A warning – measure everything up with the Word of God please!
I just thought I would mention that although I have certain links in my sidebar, this does not mean that I endorse everything contained within these websites.
I have recently been made aware about this month’s newsletter from the “Christian Classics Ethereal Library” written by the director of C.C.E.L Harry Plantinga. In it he talks about “Mysticism” being at the very heart of Christianity…
As I was growing up, my church experience seemed somewhat heady to me—concerned more about correct belief than about actually loving God. Whether or not that was a correct perception, I wanted more. I wanted not just to know about God, I wanted to know God, though I may not have put it in those terms at that time.
Christian mysticism addresses that longing of the heart. Early in The Imitation of Christ, Thomas writes, “Let the learned be still, let all creatures be silent before You; You alone speak to me.” I don’t want to hear about you from others, I want to know you myself.
He goes on to explain the meaning of mysticism…
Webster defines mysticism as “the doctrine that it is possible to achieve communion with God through contemplation and love without the medium of human reason.”
He then points to a study group, the topic, “Practical Mysticism” and this group uses the writings of Evelyn Underhill.
Lighthouse points out the very real dangers of such mystical practices and has done a very good job in documenting information from key authors and the underlying relationship between occultism and contemplative mystical communion. So, instead of just me rambling on I will just give you the link… here is the Lighthouse article on this matter.
Remember that communion with God without the medium of human reason flies in the face of what God actually says when He spoke to Isaiah…
Isa 1:1819 “Come now, let us reason together, says the LORD: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool. If you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land.
Famine of food and of Word!
In my last post I specifically mentioned “Prophetic Trends” … Well, one of the trends which may well lead into a “Mega-event” is famine.
What does the bible say about famine?
There are two types of famine mentioned in the bible. One is the most obvious and that is a famine of food.
One example of biblical famine which lasted seven years during the time of Joshua was a global famine. According to the bible everyone on the face of the earth was affected by a desperate lack of food. I find this famine interesting because it speaks about the people of the earth going to Joshua for grain/food. Joshua is a typology of a Messiah/Christlike figure and it is only he who has the storehouse of food. The seven years could be a type of tribulation period called Jacobs Trouble.
Gen 41:56-57 And the famine was over all the face of the earth: and Joseph opened all the store-houses, and sold unto the Egyptians; and the famine was sore in the land of Egypt. And all countries came into Egypt to Joseph to buy grain, because the famine was sore in all the earth.
Famine is usually a judgment from God and it is a time to call out to God, this call comes from the faithful.
2Ch 20:9 If evil shall come upon us, whether sword, judgment, or pestilence and famine, we shall stand before this house and before You, for Your name is in this house, and shall cry to You out of our distress, and You shall hear and save.
Famine was so bad at one point that the bible says that woman boiled their own children for food…
Lam 4:9-10 They that are slain with the sword are better than they that are slain with hunger; For these pine away, stricken through, for want of the fruits of the field. The hands of the pitiful women have boiled their own children; They were their food in the destruction of the daughter of my people.
Jer 19:9 And I will cause them to eat the flesh of their sons and the flesh of their daughters; and they shall eat every one the flesh of his friend, in the siege and in the distress, wherewith their enemies, and they that seek their life, shall distress them.
This was literally fulfilled when Jerusalem was captured by the Romans. Although this was literally fulfilled, it serves as a type for us to understand and learn from, it could also be a capitulated prophecy of sorts. Why did this happen? Why did God send such a famine to His people? Remember that whatever the Israelites went through in their documented history shows us a similar future for the unrepentant Church who has become part of the Harlot Church.
He did this because they were unfaithful to His Word and they were worshipping other gods.
Jer 19:35 You shall say, (God is telling Jeremiah to say the following) ‘Hear the word of the LORD, O kings of Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem. Thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel: Behold, I am bringing such disaster upon this place that the ears of everyone who hears of it will tingle. Because the people have forsaken me and have profaned this place by making offerings in it to other gods whom neither they nor their fathers nor the kings of Judah have known; and because they have filled this place with the blood of innocents, and have built the high places of Baal to burn their sons in the fire as burnt offerings to Baal, which I did not command or decree, nor did it come into my mind.
As I read this scripture I was struck with the word “Tingle”, everyone who hears about this terrible judgment will have their ears tingling. I wondered what the Hebrew meaning of tingle was…
צלל
tsâlal
tsaw-lal’
A primitive root (rather identical with H6749 through the idea of vibration); to tinkle, that is, rattle together (as the ears in reddening with shame, or the teeth in chattering with fear): - quiver, tingle.
