Are All Doctrines Equally Important?

If you’ve ever tried to talk about theology with other Christians, you’ve probably felt the tension: Why do some people argue fiercely about baptism or spiritual gifts, while others seem unfazed by doctrinal differences? Does everything in the Bible carry the same weight? Or are some doctrines more crucial than others?

This question matters — not just for theologians, but for every follower of Jesus. If we treat every doctrine as equally essential, we risk dividing the Church unnecessarily. But if we downplay the truths that define Christianity, we may compromise the very gospel that saves.

So let’s explore the heart of this issue: Are all doctrines equally important? And how can we tell the difference between truth worth dying for — and truth we can lovingly disagree on?

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🧠 What Do We Mean by “Doctrine”?

Doctrine simply means “teaching.” In Christian terms, it refers to the truths God has revealed in Scripture that shape what we believe about Him, ourselves, salvation, and the world.

Examples of doctrines include:

• The Trinity
• The authority of Scripture
• Salvation by grace through faith
• Church leadership structure
• End-times beliefs

But not all doctrines are created equal. Some are central to the Christian faith itself, while others shape how we live out that faith in practice.

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📖 Biblical Framework: Do Some Teachings Matter More Than Others?

The Bible itself suggests that there are different levels of importance among doctrines. Jesus rebuked the Pharisees for obsessing over minor religious rules while “neglecting the weightier matters of the law: justice, mercy, and faithfulness” (Matthew 23:23, ESV).

Paul also distinguishes between core gospel truths and disputable matters. In Romans 14, he encourages believers to avoid quarrels over food or sacred days — issues of conscience, not salvation. But in Galatians 1:8–9, he declares a curse on anyone preaching “another gospel.”

Takeaway: Scripture makes it clear — some doctrines are essential to saving faith, while others require patience, humility, and grace.

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📚 A Helpful Framework: Three Levels of Doctrine

Theologians have often used a three-tiered framework to help believers understand the relative importance of different doctrines. While not perfect, it’s a useful tool to guide discussion and discipleship.

1. Primary Doctrines: Core Essentials

These are the doctrines that define Christianity. Denying them is to deny the faith itself. They are non-negotiable truths necessary for salvation and unity in the gospel.

Examples:

• The deity and humanity of Christ (John 1:1,14; Colossians 2:9)
• The Trinity (Matthew 28:19)
• Justification by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8–9)
• The bodily resurrection of Jesus (1 Corinthians 15:17)
• The inspiration and authority of Scripture (2 Timothy 3:16)

Without these, there is no Christianity.

2. Secondary Doctrines: Important for Church Practice

These are doctrines that affect how we live out our faith and organize our churches. Christians may disagree on them, but still affirm the same gospel.

Examples:

• Mode and timing of baptism (Acts 2:38 vs. infant baptism)
• Women in church leadership (1 Timothy 2:12; Galatians 3:28)
• Church governance (elders, bishops, congregational votes)
• Spiritual gifts (1 Corinthians 12–14)

These doctrines matter for church unity and discipleship, but they’re not prerequisites for salvation.

3. Tertiary Doctrines: Areas of Liberty

These are beliefs where the Bible allows room for diversity, often involving interpretation or wisdom in application.

Examples:

• End-times timelines (premillennial, amillennial, postmillennial)
• Views on alcohol, Sabbath observance, or secular holidays
• Political opinions or schooling methods

Here, Romans 14 reminds us not to judge one another, but to act in faith, with love, and without causing others to stumble.

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🪞 Why This Doctrine Matters for Everyday Christians

Understanding the differing levels of doctrine isn’t just helpful for pastors or theologians — it’s vital for every believer. Here’s why:

1. It Protects the Gospel

If we treat all doctrines as equal, we risk adding to the gospel or watering it down. Knowing the difference helps us protect the “faith once for all delivered to the saints” (Jude 3).

2. It Promotes Unity

Recognizing secondary and tertiary doctrines helps us stay united with believers who differ on non-essential matters (Ephesians 4:3–6). It prevents unnecessary division.

3. It Cultivates Humility

Not every disagreement requires a debate. Knowing that some issues are less central reminds us to approach others with grace and a learner’s heart.

4. It Trains Us for Discernment

Hebrews 5:14 says that mature believers can “distinguish good from evil.” Knowing doctrinal priorities helps us navigate truth in a complex world.

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⚖️ Clarifying Common Misunderstandings

Let’s address a few common misconceptions:

❌ “Every teaching in the Bible is equally important.”

While every word of Scripture is true and valuable, not every teaching is central to the gospel (see Matthew 23:23; Romans 14:1).

❌ “If someone disagrees with me, they’re a false teacher.”

There’s a difference between false teaching and disagreement among believers. Only distortion of the gospel (like denying Christ’s divinity or salvation by grace) is heresy (Galatians 1:6–9).

❌ “Doctrine doesn’t matter — only love does.”

True love is rooted in truth (1 Corinthians 13:6). Doctrine guards us from deception and leads us to love rightly (Ephesians 4:14–15).

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🌱 How Should This Shape My Walk With Christ?

✅ Treasure the Core Doctrines

Let your heart burn with love for the gospel — for the truth that Jesus is God, crucified, risen, and reigning. These are the truths worth dying for.

✅ Be Gracious in Disagreement

When you meet believers who differ from you on secondary or tertiary issues, listen humbly. Hold your convictions, but hold them with love (Romans 14:5–10).

✅ Grow in Discernment

Ask the Spirit to help you distinguish essentials from preferences. This comes through studying Scripture, prayer, and walking with wise mentors.

✅ Love the Whole Counsel of God

Even tertiary doctrines are still part of God’s Word. Study them with joy. But never let lesser issues divide what Christ has united.

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📣 Conclusion: Love the Truth, Live in Grace

So, are all doctrines equally important? No — and that’s a good thing. God has given us a faith with unshakable foundations, and He has also granted liberty in things not essential for salvation. As Paul wrote:

“In essentials, unity; in non-essentials, liberty; in all things, charity.”

May we be a people who:

• Stand firm on the gospel
• Stay united with fellow believers
• Study God’s Word with joy
• And walk in love, even when we differ

Because in the end, truth matters — but so does how we hold it.