I feel like I'm back in school. The research and preparation for helping out with an upcoming seminar has brought back my memories of college coursework. I actually like that.
The aspect I sometimes struggle with, and more recently as I tackle tougher topics, is the absorption of this information, and the ability to pass along this information in a manner that is relevant to those for whom it is intended. That's my fancy way of saying, "I need to know how to talk to people better regarding matters of the faith."
I decided to write a bit right now about the issues I'm researching, and the massive shift in the Christian faith towards a more universal, tolerant, open view of it. Frankly, dealing with so much worldly viewpoint in the midst of the faith is wearing me out. I think it is pertinent; however, to speak a bit to this subject, especially for those Christians out there who may be leaning towards a view that would lead into false doctrine.
It is hard enough defending Christ to an unbelieving world. Now we have to defend Christ to Christians who have created their own Christ to suit their needs/wants/desires.
I detect no less than three that stand out to me.
Moral Teacher Jesus says wise sayings and was just a "great guy" with "good wisdom" for us. He certainly is not God (because "God is what I want him to be")...
Hippie Jesus loves everyone and would never condemn to Hell because God is love. This "buddy Christ" view ignores much of what Jesus himself said about the nature of Hell/Sin, and manages to avoid the sections of verses where he rebukes sin, in favor of the ones where he promotes neighborly love. [Matthew 7:13-14, 21; Matthew 25:41; Matt 10:32-39, etc...]
Prosperity Jesus says belief in him will cause blessings to rain down from Heaven. What is overlooked is the need for repentance. Yes, God blesses us, but not if we are in sin, and unrepentant. This gospel can be very appealing for drawing in Christians, but over the long haul, potentially creates very shallow Christians, who are not willing to suffer for the cross if it's required of them. As soon as the blessings stop, they stop believing, potentially.
The danger here is straying from Christ's own words. For Christians, we base a good portion of our doctrine on what Christ actually said. Paul added good things as well, but to seriously sit back and say Christ only said to love everyone and never rebuke is self deception.
If one is willing to be a Christian, there are some essential truths to which they must adhere. Without these essentials, Christianity becomes just like every other false religion out there. The reason we know Christianity is the way is because of its exclusivity. All other religions compromise and allow so much openness that it becomes about what man wants. There is no accountability, truth, or set view of God. We make God what we want. As Romans 1 puts it, they worship the creation more than the creator.
As I continue my studying, I'll likely post more on such issues. This was not meant to be a formal post, but rather a collection of thoughts based on what i've been looking into this past week. I enjoy pursuit of these topics, but I am cautiously approaching those "off" views that fall in the realm of Christianity. As Paul says, "a little leaven, leavens the whole lump," or one or two false teachers in the midst of Christians will soon affect larger portions. This diversity of views in the church is not something to celebrate. Christian leaders would do well to re-familiarize themselves with 2 Timothy 4:1-5, and finally take a stand for the truth of Christianity and it's essential doctrine.
2 Timothy 4:2-5: "Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove; rebuke; exhort with great patience and instruction. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers, and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables (myths)." (NKJV/NASB)
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