How To Spot Deception and Prevent Yourself From Being Swayed by Illicit Arguments (Post 2)

The Maxim I Like

Most catch phrases concern me, especially when one uses them at whim without reflection and deep background knowledge of the meaning and potential pitfalls. However, there is one I kind of like. Penned by nineteenth century Alexander Campbell, this maxim address Christian religious authority: "Where the Bible speaks, we speak; where the Bible is silent, we are silent." In other words, when the Bible teaches a concept, we follow it. When it is silent on a topic, there is freedom for personal decision.

How To Spot Deception and Prevent Yourself From Being Swayed by Illicit Arguments (Post 1)

Adding to the Scripture

If one does not hold the Bible as the ultimate authority and from God, there are greater concerns then what I'm about to address. However, I assume you hold the Bible to be foundational. I'm very concerned when people, Christians, elevate other concepts to biblical level. Or as Jesus put it “...teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.” Paul expressed it in Colossians 2:8 “Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.” This is a real concern of mine. To add insult to injury, those “extra” teachings usually become precedent over the Bible.

The IBITE Vision, And What It Means for You

A number of years ago, A biography of Patrick of Ireland was given to me [1]. He was connected with a fifth century group of Christians from ancient Britain (not Roman Catholic), he seemed to have had two main goals. One was for Christians to follow Christ closer, and the second, his heart was for the Irish people to come to Christ. Possibly he became the greatest missionary since Paul. His story, among other reasons [2], made me think bigger – giving a bigger vision for my life – this site is one aspect of that vision. Since inception, this site has reached literally thousands of people from around the world. From Christians to atheists, I have had diversity of visitors. This is not said in pride, rather I'm humbled for the impact that this little site may have and I present it for a following explanation.

The Vision, The First Main Goal

I would like you know that vision, it may be bigger than some think. It is not just focused on my own life, my family, or the group of Christians I meet with. The first focus is that I can be a positive challenge the unbeliever - to leave a stone in his or her shoe. I want to tear away the clutter of secular philosophies and their false views of Christianity. I want them to see their sin, turn from it and follow Christ. I want them to know “The Way”. I'm no Patrick, but my desire is to have a positive effect on all who want to hear. Maybe I can put a stone in another's shoe - I don't know, but I do what I can and leave the rest up to God. I hope you do the same.

The Second Main Goal

On the flip side, I have a second goal. My desire is that all Christians may come closer to Christ, follow and obey him more - whoever they are. My hope is that all would understand original mere Christianity. I want to encourage all to focus on Christ and his Kingdom - serving him in truth and in spirit. This is done by taking the focus off our desires, the perceived “essentials” and from the sin of this world, and fix their eyes on Christ and his Kingdom.

Reasons and evidences are presented so Christians can be more confident in this harsh world. I want them to know what Jesus taught so they can have knowledge what they believe and live that knowledge. I want them to understand why they believe it so they can have an answer for those around them, whether one asks or they initiate conversation.

This site is not for any specific group of Christians. Rather I try to post items that relate to many people - all my readers. For example, this was the case in a previous post on teachings, that many groups hold, that the Bible does not teach [here]. All the items presented are common among many Christian groups. One item I got push back on was “Altar Calls” - a novel practice that many groups practice. Another was the “Spirit Led” philosophy that some think started around the holiness or pietistic movements and spread rapidly to present evangelical Christianity and elsewhere. This one seems to always get push back from Christians of all strips - it is so desirable by so many, including myself. However, history is fairly clear on both items - but people can become emotional when we assess them.

Feel Free to Push Back

However, push back is okay, feel free to challenge my posts. That’s why I allow comments below, if one wants to respond. This is how we learn, by asking questions and assessing the reasons. However, I would ask everyone to be respectful, no character assassination and emotional responses - I don’t allow those to be posted. Always use love and respect, with reason and wisdom.

On the other hand, if the vision of this site is not yours, if what I say offends, if you have no desire to think deeper about what you believe and no desire to help others come to Christ – then feel free to stop reading. This site may not be for you. Of course, I desire all to read and grow, but if not, that’s fine. However, please, before passing judgment upon this site or me, check out the evidence I present and my motives. If you are a follower of Christ, please don't gossip and spread discord about this site or the writer.

For More Information

For more on the intent and goals of IBITE blog, visit these pages:

The Goal Of IBITE

The Kingdom of God

Ten People

What are your thoughts on Patrick of Ireland, what have you heard about him? What is your motive for life, if you are a Christian, what are you doing for the furtherance of the Gospel of the Kingdom? If you are an atheists, agnostic or from some other religion, what is preventing you to come to Christ?


