4 Levels of Bible Doctrine

 

1. Absolutes (Category 1) – The non-negotiable core of the faith (Trinity, deity of Christ, resurrection, salvation by grace through faith, etc.) . Without these, it’s not Christianity.
   
   

2. Convictions (Category 2) – Not central to salvation, but still significant. These often shape denominational distinctives (baptism mode, church governance, spiritual gifts emphasis, etc.).
   
   

3. Opinions (Category 3) – Secondary matters that believers can disagree on without major division.
   
   

4. Questions (Category 4) – Things that are not yet fully settled or clear.

Doctrine / Belief	Level	Notes
Trinity (Father, Son, Holy Spirit)	Absolute (Category 1)	Core to Christianity; denying this moves toward heresy.
Deity of Christ	Absolute (Category 1)	Central to salvation; foundational belief.
Resurrection of Jesus	Absolute (Category 1)	Essential for hope and Christian faith.
Salvation by grace through faith	Absolute (Category 1)	Core gospel truth.
Baptism (mode or timing)	Conviction (Category 2)	Different denominations have different practices; affects church life.
Speaking in tongues as initial evidence of Spirit baptism	Conviction (Category 2)	Significant in Pentecostal theology; not required for salvation.
Spiritual gifts (which ones, how used)	Conviction / Opinion (Category 2–3)	Some debate over continuationism vs cessationism.
Worship style (contemporary vs traditional)	Opinion (Category 3)	Not a salvation or essential issue.
Observance of dietary laws	Opinion (Category 3)	Secondary matters for Christians.
End times specifics (rapture timing, tribulation)	Question (Category 4)	Not fully settled; debated among scholars and believers.
How to apply Sabbath / Jubilee in modern life	Question (Category 4)	Often unsettled, more interpretive.

Bible Study: Understanding the Four Levels of Doctrine

Purpose: To help believers distinguish between core beliefs (absolutes), convictions, opinions, and unresolved questions in the faith, and understand how Scripture guides each.

---

1. Absolutes (Category 1) – Core Beliefs

Definition: Non-negotiable beliefs essential to the Christian faith. Without these, one’s faith may be considered outside of orthodox Christianity.

Key Doctrines:

• Trinity (Father, Son, Holy Spirit)

• Deity of Christ

• Resurrection of Jesus

• Salvation by grace through faith

Scripture References:

• Trinity: Matthew 28:19 – “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”

• Deity of Christ: John 1:1,14 – “In the beginning was the Word… And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us.”

• Resurrection of Jesus: 1 Corinthians 15:14 – “And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith.”

• Salvation by grace through faith: Ephesians 2:8-9 – “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.”

Reflection / Discussion Questions:

1. Which of these core beliefs do you most often reflect on in your daily life?

2. How would your faith change if any of these were denied?

3. Why do you think Scripture emphasizes these as foundational truths?

---

2. Convictions (Category 2) – Important but Non-Essential

Definition: Beliefs that shape denominational distinctives or personal practice but are not required for salvation.

Examples:

• Baptism (mode or timing) – Acts 2:38, Romans 6:4

• Speaking in tongues as initial evidence of Spirit baptism – Acts 2:4, 1 Corinthians 12:4-11

• Spiritual gifts (which ones, how used) – 1 Corinthians 12:7-11, Romans 12:6

Reflection / Discussion Questions:

1. Which convictions does your church or community emphasize?

2. How can we discuss these differences without creating division?

3. How do your personal convictions shape your spiritual growth?

---

3. Opinions (Category 3) – Secondary Matters

Definition: Matters on which believers can differ without threatening fellowship or salvation.

Examples:

• Worship style (contemporary vs traditional) – Colossians 3:16

• Observance of dietary laws – Romans 14:1-6

Scripture References:

• Romans 14:1 – “Accept the one whose faith is weak, without quarreling over disputable matters.”

• Colossians 3:16 – “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.”

