Should Christians Refuse To Service The Gay Community?
The Israelites believed Romans to be heathens, or ungodly. In the land that was promised to Moses, when God brought them out of the bondage in Egypt, the Romans had no place ruling God's chosen people in God's chosen land. To put it simply, this was blasphemous to the Isrealites.
One Roman law stated that any man could be required to stop whatever he was doing and carry a Roman soldier’s equipment as far as a mile. This type of practice was completely despised by the Isrealites and they were awaiting a Messiah that would stand up and remove this persecution and control by the Romans. A king that would force Roman control out of the land of promise.
With his followers gathered around him, Jesus referenced this very law in His sermon on the mount and told His followers what they should do. “If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also,” he said. “And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles. Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you. You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect" (Mathew 5). Yikes! ... that was obviously not the conclusion that the people would have come up with on their own. They wanted blood!
If you believe gay marriage is wrong and a gay couple comes in to patronize your shop, what should you do? If God causes the sun to rise and the rain to fall on the wedding days of straight and gay couples, then what is our responsibility? If you believe strongly that their lifestyle is immoral, what should you do? What if local, state, or federal law says it is discrimination to refuse service to the couple wanting to get married, what then?
Christians, our Jesus said, “Go with them two miles.”
If you are wondering if you need to stand up for what you believe is right, if you have missed the hurt in their eyes when you refuse them service and only see an angry, media-driven, ACLU-led mob attacking the small business owner who is only standing up for what you believe in ... yes, stand up and do the right thing!
Christians, our Jesus said, “Go with them two miles.”
Our Redeemer said not only obey the law, but take it to a higher standard of love. Christians should be the FIRST to offer our services! We should be like an overbearing relative and smother them with service and love. “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." - Jesus
We are hurting so many people when we dig our heels into our dogma and forget the primary message of Jesus, to love as far as our enemies. Behind the ACLU and the media are real people, ... real people who have been hurt over and over in the name of Christ by Christians. I know most of us may have good intentions, but in the end ... Jesus is the last thing they want to hear about after we get done with them. Show them love, show them Jesus.
They will know we are Christians by our love, ... by our love.
- Kev
The Freedom To Believe
My first diaper was changed on a church pew. I was raised my entire life in church. From as long as I can remember I have heard pastors, ministers, and speakers talk of how we will eventually lose more and more freedoms in our house of worship. How that as the time draws closer to the end it will become necessary for our freedoms to be tighten and controlled by the ever so scary plot of the anti-christ to do his work before the return of Christ.
As I have grown older, I have watched to see if this freedom has been infringed upon. I must say that I have not witnessed the attack on our places of worship as I was warned about, ...yet. The America I have always known, just wouldn't stand for it. However, I have noticed a change in the opinions and mind-sets of the American public. It seems that if you should choose not to allow certain "life style" into your membership or church functions most of the American public would cry out on the horrible bigotry that they have just witnessed. We as a nation need to grow up and realize that we cannot expect to be included in every group or allow any group or "worldly" pressures to influence the beliefs or the practices that we or others have.
I am absolutely sickened by religious groups that preach hate and intolerance. I have witnessed true bigotry in church when someone was treated horribly by the congregation or listened as the preacher told us how that homosexuals, blacks, and hispanics were the cancer on our nation (I actually heard this). This makes me sick. Love, acceptance, and charity should be our cry, not hate. I feel if Christ would come to earth as he did the first time, he would attack our religious organizations exactly as he did with the church of his day. Not because we should change our core beliefs, but because many beliefs can be inspired by hate. Hate has no place in the christian life but many use their beliefs as a cover for hate. However, we cannot allow beliefs, exactly like these, to be silenced because we are not adult enough to understand the intent of our nations forefathers.
Freedom to believe is a precious freedom and needs to be allowed by everyone, even the ignorant.
Speaking Truth To Power
It is difficult for many of us to visualize a timeline of the world's empires, especially since most of us generally view the world from a Biblical perspective. The ancient world consisted of long lasting empires that did not know about one another. While Asia flourished, Egypt and South America also had flourishing civilizations. One of the longest surviving empires of the world was the Mayans and they have been largely ignored in global views until they ran out of room on their calendar and now they have received to much attention.
But even if you look simply on the history of empires, from Egypt to Assyria, Babylon to Rome, Arab and British ... you come down to the Soviet Union and the United States. What we learn from this is the inevitable reality that empires rise and fall. It seems the cycle of rising and falling gets shorter as time continues it's march forward.
The United States, early in the 20th century, began to pursue it's imperialistic pursuits as Colonialism was dying. However, technological, economic, and military colonialism started taking its place. America was the leader in the early development of things that has forever changed society like films, flight, computer technology, and transportation but we grew and advanced so quickly that our TV and movie industry dominated the world and pushed our culture, fashions, and values onto the rest of the planet earth. Pilots all over the world want to fly and talk to the control tower but you have to speak English..... it's our toys, so it's our rules.
Cultural empires expressed themselves, in the west, in Greek, to Arabic, to Latin and now into English and for those of us born in the second half of the last century, it is difficult to see that we are the king of the hill for this moment in time. The world's technology, culture, military and economy will not always be ruled by our influence.
The Soviet Union was the rival of our lifetime. Then eventually the Soviet Union under the sheer weight of the arms race could no longer finance it's approach and fell for good. Now we to are expanding our military presence across the world but especially in the Pacific around China as if we could launch enough ships to contain them. As China's economy is growing, we are expanding our military spending in exactly the same way the Soviet Union did and we will likely hand world domination to China because of the lack of foresight on our part to stop following in the footsteps of those that have gone down the same path.
Take Afghanistan, long known as the death of empires. We watched as the Soviet Union deplete their capital resources in a useless war there and now we have been there from 2001 to the present trying our best to commit the same economic and political suicide ourselves. We also maintain more than 700 military bases in 130 nations, many of which are related to WWII issues ... a war that ended 70 years ago. Without any thought about the fall of Russia, we now are hearing the drum beats for a war in Iran.
Both parties, in the American political debate, have had recent presidential candidates that tried to bring to the forefront the self destruction this military empire we have built will bring upon us, Paul and Ryan, two different men from opposite ends of our political system but they have both been painted as being lunatics. Every politician deserves to be seen a bubble off of plumb but these two have been sent to the far reaches of political consideration because, as Ron Paul said, "Telling the truth is treason in the empire of lies."
Before you think that I am supporting Paul too much, let me quickly say that he paraphrased that quote in his book from George Orwell who said that, "In an age of universal deceit, telling the truth is a revolutionary act."
I don't mention the inevitability of the demise of the American empire to be upsetting nor to suggest that we should take steps to remain at the top of the mountain. I'm just making a observation about power just as a spiritual person and a simple citizen.
As a spiritual person I refer to an Old Testament lesson which comes from the 17th chapter of Ezekiel where the prophet is declaring that the day would come when God would raise up the kingdom of Judah to rule the world. He uses the image of Israel as a mighty cedar tree growing tall and all of the birds of the air, representing the nations of the world, come to build nests in its branches. This Zionist vision is repeated here and there through the Bible and is sometimes so subtle that even modern Americans seem to be persuaded that God wants to put this particular government and this particular piece of real estate in a prominent position. I to believe in God's chosen people, but not to the point of lunacy.
The lesson here demonstrates that Jesus was not taken in by Ezekiel's excesses of nationalistic enthusiasm. In Mark chapter 4, Jesus likens the Kingdom of God, not to a giant cedar tree but to a tiny mustard plant. He mocks Ezekiel saying that birds build their nest in the mustard plant but not any bird that is not intent upon almost immediate extinction because the mustard weed only grows to be about a foot to a foot and a half tall.... It can be crushed by stepping on it and it dies in the first frost. To rub it in just a bit further, the mustard weed was not kosher and was used only to feed cattle and sheep. Jesus chose the weakest, most disgusting and unlikely plant to represent the Kingdom of God and he did that just as Roman armies were carrying their fierce symbols of military might all over the western world.
If we are to "speak the truth to power" we must first accept that speaking is the only power we have but I am always suspicious of power because every empire eventually becomes one built upon lies.
Take for example that we not only invaded Iraq under false pretenses, once our first set of lies were discovered, then the defense for occupation was that Saddam was a horribly corrupt dictator that violently put down protest and tortured prisoners. But wait a minute, don't we torture prisoners and violently put down opposition? How about the amount of corruption within the pentagon and the hundreds of millions of missing dollars? This forces one to wonder, in a contest between our Government in Iraq and Saddam's management ... which one was the most deadly and oppressive and corrupt?
