Doctrinal Division or Chaotic Unity

I've wanted to write on this topic for a while now ever since I got this remark about going to Seminary this Fall - "Seminary, oh, all they're going to do is indoctrinate him, he just needs to experience and love Jesus." Two consecutive days this week I got similar remarks- Describing his church an acquaintance said, "We don't discriminate people for what they believe, we just want to love them." Another girl I met this week on the ULM campus explained why she attends about 5 different churches, "The American church needs unity, not doctrinal division."

I completely disagree and don't understand the first remark. The second and third I understand and see good intentions, but I still don't agree. That is, I don't agree because the Bible doesn't agree.

My response to all three of these is basically the same. Doctrinal stances, convictions matter because they mattered to the Biblical writers.

For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth.

Romans 1:18

For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Claiming to be wise, they became fools, and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man and birds and animals and reptiles. Therefore God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, to the dishonoring of their bodies among themselves, because they exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever! Amen.

Romans 1:21-25

Follow the pattern of the sound words that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.

2 Timothy 1:13

Obviously truth matters! Doctrine and theology are heralds of the truth of God. Not knowing the truth and trusting the Author of truth, Jesus, will send you to hell. Oh I pray we never fall into this trap of "Forget doctrine, forget theology. Lets love Jesus and people!" According to the Apostle Paul, you can not love Jesus or people without doctine or theology. The means of becoming wicked and the result of wickedness is suppression of the truth. Thats my condensed response to the first two remarks.

Concerning the third remark, I agree that the last thing we need is unnecessary division in the Church. Division is clearly a result of sin but not necessarily on account of both sides. Both can be wrong or one can be correct and the other wrong.
The Aposlte Paul encouraged division between the church and world.

Therefore go out from their midst and be separate from them, says the Lord, and touch no unclean thing; and then I will welcome you

2 Corinthians 6:17

God does not want "Chaotic Unity." Doctrinal looseness will result in worldliness. God wants people who will stand for the truth that the Bible declares. This may bring "Doctrinal Division." There are certain doctrines in Scripture that are so central to God and the Gospel that a firm stand must be taken. In the world we live in this will inevitably bring division.

Not one of us has God in a box. Not one of us is perfect in our doctrine or theology. We should be kind, loving, and patient in our teaching and learning. Thank the Lord that one day we will all see Jesus as He really is. The elect will praise His name with unified hearts!