Reflection / Discussion Questions:

1. Which opinions in your church have caused tension, and how could Romans 14 guide resolution?

2. How can we honor each other’s preferences without compromising the gospel?

---

4. Questions (Category 4) – Unsettled or Interpretive

Definition: Matters that Scripture has not fully clarified, or are debated among scholars and believers.

Examples:

• End times specifics (rapture timing, tribulation) – Matthew 24, Revelation 20-22

• How to apply Sabbath / Jubilee in modern life – Leviticus 25, Luke 4:18-19

Reflection / Discussion Questions:

1. How can we approach questions in faith without certainty?

2. Why is it important to separate questions from absolutes in our discussions?

3. How does humility play a role in unresolved doctrines?

---

Application Exercise: Classifying Beliefs

Instructions:

1. Take a list of common beliefs or teachings you encounter in your church.

2. Assign each to Absolute, Conviction, Opinion, or Question.

3. Share why you placed each belief in that category.

Example List for Practice:

• Jesus will return one day

• Communion frequency

• Speaking in tongues

• Wearing modest clothing

• Observing Sabbath today

• Salvation by faith alone

---

Closing Reflection

• How does understanding these levels of doctrine impact your approach to disagreements with other believers?

• How can you prioritize unity in the essentials, charity in convictions, tolerance in opinions, and humility in questions?

Comprehensive spectrum of belief systems and spiritual movements

 

Comprehensive Spectrum of Belief Systems & Spiritual Movements

---

I. Orthodox & Mainstream True Religion

(These are widely practiced, historically established faiths.)

1. Christianity

Traits: Faith in Jesus Christ, salvation by grace, Bible as authority.

Examples: Catholicism, Eastern Orthodoxy, Protestant denominations.

Major false belief systems: 

2. Islam

Traits: Monotheistic, submission to Allah, Quran as ultimate authority, Five Pillars.

Examples: Sunni, Shia, Sufi traditions.

3. Buddhism

Traits: Non-theistic focus on enlightenment, meditation, karma, and the Four Noble Truths.

Examples: Theravada, Mahayana, Vajrayana.

4. Hinduism

Traits: Polytheistic, dharma and karma, cycles of reincarnation, yoga, rituals.

Examples: Vaishnavism, Shaivism, Shaktism.

---

II. Occult, Esoteric, and Mystical Systems

(Focus on hidden knowledge, magic, or mystical practices.)

1. Occult & Esoteric Traditions

Traits: Secret teachings, ritual magic, mystical wisdom, initiatory systems.

Examples: Gnosticism, Rosicrucianism, ceremonial magic groups, Hermeticism.

2. New Age / Syncretic Spirituality

Traits: Self-actualization, energy work, universal consciousness, spiritual eclecticism.

Examples: Reiki, crystal healing, Unity Church, New Thought movements.

3. Gnostic / Mystical Christian Hybrids

Traits: Salvation through secret knowledge, allegorical interpretation of Scripture.

Examples: Modern Gnostic Christianity, Christian Kabbalah.

---

III. Cults & High-Control Groups

(Socially controlling, often centered on leaders or apocalyptic ideology.)

1. Authoritarian / Leader-Centric Cults

Traits: Charismatic leader, unquestioning obedience, exclusive truth claims.

Examples: Jim Jones’ People’s Temple, David Koresh’s Branch Davidians.

2. High-Control / Psychological Cults (Secular or Religious)

Traits: Isolation, emotional manipulation, strict rules, fear-based control.

Examples: NXIVM, Heaven’s Gate, certain authoritarian ministries.

3. Apocalyptic & Conspiratorial Movements

Traits: Impending doom, survival depends on following the group, fear-driven recruitment.

Examples: Doomsday cults, Heaven’s Gate.

---

IV. Pseudo-Religious or Hybrid Systems

(Blend of religions, distorted doctrines, or mystical reinterpretations.)

1. Prosperity / Word-Faith Christianity

Traits: Material blessing as proof of faith, overemphasis on positive confession.