Honestly, I have no idea what the answer is to that question would be. However, I know for certain you will not hear this question asked by the media channels that are owned by the same corporations that profit from the war nor in any denominational church because speaking the truth in the empire of lies is considered to be treason.
When Jesus points to the vulnerable, non-kosher mustard plant as the symbol for the kingdom where we want to hold our citizenship it is an anti-empire symbol. A citizenship not attached to any earthly Government.
I am an American and I want my country to be the one that delivers emergency relief aid. I want them to provide medical treatment to the millions throughout the world without such capabilities. I even want my nation to be the one that helps to stop genocide, remove murderous dictators, and to promote human rights around this global community of ours. But I know that power always corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely, and we start believing things like, "Water boarding isn't torture because Americans do it and America doesn't torture..... so water boarding can't be torture." Round and round we go with the justifications.
So if speaking the truth is treason in the empire of lies, I just want to make sure that I am guilty of treason. Or if you prefer George Orwell's wording so that speaking the truth in an age of deceit is a revolutionary act, fine. But no matter how you slice it, we should never be afraid to speak the truth to the empire because without us, they are sure to prefer their lies.
Israel Exalted at Last
Ezekiel 17:22-24
"Thus says the Lord God: “I will take also one of the highest branches of the high cedar and set it out. I will crop off from the topmost of its young twigs a tender one, and will plant it on a high and prominent mountain. On the mountain height of Israel I will plant it; and it will bring forth boughs, and bear fruit, and be a majestic cedar. Under it will dwell birds of every sort; in the shadow of its branches they will dwell. And all the trees of the field shall know that I, the Lord, have brought down the high tree and exalted the low tree, dried up the green tree and made the dry tree flourish; I, the Lord, have spoken and have done it. "
Parable of the Mustard Seed Matt. 13:31–35
"Then He said, “To what shall we liken the kingdom of God? Or with what parable shall we picture it? It is like a mustard seed which, when it is sown on the ground, is smaller than all the seeds on earth; but when it is sown, it grows up and becomes greater than all herbs, and shoots out large branches, so that the birds of the air may nest under its shade.”And with many such parables He spoke the word to them as they were able to hear it. But without a parable He did not speak to them. And when they were alone, He explained all things to His disciples."
.
Our New Religion
First dentistry was painless;
Then bicycles were chainless
And carriages were horseless
And many laws, enforceless.
Next, cookery was fireless,
Telegraphy was wireless,
Cigars were nicotineless
And coffee, caffeinless.
Soon oranges were seedless,
The putting green was weedless,
The college boy hatless,
The proper diet, fatless.
Now motor roads are dustless,
The latest steel is rustless,
Our tennis courts are sodless,
Our new religion, godless.
- Arthur Guiterman (1936)
Arthur Guiterman was an editor of the Woman's Home Companion and the Literary Digest, a co-founder the Poetry Society of America, and a delightful poet whose work was published in over a dozen collections including Betel Nuts: What They Say In Hindustan (1907), The Laughing Muse (1915), and Gaily the Troubadour (1936).
Then bicycles were chainless
And carriages were horseless
And many laws, enforceless.
Next, cookery was fireless,
Telegraphy was wireless,
Cigars were nicotineless
And coffee, caffeinless.
Soon oranges were seedless,
The putting green was weedless,
The college boy hatless,
The proper diet, fatless.
Now motor roads are dustless,
The latest steel is rustless,
Our tennis courts are sodless,
Our new religion, godless.
- Arthur Guiterman (1936)
Arthur Guiterman was an editor of the Woman's Home Companion and the Literary Digest, a co-founder the Poetry Society of America, and a delightful poet whose work was published in over a dozen collections including Betel Nuts: What They Say In Hindustan (1907), The Laughing Muse (1915), and Gaily the Troubadour (1936).
Letter to Shawn McCraney - Music and Worship Pt.1
I wish Brother Shawn would have read my entire letter so everyone would have understood certain points and would have understood the meaning better. I did not know, when he mentioned Christian music the week before, that he was only referring to worship inside the Church. It appeared that he was condemning artists that use their gift of music for God. However, you will note that in this video he compares Christians bands to worldly music. He also, later in the video, belittles Contemporary Christian bands like the Rez band, Petra, etc. How does that same logic apply when comparing the worldly practice of writing and selling Christian books?
One part of my letter that he completely ignored ... I asked, "If God can inspire you, Shawn McCraney, to write a book entitled "Born Again Mormon" and sell it, why can't God inspire someone to write a song and sing it, a poem and read it, or a picture and paint it?" Does God only work through the worldly practice of writing books while not making use of other mediums? What sets Brother Shawn apart from those that feel a calling upon their lives to share Christ through their gift of words and music? I never got an answer.
HERE IS THE LETTER I WROTE TO PASTOR SHAWN MCCRANEY:
The video, Music and Worship Pt.1, is lower on the page ... after my letter.
"I
have been watching your program since before October of 2012. I have
really enjoyed your programs and respect your quest for the Truth and I only I pray for your ministry and it's success.
I am a bit perplexed by things you have said regarding "Christian music". I do not understand your obvious disdain for it. You have said that it's all about emotionalism and that you can achieve that same emotionalism through Metallica. You continue saying the lyrics within the Church should only be directly from scripture and demonstrate this practice at CAMPUS. There's nothing wrong with singing scripture but how can you promote secular while demoting Christian? I feel this position is extreme and zealous. Should we advise against Christian writings or poems put to music while suggesting the equal from non-believers is fine? This reminds me of the time when a Church of Christ friend explained to me any music that worships God is evil while he was listening to Nine Inch Nails. God has blessed certain individuals with the gift of music and the gift of word and they choose to use it to glorify God while they could decide to glorify themselves like so many others do. I am unfamiliar with Mormon practices of worship but I would ask you if this attitude or position could be the result of Mormon influence or Mormon prejudice?
I am a bit perplexed by things you have said regarding "Christian music". I do not understand your obvious disdain for it. You have said that it's all about emotionalism and that you can achieve that same emotionalism through Metallica. You continue saying the lyrics within the Church should only be directly from scripture and demonstrate this practice at CAMPUS. There's nothing wrong with singing scripture but how can you promote secular while demoting Christian? I feel this position is extreme and zealous. Should we advise against Christian writings or poems put to music while suggesting the equal from non-believers is fine? This reminds me of the time when a Church of Christ friend explained to me any music that worships God is evil while he was listening to Nine Inch Nails. God has blessed certain individuals with the gift of music and the gift of word and they choose to use it to glorify God while they could decide to glorify themselves like so many others do. I am unfamiliar with Mormon practices of worship but I would ask you if this attitude or position could be the result of Mormon influence or Mormon prejudice?
I am
curious how far you think the words and thoughts
of God extend in written or audible form? Do
you believe the KJV is
the only version we should use?
Do you believe that
the word of God is found in other formal
equivalence bibles
like the NASB? How
about those
like the NIV which
use both formal and Dynamic
equivalence?
Would you also include pure Dynamic
versions like the Good News version? You
have concerns with
evangelical ministers
when they lack
scripture in their sermon while containing
mostly personal analogies to demonstrate their point, and I agree
with this concern.
However, as I watch you minister, especially at CAMPUS, you use
analogies almost after every scripture read. I do not fault you
for this and think that you are doing a great job ... but you still
use them. Why can't
Christian music artists express themselves in this same
manner? If
you are a KJV onlyist, then I can see where
you would believe in only word for word worship in music.
If your concerns lie with the industry itself and their greed for money, I can relate. But, if it is with Christians expressing God, biblical beliefs, personal Christian struggles, justice or mercy, or even the worship of God put to music then I do not understand nor believe that this is sound teaching. How do you feel about the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.? You have said that ministers should not be promoting personal justice(s) in this fallen world. This leaves me wondering your views on the Rev. King. If you feel he was teaching in error, then I can see where you would not support thought for thought songs about injustice, mercy, and the love of God.
Do you believe that God can influence individuals to write books, poems, or literature? Did God influence you to write a book entitled "Born Again Mormon"? If so, how can it be claimed God does not influence those in which He has given the gift of music to do the same? When you first wrote your book you didn't know if it would be successful, middle of the road, or a failure ... so it can't be about the money because you could have, and may have, done very well with your book. How about the writings of C.S. Lewis, Oswald Chambers, the Church fathers, or contemporary authors like Dr. Hugh Ross or Dr. William Lane Craig? Is it only in books, literature, or writings that you feel individuals are influenced by God and He doesn't use other media?
