Studies show that once people form an opinion, they usually refuse to listen to facts that refute it.
This causes enormous problems for Christians, causing them to:
1. Accept half-truths and distorted views of Scripture (e.g. the misuse of "Judge Not").
2. Promote unsubstantiated claims about Bible translations.
3. Excuse pagan involvement.
4. Support popular false teachers.
5. Misuse Scripture to promote cultural errors.
It makes us proud, foolish, and unteachable.
"The way of fools seems right to them, but the wise listen to advice." Proverbs 12:15
If a thought, theory, idea, teaching, philosophy, or behavior contradicts Scripture, it's wrong. Period.
The Bible is God's "opinion" and His opinion is always the right one so:
“Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15
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Bible Love Notes
Somehow as I read this morning's devotional I was impressed again with the faulty theological presuppositions that permeate many of our christian churches. I don't ever want to claim that we can't stand firm on foundational truths in the Word, but I've seen/experienced far too many times the extreme pride and confidence of one man-made system of theology over another...... and since they (Dispensationalism, Calvinism, etc.) all seem to have holes the size of Swiss cheese, it was refreshing to read this morning that we Christians need to be more willing to "LISTEN TO FACTS THAT REFUTE IT" rather than causing so much division over secondary (and even tertiary) points of doctrine!
ReplyDeleteThanks for your encouragement BLN.
What about Christmas, Easter and Halloween?
ReplyDeleteThere is a great deal of false information presented as fact that associates our Christian holidays with paganism. Halloween definitely has pagan roots that are still present in the celebration. I've written about that and you can find that post in the "Subject Archive" under "Holidays."
DeleteHowever, the many articles about Christmas and Easter are based on things that don't line up with actual historic facts.
In fact, many of those claiming these holidays have pagan roots contradict each other in their historic explanations.
In addition, while Halloween maintains some of the pagan practices, Christmas and Easter do not. I'm not talking about Santa Claus or Easter bunnies. I'm talking about the focus and meaning of Christmas and Easter celebrations for Christians.
Was there tree worship in the past? Perhaps, although nothing I've read shows accurate proof that it was ever linked to Christmas trees. But even if there was tree worship somewhere in history, I've never met a single Christian or non-Christian who worships their tree. God created trees and the evergreen tree has long been a symbol of life. It's green even in the midst of winter. And Christ's birth certainly is a time to remember the new life He brings to the world.
Making our current Christmas and Easter celebrations an issue is as illogical and telling Christians to stop praying because pagans also pray to their false gods.
There are legitimate pagan influences in our culture like yoga. Let's concentrate on those things which still bear pagan names and still have pagan rituals attached. Let's not get sidetracked by associating everything with evil.
Let me add this: If celebrating Christmas or Easter causes you to get involved in pagan practices or causes you to compromise your personal convictions, then you shouldn't celebrate either. You must do what your conscience dictates and allow others to do what their conscience dictates, remembering these passages:
DeleteRomans 14:5, 12-13: some think one day is more holy than another day, while others think every day is alike. You should each be fully convinced that whichever day you choose is acceptable. 6 Those who worship the Lord on a special day do it to honor him... 12-13: Yes, each of us will give a personal account to God. 13 So let’s stop condemning each other. Decide instead to live in such a way that you will not cause another believer to stumble and fall.
Colossians 2:16: Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day.