[1] Let Me Die in Ireland, the True Story of Patrick
[2] Such as Paul calls us all to be ambassadors [2 Corinthians 5:20], which he was as well, he behaved godly and spoke about the gospel of the Kingdom to all.

10 Christian Teachings That You May Have Thought Were Biblical, But Aren't!

So I need a job. Ah, a chef position would be great! After application I get an interview. I expect questions like "have you ever made Louisiana Gumbo?" or "Grilled Mediterranean Chicken?" or maybe "Braised Lamb Shank?" 

False!

I get questions like "do you believe that we should use forks here?" or maybe "we hold it to be true, because of our tradition, that plates are the best thing to eat off of. Do you agree?" 

I'm floored! What should I say, "your silly?" Eating off of plates is great - but really, who cares! Maybe a spoon and bowl would be good to eat soup! 

Christian Rituals

Christian rituals, traditions and practices are much like this tale. While interesting, giving us a window into a culture, there is concern with dogmatism. This concern arises out of the observation that most groups become infected with the tradition veneration mentality. Some so revered, one has to wonder why God forgot to add some of them to the Bible. While not all Christian's venerate rituals, most do.

Nor am I saying they are all wrong. Some are great, others inconsequential and still others seem to transgress biblical teaching. Most are "un-biblical" rather than "non-biblical". In fact, an argument from tradition is a logical fallacy - just because we have done something (or not) does not make it right or wrong. While morally many may be kosher, we need to step back, assess and question them. Many are novel, some are as recent as within the past 200 years! Christians throughout early church history knew nothing about them. Most only form consistency and uniformity, but intrinsically none can shape unity and godliness. They are just parts of a culture.

Some of these are emotionally loaded positions. However, history is history, of which we must come to grips. Here are ten of them that many groups of Christan's practice.

Pews

Around the 13th and 14th centuries, the Church saw the evolution of backless benches which matured into the modern pew. By the fifteen century, pews became commonplace in church buildings [1]. In contemporary times, we see some gatherings divorcing the pews for chairs and seats. In fact, in some countries, people stand and in other places the congregation sits on the ground. None of these ways are more holy or respectful than any other. The Bible does not speak to this issue.

Altar calls

Beginning in the late 1800's altar calls were born. Some say Charles Finney popularized the idea. They have no biblical grounding nor historical Christian roots beyond that time. While altar calls may have helped many, concerns are real. Some are given false hope. Emotions and peer pressure seem to dominate the response by those who come. The stimulating and melodramatic sermons, the stirring music, and pleading friends and family can cause one to step down the "sawdust trail." But many go forward without a true intellectual and a fervent desire to follow Christ - which is this tradition's greatest down fall. 

Testimonies

Diverse Christian groups have some type of testimony time. Opportunity is given to converts for membership, and/or candidates for baptism, to bring their testimony for congregation approval. The first centuries of Church history knew no practice. In fact, Acts records that believers were baptized on the spot after confession of faith. While this is a testimony in a sense, it is not the long drawn out testimony that John Calvin introduced in the 1500's, which is where it's rooted. Some modern denominations still follow John Calvin's tradition of a requirement of in-depth testimonies before membership and baptism [2]. While this process may have good facets, it is not sacred. There are no commands or precedents set by Jesus and the apostles for this practice.

Hearing the voice of God

Many denominations, dynamic modern teachers and books instruct us that we need to "hear the voice of God" and "feel led of the Spirit" and "God whispers to us". Proof for this practice is taken from misinterpreted Bible passages. Rhetorically, it is sublime with its immensely spiritual sounding ring. This practice is done by those to figure out the "Big decisions" in life, such as who should be the preacher, what house to buy and when finding a mate. Arbitrarily opening the Scriptures "to find God's personal direction", by reading phrases and words out of context, is one main mode for this teaching. However, one abuses the text of God's Holy Word. Feeling a peace, confirmations and signs are also part of this practice - all subjective in nature. However, this tradition is less than 200 years old! Scriptures do not teach this practice, it does not logically makes sense, nor does it have deep historical Christian foundation - it started around eighteen hundred years after Christ [3]. 

