go: introduction, part one

orthodoxy, which means "straight or right thinking," by definition must be concerned with whether the thinking involved is correct. thus, like it or not, to talk about orthodoxy one must wrestle with both and right and wrong opinions. now, this may not be politically or theologically fashionable, but the concept of orthodoxy demands taking such a stance. the orthodox suggests the unorthodox.
this does not mean, however, that orthodoxy has to be ungenerous. in fact, one might argue that genuine christian orthodoxy is always generous, even when it combats unorthodoxy most vehemently. why? because genuine christian orthodoxy is a byproduct of grace. no, it's more than that. orthodoxy is a direct result of grace. graciously, god has instructed his people how to think rightly about their relationship with the triune god. knowing that their belief is a gift from god, the orthodox consequently ought to exercise grace toward those who do not agree with them in part or in whole.
while generous orthodoxy is an admirable goal, i think genuine christians ought to aim for more. our responses to fellow believers and to nonbelievers must be more than generous, they must be gracious. in the coming weeks, therefore, let's think about gracious orthodoxy, right thinking not only brought about by the grace of god but also reaching out to others in the same spirit of grace.