This is in stark contrast to another scripture which speaks about false prophets tickling the ears which will happen in the last days…
2Ti 4:2-4 preach the Word, be urgent in season, out of season, convict, warn, encourage with all long-suffering and teaching. For a time will be when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own lusts, they will heap up to themselves teachers tickling (itching) the ear; and they will turn away the ear from the truth and will be turned aside to myths.
having itching ears; always desirous of new things, as the Athenians of old; or loving to have their ears scratched and tickled with smooth things; that are pleasing and agreeable to natural men, and carnal minds; as the purity of human nature, the power of man’s free will, the excellency of his righteousness, and the merit of his works, and the like; see Isa 30:9. Now, this being the case, should not discourage, but rather animate the ministers of the Gospel to preach it; for should they desist, in all likelihood the Gospel would soon be gone. (John Gill expository)
The warning here is to be diligent and preach the Word of God because there will be a time when sound doctrine will not be welcomed. It will be shunned.
There is a worldwide famine happening that many are not aware of. This article called “The Silent Famine” states that…
According to the Telegraph, “the World Bank said this week that the price of staple foods has risen by 80 per cent in the past three years.” 80%, people! And why is that? Partially because of “bad weather”, rising demand and maybe, just maybe, those walloping gasoline prices no one seems very interested to be putting the heat on government leaders to address.
Notice how bad things are becoming, as detailed in the Telegraph article:
For consumers in wealthy nations such as Britain soaring prices are squeezing household finances and keeping inflation up. But for developing nations they can lead to malnutrition and social disruption.
Clearly the prophecy written in Revelation 6:5-6 which says… And when he had opened the third seal, I heard the third beast say, Come and see. And I beheld, and lo a black horse; and he that sat on him had a pair of balances in his hand. And I heard a voice in the midst of the four beasts say, A measure of wheat for a penny, and three measures of barley for a penny; and see thou hurt not the oil and the wine…may come to pass in our lifetime!
While there are false prophets – mainly in the rich Western countries – tickling people’s ears, the world faces a global food famine.
A teacher that I respect once said…whatever you see happening in the material world is actually happening in the spiritual one too, or words to that effect.
So yes… there is a global food famine; but there is a famine of another kind. This food famine is just a reflection of something else, something much, much deeper.
There is a famine of the Word of God that is prophesied in Amos, and the bible says that the following will happen…
Amo 8:11 Behold, the days come, saith the Lord Jehovah, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of Jehovah.
In this scripture God is amplifying a more grievous famine which is the hearing of the Word of God. In this scripture God is speaking of the false prophets who tickle the ears!
A famine in the land - The most grievous of all famines, a famine of the words of Jehovah; a time in which no prophet should appear, no spiritual counsellor, no faithful reprover, none any longer who would point out the way of salvation, or would assure them of the mercy of God on their repentance and return to him. This is the severest of God’s judgments on this side the worm that never dieth, and the fire that is never quenched. (Clarke)
As the world chooses to be deaf to the Word of God and His warnings which should bring about repentance, He has warned us that He is going to send the world a powerful delusion to those who do not love the Word of God. This choice of deafness will end up with people becoming wilfully blind and deaf. He sends a famine — both kinds — one of food, and one of the hearing of the Word of God. They are both related to one another. It is a wakeup call for the world to come to repentance! NOW , may be the only time you actually hear Him. Today may be your last day which could be a decisive factor for your eternal life. Have you prepared yourself for eternity? Today you may have open ears still, but that will not last forever!
Can you hear Him?
2Th 2:10-11 …those who refused to love the truth that would save them. For this reason, God will send them a powerful delusion so that they will believe the lie.
It is most interesting to me is that Christ is the “Word” manifest (see John 1:14) and he spoke about His body being the bread of life. Clearly we are to know His Word because it is Him! We are to eat of it and be fully satisfied. After all He did say that He is the bread of life… please open your ears to this scripture…
Joh 6:35 … “I am the bread of life. The one who comes to me will never become hungry, and the one who believes in me will never become thirsty.
Are you hungry and don’t even know it?
Draconian Canada?
(HT: More Books and Things)
I have been pretty busy over these last few weeks, but I just have to quickly point to something that is happening in Canada. It looks like certain laws that were introduced in that country in the 60’s have started to affect Christian Ministries.
