Finding the Right Hills to Die On

The Case for Theological Triage

By: Gavin Ortlund, D. A. Carson - foreword

Narrated by: Tom Parks

Length: 4 hrs and 12 mins

Publisher's summary

In theology, just as in battle, some hills are worth dying on. But how do we know which ones? When should doctrine divide, and when should unity prevail? Pastor Gavin Ortlund makes the case that while all doctrines matter, some are more essential than others. 

He considers how and what to prioritize in doctrine and ministry, encouraging humility and grace along the way. Using four basic categories of doctrine in order of importance, this book helps new and seasoned church leaders alike wisely labor both to uphold doctrine and to preserve unity.

©2020 Gavin Ortlund (P)2020 eChristian

Fantastic and incredibly timely!

Ortlund’s take on this topic is incredibly useful and timely. More churches would be saved from a lot of conflict if they read this book. Very short and sweet, but packs a punch. Worth your time!

excellent

fairly thorough for how short it is. I would like to have seen more on practical applicability for the modern reader.

Timely and insightful

In a word of division in the church often over secondary issues (or worse) this is a helpful resource to guide our thinking in HOW TO THINK about these issues. I appreciated the framework, humility, and personal examples.

Humility needed.

See above. Seriously, that is the tone of this book. Nuance and charity may be seen as weakness, but unity on the right things is such a gift.

Theological triage: start with humility!

Broad brush on some matters, deep biblical and historical explanation of "hot" topics. Well done! Humility in all things, especially in the issues of doctrine. The unity of the Church was very important to Jesus and should be to His disciples (All Believers!).

The categories are good, more perspectives would have been helpful.

Audio-wise, there’s a few jarring pronunciations of Herman Bavinck (should not have an emphasized INK) and Francis Turretin (the man was an Italian and shouldn’t be pronounced like a French name).

Substantively, the book has a helpful set of theological triage categories laid out that I think are helpful. I think it’s unfortunately rather limited in its time applicability beyond those categories because it’s limited to the particular issues that happen to be the most common in contemporary evangelical circles but doesn’t really provide a strong creedal glue or encourage the reader to embrace such a position. This isn’t just confessionalism but not really doing a deep dive into the historic creeds in order to really flesh out the first order issues.

It’s helpful to see Rev. Ortland’s particular doctrinal hinge points are (baptism, sign gifts, women in ministry, creation days, and the millennium) have been, and those are common in evangelical circles, but they’re not the only hinge points historically at all.

His common debate partner, the Lutheran Jordan Cooper could add some very interesting content and perspective from the other side of the Reformation. Similarly, an Anglican or confessional Presbyterian could provide some different takes on their particulars, especially on what’s second and third order for their groups.

Overall, I think it’s a good starting place for those trying to weigh doctrinal issues but will probably be pretty time bound. For a similar treatment that fleshes out top level issues really well and has a similar focus, I think Trevin Wax’s Thrill of Orthodoxy is the much stronger work, because it doesn’t just rush through the first order issues where there’s real unity.

think beforehand

This book gives good examples of where a Christian should think carefully before speaking or acting when faced with a differing point of view. Humility and love should be our primary motivations when discussing different religious doctrines while still not compromising on the most important truths.

Gracious Humility

I appreciate the call to practice gracious humility in regards to differing interpretations of scripture and different doctrinal creeds. The church should strive for Unity not division in regards to non core doctrines.

Solid wisdom

In today’s culture, it is so easy to divide, but this book gives an outline for the way of Jesus in pursuing wisdom and humility when it comes to talking about and living out our doctrine.

Excellent book!

This book was very helpful in my journey as a believer & navigating the differences we have. I love Gavin's emphasis on humility & unity. I highly recommend this book to those working through doctrinal and/or different convictions with those they are close to.