Theological Triage
Theological triage (or spiritual triage) is a way of ranking Christian doctrine and its importance and urgency for the church. The term "triage" is a medical term, referring to how medical professionals prioritize patients based on their needs.
Theological triage helps us determine which Christian doctrines are essential and foundational for the faith, and which are areas where there may be disagreements among believers.
We often see these ranked as primary issues (first-tier), secondary issues (second-tier), and tertiary issues (third-tier). Note: sometimes this will include a fourth-tier, or preferences.
Primary / First-Tier Doctrine
Primary issues are first-order doctrines that are essential and foundational for the Christian faith. These are the most important and the most urgent doctrines for believers.
These are issues that *must* be affirmed to be Christianity. Without an affirmation of these first-tier doctrines, it is no longer Christianity being discussed.
Examples of first-tier doctrine:
-The Trinity
-Jesus is fully God and fully man.
-The life, death, burial, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus Christ.
-Authority of The Bible
Secondary / Second-Tier Doctrine
Secondary issues are second-order doctrines that are still important and urgent for the church. However, faithful believers can disagree on these doctrines. Those who are truly in Christ can see these issues differently, while still remaining within orthodox Christianity.
However, these disagreements may create separation among believers: Christians may choose to worship separately based on these doctrines.
For example, a believer who practices credobaptism (believer's baptism), may not agree with a church that practices infant baptism, and may therefore worship at a separate local church.
Examples of second-tier doctrine:
-Baptism
-Spiritual gifts
-Women's roles in the church
Tertiary / Third-Tier Doctrine
Tertiary issues are third-tier doctrines within the faith. These are areas where believers may disagree, but continue to worship and fellowship together.
While these areas are absolutely still important and worthy of consideration, there are various views that may fall within orthodox Christianity.
Examples of third-tier doctrine:
-Eschatology
-Age of the earth
A Humble Balance
It's important to note that we can still have strong convictions and good conversations around these lesser-tier doctrines. By practicing good-faith conversations and remaining kind, gracious, humble, and logical, we can learn and grow with believers with different convictions and preferences.
There are two major pitfalls we want to avoid:
Treating everything as though it is first-tier doctrine.
-This is not only unhelpful but also potentially harmful. We must recognize which issues are truly fundamental to the Christian faith, and which issues are not.
Treating nothing as first-tier doctrine.
-We must recognize that many issues are absolutely foundational to the Christian faith. Without them, we are no longer discussing biblical Christianity.
(Note: It's absolutely okay to have questions, doubts, and concerns about first-tier issues.)
Additional Thoughts
A note of clarification: It's important to note that some issues will contain elements that are first-tier, as well as lesser-tier issues.
The age of the earth provides an excellent example. An essential element of the Christian faith is to acknowledge that God created all things. He is the creator of everyone and everything. However, believers may disagree about the exact age of the earth (third-order issue.)
Another essential doctrine is the second coming of Christ: The Lord Jesus Christ will return (first-order). However, believers may disagree about the timing and events of the second coming (third-tier).
Additional Resources
This is just a brief overview of theological triage, but it’s truly a skill that will benefit all believers.
Some helpful resources:
-Article “A Call for Theological Triage and Christian Maturity” by Albert Mohler
-Podcast episode: Knowing Faith episode 105 “Theological Triage and Genesis with Gavin Ortlund”
-Finding the Right Hills to Die On by Gavin Ortlund
-The workshop "Unity in Orthodoxy" from Delightfully Feasting. There is also an applicable session on this topic in her Theology Course. You can use code LIVINGBRIGHT for 35% off at Delightfully Feasting. (Note: I am not an affiliate with Delightfully Feasting, nor do I receive any commission for recommending her resources. I just highly recommend her resources!)
