I have been unable to post anything in the last few weeks due to my work schedule. That schedule has lightened up considerably.
I am lauching into a study of the Ten Commandments
WHY STUDY THE TEN COMMANDMENTS??
First, they continue to be a hot topic of conversation and controversy. Stories abound of conflicts over the public display of them in such places as court houses, schools, etc. The result has been their religation to judges chambers and store rooms.
Second, and by far more important, is the role they play in our lives and our families. These commands need to play a central role in both. Psalm 119:11 says, "Your word have I hidden in my heart, That I might not sin against You." (NKJV). It is interesting that there nothing there to indicate we are supposed to display them anywhere. Some may argue that Deuteronomy 6:4 to 9 argues this point. Those verses refer to writing God's commands on our doorposts and gates. However< I believe Moses was being more metaphorical than literal. His commands should have preeminance in our homes and hearts.
With these in mind we will look at the commands for a practical application and interpretation.
Dr. O
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Monday, August 25, 2008
DEVOTED TO FELLOWSHIP
DEVOTED TO FELLOWSHIP
Say the word "fellowship" in the context of the church and the thoughts of most people turn immediately to one thing - FOOD! Most of the churches I have attended or served have had regularly scheduled times of what they call fellowship. It may be a fellowship dinner, an agape feast, a carry-in dinner, a snack after an evening service, etc. True fellowship goes a lot further.
Reading Acts 2:44ff and Acts 4:32 to 35 fellowship is seen a physical or financial support. To be "in need" meant a person had no resources and no family members to turn to for assistance. hebrews 10:19 to 25 shows fellowship to be corporate worship, but more importantly, corporate encouragement.
Paul uses the illustration of the body in several passages discussing the Spiritual Gifts. Fellowship includes using those God given gifts for the betterment of the Body of Christ, the Church. Especially check out I Corinthians 12:12 and 13, and Romans 12:3 to 6. What if a member will not actively participate in the life of the church? Consider these examples. Joni Tada was injured in a diving accident as a teenager. It left here paralzed leaving here unable to walk, severely limited in the use of her arms. Howver, it left her with a beautiful singing voice and an ability to paint wonderful pictures using a brush in her teeth. Her body had to compensate for those parts unable to operate. Retired senator Robert Dole was injured in his military service in WWll. He skillfully compensated for the injuries to one arm to the point that some never realized he was injured at all. The point I am making is their bodies had to compensate for the parts that wouldn't work. The body of Christ has to compensate for us when we refuse to participate in the fellowship. In otherwords, if you do not participate you leave the body of Christ paralyzed, blind, deaf, mute etc.
HOW IS YOUR FELLOWSHIP!!!
Dr. O.
Say the word "fellowship" in the context of the church and the thoughts of most people turn immediately to one thing - FOOD! Most of the churches I have attended or served have had regularly scheduled times of what they call fellowship. It may be a fellowship dinner, an agape feast, a carry-in dinner, a snack after an evening service, etc. True fellowship goes a lot further.
Reading Acts 2:44ff and Acts 4:32 to 35 fellowship is seen a physical or financial support. To be "in need" meant a person had no resources and no family members to turn to for assistance. hebrews 10:19 to 25 shows fellowship to be corporate worship, but more importantly, corporate encouragement.
Paul uses the illustration of the body in several passages discussing the Spiritual Gifts. Fellowship includes using those God given gifts for the betterment of the Body of Christ, the Church. Especially check out I Corinthians 12:12 and 13, and Romans 12:3 to 6. What if a member will not actively participate in the life of the church? Consider these examples. Joni Tada was injured in a diving accident as a teenager. It left here paralzed leaving here unable to walk, severely limited in the use of her arms. Howver, it left her with a beautiful singing voice and an ability to paint wonderful pictures using a brush in her teeth. Her body had to compensate for those parts unable to operate. Retired senator Robert Dole was injured in his military service in WWll. He skillfully compensated for the injuries to one arm to the point that some never realized he was injured at all. The point I am making is their bodies had to compensate for the parts that wouldn't work. The body of Christ has to compensate for us when we refuse to participate in the fellowship. In otherwords, if you do not participate you leave the body of Christ paralyzed, blind, deaf, mute etc.
HOW IS YOUR FELLOWSHIP!!!
Dr. O.
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
BACK TO THE BASICS PT1
BACK TO THE BASICS - DEVOTED TO THE APOSTLES' DOCTRINE
INTRODUCTION
One of my favorite movies is “Hoosiers”. It is the story of a disgraced college basketball coach, Norman Dale (Played by Gene Hackman), who takes a teaching and coaching position with a tiny Indiana school district in the 50’s. His team is made up of seven farm boys who love the game of basketball. Coach Dale’s first task is to mold them into a team by enforcing some basic teamwork fundamentals. They were to follow his instructions, and play by the rules he set. If a player violated the coach’s instructions he faced discipline, including removal from a game. Even if this meant playing a man down. To make a long story short, after they begin playing like a team, they win to the point of playing in the Indiana high school championship game.
I use this example because it is time for the church to get back to the fundamentals of basic Christianity. Acts 2:42 reads, “And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.”(NKJV). Many scholars refer to this description of the early or first century church as being primative. Many consider something that is called primative to be old, out dated, obsolete, etc. These four fundamentals are far from outdated or obsolete, and need to be re-empasized, even reinstated, by the church of the 21st century.
