Recently after watching a Christian TV Show I have been inspired to discuss matters dealing with the evolution of the Christian Faith within the United States.
This new millennium without a doubt is providing a great challenge for people of faith. The Church is growing however in my opinion not in the manner Jesus Christ would have directed. The Bible even warns that there will be many churches but only 1 will truly be serving God. I don’t believe the Bible provides such warnings and is full of words such as “heed” and “fear” for us Christians to ignore.
Many of us believe we are living in the End Times. So why are we then willing to allow for the integrity of our Church to deteriorate. When I speak of our Church I am referring to all Christian faiths: Catholic, Orthodox, Protestants, Baptist, Methodist, Adventist, Evangelist, Episcopal, Lutheran, Jehovah Witness, Non-Denominational.
I believe the church should approach all current political issues of today more liberally. At least from my observation of current affairs within the United States the church is siding with those that call themselves Conservatives.
However you see this Conservative ideology seeks to constrict personal freedom. Religious institutions exist because of the existence of such civil liberties and personal freedoms. I cannot therefore understand why especially Evangelistic Churches have sided with Republicans politically. These Churches are being used as political pawns. These Republican politicians will throw your interest aside as soon as they can gain another larger base constituency such as the Hispanic vote as we are seeing debated in Congress in the Spring of 2006.
In regards to the Iraq War I cannot understand how a true Christian cannot at least question what is happening! We pray for the sick, witness to complete strangers to attempt to bring them to Christ, and we believe in the value of life period. A Christian heart inspired by the Holy Spirit seeks peace. The Bible tells us: “Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called children of God.” Matthew 5:5
Fortunately there are many denominations that tend to consist of members that are aware that we as Christians should support political movements that seek to expand civil liberties to assure that our freedom to practice our religion however we please will never be infringed upon.
In addition to this debate in regards to civil liberties there are 4 other matters that are shaping the evolution of the Christian Faith within the United States. And let me offer a precursor to all of these matters. I personally do not support them. To help you more understand my perspective I’ll offer you this old saying” the devil is liar”. Christians believe we are waging spiritual war against evil. Evil whose power as stated in the Bile lies in deception. I believe this evil has deceived the United States Christian Church and rendered it nearly useless in this spiritual & moral war fare.
These matters are: indulgence on power and prosperity, spirits of prophecy or in other words psychic and demonic powers, a lack of humbleness and meekness leading to materialism, irrational ideas that lead to oppressive values.
1) indulgence on power and prosperity
Biblical texts are clear that the work of the Church is not to facility its members to achieving financial affluence but it is to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ. From my observation persons that claim to be ministers of God whom expose success and self help could be easily replaced by an atheist motivational speaker without much notice.
2) spirits of prophecy or psychic and demonic powers
After watching a Christian TV Show and hearing a person claiming to be a minister ask for viewers to call and he would mail them a prophecy I was divinely inspired to write this post. This question, I ask you: when did the Christian Church start believing that demonic spirits such as psychics were fare game within the Church? This is not something in my opinion that is open for interpretation. Yes many faiths believe that God blesses certain individuals with specific holy gifts. Example are speaking in tongues and healing but I have always questioned the gift of prophecy. The example Christians are to follow is that of Jesus Christ. Jesus did not go around like a psychic predicting futures but he healed the sick and fed the hungry. In my opinion the gift of prophecy is either a shame or a tool of the devil to infiltrate our churches.
What use does predicting the future have in the church for our lives which is in the hands of God?
3) Irrational ideas that maybe oppressive.
Christians today speak strongly and even in a hateful tone about homosexuals. They fail however to do the same for those that commit adultery which is not only mentioned 100 times more in scripture but is also part of the 10 commandments. I make this comparison to support my belief that Churches are simply being used as pawns by politicians to win elections. Molding our opinions when this is not what God would have for us. Jesus would have our Church accept all persons. Didn't he say "come as you are." The issue of Marriage is being used to politically manipulate Christians.
4) a lack of humbleness and meekness leading to materialism
There was a time that none of us remember when a man of God was proud to be humble and meek. Now our Pastors drive Mercedes Benzes and wear the most expensive suits and demand such luxuries. The Pope wears red Armani shoes. And good lord, nothing seems to be wrong with the church. Jesus Christ the son of God labored as carpenter and walked around in a robe. And you tell me these luxuries that breed superiority is where Jesus Christ would lead our church? I don’t believe so, and I would like to see the Mercedes sold and given to charity. The pastor would look fine in a Toyota. The word of God tells us: that “the meek shall inherit the earth: and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.”-Psalm 37:11
You see God knows the plans he has for you and they are outlined within the his word, the Bible. Even amongst the Wars of Biblical times to the prophecy of Revelation never does the Bible imply that Christians are to seek to force our faith onto the non-believers through political means. The foundation of our Christian faith hinges upon acceptance of our faith by sinners after receiving witness, observing a Christian, and hearing the word and no other way should Christians seek to expand our faith.