Examples: Kenneth Copeland Ministries, certain Word-Faith churches.

2. Syncretic / New Thought Systems

Traits: Merge Christian language with non-Christian spirituality for self-empowerment.

Examples: Religious Science, Unity Church.

3. Pseudo-Religious Hybrids

Traits: Claim religion but mix spiritual, mystical, or magical elements.

Examples: Hare Krishna, Aum Shinrikyo, Church of Satan (philosophical/religious hybrid).

---

V. Other World Religions & Spiritual Practices

1. Satanism

Traits: Varies: philosophical (LaVeyan), theistic (devil worship), symbolic rebellion.

Examples: Church of Satan, Temple of Set.

2. Agnosticism / Atheism

Traits: No commitment to theism; atheism denies God, agnosticism suspends judgment.

Examples: Secular humanism, rational skepticism.

3. Afro-Diasporic / African Traditional Religions

Traits: Ancestor veneration, spirits, rituals, community-focused practices.

Examples: Yoruba, Vodou, Santería, Candomblé.

4. Native American / Indigenous Spiritualities

Traits: Animism, reverence for nature, ancestor spirits, ritual ceremonies.

Examples: Lakota, Navajo, Hopi spiritual practices.

5. Ancestor Worship / Spirit Cults

Traits: Reverence for deceased ancestors as active in daily life; rituals and offerings.

Examples: Confucian filial ancestor veneration, Chinese folk religion, African ancestral cults.

---

VI. Legalistic or Misguided Systems

(Behavior-focused, rules-heavy, or works-based systems.)

1. Legalistic / Works-Oriented Religions

Traits: Obsession with rules and rituals, pride in adherence, minimal grace focus.

Examples: Pharisaical-style sects, some extreme holiness or separatist movements.

2. Doctrinally Heretical Sects (Christian & Non-Christian)

Traits: Fundamental distortion of core theology, extra-scriptural teachings.

Examples: Jehovah’s Witnesses, Oneness Pentecostals, certain pseudo-Christian Gnostic sects.

5. Judaism

Traits: Monotheistic, Torah as law and guidance, covenant with God.

Examples: Orthodox, Conservative, Reform, Hasidic.

---

This gives us a comprehensive framework that spans:

Orthodox religion → false teachings → cultish systems → occult & mystical practices → secular frameworks → indigenous and ancestral spirituality.

[Orthodox Religion] ----------------- [Hybrid / Pseudo-Religious] ----------------- [Occult / Esoteric / Mystical] ----------------- [Cults / High-Control] ----------------- [Secular / Atheist / Agnostic]

1. Orthodox / Mainstream True Religion

   - Christianity (Catholic, Protestant, Orthodox)

  

2. Legalistic / Misguided / Doctrinally Deviant:

   - Legalistic Christian sects

   - Jehovah’s Witnesses, Oneness Pentecostals

   - Extreme Holiness / Separatist groups

-   Judaism

3. Hybrid / Pseudo-Religious:

   - Word-Faith / Prosperity movements

   - New Thought / Unity Church / Religious Science

   - Hare Krishna, Aum Shinrikyo

   - Gnostic-inspired Christian groups

4. Occult / Esoteric / Mystical:

   - Gnosticism

   - Rosicrucians

   - Theosophy

   - Ceremonial Magic

   - Christian Kabbalah

5. Cults / High-Control Groups:

   - Jim Jones’ People’s Temple

   - David Koresh / Branch Davidians

   - NXIVM

   - Heaven’s Gate

   - Authoritarian prophetic ministries

   - Apocalyptic doomsday groups

6. Secular / Non-Theistic / Alternative Spiritualities:

   - Atheism / Agnosticism

   - Secular humanism

   - Philosophical Satanism (LaVeyan)

   - Afro-Diasporic / African Traditional Religions (Vodou, Santería)

