Within the Free Reformed Church (which I am a member of), there is a strong emphasis on doctrine. Keeping in mind that too much emphasis on doctrine can detract from living a life to the glory and honour of God, the precepts and teachings of the Church are a blessing. Within the reformed Church, the youth of the congregation receive catechism instruction in which they are educated about the confessions of the church and the history of the church. I went through 6 years of catechism and while I didn't always enjoy it at the time, it truly was a blessing and a wonderful experience. Throughout the history of the Reformed Church there are many different conflicts and disagreements of doctrine that you are made aware of and in catechism you are taught about these differences, why they exist, and why there are different denominations as a result.
Doctrine is a blessing. It is by the doctrine and confessions of the Church that people are taught. Although doctrine is something that can be a point of conflict between different denominations, it is what ensures that what is being taught is what the Bible states. In reading the book total truth by Nancy Pearcy, I was made aware of the fact that there are many evangelical Churches who really focus on their life and experiences, which is a good thing, but the author also drew attention to the need to teach the word of God as shown in the Bible. It is important that we do have a doctrine as it enables us to learn more about God in the way in which he has revealed Himself to us.
(I hope that I have made myself clear in writing this. It sounded better in my head than it does reading it over again) The doctrine and history of the church really is a blessing as you can learn from it and avoid making the same theological mistakes again.
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