To
compare Metallica against the ministry of artists like Keith Green or
Rich Mullins who gave incalculable benefits to Gods people is
immaturity. I could compare other Christian artists closer in
style and show the fruits of their labor. I, for one, felt the Holy
Spirits conviction on my life and accepted Christ at a Christian Rock
concert. Do not take away from the goodness and rightness of
gifted and inspired Christians expressing themselves through their
God given gift of music AND writing. I am not advocating for
“Jesus is My Boyfriend” but you appear to me to doubt all
Christian music and expect it to be word for word when nothing that
you have published or accomplished has been word for word.
If your concerns lie with the industry itself and their greed for money, I can relate. But, if it is with Christians expressing God, biblical beliefs, personal Christian struggles, justice or mercy, or even the worship of God put to music then I do not understand nor believe that this is sound teaching. How do you feel about the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.? You have said that ministers should not be promoting personal justice(s) in this fallen world. This leaves me wondering your views on the Rev. King. If you feel he was teaching in error, then I can see where you would not support thought for thought songs about injustice, mercy, and the love of God.
Do you believe that God can influence individuals to write books, poems, or literature? Did God influence you to write a book entitled "Born Again Mormon"? If so, how can it be claimed God does not influence those in which He has given the gift of music to do the same? When you first wrote your book you didn't know if it would be successful, middle of the road, or a failure ... so it can't be about the money because you could have, and may have, done very well with your book. How about the writings of C.S. Lewis, Oswald Chambers, the Church fathers, or contemporary authors like Dr. Hugh Ross or Dr. William Lane Craig? Is it only in books, literature, or writings that you feel individuals are influenced by God and He doesn't use other media?
Through
your testimony you claim that God inspired you to write a work in the
art of literature which is not word for word scripturally but you
turn around and demote the power of God to inspire through the
writing and the performance of song, which is just another medium,
and it appears hypocritical. Should I apply that same logic to your
book, that nothing outside the “word for word” rendering done by
King James translators in 1611 or the later 1780 is beneficial?
I
truly do love you as a brother and love your show.
Godspeed,
Kev
Lane"
Why I, a Christian, Vote Democrat.
I have
heard it said time and again "to keep the peace one should never talk
about politics or religion." I happily break this rule as often as I
can.
This modern Christian invented industry of attempting to regulate morality is nothing more than self made righteousness in action. It is the same sin that the Church was guilty of in the time of Christ. Unwittingly trying to cover up our own neglect and ignoring our responsibility to witness to save souls, not the changing of laws. If the church spent as much time, money, and resources spreading the true gospel instead of lobbying the Government, we could have converted the hearts and mindsets of the nation by now. This practice is nothing less than a lazy Christians way to force people to live according to their beliefs while ignoring God's plan of free will. "Render therefore unto Ceaser the things which are Ceasers, and unto God the things that are Gods." Mathew 22:21
I
was raised in the front pew of a evangelical church. I have developed
many long lasting friendships with people in the church. When most of my
friends find out that I am a liberal and vote democrat, they get mad,
act disappointed, or start crying and tell me that they will pray for my
soul. They act as if I perform illegal abortions in a dark alleyway on
the weekends. It doesn't fit within their idea of being a good
Christian. Evangelical Churches in general vote, as they see it, with
the Christian party. It is the standard quo within the evangelical
church. However, for the life of me, I homestly cannot see why.
I
owe no man or women an explanation and I am not trying to convince
anyone as to why I vote democrat. I am not here to justify myself, I am
only setting out my personal views. I have not come to this decision out
of ignorance, or lack of spiritual insight, and I hope that you have
given as much to your decision. I have carefully devoted allot of time,
energy, and prayer into where Christ would have me place my vote. You
may disagree with me, but all I ask is that you do your homework as
well, without being influenced by the status quo, and then decide. Don't
allow anyone to tell you, push you, or shame you into where you should
place your political support. I also hope in writing this that I
encourage other Christian democrats out there in hiding to come out of
the closet and be seen.
So
to all of my Republican, Democrat, Independent, Christian, Secular, and
non-affiliated friends, I offer my position on political apologetics:
RELIGION IN POLITICS:
Republican
Christians spend countless hours scheming to force those with differing
opinions to live as the right see's fit. Enormous funds are raised in
order to hire professionals to lobby the government to create and pass
laws. Countless time, effort, and money are spent utilizing the media to
"get out" the message to sway the minds of America. We are fortunate to
live in a country that allows public involvement in the structure and
substance of our government. As Americans it is not only our right but
duty to stay involved but have we asked ourselves the rightness of our
involvement as Christians to actively legislate morality? Where does the
line blur from regulating morality to spirituality?
Do we find support or encouragement for Christians involving ourselves in the business of the Government in the bible? Do we see this example or direction given by Christ? Did Christ ever petition the Government to change laws to force someone to live the way he taught? Would he go on CNN, FOX News, or MSNBC to plead his case? Would Christ spend his valuable time convincing Caesar to regulate morality in Israel? The answer to all of these questions is a overwhelming no. Christ taught that the way to a new life was spiritual conversion, the changing of hearts, not laws.
I see the fruits of our labor as it trickles down from us to others as they discuss and repeat the same arguments of the Religious Right and other sinful institutions like the Christian-right with absolute hate and animosity toward the "other side" and those that do not subscribe to our beliefs. It creates a justified platform in which hate and intolerance is acceptable. Resulting in media campaigns, politically right pastors, and political activists. This does not represent the reality of the body of Christ and His kingdom and God doesn't want us using Him to justify our hate.
Do we find support or encouragement for Christians involving ourselves in the business of the Government in the bible? Do we see this example or direction given by Christ? Did Christ ever petition the Government to change laws to force someone to live the way he taught? Would he go on CNN, FOX News, or MSNBC to plead his case? Would Christ spend his valuable time convincing Caesar to regulate morality in Israel? The answer to all of these questions is a overwhelming no. Christ taught that the way to a new life was spiritual conversion, the changing of hearts, not laws.
I see the fruits of our labor as it trickles down from us to others as they discuss and repeat the same arguments of the Religious Right and other sinful institutions like the Christian-right with absolute hate and animosity toward the "other side" and those that do not subscribe to our beliefs. It creates a justified platform in which hate and intolerance is acceptable. Resulting in media campaigns, politically right pastors, and political activists. This does not represent the reality of the body of Christ and His kingdom and God doesn't want us using Him to justify our hate.
The
scriptures, taking them rightly divided, are instructions, directions,
the path to life, love, wisdom, and salvation. It is not a tool designed
for us to judge our brother or sister. When judging came up, Christ told them to stop. Christ
was more concerned with how well we treat our brother, sister, fellow
man, the enemy, and the "least of these." He wanted a change from
within that would be a light unto the world. Not division, hatred,
debating, arguing, and strife. From the beginning of time God designed us to accept him completely with our free will. He did not want us to force spirituality or morality upon anyone.
This modern Christian invented industry of attempting to regulate morality is nothing more than self made righteousness in action. It is the same sin that the Church was guilty of in the time of Christ. Unwittingly trying to cover up our own neglect and ignoring our responsibility to witness to save souls, not the changing of laws. If the church spent as much time, money, and resources spreading the true gospel instead of lobbying the Government, we could have converted the hearts and mindsets of the nation by now. This practice is nothing less than a lazy Christians way to force people to live according to their beliefs while ignoring God's plan of free will. "Render therefore unto Ceaser the things which are Ceasers, and unto God the things that are Gods." Mathew 22:21
We
need to ask forgiveness for our sinful arrogance and the self made
saintliness that has caused this to be the norm. We are doing nothing
but creating a moral war with no chance of winning. A social and
spiritual gap between us and those we should be converting. We need to
be careful of this so-called triggered Christian response that we so
often engage. This illusion of righteousness may lead us into a
spiritual certainty that will have us lose our own souls.
THE GOD FACTOR
"I don't want to see religious bigotry in any from. It would disturb me if there was a wedding between the religious fundamentalists and the political right. The right has no interest in religions except to manipulate it." - Rev. Billy Graham.
