HAVE YOU DISCOVERED an exciting new theology or even joined a new church and then become an evangelist sharing your news with friends near and on Facebook? As a church leader who has studied some theology, converts often seek me out, looking to test their new discovery. And I often learn a lot of good from these conversations; they are usually on to something. In addition to the basic “Is this biblical?” there is a further important question: “How is that working for you?” Is that new charismatic-Calvinist-liturgical-Messianic-contemplative-progressive-Orthodox-Roman way of thinking working? For example:

1. Has this view opened Scripture for you, making the whole of it alive and cross-fertilized with itself? Do creation, law, exodus, tabernacle, wisdom, exile, remnant, incarnation, Pentecost, witness, kingdom, community, cross, reconciliation, and heaven now sing a simpler, more elegant harmony because of your new view? If so, proceed.

2. Has your new theology given you a contagious love of grace? Do you now bask in God’s astonishing forgiveness, making you more forgiving of your enemies, more accepting of yourself, and more constantly grateful to God? If so, proceed.

3. Has your new philosophy made you more eager to sell everything you have and give it to the poor? Does moving your family to Uganda to help refugees now seem more in your orbit, something you might now do? Or even, would you be more willing to give up your weekend to chaperone the junior high band trip? If so, proceed.

Would you be more willing to give up your weekend to chaperone the junior high band trip? If so, proceed.

4. Has this view caused you to fall in love with God’s creation? Does your new theology give you more joy driving through Banff? Do species extinction, climate change and abused animals now make you angrier in the name of your living Maker? Are your pigs happier now? If so, proceed.

5. Has your doctrine given you a more resilient, big-hearted love for your local church? Try this on: because of my new view, there are now more churches, with more variety, that I could imagine happily belonging to and serving. Or are you fussier now about where you worship, and harder to please? Has the treasurer of your local church noticed the benefits of your new theology? If so, proceed.

6. So, you found an exciting new church? Would this be a better place to live out the three months your oncologist has given you? Why? If so, proceed.

7. Does your new philosophy make you happier? Has it helped you face anxiety and fear? Does it seem to give you a better handle on depression? Do you whistle more now? If so, proceed.

8. Has this new framework already helped you decrease your craving for porn? Does this new truth soothe some painful wound that previously was dulled by drink? Your need to gossip has faded? If so, proceed.

9. Are your spouse, children, parents, and co-workers grateful for how things have improved now that you adopted this view? Who around you is happy you converted?

I am not being cynical about your new discovery, only pointing out what’s involved in progress toward godliness. The Word of God is not magic, and its leaven works over years, but it is finally supposed to give us a more abundant life.

Disciples expect persecution, but if your beliefs are not a blessing to your spouse, your church, your dog, and your neighbours, it may be you still need more new theology, or a fresh take on the old doctrine.