Lovelace asks a crucial question "One of the central theological issues confronting the Christian Church in our generation and seriously dividing it is the problem of the function of sound teaching in the body of Christ. Is intellectual assent to creedal propositions essential to the health and even the life of churches and individuals?
Lovelace says that live orthodoxy can heal some of our divisions. Here are the seven features Lovelace thinks can lead to some dialogue.
1) Biblical doctrine (spiritually energized and illuminated propositional truth) is normally the instrument through which regenerative transformation of the human personality takes place in the Holy Spirit's application of redemption.
2) Biblical doctrine is therefore essential both in evangelism and in the church's prophetic social witness.
3) Doctrine is a reliable indicator of the kind of spiritual life or motivating force within a person or movement; for life expresses itself by affecting thought and teaching.
4) However, sound doctrine does not necessarily guarantee spiritual life or force within a person or a movement.
5) Some measure of the life and power of the Holy Spirit can on occasion be found in persons and movements which have had little or not contact with doctrinal truth.
6) Doctrinal error can destroy spiritual life.
7) Erroneous doctrine, however, does not in every case indicate spiritual death or full allegiance to spiritual forces inimical to the kingdom of God.
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