Canada’s government is fast becoming a draconian government!
LORRI MacGREGOR, co-founder along with her husband Keith of MacGregor Ministries a Christian counter-cult apologetics organization in British Columbia, Canada, will address the theme: “CANADA GAGS THE GOSPEL.” The Canadian Government will not allow any critiques of other religions. You can be any religion you want as long as you do nothing but promote your own religion. In Lorri & Keith’s case, in addition to presenting the Christian religion, they were responding to attacks on Christianity.
MacGregor Ministries carefully documented these attacks and responded to them from a biblical perspective, in a respectful and even kind manner. To their knowledge, none of the groups attacking Christianity through their websites or magazines got taken to task, only MacGregor Ministries! At the same time, they present sound, biblical, Christian doctrine, which promotes the gospel of Jesus Christ, which is, of course, their purpose. They were told they had to present all religions as equal, could not be “persuasive” regarding Christianity over others, and had to get rid of their website and magazine. Their presentation of the Christian gospel through their DVD’s and printed matter was ruled “uncharitable” and their careful critique of others in defense of Christian doctrine was called “hate”.
Here is a nine minute interview in regards to the latest on what is happening to this particular ministry. MacGregor Ministries has been told that its work is uncharitable and they have now lost their tax exempt status and to continue to operate they must register as a business. Obviously there is no such thing as freedom of speech for Christians because apparently no J.W. or Mormon outreach has had the same happen to them. When Lorri was spoken to she asked if she had a right to defend Christianity against other religions and cults who also claim to have the truth and attack her stand, she was told that the Watchtower society is in complete compliance with them, and they don’t have a problem with them at all. They do however; have a problem with Christians showing errors in the cults. They accuse MacGregor Minsitries of having hate literature.
Well, I have checked out their website, and I cannot find any hate literature. They address the Jehovah Witnesses, the Mormons and even The Seventh Day Adventists, which I know a lot about because I was brought up in that particular Church. They also speak about William Branham, Benny Hinn, Kathryn Kuhlman, Tommy Tenney, Rodney Howard Brown, John Wimber and Rick Joyner, just to name a few. Most of these names are “Word of Faith” teachers and I have personally known about their teaching through my family members. Even I started to get sucked into it myself until someone said that I should measure their teachings against the Word of God and see what comes of it.
Some of these family members have had the sense to leave such Churches that follow the teachings of such lunatics but others unfortunately are still attending. I have even gone so far as to bring such matters to the Baptist Union, and I am yet to hear anything from them. Did I do that because I hate them? NO!!!! I did it because I believe in accountability and I believe in measuring things up against the Word of God.
These cult busters are doing nothing more than showing the very clear differences between other religious teachings against what the bible says. And now that is regarded as HATE!!! Are they not allowed to disagree with other religions?
This is political correctness gone mad! And it has done its job very well.
It is becoming very clear to me that the Church and State are slowly becoming amalgamated in one way or another. One such way is because of the government wanting the churches to be more transparent with their finances. While other Churches are willingly becoming corporations (Inc.) so that they can better serve the community through certain purpose driven/seeker friendly methodologies.
And now this… because of a so called “hate crime” they are being charged as uncharitable so therefore cannot be a charity and must be registered as a business. Despite the fact that these people do not get paid for what they are doing and have given their lives free of charge to evangelizing the lost, to actually reach these people.
The hooks are in, and it seems to me that the commission that God has given to the Church has been truly gagged in some parts of the world. Don’t think that it can’t happen in your neck of the woods. It will!
Mat 28:19-20 Go ye therefore, and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them into the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I commanded you: and lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.
The decline of the dollar - The EU and Arab League - And Canadians watching British-Arabia!
Just three things of interest, very important things…
In the latest example that the U.S. dollar just ain’t what it used to be, some shops in New York City have begun accepting euros and other foreign currency as payment for merchandise.
“We had decided that money is money and we’ll take it and just do the exchange whenever we can with our bank,” Robert Chu, owner of East Village Wines, told Reuters television.
The increasingly weak U.S. dollar, once considered the king among currencies, has brought waves of European tourists to New York with money to burn and looking to take advantage of hugely favorable exchange rates.
The EU High Representative for the Common Foreign And Security Policy, Javier Solana yesterday expressed his conviction that the Maltese initiative to hold the first ever European Union-Arab League conference will be kept up.
Speaking to The Times on his arrival at the conference venue at the Westin Dragonara in St Julians, Mr Solana said he was pleased to be here for this important meeting.