Checks & Balances Blog is primarily political. I however do post often about religion because today I am close to fearful that the line between separation of church and state ahs been crossed. Christians must be vigilant to guard against evil influences like ALL politicians whom do not have the best interest of our Faith and Religious Institution at heart. Politics is a game of winning your vote and your money. Christianity is a work of winning your soul. The two do not and will never mix.
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5 comments:
Up close and personal Jehovah's Witnesses can be wolves in sheep's clothing.
Think about this-When the devil comes knocking on your door he may not have the 'dark goth look'.They could be smartly dressed and wielding the Christian Bible.
I have Jehovah's Witnesses family in the usa who practice the Watchtower JW enforced ritual shunning that i have not seen or heard from in 15 years.
The central CORE dogma of the Watchtower is Jesus second coming (invisibly) in 1914 and is a lie.Jehovah's Witnesses are a spin-off of the man made Millerite movement of 1840.
A destructive cult of false teachings, that frequently result in spiritual and psychological abuse, as well as needless deaths (bogus blood transfusion ban).
Yes,you can 'check out anytime you want but you can never leave',because they can and will hold your family hostage.
The world has the Internet now,and there are tens of thousands of pages up from disgruntled ex-Jehovah's Witnesses like myself who have been abused by the Watchtower cult.
Jehovah's Witnesses are often a mouth that prays a hand that kills.The Watchtower is a truly Orwellian world.
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Danny Haszard former Jehovah's Witness X 33 years and 3rd generation www.dannyhaszard.com
Anthony.....BRAVE but honest as always. Commendable.
As Jewish man....i too belive that many religious institutions are being corrupted by the money supplied to them to minister to the poor/needy.
Since when was the notion that the SAVLATION ARMY is any better at rehabitation of drug additics than traditional hospital settings (inpatient and out patient). Why whould youhave to pledge your loyalty to Christ to get a meal.
The traditional veiw of Jesus was a man who talked to the poor, shunned, or outsiders of society to spread the word of knowedge of the religous word would bring peace and right acts. The Christian theology has taught to do unto others as you want done to you.
They are reaping what they sow. Homosexuality as referring to women is NOT even mentioned in the BIBLE and the notation that is mentioned about male homosexuality is about PROSTITUTION at the temple steps....AKA prositution was not an illegal activity in biblical times but is was not to be occuring within the temple doors and on temple property.
Much as today we consider it taboo to do anything on church grounds and also on graves.
Anthony you always try to get people to think outside of the box of the Media real. SO READERS....get off the sofa, read more than the news presents, and get a history book.
Focus*
Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan, more blood, more death, more suffering, more dying, more lying, higher costs, higher prices, higher profits,
Katrina, Tsunami, Aids, Mad Cow, Environmental, Social, and Political Toxins, Avian Flu, worshiping the super sized life of the elite few,
As the weight of power, corruption and greed begins to tilt and topple, focus my friend on the ancient fact that organizations whose aims are monolithic and grand, can not all*ways command,
To save oneself and that for which you stand, focus on diversity, downsize the goal, into a life style which nurtures, sustains and supports the whole,
Focus my friend on the truth, that THIS is not the end, but merely a new beginning, a global opportunity for alternative direction to change the plan,
Focus your energy, faith, and trust into this dawning New Age,
Focus on the reality that millions will die as long as they continue to live their lies, a life of denial which only sees their sky,
Focus on those gathering around the truth, that only tolerance, trust and love will bring your hopes and dreams to fruit,
Focus on the reality that Weakness is that which causes harm and lives in fear, focus on the fact that true strength knows the value of humble grace, and bows not to fear, or control, but only to offer a hand in friendship and sharing to every land,
Focus my friend, for this is YOUR beginning, as from the death throes of the old ways shine the brilliant rays of that which shall be.
Focus on this Age of Compassion.
©Bruce Larson*Moore
Bruce your ideas of compassion have merit. However us people who possess this sense of compassion have failed to unify ourselves in a manner to produce any significant change.
Maybe thru an organization, a religious institution, a movement?
Right now we are a bunch of people acting individually.
This is what we must do.
hey*anthony,
Compassion, tolerance and love are self organizing mechanisms which follow Universal*Laws of Truth. If one looks to the reality of this, they will see that all those who trust in that path are very highly organized into what is statistically a 300% per year growth rate of progressive individuals, who are collectively changing the way things are being done.
Much of the negative things currently occurring in the world are a direct result of those who follow the path of the old energy and the fear it demands, reacting to the new energy which is self organizing under the natural laws of tolerance, compassion and love.
Most of this change is subtle in the way that nature is 90% of the time, yet when the stress of a shift is built to the point of expansion, the remaining shift will take place dramatically.
Those who are ready to accept the change will continue, those who are not will have a very hard time coping if they can at all.
The Age of Compassion is dawning, and no level or action of fear can halt the inevitable outcome, which is the total vanquishing of fear and the hate it needs so desperately to survive.
Any nation or organization held by fear will not survive the global reality of The*People embracing truth.
Ones options are to lead, join or get out of the way.
Peace All*Ways leads to Truth
Truth All*Ways leads to Peace
BL*M
The 13-Establishments of Truth
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