Ten Commandments of Discernment

How do we put this insight into practice? How can we become more mature and competent in the discernment of Christian life and spiritual things?. The "ten commandments" to follow, are not all you can say about it, but are of special importance.
1) Learn to exercise discernment as you grow as a Christian in faith, love and holiness. While it is obvious, it should be emphasized and placed first on our list. The Christian life is not an intellectual game where the goal is to prove that we are right and bring down those who are wrong. Discerning the orthodox heretic is only one aspect of Christian life, although it is important.Moreover, the doctrinal discernment must involve prayer, fellowship with other Christians, and Christian service to the lost, and study the doctrine. I should point out that I'm preaching to myself here more than any other!
Although growth is vital, there is a minimum standard of spiritual attainment should be achieved before one can exercise discernment. On the contrary, the exercise of discernment is a function in which all must grow throughout their lives as Christians.
2) Develop your knowledge of Scripture. Under normal conditions, the more a person knows the Scriptures, the more it will have the ability to discern truth from error. Not every Christian can be an expert, but all Christians should study the Bible in depth and develop an excellent knowledge of his teachings.
There are several ways to study the Bible and they are all important. Read the Bible directly, read entire books of the Bible and read the entire Bible. Memorize passages. Study the Bible topically, looking for what the Scriptures teach on certain matters (Acts 17:11). Use commentaries, dictionaries and atlases of the Bible, theological works, etc.. - But remember that the choice of this material will require discernment. Study the Bible individually and in groups. Seek competent teachers and learn from them as possible. Use all possible resources to increase their Bible knowledge.
3) Learn to think in a logical and rational. Thinking logically is to think in a way that can not come to false conclusions from true premises. The purpose of the study of logic is to learn to think clearly and correctly. Otherwise, even if we have knowledge of the facts, it is possible to draw false conclusions if the facts are interpreted erroneously.
Unfortunately, sometimes the logical thinking can be applied without sensitivity. I do not mean to rude behavior (which can also happen), but the use of the logical process in a way that, even if they arrive at a conclusion seemingly logical, this is done without a recognition of the complexities and nuances of a given situation.The result is that many times the errors of a particular person or religious group are exaggerated or even misidentified. The reasoning numb in the end turns out to be illogical, because the conclusions are drawn without first considering all the factors - which is a logical fallacy of hasty inductive generalization. Or, perhaps, to reach conclusions about the beliefs of an individual without taking into account the peculiar way in which that person uses their terminology. This type of logical fallacy where the conclusions are derived from premises which use the same word, but in different directions, is called equivocation.
Today, imprecise reasoning is a major problem in the field of doctrinal discernment. All we must refine and improve our ability to think as much as possible so that we can exercise discernment in matters of doctrine.
4) By studying the doctrine, seek to understand the different perspectives of the different traditions that exist within the Christian orthodoxy. As we become acquainted with the basics of faith, we should be more familiar with the different Christian traditions. Try to learn the different perspectives within the orthodox Christianity on issues such as baptism, the millennium, spiritual gifts, predestination, etc.. The understanding of different points of view of Christian doctrine on such matters not only provide a greater understanding of the difference between essential and non essential aspects of faith, but also enable us to take a more biblical and mature with respect to them.
5) Learn as much as possible any relevant information about a religious group or questionable teaching before pronouncing any judgments about them. The Scripture says, "He who answers before listening is folly and shame" (Prov. 18:13). Pronounce judgments of heresy on other people's beliefs based on insufficient information, it is sin.
There are a variety of strategies that can be used to acquire information about a group. One can ascertain the religious affiliation of the group - the denomination or religion you belong to - though in some cases organizations may deny affiliation of controversial groups. You can investigate the history of the group and its leaders. One can check references, dictionaries or encyclopedias that list religious groups and organizations, with their descriptions of their beliefs. In most cases (except when it comes to groups too young or too small), these procedures will facilitate adequate information.
6) Base your understanding of a particular doctrine questionable what those who defend it say about her, but do not assume that the use of terms guarantees the orthodoxy of the orthodox beliefs.Likewise we would not want someone to label us as heretics and say all manner of evil against us (Matt. 5:11) based on what others say of us, we should not criticize the views of others without making sure that we hear them ourselves (Matt. 7:12). This does not mean that every Christian must personally study the literature produced by a heretical group determined before it can determine that it is indeed heretical. It means that a critique of a supposedly heretical group should not be considered adequate unless it is based on correct citation of the group leaders.
