Why Doctrine? Why Doxology?

The title of this blog may seem abstract, but with this explanation, I hope deeper understanding will come, leading to the greater appreciation for God and His Being.
These two words are what shape our daily lives as children of God. Our spiritual lives consist in two values: truth and emotion. Truth is what shapes our worldview. Theologically, truth is that which is consistent with the mind, will, character, glory, and being of God. This truth, found in the Word of God, when saturated into our minds, "transforms"(Lit. transfigures- Rom. 12:2) them into the likeness of Christ, thereby allowing us as inherently sinful creatures to see His perfect truth. This truth is expressed in the doctrines of the Christian faith. Doctrine is the systematic beliefs of a group of people (in our case Christians, or more specifically Calvinists - assuming you are one). These beliefs are grounded in the truth of God's Being as revealed to us in His Word and His creation.

Doxology

Systematic truth (doctrine) is not the only factor needed in the Christian's life, despite what some professors and academics may say. The other equally important aspect of a Christian's worshipful life is the continual Doxology of Christ. There were many doxologies in the times of the early church that gave glory to God. The original greek form of "doxology" translated literally to, "words of praise." One common doxology used to end many songs and canticles was the "Minor Doxology,"or "Gloria Patri," which translates to: "Glory be to the Father and the Son." A longer Doxology of which we are somewhat familiar is the "Greater Doxology," or "Gloria in excelsis Deo," which translates to: "Glory to God in the highest." The song "Common Doxology" is the most famous today and is truly the simplest form of true, unhindered worship of God.

Praise God, from Whom all blessings flow;
Praise Him, all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, ye heav’nly host;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.

The theme of this song is a little subdued I know, but what this song is doing is continually praising God for who He is! This song can be sung by any person with any motive, but to have true doxological attitudes toward God is something not produced by anything man can do or say. This driving force for true doxology is the immense joy found in God's Person and the immutable, authoritative, absolute, divine truth taught by the Bible and interpreted by the Spirit. This is the reason that these two words are inseparable on this blog. If one puts too much confidence in his doctrine, and gives no room for the spirit and praise, he is just as much in error as the one who lives to praise God without ever knowing the beautiful truths of His character. This relationship is best described by Pastor John Piper in his book Desiring God: Meditations of a Christian Hedonist.

Awesome Book!!

"Truth without emotion produces dead orthodoxy and a church full (or half-full) of artificial admirers (like people who write generic anniversary cards for a living.) On the other hand, emotion without truth produces empty frenzy and cultivates shallow people who refuse the discipline of rigorous thought. But true worship comes from people who are deeply emotional and who love deep and sound doctrine."

Therefore, I submit this treatise on the title of this blog with hopes of creating a truly Christocentric (Christ-centered) web site whose goal is to promote the praise of Christ's immutable perfection through the systematic study and worship of Him.