While I disagree (to put it lightly) with the theology of the author quoted below and his conclusions as to what constitutes true Christian doctrine, I agree with him about the importance about ascertaining true doctrine and its implications:
Doctrine is particularly important because a sound proclamation of the gospel of salvation depends on an accurate understanding of what the gospel is, what salvation is, and how salvation is received (Gal. 1:6-9; 1 Tim. 4:16). Nothing less than our eternal future depends on it. I do not mean to imply that we must all become theologians and experts on every fine point of doctrine to be saved. But the church as a whole must take great care that it faithfully proclaims the true gospel, and every Christian has a stake in the matter. I will have more to say on this point a little later.
It is true that some doctrinal issues are less important than others. One of the most crucial functions of Christian theology, and one of the most neglected, is to sort out the really important—the essential—from the less important and even the irrelevant (see Rom. 14).
Thus, handled properly, doctrine is very relevant to human life, and pursuit of sound doctrine should therefore be the concern of every person at least to some extent . . . Doctrine enables us to develop a realistic view of the world and of ourselves, without which we are doomed to ineffectual living (Matt. 22:23-33; Rom. 12:3; 2 Tim. 4:3-4). Doctrine can protect us from believing falsehoods which upset people’s faith or lead to destructive behaviour (1 Tim. 4:1-6; 2 Tim. 2:18; Titus 1:11). Doctrine also prepares us to minister to others (Eph. 4:11-12).(Robert M. Bowman, Jr. Orthodoxy and Heresy: A Biblical Guide to Doctrinal Discernment [Grand Rapids, Mich.: Baker Book House, 1995] 16, 17)