   - Native American / Indigenous Spiritualities

   - Ancestor veneration / folk religions

7. Major false belief systems: 

• - Islam (Sunni, Shia)

•    - Buddhism (Theravada, Mahayana)

•    - Hinduism

Orthodox Christianity & World Religions

| Legalistic / Deviant Sects

| Hybrid / Pseudo-Religious Movements

| Occult / Esoteric / Mystical Systems

| High-Control / Cultish Groups

| Secular, Non-Theistic & Indigenous Spiritualities

slave to the Shadows in me

Slave to the Shadows of me

By telle wild rose ©️ 2025

Song: citizen soldier devil inside

I just can't shake it 

Stakes are high and she beckons

Calls me home again 

Down here where the darkness reigns 

Rules over me forever 

John 1:5 ESV / 668 helpful votes 

The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

Acts 26:18 ESV / 465 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

To open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.’

John 8:12 ESV / 443 helpful votes 

Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

Encouragement: you are not the darkness of your memories or the darkness the devil brings. You are a child of light. Take care.

the shield and the sword: a poem

The shield and the sword 

By telle wild rose ©️ 

2025

Theme song: memories by within temptation 

Most of my memories fade to black

I can't recall any of them anymore, see

But there's one that remains through the crack

A lover, a friend, a foe and enemy

For she is all of these things and more to me

She holds the key to my heart

With the power to uplift or destroy,

And this is just the start

I'm just a game, a damaged toy

How I tremble at the memory of you

Your love cuts deep bleeding the red 

Caught between freedom and the chains of you

And I confess I can't get you out of my head. 

I don't know what to do

Give in and be in sin,

Or resist and lead on to the healing too

The blade wants to cut the skin

"She" isn't a person though she makes play as one,

The art imitating life but she doesn't breath

She ice old steel and hard as stone, that one

She longs to get to what lies beneath 

But she doesn't know there's been a shift

A change in the atoms that make me up

I've been born from Above if you catch my drift 

I no longer blend drinking holiness and darkness's cup. 

I fight my battles with a different knife

The sword of the Spirit the word of God

She can and will come knocking at the door of strife,

But my will to survive will answer with all I've got. 

Ephesians 6:16-17

King James Version

16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.

17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:

Encouragent: don't give in. Even when temptation comes knocking. Even when the nenories of yesterday creep up. Even when darkness presses in on every side. You're much stronger than you think. Better equipped too. Keep fighting. Heaven fights with you.

 

The Mental, Emotional, and Spiritual Benefits of Roleplay — Especially for Christians

When most people hear “roleplay,” they think of tabletop games, acting exercises, or even team-building activities. But roleplay can be a surprisingly powerful tool for personal growth, healing, and spiritual development. For Christians, it can become a meaningful practice that strengthens faith and deepens relationships with God and others.

Mental & Emotional Benefits

1. Stress Relief & Emotional Processing
Studies show that engaging in creative play significantly reduces stress and anxiety. A 2020 study from the Journal of Positive Psychology found that people who regularly engaged in imaginative activities reported 28% lower stress levels compared to those who did not. Roleplay allows people to externalize feelings, process emotions, and “try on” different perspectives in a safe space.

2. Building Empathy & Social Skills
Roleplay enhances emotional intelligence. According to research from the American Psychological Association, people who engage in perspective-taking exercises such as roleplay experience 23% improvements in conflict resolution skills and increased empathy. For Christians, this mirrors Philippians 2:4 — “Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.”

3. Confidence & Problem-Solving
Roleplay scenarios help participants practice handling challenges. A Frontiers in Psychology survey (2019) revealed that roleplay-based learning improved participants’ problem-solving confidence by 31%. Mentally, this builds resilience; emotionally, it nurtures a sense of capability.

Spiritual Benefits for Christians

1. Engaging with Scripture in a New Way
Roleplay can bring Bible stories to life. Instead of only reading about David’s courage or Esther’s faith, roleplay allows believers to step into their shoes and wrestle with the same decisions. This deepens understanding and makes spiritual truths tangible.

