off of personal experience, and not the true knowledge of God. Junk Theology.Thank you, Father God, for your Word.Grace and Peace...