Anyone not familiar with the saying that constitutes the title of this book may be hard pressed to know what to expect. Even the subtitle, ‘The Case for Theological Triage’, may shed little further light unless we understand how the medical world assesses the seriousness of injuries during a major incident.

However, the back cover provides the information we need. The author believes that in theology, as in battle, some hills are worth dying on and others are not. In other words, some doctrines are important enough to defend to the death (‘death’ of course being used figuratively, in reference to division and disunity). By categorising doctrines from ‘essential’ to ‘unimportant’, we can get a better idea of when to argue and when simply to let go, agreeing to disagree.

Categories of doctrine

When I first heard about this book, I assumed Ortlund was offering something original. But it seems others have made similar attempts before, and even the phrase ‘theological triage’ had already been coined elsewhere. Nevertheless this is still a very helpful book to aid us in processing the overarching idea for ourselves, which actually is the while point of the study.

To be able to engage in this process, it is first necessary to agree with the author that not all doctrines are equally important. To suggest that they are all equal, as some apparently do, Ortlund asserts is “a difficult statement to justify biblically” (p29). He reminds us that Paul describes some things “as of first importance” (1 Cor 15:3), whereas on other matters the apostle gives believers greater latitude to disagree, and warns against “passing judgment on disputable matters” (Rom 14:1). Moreover, to flatten out all doctrine leaves us fighting over everything or nothing, neither being particularly viable.

Ortlund then goes on to outline his four basic categories (‘Essential’, ‘Urgent’, ‘Important’, ‘Unimportant’). He acknowledges that though other scholars have come up with different names for such grouping, it is always fourfold (perhaps not coincidentally). He adds, humbly and realistically, that “not everything will fit neatly into one of these four categories”, but he believes these “provide a basic framework from which we can make further specifications and nuances as necessary” (p.20).

Slow but important start

After the introductory chapter, the book divides into two parts; the first asking, "why do theological triage at all?", and the second showing how it works. In the latter section Ortlund covers specific doctrines and attempts to identify the criteria for ranking their importance. For many, this will be the main focus of interest, and for these readers the three chapters in Part 1 may seem to give the book a slow start, as they long to get on with the ‘real task’. However, Ortlund clearly feels the need to spell out the dangers of two opposite errors: ‘Doctrinal Sectarianism’ (attitudes, beliefs or practices that create unnecessary divisions), and ‘Doctrinal Minimalism’ (the mindset that says doctrines are not important, let’s just love God and others).

For the third chapter of Part 1, the author shares a bit of his own story in order to show us that, for him, theological triage is not an academic exercise, but something very personal that has affected his life profoundly. Here he covers three topics: infant baptism, the millennium and the days of creation. And it is true to say that this autobiographical chapter truly illuminates the whole purpose of theological triage and sets the scene for what is to follow.

Theological triage is not an academic exercise, but something very personal that has affected Ortlund's life profoundly

Primary doctrines

In Part 2 we have a further three chapters exploring primary, secondary and tertiary doctrines. The two case studies chosen in the primary category are the virgin birth and justification. These are both covered extremely well. We are also guided through the range of criteria being used to classify such doctrines. Do primary doctrines have to be essential to the gospel or for salvation (or both)? Here the author makes an intriguing point about the virgin birth: even if it is not necessary to every Christian (for their salvation) it is necessary for Christianity (in order to provide that salvation). This example illustrates how, as with a lot of material in the book, there are many interesting points to ponder, and opportunities for discussion. For instance, should we distinguish between what must be affirmed and what must not be denied?

Secondary and tertiary doctines

The second-rank doctrines considered are baptism, spiritual gifts and women in ministry. What places a doctrine in this category is the influence it exerts on the gospel itself or the practical difference it makes to Church life or that of the individual believer. Ortlund admits this is the hardest category to define and recognises that some secondary doctrines might be almost essential, and others almost tertiary. To assume that all secondary doctrines are equally secondary might cause us to gloss over important differences. At this point the author seems to be moving away from his four distinct and discrete boxes with hard borders, and heading towards ‘fuzzy boxes’ or even a spectrum of doctrinal distinction. It would be easy to criticise him for this and say he is undermining his own thesis, but in effect he is simply being realistic and inviting us to join him in thinking through this difficult task.

The third category contains two examples, one from each end of the Bible: the creation days of Genesis 1 and the nature of the millennium in Revelation 20. Ortlund’s main point here is that fighting over tertiary issues is unhelpful; doing so while at the same time neglecting primary ones is even worse.

In theology as well as in battle, some hills are worth dying on. If they are lost, everything is lost.

Focus on theology

The concluding chapter is a call to theological humility, a fitting way to round the book off. There is also an excellent scriptural index and general index.

Inevitably, Ortlund has made a series of personal choices in producing this study. He explains he is writing from an evangelical Protestant and Reformed position and has focussed on theology and doctrine rather than issues such as home schooling, alcohol or political matters.

The last word belongs to the author himself: “In theology as well as in battle, some hills are worth dying on. If they are lost, everything is lost. You can get a secondary or tertiary doctrine wrong and still have a fruitful life and ministry – but the denial of a first-rank doctrine is a vital loss” (p. 75).

‘Finding the Right Hills to Die On’ (163 pages) is published by Crossway, and is available from Eden Christian Books and Amazon

Paul Luckraft engages in a lively audio discussion with Bible teacher, David Serle at the very recent Foundations Conference, led by Steve Maltz, and held on Zoom. Click here to listen