In cases where there is still no proper analysis or assessment of the Christian doctrines of a particular group, is even more important to obtain information from primary sources. Often you can simply ask for a doctrinal statement. However, one should bear in mind two points: first, there are groups who are orthodox and still not have an official doctrinal statement. According to the heretical groups usually seek to make their doctrinal statements have the appearance of the most orthodox, so they can evade criticism.Other publications in these cases may be more useful for getting to know the true beliefs of a group.
In fact, it is a characteristic of unorthodox and deviant groups are not transparent and honest about the true nature of their beliefs.Often, they use biblical language, and even sound like being evangelical, seeking to avoid criticism. The New Testament warns us about it (eg, 2 Cor 11:4). In this case, try to get as much information as possible about their beliefs and compare what they say publicly what they say between them. This may eventually require to attend its meetings, which ask questions that are not seen as critical (cf. Mt 10:16), or to obtain literature which is only distributed to its members. Generally, this type of research should be done only by those who already have experience and training in doctrinal discernment, especially those who minister in this field. In some cases, former members of these groups are the best sources of information and materials.
7) Treat the information provided by former members with respect and caution. Every heretical group eventually begins to generate ex-members, and these people can be valuable sources. Often his greatest contribution is its access to publications and recordings that are not available to the general public. Their personal testimonies can also be useful and informative.
One of the characteristics of aberrant and heretical groups is that they consider their former members as being angry and envious, immoral people who seek revenge. This, of course, might be true am some cases. However, if a group loses a large number of fans and the testimony of former members is consistent, such testimony is credible. The testimony of a former member is greatly enhanced if it can be supported by documentation or corroboration of the testimony of other former members.
Occasionally, some individuals represent themselves as former members of a group and tell extraordinary stories about their involvement. In such cases, should proceed with caution, and many times such people were never members of the group or, if they were, their involvement in it was never as big as they claim. You can not always determine whether these individuals are fraudulent in search of money, media attention, personal antagonism against the group or another more subtle reason. Either way, it is important that sensational charges against a group are not accepted merely on the testimony of one or two people, without the support of more evidence.
8) In cases ambiguous or uncertain, give the benefit of the doubt to the person or group in question. The principle "innocent until proven guilty" should be applied in these cases. Some ministries involved in Christian discernment "whistle", or "raise the flag" every time there is the slightest appearance of possible heresy. This practice brings the failure of discernment ministries, and divide Christians.
9) Start the search process básicas.No questions about the orthodoxy of a certain group, you can save much time and energy, and to prevent many errors, if they are first studied the most basic questions, which relate to the position of group about the Bible and religious authority. They consider the Bible as the Word of God infallible and inerrant? They consider the Bible as the final authority in religious matters or consider any other source (its leaders, a modern prophet, another book, etc..) Authority as essential for the interpretation of the Bible? If you consider the Bible as infallible, inerrant and final authority in religious matters, in most cases they are Orthodox. If not, they will usually be heretics. Note, however, that these are general guidelines only, since there is heretical groups who profess complete confidence in the Bible and do not appear to have any other doctrinal authority.
10) Check with ministries of discernment of good reputation to honor biblical principles of discernment. No human being or organization (including ministries of discernment) is infallible.However, if you agree that the principles presented in this book are biblical, then you should seek the opinion and advice of ministers who base their work on these principles. Remember what was said in the previous chapter on parachurch ministries.
The challenge of Discernimento.Em conclusion, I wish here to launch a challenge to those who agree that doctrinal discernment, as presented in this book is really necessary. Contribute your continuous efforts to the work of discernment. Encourage your pastors and leaders to preach and teach on doctrinal discernment.Contribute to the financial support of one or more biblical discernment ministries, especially those who work in your area. If you have children, teach them sound doctrine. Pray for preachers and teachers of Orthodox Christianity and heresies and aberrant doctrines lose their appeal. Every Christian can and should be contributing in some way to discern the sound doctrine of the Church.