Four Part Harmony

Like with any cultural element, confusion and uncertainty reign when we try to find the origins. The same is true with four part harmony hymns, what makes up most modern songs and hymns. While many feel that the "old-time hymns" are the best, and maybe they are, they do not realize that they aren't really "old-time." In fact, the early church sung in a type of antiphonal singing. This is where different groups sing back and forth at each other, maybe in response or repetition. As time passed, Gregorian chant's became the mode of song and worship. Rather than beat-wise music, it was step-wise. Some credit Martin Luther as the one who popularized four part harmony in Christendom. The two great awakenings then introduced much of the "old-time" music that have become a symbol of worship in the evangelical west. Again, while the music sounds good and many songs have great depths of meaning, four part harmony, just like other traditions, have no biblical roots. 

KJV Onlyism

Just to prevent up front confusion, Jesus and the Apostles did not use the "Authorized King James Bible version". While it may seem obvious to most, others seem confused. Rather, the King James Bible Version (KJV, or Authorized Version) was translated over 400 years ago in England. It has had a number of revisions. When translated, the version was in the language of the common person - everyone could read it who could read. The version that many herald as the original 1611 version really is not, it is the 1769 edition, an edit of the original 1611 version. Even modern publishers still modify their editions. While the KJV is a great version, the language of the KJV Bible is no more holy or reverent than any other solid modern version. The militant response by proponents has its genesis from the 1930's by a Seventh-day Adventist writer. Just like modern versions, it too has problems with accuracy. In places, text is written that is non-existent in the ancient Greek and Hebrew manuscripts. Ironically, the translators of the KJV wrote the following in the preface to their version: "Therfore as S. Augustine saith, that varietie of Translations is profitable for the finding out of the sense of the Scriptures: so diversitie of signification and sense in the margine, where the text is not so cleare, must needes doe good, yea is necessary, as we are perswaded." (Old English spelling.) In other words, they seem to agree with Augustine's argument, and in addition use it to make another point - I don't sense KJV onlyism in their writing [4]!

Denominational Membership

While some may argue that membership to a specific denomination had its roots in the Catholic church, with its cradle to grave system, it seems that the Congregationalists had a major role to play in the perceived importance of this tradition. Interestingly, it took about a millennium and a half for this practice to start. One has to wonder why the importance when Jesus and the Apostles never taught this practice. However, while it may have had some good effects, sadly, membership to a denomination has increased our misunderstanding of the Kingdom of God and Christ's body. All true Christians who follow Christ's teachings are members of one kingdom and one body.

Bible Chapters and Verses

You may be surprised to find out that the Bible does not have verses and chapters - not in the original at least. The Geneva Bible, written about 1500 years after Christ, started the trend for chapters and verses in English Bibles. While these additions do help us find things fast and specify location, they are artificial barriers and seem to encourage people to take thoughts out of context. We need to continually fight the urge to pull passages out of context.

Sunday School or Children's Church

Again, just like many of the other practices and traditions, Sunday School or Children's Church is novel to Christianity. After starting in the eighteenth century, it grew rapidly to many denominations. While it has done much good for children, especially the poor and those from non-Christian homes, there is a growing concern that it splits up the family during worship. Also, at home, parents are less likely to train their children in the ways of God, some think that Sunday school is all that's needed. Again, like all the other items in this post, this practice aught not be venerated. If parents decide to send their children, that is there decision. If they decide to keep their children with the main body of believers, so be it, that was how it was from the beginning.

Dressing Up For Church

Dressing up for gatherings has no biblical roots, rather it became popular during the first half of the nineteenth century. Ancient church leaders, to even more modern ones (such as Wesley), spoke against dressing up [5]. Some say it shows respect to God, however, this is just spiritual sounding rhetoric. Actually the Bible seems to teach otherwise [6]. Christians throughout the ages taught we should be clean and neat. However, modern formal dress, and post-modern rakish, injudicious fashions have no biblical grounding. True respect is obedience to Christ's commands!

What should we do?

Each one of these items are so ingrained in many group cultures, it has become a symbol for Christianity. While most of them aren't against original Christianity, we need to keep going back to the foundation of Christ. Our defense should not be the traditions and practices. Rather, we aught to preach and defend Christ and his teachings.


There you have it, reasons for better thinking! Join the many who receive the latest updates, because you will not want to miss the latest! Sign up now (click here)!

What are your experiences? Can you think of any others? What are some traditions that you have come to appreciate and why (other than for the sake of "tradition")? 