“After having met with the Arab League on many occasions in different formats, now is the first time we meet at a specific meeting between the Arab League and the 27 EU member states.
“We like the idea very much and now we have to see how we can cooperate in this format.”
Asked what he expected to come out of the meeting, Mr Solana said there were no specific issues that had to be dealt with. What was more important was to strengthen cooperation between the EU and the Arab League.
The United Kingdom, from common language and shared heritage, offers us our best window into what is happening in Europe. This is especially so when we try to come to grips — if we have the courage to do so — with the historically sudden irruption, and rapid spread, of Islam across Europe.
There are parallel developments in all the nations on the Continent: high immigration rates from Islamic countries, comparatively high birth rates among that immigrant population, and the radicalization of their young in Wahabi mosques financed by the oil wealth of Arabia. But for many English-speaking Canadians, it is the British experience that brings the phenomenon home.
The demographic issue is at the centre of much controversy. There can be little dispute over the statistical facts, which are quite dramatic, and as exhilarating from an Islamist point of view, as they are ominous for those who fear the loss of everything associated with western civilization. For, owing to the prior triumph of the leftist “multicultural” ideology, which holds that one “culture” is as good as another, and therefore it is wrong to preserve our own way of life, there is considerable opposition to discussing these facts.
We have seen this in Canada, where journalists Mark Steyn and Ezra Levant have been hauled before “human rights tribunals” — kangaroo courts in which defendants are stripped of all the traditional protections of court law, and where judgments may be passed against them by people with no legal qualifications on the basis of whim and hearsay.
Mr. Steyn, in particular, stands accused of having openly discussed demographic questions. Mr. Levant stands accused of having published materials the mainstream media had been cowed into suppressing by the fear of Islamist violence.
In both cases, the journalists are being prosecuted by Muslims who advocate the imposition of Shariah law, but are using an apparatus that was designed by the Left for the persecution of those expressing right-wing views.
The British system works differently, and the media in Britain remain more robust than the media in Canada, and willing to report things that would be studiously ignored in a Canadian newsroom. On the other hand, by sheer force of numbers, and the intimidation value of several Islamist atrocities on London’s streets, the “fear factor” in Britain is much higher, and the Labour government has proved much more responsive to Islamist demands.
The chief, and most consistent Islamist demand, is for the imposition of Shariah law, at least for Muslims, but ideally by the whole state. In fact, many Shariah courts are already operating informally in Britain, dealing mostly with routine civil questions of marriage, divorce, inheritance, and financial disputes, but sometimes with crime. For instance, a Shariah court in the London district of Woolwich was allowed recently — apparently with the co-operation of police — to pass judgment on unnamed Somali youths in a knifing incident. (The assailants were released in return for an apology to their victim.)
In various other ways, Shariah is being recognized, semi-formally. For instance, although bigamy remains nominally a crime in Britain, the Labour government has approved new social provisions by which extra welfare payments, council housing privileges, and tax benefits may be claimed by polygamous households, and the cash benefits to which the extra wives are now entitled may be paid directly into the account of their husband.
Related:
- SAUDI PUBLICATIONS ON HATE IDEOLOGY INVADE AMERICAN MOSQUES by Freedom House the Center for Religious Freedom (Pdf file)
I have a link that is a critique of Wahhabism from an Islamic point of view. Interesting to note is that during Ottoman Rule the British backed Wahhabism according to the article provided…
[...]their false love of religion traces back to a dajjal who went by the name of Muhammad bin Abdul-Wahhab, who was a man sponsered, educated, paid, and helped by the British to eradicate the Uthmani (a.k.a. Ottoman) empire, as well as the rest of the Muslim ‘Ummah from within.
I may add more links, but this will do for now!
Executive Committee of the Union of Messianic Jewish Congregations says of Hagee…
I would normally blah, blah, blah about all of this Hagee stuff. But I just wanted to share a link with you about the ongoing controversy, here tis…
As Messianic Jews we appreciate the support for Israel and the Jewish community that many Christians have shown in recent years. This remarkable change in Jewish-Christian relations corrects centuries of Christian anti-Semitism and promises to bear much fruit in the coming years. In particular, we recognize the important work that Pastor John Hagee has accomplished in rallying thousands of Christians to this cause. At the same time, we must note serious concerns about some of Pastor Hagee’s doctrinal positions, particularly as expressed in his recent book, In Defense of Israel. These teachings contradict biblical doctrine, undermine thetestimony of Jewish followers of Jesus, and weaken the cause of Christian supporters of the Jewish people. (Read more here)
Mary the Co-Redemptrix, the new Marian Dogma!