"I don't want to see religious bigotry in any from. It would disturb me if there was a wedding between the religious fundamentalists and the political right. The right has no interest in religions except to manipulate it." - Rev. Billy Graham.
The
top 1% of Americans hold 70% of the wealth and therefore the power. So
how does the 1% keep the power? They cannot keep power once the majority
realizes that the 1% do not have our best interest in mind. The
Christian God has been adopted, or hijacked, by the rich and powerful.
Intertwine the religious values or concerns with your political ideals and then manipulate the population with the God factor. That has been done since the dawn of civilization. In America there is a catch... the elite understand that we live in a democracy and therefore have 99% of the vote. So they bundle Christianity with capitalism in order to manipulate the masses into voting on the side of the "right". All politicians have been guilty of this, but the Republicans are masters.
Intertwine the religious values or concerns with your political ideals and then manipulate the population with the God factor. That has been done since the dawn of civilization. In America there is a catch... the elite understand that we live in a democracy and therefore have 99% of the vote. So they bundle Christianity with capitalism in order to manipulate the masses into voting on the side of the "right". All politicians have been guilty of this, but the Republicans are masters.
The
political system is so corrupt and the politicians therein that neither
could be considered Christ-like. However, I personally believe that for
me the Democratic Party parallels Christian principles closer than that
of the Republicans. Now I know that some of you are already thinking
about abortion and homosexuality ... I will get to that in a minute.
Just keep in mind the message of Christ and the disciples, not Jerry
Fallwell, Pat Robertson, and Pat Buchanon's perspective of things.
BUT WE ARE A CHRISTIAN NATION
BUT WE ARE A CHRISTIAN NATION
We
receive our incredible freedom and liberty from a group of exceptional
individuals. They stood up against one of the most powerful Governments
of the time to create a free nation for free people. To insure that
this free nation stayed free they built the nation upon a remarkable
document called the Constitution. It is here that we go for guidance
when we have any need of guidance especially regarding the passing of
laws. It gives us the framework in which we can pass a law that is
inspired by our faith. It says, "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion,
or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of
speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to
assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances." I
believe that this text is clear. There will be no law passed for or
against any religion or spiritual matter.
Many claim that we are a Christian nation. That our founders had it in mind to be a Christian nation. Many claim that since it is not directly mentioned in the Constitution it is in our founder's other writings. The truth is, it is not in the Constitution nor is it in the writings or wishes of our founders. Their desire was that our Government be secular, period. Instead of writing all of the arguments down and hitting them one by one, I will cut to the chase. "The government of the United States of America is not in any sense founded on the Christian religion." - Signed, John Adams. Ratified by the United States Senate without debate unanimously in 1797. Problem solved.
Many claim that we are a Christian nation. That our founders had it in mind to be a Christian nation. Many claim that since it is not directly mentioned in the Constitution it is in our founder's other writings. The truth is, it is not in the Constitution nor is it in the writings or wishes of our founders. Their desire was that our Government be secular, period. Instead of writing all of the arguments down and hitting them one by one, I will cut to the chase. "The government of the United States of America is not in any sense founded on the Christian religion." - Signed, John Adams. Ratified by the United States Senate without debate unanimously in 1797. Problem solved.
FREE TRADE AND FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY:
I
have to admit that I see some points by the republican party on this
issue. I would consider myself in favor of free-trade and generally
consider myself to be fiscally conservative. However, opening up free
trade to allow the rich to get richer and the poor to get poorer is not
the purpose of free trade. The purpose of free trade should be to make
America stronger and to make America grow. Since 1980, 99% of all wealth
accumulated in the United States has gone to the top one percent of
Americans. There has been a "trickle down" of less than 1% to the bottom
90% of Americans to share. This is the result of trickle-down economics
that Republicans began in the 1980's. America cannot continue under
this type of unbalanced wealth distribution.
The
purpose of free trade is not to unfairly help out the corporation(s)
that are already monopolizing it's particular industry. In this country
many industries DO NOT actually pay taxes into the system. They do fall
under the 30% - 35% tax bracket, but after all of the tax shelters, loop
holes, and offshore accounts, they literally pay $0 in taxes. Companies
like Bank Of America, Exxon-Mobile, GE, Citibank, just to name a few,
literally paid $0.00 in taxes this last year (this is the norm from year
to year). The companies that do pay their taxes, pay very little into
the system. They do not come close to the 30-35% tax bracket that the
law requires. They pay closer to a 5% tax percentage. The practice of
avoiding paying taxes is not paying your own way, that is getting away
with paying. This leaves the burden of our federal and state budgets
upon the backs of the middle class, poor, and small businesses. This is
not the America that I or the founding fathers expect of us. This cannot
be considered Godly, Christ-like, or even moral to expect the "least of
these" to pay Americas way.
Here is the facts:
Jimmy Carter (D) raised our national debt - 42%/4 years.
Ronald Reagan (R) raised it - 189%/8 years
George H. Bush (R) raised it - 55%/4 years
William Jefferson Clinton (D) raised it - 36%/8 years - balanced the budget and left a surplus.
George
W. Bush (R) raised it- 90%/8 years - Killed the balanced budget and
destroyed the surplus all the while leaving the cost of the two wars off
the books until his last budget proposal which left the cost of the two
wars to reflect on the next President.
Barrack
Obama (D) has raised it 28%/3 years - All while taking on the cost of
the two wars and the Wall Street bailout plan which Bush also started
but Obama had to finish.
I believe it is perfectly clear. Just because you call yourself fiscally conservative doesn't make you fiscally conservative.
GENDER AND SEXUALITY:
I
am committed to full equality for women in all spheres of life. I seek a
world that no longer oppresses women through undervaluation of their
work, lack of political representation, the inability to control their
own fertility, denial of their sexuality, or violence and abuse. Gender
equality requires great changes in social attitudes, in economic and
social structures, and in relationships between men and women and adults
and children. A person should not be discriminated against on the basis
of sexual orientation. All sexuality and sexual relationships should be
respected - gay, lesbian, heterosexual - based on mutual respect and
the enhancement of human dignity.
In
the United States it is not your place or mine to pass laws to mandate
or obligate the way in which someone should live his/her life, or
discriminate against someone because their moral or spiritual views are
not like mine or yours. We live in America and have a constitution that
prohibits such actions. There is no justification to fight spiritual or
moral differences in a political arena. We are fortunate to live in a
country that allows us to practice the way we so choose.
All
should be alloted the same rights as you and I. That includes the right
to defend our country by joining a military service or the right to
take part in a union and have all the same benefits that any other
"joined" or married couple receive. I believe that by knowingly and
actively suppressing those rights, you are not obeying Christ when he
said to "obey the laws of the land." The only exception is
religious organizations and churches should be able to hire, or not
hire, whomever based on lifestyle issues they consistently practice.
Simply put, if I have the right to do or not to do, so does everyone
else. We believe, as Christians, that there will be a judgement day
where we ALL will have to give an account of our lives. Leave
spirituality and morality to God, and just love.
ABORTION:
I
believe that abortion should be avoided if possible. However, the
supreme court, in which most judges were appointed by republican
presidents, ruled abortion legal and therefore women have the right to
choose. As long as it is legal, I will not be suppressing,
denying,humiliating, despising, hating, or blocking anyone from their
constitutional right(s).
As long
as I can remember, Republican candidates have run their campaigns
promising to reverse Roe v. Wade. Once in office, no Republican
president kept that promise. George W. Bush had a republican controlled
house and senate and did not make a constitutional amendment ending
abortion. Actually a former Bush advisor revealed Bush would mock "bible
thumpers" after meeting with those that stood against abortion. The
administration intentionally paid lip service just for their vote. The
Republicans continue using abortion to gain support and votes of
evangelicals. I find that insulting.
One more thing ... the Bible, Numbers Chapter 5. It is a passage of scripture that we love to keep to ourselves. God gives Moses a new law to live by. In case of a cheating wife He tells Moses to give the women some liquid concoction that will kill the womb and the life inside if she has been unfaithful. It is an abortion. Maybe we are screaming about nothing.
One more thing ... the Bible, Numbers Chapter 5. It is a passage of scripture that we love to keep to ourselves. God gives Moses a new law to live by. In case of a cheating wife He tells Moses to give the women some liquid concoction that will kill the womb and the life inside if she has been unfaithful. It is an abortion. Maybe we are screaming about nothing.
THE ENVIRONMENT:
The environment is
important. For me, this conviction comes from a spiritual call for
stewardship of the earth. The scriptures tell us that Christ died to redeem all of creation.
