Insight #4: What is my Core Theological Beliefs/Doctrines?

Discovering your core theological beliefs is a process of introspection, study, and critical analysis. It involves moving beyond inherited beliefs to develop a personal, coherent understanding of your faith.

Key Steps to Discover Your Core Beliefs

1. Consider the Creeds: The Apostles Creed and the Nicene Creed have been embraced by followers of Christ for almost two thousand years. They provide a good starting point for reflecting on beliefs.

2. Consider your family and heritage: What were the core beliefs of your family and heritage? You may not embrace them but understanding them is helpful.

3. Deconstruct and Question: Life events and independent thinking often lead to doubts. Instead of ignoring them, embrace this deconstruction phase. Question what you believe and, more importantly, why you believe it. Be open to the possibility that your beliefs may evolve.

4. Engage in Self-Reflection: Set aside time for introspection to examine your thoughts, emotions, and motives. Questions to guide this reflection include:

• • “Why does the universe exist?”
  • “Why am I here?”
  • “Is there a God?”
  • “Is there good and evil?”
  • “What is truth??
  • “What is real?”

5. Seek Community and Dialogue: Discussing your beliefs with friends, mentors, or a faith community can provide valuable insights and challenges. Listen to different viewpoints and be prepared to articulate your own thoughts respectfully. This helps you to test if your reasoning is convincing to others.

6. Apply Your Beliefs and Test Them: Authentic faith should manifest in your actions and behavior. Test your beliefs by seeing if they align with your operational behavior and whether living by them produces positive “fruit” in your life and the lives of others.

7. Be Open to Growth: View your understanding of faith as a journey. Be open to new insights and the possibility that your core beliefs can be refined over time as you grow in wisdom and experience.

Many theological doctrines and beliefs are important to you but there are a few you are passionate about.

For example, I am part of the Assemblies of God who have “16 Fundamentals of Truth”. I believe all of them, but there are only 4 or 5 I draw a line in the sand about. These are my core beliefs.

What are the five or six core doctrines that are the foundation of your personal theology?

Pray: Lord, please help me to identify the theological beliefs which you desire me to hold as my very core beliefs.

Here is the link to the worksheet: Insight 4 belief