Apparently there is a call from some Cardinals, over 500 of them, to request a fifth Marian Dogma…
Five cardinals have sent a letter inviting prelates worldwide to join them in petitioning Benedict XVI to declare a fifth Marian dogma they said would “proclaim the full Christian truth about Mary.”
The text, released last week, includes the petition that asks the Pope to proclaim Mary as “the Spiritual Mother of All Humanity, the co-redemptrix with Jesus the redeemer, mediatrix of all graces with Jesus the one mediator, and advocate with Jesus Christ on behalf of the human race.” (read more here)
I wonder if Rick Warren who would be happy to form an alliance with Catholicism to establish his P.E.A.C.E plan and others who have signed the “Evangelicals and Catholics Together” who are intent on building ecumenical bridges would have a problem with Mary’s co-redemptrix status?
Roger Oakland says that…There are a number of evangelical Protestants who have signed an agreement with Roman Catholics with regard to unification with Rome (Evangelicals and Catholics Together). Further, Rick Warren has stated that he is willing to form an alliance with the Roman Catholic Church to establish his PEACE plan.
The new Marian Dogma is ecumenical in nature…
The petition states: “We believe the time opportune for a solemn definition of clarification regarding the constant teaching of the Church concerning the Mother of the Redeemer and her unique cooperation in the work of Redemption, as well as her subsequent roles in the distribution of grace and intercession for the human family.”
Ecumenism
Pointing to ecumenical concerns, the petition continues: “It is of great importance [...] that people of other religious traditions receive the clarification on the highest level of authentic doctrinal certainty that we can provide, that the Catholic Church essentially distinguishes between the sole role of Jesus Christ, divine and human Redeemer of the world, and the unique though secondary and dependent human participation of the Mother of Christ in the great work of Redemption.”
They want to voice a clearer expression of Catholic Church Marian doctrine when they say…
The text adds that the move would be “the ultimate expression of doctrinal clarity at the service of our Christian and non-Christian brothers and sisters who are not in communion with Rome.”
In a press statement released along with the letter, the cardinal co-sponsors reiterated the same ecumenical concern and said the proclamation of a fifth Marian dogma would be a “service of clarification to other religious traditions and to proclaim the full Christian truth about Mary.“
They also want dialogue concerning Mary…
“This initiative also intends to start an in-depth worldwide dialogue on Mary’s role in salvation for our time. [...] Should this effort prove successful, a proclamation would constitute a historical event for the Church as only the fifth Marian dogma defined in its 2,000-year history.”
And of course is it all about “The New Evangelization” in regards to Mary’s role for humanity…
Cardinal Aponte Martínez, one of the cardinal co-patrons said: “I believe the time is now for the papal definition of the relationship of the Mother of Jesus to the each one of us, her earthly children, in her roles as co-redemptrix, mediatrix of all graces and advocate.
“To solemnly proclaim Mary as the spiritual mother of all peoples is to fully and officially recognize her titles, and consequently to activate, to bring to new life the spiritual, intercessory functions they offer the Church for the new evangelization, and for humanity in our serious present world situation.”
Related
Atonement attacked - Brian McLaren
The best advice anyone gave me was if there be any teaching, Christian or otherwise, that diminishes the “work of the cross” and the need for blood atonement that teaching is straight from the pits of Hell. The work of the cross is our propitiation to appease of God because of our sin.
The bible is a Jewish book and we must understand the atonement within Jewish thought.
Jesus was pierced for our transgressions and anyone who does not understand this has not had their conscience convicted by the Holy Spirit.
Why does this matter??? Read “Does Brian McLaren Have a Generous View of Hell?”
A Jewish Believer In Jesus Responds to Hagee
For those who are following the news on Hagee and his latest book ‘In defense of Israel’… this may be of interest to you…
Two Opposites Cannot be the Same or True
-John Hagee’s supports Israel but at the same time abandons giving the gospel to the Jews-
James 3:10-12: “Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be so. Does a spring send forth fresh water and bitter from the same opening? Can a fig tree, my brethren, bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Thus no spring can yield both salt water and fresh.”