If you don't believe this, check the scriptures and also the atonement
of the orthodox theology. Do you think that God only cares for humans
and not the rest of his creation? How about the sparrow? Does he know
and care for the sparrow that falls? Was Christ exaggerating or do you
think that we should care to?
Do
you like when someone smokes around you? Why? Evangelicals generally
consider smoking a sin because it is harmful to the temple (our bodies).
If you see the harm that cigarette smoking causes you should see the
greater harm that industrial pollutants cause that come from the local
power plant smoke stacks. I would think differently if we couldn't do
anything about it, but we can. Why does the Republican party not favor
modifying power plants to emit clean air? It would require energy
companies, which have made record profits, to spend money. Now we just
cant have that.
I
am an environmentalist because God is creator of everything and we
should care for it like a gift. If we do not care for creation, as a
whole, it is from sinful pride and egotism. If you believe that we are
here by chance, I can see why it would not matter. But we are not here
by chance and every time a species dies, no matter how small, we are
losing one of Gods works of art. I along with the Democratic party
believe that stewardship of the earth is critical for us and for future
generations. If we truly believe that Gods hand created all, then we to
should care, preserve, and conserve.
UNIONS AND COLLECTIVE BARGAINING:
I
do not understand how that God fearing Christians repeat lies and
purposeful misrepresentations that they hear from those organized
against someones right to have a say in wages, working conditions, and
work safety. What is wrong with that? Why shouldn't we have a say in our
life? Nobody wants to hurt the company that they work for. If the
company does well, so does it's worker. Here are some of the lies ...
Union auto workers wages are causing the automotive companies to go out of business:
Only
4% of the cost of an American made vehicle goes to wages and benefits.
That leaves 96% of the total cost of the vehicle left. I believe
mismanagement of the 96% may be the cause of their problems. Need I say
more?
On average Union workers make $62.00 hr. as opposed to our European and Japanese counterparts that make $42.00 hr.:
Consider
Europeans and Japanese have health and life insurance, K-college
education, retirement, and much more all provided free through their
Government. This requires European and Japanese industries and
corporations to pay a great deal more in taxes to support these
programs. I believe the figure is close to 70%. Our industry and
corporations are under a 30% tax percentage but on average pay only 5%
after all of the loop holes Republicans have passed. That is a 65%
difference. Need I say more?
Union state workers are hurting our federal and state budgets:
When
taking into account that our corporations on average pay only 5% in
taxes that leaves the burden of local, state, and federal budgets on the
backs of the poor, middle class, and small businesses. If companies
would pay their own way we would not have this problem.
THE LEAST OF THESE:
Whoever oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors God. - Proverbs 14:31
Whoever shuts their ears to the cry of the poor will also cry out and not be answered. - Proverbs 21:13
Those who give to the poor will lack nothing, but those that close their eyes will receive nothing. - Proverbs 28:27
The righteous care about justice for the poor, but the wicked have no such concern. -Proverbs 20:7
Speak up and judge fairly: defend the rights of the poor and needy. -Proverbs 31:9
If
anyone is poor among your fellow Israelites in any of the towns of the
land the LORD your God is giving you, do not be hardhearted or
tightfisted toward them. Rather, be openhanded and freely lend them
whatever they need. Be careful not to harbor this wicked thought: “The
seventh year, the year for canceling debts, is near,” so that you do not
show ill will toward the needy among your fellow Israelites and give
them nothing. They may then appeal to the LORD against you, and you will
be found guilty of sin. Give generously to them and do so without a
grudging heart; then because of this the LORD your God will bless you in
all your work and in everything you put your hand to. There will always
be poor people in the land. Therefore I command you to be openhanded
toward your fellow Israelites who are poor and needy in your
land. -Deuteronomy 15:7-11
THE LEAST OF THESE:
When
the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the holy angels with him,
then He will sit on the throne of His glory. All the nations will be
gathered before Him, and He will separate them one from another, as a
Shepard divides his sheep from the goats. And He will set the sheep on
His right hand, but the goats on the left. Then the King will say to
those on His right hand, 'Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the
kingdom prepared for you from the foundations of the world: for I was
hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave me drink; I was a
stranger and you took me in; I was naked and you clothed me; I was sick
and you visited me; I was in prison and you came to me.'
Then
the righteous will answer Him, saying 'Lord, when did we see You hungry
and feed you, or thirsty and give You drink? When did we see You a
stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You? Or when did we see
You sick, or in prison, and come to You? And the King will say to them,
'Assuedly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of
My brethren, you did it to Me.
Then
He will also say to those on the left hand, 'Depart from me, you
cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels:
for I was hungry and you gave Me no food; I was thirsty and you gave Me
no drink; I was a stranger and you did not take me in, naked and you
did not clothe Me, sick and in prison and you did not visit me.'
The
they will also answer Him, saying, Lord, when did we see You hungry or
thirsty or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison and did not help
you? Then He will answer them, saying, 'Assuredly, I say to you,
inasmuch as you did not do it to one of THE LEAST OF THESE, you did not
do it to Me. And these will go away into everlasting punishment, but the
righteous into eternal life" - Mathew 25
The Drunk and the Hypocrite
I've played music in
churches and bars all my life. In many ways, these two gatherings are
very similar. Both sets of “regulars” are looking for meaning, carrying
out a ritual of sorts—hoping to find purpose, something that makes sense
of the pain.
- Jon Foreman
Jon Foreman is the co-founder and lead singer of the band Switchfoot and lead singer of Fiction Family. You can follow him on Twitter @jonforeman. This article originally appeared in RELEVANT.
At
first glance, it might seem the Church is a better place to look for
hope than the bottom of a bottle. Every day, alcoholism and drug abuse
destroy families, ruin careers and wreck communities. On the other hand,
theological beliefs and misunderstandings have been blamed for
divisions, divorces and wars around the world. The trouble with each
institution lies within us. True, alcohol feeds a different fire than
pietism, but neither a drunk nor a hypocrite look very good in the
daylight.
We carry our problems into the church the same way we carry them into a bar—they just react differently in each location. Unfortunately, the sins that exist within the walls of the Church are harder to spot.
Pride, for example, can hide incredibly well in the religious community. I rarely hear the words “I don’t know” uttered at church. And yet the triune Creator of time and space will always be wrapped in mystery and holiness. Why not start in the seat of humility? Surely all of us have gotten a few things wrong in our attempts at Christianity.
Isn’t it pride that causes divisions among us? When we begin to slander other believers in the name of God, we know we’ve gotten off course. Did our Master’s words fall on deaf ears? “Love each other as I have loved you.” “Let them be one, Father, even as we are one.” These are not optional thoughts on how things could be done, but rather prerequisites for entrance into Kingdom of Heaven life. Unity is serious business. The Church is called to be one even as the triune God is one. The comprehensive salvation of our planet is built on the final unity of the Church and her God: the bride and her Savior.
Unfortunately, unity within the ecclesial community is the exception, not the rule. It’s to our shame many folks looking for hope find more grace at the local bar than the local church. When we speak with a fire and anger that burns differently than the fresh air of the cross, we do the Gospel a disservice. We know deep down something is wrong. So we revolt against those fiery speeches. We say the method needs to change. We call the old model irrelevant. And yes! The fresh winds of the Spirit are ready to blow upon us, let us pray for new tongues of the same eternal flame.
And yet if I speak with the tongues of angels and of men but have not love, it profits me nothing. If I rise up against the cheesy Christian T-shirts but have not love, it helps no one. If I hate the legalistic hatred but have not love, it builds nothing. Has the enemy tricked us into a new form of legalism? Is not our judgment committing the same offense? Ah, we may have found a way, but it is not love.
Walking the line between the clubs and the Church, I’ve been misunderstood by both sides. I’m sure you’ve felt the same thing: people throw rocks at the things they don’t understand. But it hurts worst when it comes from well-intending brothers and sisters, the folks who are purportedly filled with the love of Christ. Our knee-jerk response is to retaliate, to fight back. And the cycle begins again. An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth. God will take care of the speck in my neighbor’s eye. The more faith I have in Him and His strong voice, the less I have to yell. The more faith I have in Him, the freer my hands become to serve those around me.