References:
(1) Viola, Frank; Barna, George (2008). Pagan Christianity?: Exploring the Roots of Our Church Practices. Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. p. 35. ISBN 9781414341651.
(2) Bercot, David. Myth of Christian America audio set.
(3) http://ibitedge.blogspot.com/2014/04/three-silly-christian-practices.html
(4) http://www.kjvbibles.com/kjpreface.htm
(5) http://www.truthaccordingtoscripture.com/documents/church-practice/dressing-up/dressing-up-for-church.php#.VLXkDN-c3Qo
(6) Surprisingly the Bible does not speak much on clothing. However, there seems to be some basic guidelines, including the two passages here: 1 Timothy 2:9, 1 Peter 3:3.

Image source: Wikipedia/Kurpfalzbilder.de

Reading Someone Else's Mail

We already talked about description vs. prescription. I want to give you a good example of this thinking in process. It is the story, "description", in Jeremiah 35 about the Rechabites.

Rechabites.

This group of people obeyed their "father" by living in tents, not drinking wine and not planting crops. God blesses them because of this obedience. God, through Jeremiah, uses this group's example to criticize the rest of the Jews. This group will obey an earthly patriarch but the Hebrews will not obey God. Because of this and their example, Jeremiah tells therm that god will bless the Rechabites and they will not lack one to stand before God forever.

What about us?

One may try to say that to be blessed by God, we need to do all that our patriarchs did. This may be true, but one can't glean this from this passage.

As already said, this is a descriptive event, it was never a biblical command. The commands and promises that were involved were for another people, not us nor our time. In other words this promise was given to the Rechabites, not us. In fact it was not even given to the rest of Israel, they were only commanded to follow and obey God. This is the same command that Christ and the apostles have given us, we are to follow and obey God.

A promise for another.

Think of it this way, what if you promised one of your neighbors that you would help her mow her yard. Another neighbor hears this and says, "you promised to mow her yard, that promise applies to me as well." I think you see the issue here? The other neighbor can't claim that promise! It's not his.

If we take the thought that the story applies to us, then we should do as commanded as well, live in tents, never drink wine, and never grow crops. No, we have a greater command, we are to obey, love and follow the laws of God and Jesus. For doing this, we also have a greater reward then they received. We are the sons and daughters of God!

Paint On The Wall

Paint on the wall. Yes, it does have significance to a house, but structurally what does it do? Do we as Christians sometimes focus on the "paint" instead of structurally issues? Do we quarrel over silly issues that have no long term ramifications and just cause division?

Yes, we can say they are important , but are they really? Are we focused on obeying Christ and the apostle's doctrines, or do we go about making up our own teachings that they knew nothing about?

Do we learn so we can teach others? Do we grow so we can affect others? What are you doing for the sake of Christ?

We each have been given at least one gift, what is yours and what are you doing with it? There is a war going on, are you just sitting there worried about the "paint on the wall", or are you doing something for the kingdom? Are you lifting the curse, saving lives from both spiritual and physical pain and death? Be intentional, be bold, be true, be merciful.

Follow Christ's example and teachings.

When John Came to Town

Bercot:

...modern Christians think that if John were to walk into any conservative church today, he would feel right at home. He would find that twenty-first century western Christians think and reason just like first-century Christians living in the Mediterranean world. He would find that today’s western Christians worship in the same manner as he did and hold to all the same theological beliefs (1). 

I wonder how out of place John would feel? Would he feel like he was the poorest one in the mist? What would he think of our clothes, or lack there of? What would he think of our expensive clothing and grandiose and frequent vacations? Would he feel that Christians spend too much time and money on themselves?

Would he feel uncomfortable with our teachings? Would he not be using all the "proper Christian" terminology that we may think is important? Would he be uncomfortable with our customs and subcultures? Would he be disappointed by ungodliness he would see in churches? What would he think of laxity in his followers of telling people about the kingdom of God and helping those in need?

What would he say to you, what would you say to him? Would you make him uncomfortable, would he make you uncomfortable?

(1) Bercot, David (2009-10-15). Will the Theologians Please Sit Down (pp. 163-164). Scroll Publishing Co.. Kindle Edition. 

A Teachers Perspective on Rules

As I have taught throughout the years, there has been a general trajectory with my rule number. The longer I taught, the less rules I have. In other words I still had rules, but I tried to make them simple yet overarching so my main goal of teaching could be accomplished. One might think that I might have started loosing control of my classes, however this is not the case, in fact I had more control.