Hagee is well received by both the church and by Jews. His ministry is on 50 radio stations, seen on 160 Television stations in America, in nearly 100 million homes. He has authored over 20 books; some of which have become a best seller in America (on the New York Times Best Seller list). “Jerusalem Countdown” sold 1.4 million copies. Hagee’s latest book is “In Defense of Israel” (October 2007) is on the USA Today bestseller list and on the Christian Booksellers List. John Hagee is called Doctor Hagee, having Honorary Doctorates from Oral Roberts University, Canada Christian College and from Netanya Academic College in Israel.
It was years ago that I lost any respect I had for Hagee when I saw Rick Godwin on his stage sitting on one side and Hagee on the other side with Kenneth Copeland giving a horrendous teaching to Hagee’s flock; it was shameful (Aug. 18,1999). (Godwin certainly is not pro Israel, which makes Hagee’s position all he more perplexing). When a pastor promotes this kind of off the wall teaching I cannot have any respect for him. (Read more here)
For the life of me I cannot understand how he could have shared the stage with a heretic like Kenneth Copeland! Anyway, this article is written from the perspective of a Jewish believer. Hagee’s word faith teaching is documented in this article… apparently to be poor is a sin and is a curse…
[...]Hagee on the TBN Praise-A-Thon broadcast said that “poverty is caused by sin and disobeying the Word of God” (April 16, 1993), “poverty is a curse.” (November 4, 1992).
Yet the bible says…
Luke 6:20, 24 disagrees “. . . did not God choose the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which He promised to those who love Him?”
Which is right, Hagee or the Bible?
The article speaks more about Zionism, and modern political Zionism and much more is explained about Hagee’s theology and how he has spoken out about how the Jews can be saved outside of Jesus the Messiah. This is of course Dual Covenant Theology, yet Paul did not think like this at all! His desire was for the gospel of Jesus to be proclaimed to the Jew first!
I could go on, but check out the article for yourself. It is written by Mike Oppenheimer from ‘Let Us Reason’.
British Law + Sharia Law, never the twain shall meet. Or can it?
Just quickly, this….
Archbishop of Canterbury Dr. Rowan Williams, who said that it “seems inevitable” that elements of Sharia Muslim law would be incorporated into British legislation.
Almost instantly the comments have been greeted with shock and condemnation from nearly every corner of British society. Christian groups, secular groups, the head of the equality watchdog, several high-profile Muslims and MPs from all parties have all strongly condemned the statement. A spokesman for Prime Minister Gordon Brown said this morning, “sharia law cannot be used as a justification for committing breaches of English law, nor should the principles of sharia law be included in a civil court for resolving contractual disputes.”
The essential question is whether Muslims living in Britain should have a different set of laws that apply to them that are in accordance with Sharia law. The issue is especially pertinent in divorce proceedings, which under Sharia law are extremely strict and not very favorable to women. (Read more here)
Related:
Jesusanity - What is that?
Those who visit this blog are probably aware that I have previously posted much about the Atonement and the implications of how one understands it. This issue is very important to the Church, it always has been and it always will be. Well, at least it should be. Anyway, I came across a post written by Albert Mohler called ‘Christianity vs. Jesusanity — The Postmodern Temptation‘. In that post he speaks about the postmodern (ugghhh, soooo sick of that word!!!!) attempt to humanise Jesus.
Of this is writes…
While postmodern literary theorists debate the meaning of “totalizing metanarratives,” at the level of popular piety we see the widespread substitution of “spirituality” for biblical Christianity.
This is exactly what we are seeing! The following quote is from authors Darrell L. Bock and Daniel B. Wallace who argue that popular culture is on a quest “to unseat the biblical Christ”. In a book called ‘Dethroning Jesus‘ the authors recognise that there is an ongoing attempt to reduce Jesus into a dethroned humanitarian teacher…
“Jesusanity” is a coined term for the alternative story about Jesus. Here the center of the story is still Jesus, but Jesus as either a prophet or a teacher of religious wisdom. In Jesusanity, Jesus remains very much Jesus of Nazareth. He points the way to God and leads people into a journey with God. His role is primarily one of teacher, guide, and example. Jesus’ special status involves his insight into the human condition and the enlightenment he brings to it. There is no enthronement of Jesus at God’s side, only the power of his teaching and example. In this story, the key is that Jesus inspires others, but there is no throne for him. He is one among many – the best, perhaps, and one worthy to learn from and follow.
Check out the post by Albert Mohler and see what you think. I for one am glad that there are some authors willing to lay it all out and stick to good clear biblical exegesis!
Previous posts on Blood Atonement.