Washing feet is not extra credit. We are called to bear each other’s burdens. Unity is a miraculous achievement, but it’s intended for this side of the grave. Unity is the transforming work of the power of the cross in our lives. In the dark, blood-stained shadow of the cross, our boasting is laughable. Our differences are minute. Take another look at the cross. Look at how much He loves you. Look at His surrender, His sacrifice. Unity comes into focus only when we realize the magnificent grace of the Savior.
Let us acknowledge our neediness, our beautiful desperation. Yes, our unanswerable, aching, longing poverty is a prerequisite for the balm of salvation. We, the people—the failures, the losers, the outsiders—we have found our King. Christ, the King of the fools; the Lord of the sick, broken souls like us. Let us remain in continual awe of the love we have been shown. And let us love! Let us celebrate the reckless love of the one who risked all that we might be loved. And let us follow in the path of a God who loves us. The tax collectors and the rabbis. The prostitutes and the Sadducees. In the bars and in the churches. Yes, God even loves Christians.
We carry our problems into the church the same way we carry them into a bar—they just react differently in each location. Unfortunately, the sins that exist within the walls of the Church are harder to spot.
Pride, for example, can hide incredibly well in the religious community. I rarely hear the words “I don’t know” uttered at church. And yet the triune Creator of time and space will always be wrapped in mystery and holiness. Why not start in the seat of humility? Surely all of us have gotten a few things wrong in our attempts at Christianity.
Isn’t it pride that causes divisions among us? When we begin to slander other believers in the name of God, we know we’ve gotten off course. Did our Master’s words fall on deaf ears? “Love each other as I have loved you.” “Let them be one, Father, even as we are one.” These are not optional thoughts on how things could be done, but rather prerequisites for entrance into Kingdom of Heaven life. Unity is serious business. The Church is called to be one even as the triune God is one. The comprehensive salvation of our planet is built on the final unity of the Church and her God: the bride and her Savior.
Unfortunately, unity within the ecclesial community is the exception, not the rule. It’s to our shame many folks looking for hope find more grace at the local bar than the local church. When we speak with a fire and anger that burns differently than the fresh air of the cross, we do the Gospel a disservice. We know deep down something is wrong. So we revolt against those fiery speeches. We say the method needs to change. We call the old model irrelevant. And yes! The fresh winds of the Spirit are ready to blow upon us, let us pray for new tongues of the same eternal flame.
And yet if I speak with the tongues of angels and of men but have not love, it profits me nothing. If I rise up against the cheesy Christian T-shirts but have not love, it helps no one. If I hate the legalistic hatred but have not love, it builds nothing. Has the enemy tricked us into a new form of legalism? Is not our judgment committing the same offense? Ah, we may have found a way, but it is not love.
Walking the line between the clubs and the Church, I’ve been misunderstood by both sides. I’m sure you’ve felt the same thing: people throw rocks at the things they don’t understand. But it hurts worst when it comes from well-intending brothers and sisters, the folks who are purportedly filled with the love of Christ. Our knee-jerk response is to retaliate, to fight back. And the cycle begins again. An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth. God will take care of the speck in my neighbor’s eye. The more faith I have in Him and His strong voice, the less I have to yell. The more faith I have in Him, the freer my hands become to serve those around me.
Washing feet is not extra credit. We are called to bear each other’s burdens. Unity is a miraculous achievement, but it’s intended for this side of the grave. Unity is the transforming work of the power of the cross in our lives. In the dark, blood-stained shadow of the cross, our boasting is laughable. Our differences are minute. Take another look at the cross. Look at how much He loves you. Look at His surrender, His sacrifice. Unity comes into focus only when we realize the magnificent grace of the Savior.
Let us acknowledge our neediness, our beautiful desperation. Yes, our unanswerable, aching, longing poverty is a prerequisite for the balm of salvation. We, the people—the failures, the losers, the outsiders—we have found our King. Christ, the King of the fools; the Lord of the sick, broken souls like us. Let us remain in continual awe of the love we have been shown. And let us love! Let us celebrate the reckless love of the one who risked all that we might be loved. And let us follow in the path of a God who loves us. The tax collectors and the rabbis. The prostitutes and the Sadducees. In the bars and in the churches. Yes, God even loves Christians.
Jon Foreman is the co-founder and lead singer of the band Switchfoot and lead singer of Fiction Family. You can follow him on Twitter @jonforeman. This article originally appeared in RELEVANT.
Belief Versus Practice
Jeremiah 31:31-34:
"The
days are surely coming, says the Lord, when I will make a new covenant
with the house of Israel and the house of Judah. It will not be like the
covenant that I made with their ancestors when I took them by the hand
to bring them out of the land of Egypt--a covenant that they broke,
though I was their husband, says the Lord. But this is the covenant that
I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the Lord: I
will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts; and I
will be their God, and they shall be my people. No longer shall they
teach one another, or say to each other, 'Know the Lord', for they shall
all know me, from the least of them to the greatest, says the Lord; for
I will forgive their iniquity, and remember their sin no more."
Jesus
tells a story about a man who had two sons. He said to the eldest, "Go
into the vineyard and work today," and the son said, "No, I will not,"
but later he thought better of it and went. The same father went to his
other son and told him to go work in the vineyard and that son said the
right thing, he said, "I will do it," but he never did. In any contest
between what you say you will do and what you actually do, all that
really matters is what you do.
That's
a problem for many religious folk today. We have, for centuries, had a
very profound and strong notion of orthodoxy, of believing the right
things. And we believe those things with such vigor that there are
times when Catholics have said that Protestants are not Christians and
Protestants often say that Catholics aren't Christians and there are
even small, self-congratulatory groups of Mormons, Jehovah's Witnesses,
the Church of Christ, the Church of God, and some Baptists who are
convinced that they are, in fact, the only ones who are Christians and
that will make it to Heaven.
Gandhi
once said that "A religion that takes no account of practical affairs
and does not help to solve them is no religion." The Christian
religion, as it is based on the teachings of Jesus, is a religion of
radical compassion, of great personal sacrifice in order to change the
world, fighting against injustice and working for peace and mercy. The
religion that has evolved, especially in America, is a religion of
beliefs intended to magically get your soul into heaven and is in your
head only, it is no religion at all. You need look no further than
those around us that wan't to mandate our laws to mirror their orthodoxy
and require everyone to live according to their spiritual morals while
they share no religion of sacrifice, compassion, peace, mercy, feeding
the hungry, clothing the naked, or fighting for true justice.
The
crucial difference between Orthodoxy and Orthopraxy is the difference
between having right Christian beliefs (Orthodoxy) and have a right
Christian practice, or life (Orthopraxy). The Christian religion
started out as a religion of orthopraxy, a way of life based on radical
compassion, a religion primarily practiced among the poor.
Many
religious historians and Theologians, trace the change from orthopraxy
to orthodoxy to the time of Emperor Constantine in the 4th century....
Saying that basically, the royal family took over the religion and
imposed the creedal form of religion on the entire empire. In fact, I
tend to believe, the teachings of the historical Jesus and the religion
of Constantine but the great majority of church folk in our day practice
only what looks pretty much like the Constantinian religion. There is a
practice today among the leaders of certain political parties that wrap
the flag around the bible then suggest your not a Christian if you do
not believe the way they do. They use this evolved form of Christianity
to go to war, justify not helping those that need help the most,
discriminate against anyone different, all in the name of God. This is
in total opposition to the message of Christ.
And,
to be fair, it isn't like there was one kind of Christianity for 300
years and suddenly there was another kind. There are things in the
letters of Paul and in the gospel of John that push the scale towards
orthodoxy and there are lots of things in the synoptic gospels and James
that push the scale towards orthopraxy. However, we know which side of
the fence each one of us are on. But without ever arguing biblical
interpretation or the theological debate between orthodoxy and
orthopraxy, you don't need a posse and a 30 minute head start to know
that the son who went into the vineyard and worked is the one who got it
right and the one who said he would but didn't is not the hero of that
parable.
The
true church, the bride of Christ, the church that will likely survive
the next century, is the church that is able to re-strike that balance
and become again a church that is relevant because of the way that we
live what we say we believe and not because of our set of doctrines,
creeds and theology.
There
is a passage from the prophet Jeremiah who said that one day we'll stop
teaching beliefs because people will actually live their faith. It
isn't a matter of believing the right things, reciting the right creed,
repeating the right magical incarnation, following a list of do's and
don'ts..... it isn't about saying what you believe it is about being
what you believe.
As James said, "Faith without works is dead."
As James said, "Faith without works is dead."
Mormonism, Cult or Christian?