2. Practicing Discipleship & Spiritual Discernment
Christians are called to “be doers of the word, and not hearers only” (James 1:22). Roleplay creates opportunities to rehearse responses to moral and ethical dilemmas, training hearts and minds to respond with Christlike wisdom.

3. Safe Exploration of Identity in Christ
Many believers struggle with self-worth or identity. Roleplay can provide a safe outlet to “practice” being bold in faith, sharing the gospel, or overcoming fear. Over time, these rehearsals strengthen real-world courage and confidence in Christ.

4. Strengthening Community
Shared roleplay in groups (such as Christian tabletop RPGs or Bible story dramatizations) fosters fellowship, accountability, and shared joy. Hebrews 10:24-25 reminds us to “stir up one another to love and good works… encouraging one another.” Roleplay is one creative way to do this.

Conclusion

Roleplay is more than “pretend” — it’s practice for real life. Mentally, it helps with stress, empathy, and confidence. Emotionally, it gives space to process and connect. Spiritually, it offers Christians unique opportunities to embody Scripture, strengthen discipleship, and build community.

Far from being frivolous, roleplay can be a tool God uses to shape believers into more compassionate, courageous, and Christ-centered people.

Practical Roleplay Exercises for Christians

If you’re curious about how roleplay might look in practice for Christians, here are some simple ways to get started. These exercises can be done solo, in small groups, or even in Bible study settings.

1. Biblical Character Roleplay

• How to do it: Choose a character from Scripture (e.g., Moses, Ruth, Peter). Read a passage where they faced a challenge. Then roleplay how you would respond if you were in their place.

• Spiritual Benefit: Helps internalize lessons of faith and obedience.

• Example Scripture: Exodus 3 (Moses at the burning bush). Try voicing Moses’ hesitations and God’s reassurances.

---

2. Modern-Day Parable Roleplay

• How to do it: Pick one of Jesus’ parables and imagine it unfolding in today’s world. Assign roles (the Good Samaritan, the Prodigal Son, etc.) and play out how those choices would look in modern life.

• Spiritual Benefit: Makes Scripture relevant and easier to apply in daily situations.

• Example Scripture: Luke 10:25–37 (The Good Samaritan). Roleplay what you would do if you saw someone in need today.

---

3. Temptation & Discernment Scenarios

• How to do it: Create a real-life scenario where temptation arises (peer pressure, workplace dishonesty, gossip). Roleplay how to respond in a way that honors Christ.

• Spiritual Benefit: Prepares the heart to resist temptation in real life by practicing godly responses.

• Example Scripture: 1 Corinthians 10:13 — “God is faithful, and He will not let you be tempted beyond your ability…”

---

4. Roleplay Prayer & Encouragement

• How to do it: Pair up with someone. One person roleplays a believer struggling with doubt, grief, or fear. The other roleplays offering encouragement and prayer. Switch roles after.

• Spiritual Benefit: Strengthens compassion and teaches how to comfort others with Scripture.

• Example Scripture: 2 Corinthians 1:3–4 — God comforts us so that we can comfort others.

---

5. Evangelism Roleplay

• How to do it: One person plays the role of a non-believer asking hard questions about faith, while the other practices sharing the gospel with gentleness and respect.

• Spiritual Benefit: Builds confidence in witnessing and helps prepare for real-life conversations.

• Example Scripture: 1 Peter 3:15 — “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you…”

---

Final Thought

Roleplay doesn’t replace living out our faith — it equips us for it. Just as athletes train before stepping onto the field, roleplay allows Christians to rehearse faith in action before facing life’s real challenges. With creativity, Scripture, and prayer, roleplay can become a powerful tool for discipleship, growth, and encouragement in the body of Christ.

ROLEPLAYING TOOLS: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1cIPW6sONeZtBkh8bYiV8RyLauIzPNN1k?usp=drive_link