Convictions?

[jeremiah]

How is a Christian, a disciple of Jesus, to form their doctrine and convictions?

This is a big broad question but what is the best framework or criteria you would suggest in this regard?

Thanks

[Josh]

Are you thinking of a new Christian or someone who has been on the journey for a while?

[jeremiah]

Either I guess. There should be some broad principles that are true for new believers or Christians further along in their walk with the Lord.

[Josh]

If I was asked my opinion as a pastor, I would advise anyone to start with the foundation or "inner ring" of Christian ethics AND doctrine: God is love. Getting grounded in that reality scripturally and through experience is the best place for anyone to start forming their "life and doctrine". The peripheral stuff follows suit. Actually, if peripheral ethics and doctrinal views are build before understanding God's love in at least a rudimentary way, then a lot of tearing down and reconstruction is going to have to happen later, which can be painful and jarring.

[jeremiah]

Isn't a Christian/disciple one who follows the teachings and example of Christ, and therefore that would be the basis of convictions?
Not saying that that would be contrary to your response above though but perhaps a little clearer/simpler?

thanks Josh for the interaction.

[Josh]

Jeremiah,

My only hesitation to agreeing with your approach would be simply that I think there are a lot of people who start with presumptions about God (that he is vindictive, for example) and then can even read that into some of the stories and words of Jesus.