Monotheism or Polytheism?
The Mormons consider themselves to be Christian. This is a question that fundamental Christianity feels has been answered for a long time but many Christians that have a loyalty to the Republican party want to believe or justify that Mormonism is Christianity in order to vote for Mitt Romney. However, in this article we will investigate the teaching of Mormonism regarding the doctrine of God and compare it with Biblical teaching, once again. Toward the bottom of this article you will find some very well produced documentaries, recorded seminars, and other videos that cover all of this and more.
Mormon doctrine is derived from four primary sources. The first is the Bible (LDS only accepts their King James version that has been altered to some degree); the second are the sacred texts of Mormonism, the Book of Mormon, The Doctrine and Covenants, and The Pearl of Great Price. The third comes from the writings of the founder of the church Joseph Smith, and the fourth is the writings of church leaders, especially the church presidents who are considered to be inspired prophets of God. In regard to the God of the Bible, Stephen Robinson, chairman of the Department of Ancient Scriptures at Brigham Young University, writes, “The Latter-day Saints (should) be considered worshipers of the one true God.”1 He also states, “The Latter-day Saints accept unequivocally all the biblical teachings on the nature of God.”2
Christianity has taught monotheism from its foundation, the belief in the existence of only one God. Mormonism believes in the existence of a plurality of gods. According to Mormonism, there are an infinite number of planets like earth in the universe, each with their god or gods who were once men but who have evolved into godhood. Mormon theologian and Apostle Bruce McConkie states, “A plurality of gods exist … there is an infinite number of holy personages, drawn from worlds without number, who have passed on to exaltation and are thus gods.”3
Joseph Smith wrote, “In the beginning, the head of the gods called a council of the gods; and they came together and concocted a plan to create the world and the people in it.”4
The Pearl of Great Price states in the Book of Abraham, “And they (the gods) said: let there be light and there was light. And they (the gods) comprehended the light, … and the gods called the light Day and the darkness they called Night… .” In these two chapters, the plural designation “gods” is used over fifty times.
Although they believe that numerous gods exist, Mormons consider themselves to be monotheists because they focus their worship exclusively on the Godhead of this earth. With this being the case, a more accurate description of Mormon practice is henotheism, a form of polytheism that stresses a central deity.
The Bible clearly teaches monotheism. This truth is taught in Deuteronomy 6:4, “Hear O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one.” Isaiah writes about God, “Before me there was no god formed, nor will there be one after me.” There was no god created before or any to come for there is only one God. Later he adds, “You are my witnesses. Is there any God besides me? No, there is no other Rock: I know not one.” God knows of no other, not because God is limited in knowledge, but because there is no other like Him in existence.
Doctrine of the Trinity
Christians and Mormons share many similar theological terms. We both refer to God, salvation, and heaven. However, the words often have radically different meanings. Such is the case with the doctrine of the Trinity. Biblical Christianity teaches there is one God eternally coexisting in three persons: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. As we will see, the Mormon view of the Godhead is quite different.
The Mormons reject the traditional Christian view of the Trinity as being in error. Joseph Smith wrote,
Many men say there is one God; the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost are only one God. I say that is a strange God - three in one and one in three. It is curious organization all are crammed into one God according to sectarianism (Christian faith). It would make the biggest God in all the world. He would be a wonderfully big God ... he would be a giant or a monster. (Joseph Smith, Teachings, 372)
Church president James Talmage stated, “Father, Son, and Holy Ghost are as distinct in persons and individualities as are any three personages in mortality.”5
Mormons believe that there are an infinite number of planets, each with their own god or gods. On this earth, there are three separate gods, God the Father or Elohim, Jehovah or Jesus the son, and the Holy Ghost who make up the Godhead. Instead of Trinitarian, tritheistic would be a better word to describe Mormon belief. Mormon theologian Bruce McConkie states, “There are three Gods, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost.”6 He further explains that, “Three separate personages, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost comprise the Godhead. As each of these persons is a god, it is evident, from this standpoint alone, that a plurality of gods exists. To us, speaking in the proper finite sense, these three are the only gods we worship.”7
Jesus is believed by Mormons to be the literal offspring of the Father. The Mormon Church teaches that “Jesus Christ is the son of Elohim both as a spiritual and bodily offspring; that is to say, Elohim is literally the Father of the spirit of Jesus Christ and also of the body in which Jesus Christ performed his mission in the flesh… .”8 Understanding that establishes, within this world, that all are offspring of Elohim and therefore makes satan a son of God, a brother to Jesus, and a God himself. Taking it one step further and understanding that we are all offspring of God makes us a brother to Jesus as well as satan.
The Bible teaches that there is only one true God, not three separate gods. Deuteronomy 6:4 states, “Hear O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one.” God has revealed Himself in three coeternal and coequal persons of the same substance or essence, however, distinct in subsistence. The Bible reveals that all three persons, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit have the attributes of deity. All three have existed for eternity, took part in creation, and play a role in salvation. The whole, undivided essence of God belongs equally to each of the three Persons.9
God Was Once a Man
As we discussed earlier, Mormon theology teaches that there is a plurality of gods. All gods were once mortal men on other planets who, through obedience to the commands of their God, attained exaltation or godhood. All Mormon men have the potential of attaining godhood as well.
God’s progression from man to God is clearly stated throughout Mormon literature. Joseph Smith wrote:
God himself was once as we are now, and is an exalted man, and sits enthroned in yonder heavens! … I am going to tell you how God came to be God. We have imagined and supposed that God was God from all eternity. I will refute that idea, and take away the veil, so that you may see… . He was once a man like us; yea that God himself, the Father dwelt on an earth, the same as Jesus Christ himself did… .10
Brigham Young, the second president taught “That God the Father was once a man on another planet who ‘passed the ordeal we are now passing through now." 11 The Doctrine and Covenants states, “God is a glorified and perfected man, a personage of flesh and bones. Inside his tangible body is an eternal spirit.” (130:22)
Jesus is believed to have been a mortal man who attained godhood and showed that all men can do the same. The goal of every Mormon man is to achieve exaltation to godhood. Bruce McConkie states, “That exaltation which the saints of all ages have so devoutly sought is godhood itself.”12 Joseph Smith exhorted all Mormon men to strive for this goal. He stated,
Here then, is eternal life, ... to know the only wise and true God; and you have got to learn how to be gods yourselves, and to be kings and priests to God, the same as all gods have done before you… .13
The Mormon Church teaches that if a couple marries according to Mormon ceremony, and each lives an obedient life, they may attain godhood at the resurrection. The Doctrine and Covenants teaches,
Ye shall come forth in the first resurrection; … and shall inherit thrones, kingdoms, principalities, and powers, dominions, all heights and depths … and you shall pass by the angels, and the gods, which are set there, to their exaltation.” (132)
The passage concludes, “Then they shall be gods, because they have no end; therefore shall they be from everlasting to everlasting because they continue… . Then they shall be gods because they have all power, and the angels are subject to them.” (132:20)
The Bible teaches that God has always been God. Psalm 90 states, “From everlasting to everlasting you are God.” God did not evolve from mortal man. Isaiah 43 reveals, “Before me no god was formed, nor will there be one after me.” This verse destroys any hope of any man thinking he may become a god.
Celestial Parenthood
In Mormon theology, there are three levels of heaven, terrestial, tellestial, and celestial. It teaches that almost everyone will make it to the first level, terrestrial, but Mormons seek entrance to celestial heaven, because there they are exalted to godhood. Once a man is exalted to godhood, he and his wife will reproduce offspring for eternity. These spirit children will in turn inhabit physical bodies and have the opportunity to become gods as well. This privilege is reserved for those who go through the sacred marriage ceremony in the Temple and live in obedience to Mormon teachings.
