Jan and I have been watching a Netflix documentary titled Ancient Apocalypse. The documentary offers evidence about ancient civilizations that existed before the assumed timeline of human history that has been accepted and taught within the field of archaeology. The individual presenting this new and controversial evidence has been dismissed as unreliable and a quack by mainstream archaeologists when he offers evidence that challenges current archaeologic assumptions.

Much of what we believe comes from an assumed body of evidence that was told is absolute and unchanging. The opinions like those of the documentarian who offers new evidence about the origin of ancient civilizations, or a non-academic from the hinterlands of any field of study, will take direct hits to their integrity in the form of mockery and dismissal if the evidence they offer challenges widely held assumptions. 

As a believer, we have two time-tested methods of revelation – Logos, God’s written word, and Rhema, a prophetic revelation that aligns with and does not violate Scripture. At our best, we can fail to see the much larger picture of what we so confidently declare as the final word on a subject. Both Logos and Rhema revelation and their resulting interpretations carry personal assumptions that are based on our limited understanding. Interpretation at a deeper level requires a heart of patience and a willingness to have our current understanding challenged.

Controversies are nothing new. They have been taking place within the Church for the last 2,000+ years. We have convened councils and formed creeds to protect truth and allow a wide diversity of understandings within the Church to come together and affirm what we understand as foundational truths.

It is always blinding and isolating to think any of us understand all there is to understand about God and His Kingdom. It has been said, “In the essentials, unity; In the non-essentials, liberty; in all things love.” Only love can correctly evaluate new evidence that affirms a truth we have either forgotten, did not comprehend at first, or have been told is off-limits. Love is our most powerful interpretive tool. It can dismantle our assumptions and open the way for a greater understanding of the majestic God we serve.