Thank you for the opinion question, “Any theological arguments made without any reference to the Bible can be dismissed on the grounds that such claims are not based on the scripture. Do you agree or disagree?”
As I ponder this question, it would be helpful if one has an example of a theological argument without any bases or reference to the Bible. The phrase, “not based on the scripture” needs to be explore more for clarification.
A. If agrees with the question, then one may interpret that certain theological terms are unbiblical and are to be dismissed.
For example, the term “trinity” or “rapture” are not specially cited in the Scriptures. Does this mean that the teaching of the plurality of the Godhead is heretical? The same would apply to the theological term “rapture’ which teaches that Jesus Christ come back before the Tribulational Period starts.
If one is suggesting that a theological term that is not used in the Bible is to be dismissed, I would disagree with that statement. Theological terms are used to distinguish or define a more specific view based on the Scriptures. The Old and New Testament are not written as theological arguments although it contains theological propositions and explanations.
B. If one makes a theological statement or argument like God doesn’t exist or that the Holy Spirit is a force and not a person without citing any Scripture support, I wouldn’t automatically dismiss that person’s viewpoint.
If it is a theological viewpoint, there has to be a premise. It is important for me to try to understand that’s person’s viewpoint or how did he arrive at his viewpoint. If it is a philosophical question, then I would like to hear his viewpoint and hopefully that person would be open to my Scriptural bases for my belief.
The danger for a Christian is just to dismiss the theological argument is to dismiss the person. One must be careful to distinguish one’s thoughts and one’s personhood. The person is worthwhile to listen to since that may open a door for that person to consider other factors that s/he may not have taken into account. It is better to engage than to disengage.
Summary: I wouldn’t automatically dismiss that person’s theological argument, but I would seek to understand how or why s/he had come to that theological position.
-Kingston