As we discussed previously, the Mormon book Doctrine and Covenants teaches that Mormons who marry within the context of the church, and remain obedient, shall be resurrected together. They shall then inherit thrones and kingdoms and are then declared gods because they will then rule together for eternity. Church president James Talmage adds, “We are to understand that only resurrected and glorified beings can become parents of spirit offspring … and the spirits born to them in the eternal worlds will pass in due sequence through the several stages or estates by which the glorified parents have attained exaltation.”14
God the Father is, therefore, believed to be married to God the Mother, and together they are producing spirit children. Bruce McConkie states, “An exalted and glorified man of holiness could not be a Father unless a woman of like glory, perfection, and holiness was associated with him as a Mother. The begetting of children makes a man a father and a woman a mother whether we are dealing with man in his mortal or immortal state.”15
All men and women are thus the offspring of this heavenly union. James Talmage wrote, “God the Eternal Father, whom we designate by the exalted name-title ‘Elohim,’ is the literal Parent of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and of the spirits of the human race.”16
The Bible teaches that God the Father is not married. Isaiah 46:9 states, “I am God, and there is no other; I am God; and there is none like me.” The Bible teaches that men and women who receive Christ as their savior will be glorified and live eternally in the presence of God. However, they will never be equal to God, nor will they be married. If marriage were essential to attain exaltation, it seems strange that Paul would write in 1 Corinthians 7, “It is good for a man not to marry.” When Jesus was questioned about the state of marriage in eternity he said, “When the dead rise, they will neither marry nor be given in marriage, they will be like the angels in heaven.” The covenant of marriage is for our earthly existence only. The Bible does not teach a doctrine of celestial parenthood.
God is a Physical Being
Christianity teaches that God is immaterial. Mormonism teaches that God has a physical body. The Mormon Doctrine and Covenants teaches, “The Father has a body of flesh and bones as tangible as man’s, the Son also… .”17 Brigham Young wrote, “We cannot believe for a moment that God is destitute of body, parts, passions, or attributes.”18
Although John 4:24 clearly teaches that God is spirit, Mormons like Bruce McConkie teach that this is a mistranslation of the text. He writes:
False creeds teach that God is a spirit essence that fills the immensity of space… . In a vain attempt to support this doctrine, formulated by councils in the early days of the great apostasy, it is common for apologists to point to the statement in the KJV Bible, which says, “God is a Spirit.” The fact is that this passage is mistranslated: instead the correct statement, quoted in context reads: “For unto such hath God promised his Spirit. And they who worship him, must worship in spirit and in truth.”19
However, there is no justification for McConkie’s translation. The KJV translation of “God is a spirit” is misleading; modern translators are more accurate rendering the passage “God is spirit.” The Greek construction and word order place the emphasis on the essential character of God; thus the essence of true worship must be on God’s terms and in accord with his nature.20 Jesus further taught in Luke 24:36-43, “A spirit does not have flesh and bones.” 1 Timothy 1:17 states, “Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God.” God is invisible because He is immaterial. 1 John 4:12 and John 1:18 tell us that no one has seen God. The second of the Ten Commandments forbids anyone from making an image of God, partially because nothing physical could accurately reflect God, who is immaterial. If God created the universe, as the Bible teaches, He could not be a physical being.
Scripture often uses anthropomorphic language, attributing human characteristics to God to help describe God’s activities. Psalm 17 pleads, “Keep me (Lord) as the apple of your eye, hide me in the shadow of your wings.” Mormons have used this kind of language to prove that God has a physical body. In doing so they ignore the use of figurative language. God no more has a physical eye than He has wings and feathers.
God also revealed Himself in temporary physical forms that men could understand called theophanies. Examples are the burning bush, the fiery cloud in Exodus, and the unique incarnation of Christ. God the Son humbled Himself and took on human form. He was not a preexistent spirit-being, waiting for a body, as the Mormons teach. John 1 reveals that the Son was God from eternity and became a man to redeem humanity.
We must conclude, based on our study of the doctrine of God, that Mormonism is a cult and that Mormonism and traditional Christianity are indeed two different religions.
RESOURCES:
HEART OF THE MATTER: One of the best resources to understand Mormonism. Started in early 2006, Heart of the Matter is a TV show produced by Shawn McCraney in the Mecca of Mormonism, Salt Lake City.
Shawn McCraney spent over forty years of his life totally invested in the The Church of Jesus Christ of Ladder Day Saints (LDS/Mormonism). Shawn completed his mission work, attended Brigham Young University, and even held a Bishopric position before giving his heart to Jesus Christ and then ultimately leaving the Mormon cult.
The Heart of the Matter, provides great entertainment value and valuable knowledge of Mormonism and what it means to be a Born-Again Christian. Shawn is the author of “I Was a Born-Again Mormon” and the pastor of C*A*M*P*U*S.
Heart of the Matter - Live One Hour Call-in Show:
- Live Tuesdays nights stream at 8pm MT on our live page.
- Airing on the NRB network through DirectTV channel 378, SkyAngle channel 181, local affiliates, and Roku Players Friday nights at 10pm (MT). Re-Airing Monday nights (Tuesday mornings) at 12am (MT).
- Replays Sunday afternoons from 1-2 pm (MT) on AM 820 – KUTR The Truth Radio.
- To visit their website, which contains an archive of all the shows since 2006, please go to: HOTM.TV
- You may also visit their YouTube page which also contains the archive(s) of the show since 2006.
Other Helpful Videos:
Jesus Christ/Joseph Smith
This is the most complete and well produced videos that I have seen on the LDS Church (Mormons). However, the video is 1 1/2 hours long, but very informative. Video compares the message of Joseph Smith vs. the gospel of Jesus Christ and I highly recommend all Christians, that do not understand that Mormonism does not worship the same God, watch this video.
This video contains information on the basic structure of becoming a God through the LDS Church. From spirit beings to God, it is definitely not the same God the Father, God the Son (Jesus), or Holy Spirit that Christians believe and worship. Video contains former member of the Mormon faith speaking the truth.
The Lost Book of Abraham: Written by Joseph Smith
The Lost Book of Abraham is an award-winning documentary that investigates the remarkable claim that Mormon founder Joseph Smith translated a lost book of scripture from an Egyptian papyrus scroll he obtained in 1835. Hear the views of Mormon believers and World-class Egyptologists and decide for yourself.
Top Ten Problems With Mormonism
Video discussing some of the most troubling problems of the LDS church that most Mormons don't know exist such as the Book of Mormon anachronisms, Book of Abraham translation, Kinderhook Plates, Masonry & the Temple, etc. www.MoreTruthFoundation.com, www.MormonThink.com.
Bibliography
Book of Mormon. Salt Lake City: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1986
Doctrine and Covenants. Salt Lake City: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1982.
Pearl of Great Price. Salt Lake City: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1982.
Ankerberg, John & John Weldon. Everything You Ever Wanted to Know about Mormonism. Eugene, OR: Harvest House Publishers, 1992.
Beckwith, Francis, Norman Geisler, Ron Rhodes, Phil Roberts, Jerald and Sandra Tanner. The Counterfeit Gospel of Mormonism. Eugene, OR: Harvest House Publishers, 1998.
Blomberg, Craig, & Stephen Robinson. How Wide the Divide? Downer’s Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1997.
Martin, Walter. The Kingdom of the Cults. Minneapolis: Bethany House Publishers, 1997.
McConkie, Bruce. Mormon Doctrine. Salt Lake: Bookcraft, 1991.
Ostling, Richard. Mormon America. San Francisco: Harper and Collins Publishers, 1999.
Richards, LeGrand. A Marvelous Work and Wonder. Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1976.
Talmage, James. The Articles of Faith. Salt Lake: Deseret Book Company, Revised Edition 1984.
Young, Brigham. Teachings of the Presidents of the Church: Brigham Young. Salt Lake City: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1997.
©2001 Probe Ministries.
1 Stephen Robinson, Are Mormons Christians? (Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1991), 65; quoted in John Ankerberg, Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Mormonism, (Eugene, OR: Harvest House Publishers, 1992), 99.
2 Ibid., 103.
3 Bruce McConkie, Mormon Doctrine, (Salt Lake: Bookcraft, 1991), 576-577.
4 Joseph Smith, Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, (Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Company, 1976), 349; quoted in Walter Martin, Kingdom of the Cults, (Minneapolis: Bethany House Publishers, 1997), 220.
5 James Talmage, The Articles of Faith (Salt Lake: Deseret Book Company, 1984), 37.
6 McConkie, 317.
7 McConkie, 576.
8 Talmage, 421.
9 Charles Ryrie, Basic Theology, (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1988), 54.
10 Smith, 321.
11 Brigham Young, Teachings of the Presidents of the Church: Brigham Young, (Salt Lake City: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1997), 29.
12 McConkie, 321.
13 Smith, p. 345-347. Also quoted in McConkie, 321.
14 Talmage, 426.
15 McConkie, 516.
16 Talmage, 421.
17 Doctrine and Covenants 132:22.
18 Young, 29.
19 McConkie, 218.
20 Expositor’ Bible Commentary.
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