As Christians maybe we could learn from this social microcosm. Please do not misunderstand me, I do not promote antinomianism. The Bible gives us plenty of rules, many that people disregard and then make up their own. Here is an example, the biblical writers and Christ himself, all want his saints love and greet one another and fellow-heirs. However, we have come up with artificial, spiritual sounding walls that divide followers of Christ, those who really are obeying Christ. Wouldn't we be better off focusing upon what Jesus and the apostles taught instead of our own opinions?

We need to be really careful and mindful of our present rules, we need to assess their use see if they fulfill important Biblical commands. Were they set up for an issue that has blown over now? If they were, why keep them? We need to think deep when we come up with new rules. We need to think of questions such as do we need them, will they cause more division or will they cause unnecessary dissension? Do they bring biblical unity between Christians? Do they help us with our main goal – the fulfillment of Christ's kingdom? Or is their goal to separate us from other followers of Christ and promote our culture?

Who Is My Brother?

In the famous account in Luke 10, a Mosaic law lawyer asked Christ who was his neighbor. Jesus responded by telling him a parable of the "Good Samaritan". What about another question, who is my brother? Now I will not give an exemplum, but I want to discuss what the Bible teaches.

Some feel that only those in either their own Christian congregation or denomination can be called their brother and sister. It is interesting that the Bible does have something to say about this. But first their argument and my rejoinders. Some say that one does not know one outside their fellowship nor have they heard their testimony on what they believe. So they feel that they can't call someone else a brother or sister. First, the Bible nowhere teaches this is needed, at least I know of no a place. However, if this is an issue, than just ask the person in question, if he or she is a follower of Christ, that person would be happy to tell his or her testimony. Also, what great sin was committed if one calls another confessor of Christ a brother or sister in Christ even if one finds out later that it was not the case?

However, what does the Bible say? When one fulfills specific commands from scripture, one is a Christian, a brother or sister of Christ, and a brother or sister to any other follower of Christ (see this article). The Bible also talks about how we are to accept other followers of Christ as seen in Romans 15:7: "Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God."

It also talks about it a number of other places, but the most clear places include Philippians 4:21, 1 Thessalonians 5:26 and Titus 3:15. The first one Philippians 4:21 says this: "Salute every saint in Christ Jesus. The brethren which are with me greet you." This passage is clear, we are to "salute every saint in Christ Jesus." It does not say only of ones congregation, denomination or group. First Thessalonians 5:26 is just as unequivocal: "Greet all the brethren with an holy kiss." It says "Greet all the brethren." It does not say one has to test it out or prove if that person is a Christian. However, if that person is a follower of Christ you will see fruit. The last one I want to talk about is Titus 3:15, it says "All that are with me salute thee. Greet them that love us in the faith. Grace be with you all. Amen." If we love Paul and all those who were with him at that time and if another does the same, another true follower of Christ, we have a command that we need to greet those people as followers of Christ.

Let not your authority be based foundationally on your own opinion, the teachings of your denomination or local group fellowship. Rather let us be biblical, and let us follow Christ and the Apostle's teachings.

Christian Unity

Unity is essential among true disciples, Jesus made this clear in John seventeen. Many people talk about unity, but rarely is it ever defined. If it is defined, sometimes it is so narrow that only a few can be “united in Christ.” If our definition of unity is so exacting on some aspects of life, we would have to say that most people, most believing and practicing Christians (people who really behave as Christ taught) are not Christians. Others define it so broad that anyone is a Christian.  Neither is correct.
 
Christian unity is not having the same culture traditions, customs, nor culture. If one were to peruse through the Bible and look for every place that talked about unity, oneness, one mind, like mind, etc., one would find that the context defines it quite simply. 

In a nutshell, unity is just being a Christian, walking the Christian walk.Theology is important, however, it is not part of unity except for the clear basics such as found in the Apostle's creed.

Things to Protect and Preserve

If you are a Christian, you are part of a network of others who need to protect and preserve what has been given you. Preservation of one's ideas, cultures, traditions, or possessions is not what we as Christians are to be doing. This will make us lose focus of Christ as king. Our subculture, ideas, beliefs, goals, nor our denominations should be the king of our life.

We need to focus on Christ's kingdom. We need to get back to discipleship, a disciple is one who follows someone or a learner, in this case Christ. If one is a follower of Christ, obedience to Jesus, evangelism, and discipling others will follow.

Our life needs to be focused on following the two greatest commandments, and making disciples, bringing them into the kingdom. This is the only way we can grow the church and make it stronger.