The New King James Version says “they continued steadfastly in”, and the New International Version says “they devoted themselves to” these four fundamentals. The Greek word here is PROSKARTEREO which means to be steadfast or faithful.
DEVOTED TO THE APOSTLE’S DOCTRINE
What do we mean, “apostle’s doctrine”? In its most wide sense we mean the Bible. Many times as we try and introduce these four disciplines to new or nominal Christians, we encourage them to have a daily time of Scripture reading or study.. I believe much more is included here. The apostles here are more than the twelve, but anyone who bears witness to Christ. Of course at the historical time in question the apostles were probably limited to the twelve. We need to also remember that being devoted to something may mean having to defend what we are devoted to. A man is devoted to his wife, if she were attacked in some way he would come to here defense. A secret service agent is devoted to the President, and will take a bullet to defend him.
The Word has come under two primary attacks. The modernist attacked the inspiration, and the post modernist attacks its authority or relevance. The Bible itself has numerous claims of inspiration with the two most prevalent being as follows. II Timothy 3:16 and 17 read, “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.”(NKJV). Here we have a direct claim of inspiration followed by a statement on the relevance of the Word. II Peter 1:19 to 21 read, “We also have the prophetic word made more sure, which you do well to heed as a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts; knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.,” (NKJV). Here we have a statement on the Bible’s authority and relevance followed by a claim of inspiration.
Of course, I can claim anything. I can say I am the “Queen of Romania”, and that doesn’t necessarily make it so. We need verification. Consider the following scientific facts. In 1492 it was believed the world was flat, and that to sail to the edge meant certain doom. In the book of Isaiah, written approximately 700 BC or 2200 years earlier, we here this, “It is He who sits above the circle of the earth, and its inhabitants are like grasshoppers, Who stretches out the heavens like a curtain, and spreads them out like a tent to dwell in.” (NKJV). The word circle hear refers to a sphere or globe, not a flat surface. Job 38:35 says, “Can you send out lightnings, that they may go, and say to you, `Here we are!'?” (NKJV). In 1864 James Clerk, a British scientist, suggested the existence light waves and radio waves. These are sent into virtually 100% of American homes into a box that lights up and talks. Of course I am refering to the one eyed monster the television. The book of Job dates to approximately 100 BC, and Job the man to 1000 BC. See the difference? These are only two of many such examples.
The authority or relevance of Scripture is often questioned by well meaning, professing Christians. They may argue that the Bible was for a particular age or era, or is for a limited culture or audience. They may say the Bible is a living document with a vast number of different interpretations. Of course they may argue that the Bible is not the only authoritative document, and Christ is not the only way to the Father. We combat this by standing firm, being loyal, and not compromising. Hebrews 11:36 to 40 reads, Still others had trial of mockings and scourgings, yes, and of chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, were tempted, were slain with the sword. They wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, tormented of whom the world was not worthy. They wandered in deserts and mountains, in dens and caves of the earth. And all these, having obtained a good testimony through faith, did not receive the promise, God having provided something better for us, that they should not be made perfect apart from us. “. To expound on the benefits of setting the Bible up as an authority in our lives one needs only to read Psalm 119 and Psalm 19.
Dr. O
INTRODUCTION
One of my favorite movies is “Hoosiers”. It is the story of a disgraced college basketball coach, Norman Dale (Played by Gene Hackman), who takes a teaching and coaching position with a tiny Indiana school district in the 50’s. His team is made up of seven farm boys who love the game of basketball. Coach Dale’s first task is to mold them into a team by enforcing some basic teamwork fundamentals. They were to follow his instructions, and play by the rules he set. If a player violated the coach’s instructions he faced discipline, including removal from a game. Even if this meant playing a man down. To make a long story short, after they begin playing like a team, they win to the point of playing in the Indiana high school championship game.
I use this example because it is time for the church to get back to the fundamentals of basic Christianity. Acts 2:42 reads, “And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.”(NKJV). Many scholars refer to this description of the early or first century church as being primative. Many consider something that is called primative to be old, out dated, obsolete, etc. These four fundamentals are far from outdated or obsolete, and need to be re-empasized, even reinstated, by the church of the 21st century.
The New King James Version says “they continued steadfastly in”, and the New International Version says “they devoted themselves to” these four fundamentals. The Greek word here is PROSKARTEREO which means to be steadfast or faithful.
DEVOTED TO THE APOSTLE’S DOCTRINE
What do we mean, “apostle’s doctrine”? In its most wide sense we mean the Bible. Many times as we try and introduce these four disciplines to new or nominal Christians, we encourage them to have a daily time of Scripture reading or study.. I believe much more is included here. The apostles here are more than the twelve, but anyone who bears witness to Christ. Of course at the historical time in question the apostles were probably limited to the twelve. We need to also remember that being devoted to something may mean having to defend what we are devoted to. A man is devoted to his wife, if she were attacked in some way he would come to here defense. A secret service agent is devoted to the President, and will take a bullet to defend him.
The Word has come under two primary attacks. The modernist attacked the inspiration, and the post modernist attacks its authority or relevance. The Bible itself has numerous claims of inspiration with the two most prevalent being as follows. II Timothy 3:16 and 17 read, “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.”(NKJV). Here we have a direct claim of inspiration followed by a statement on the relevance of the Word. II Peter 1:19 to 21 read, “We also have the prophetic word made more sure, which you do well to heed as a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts; knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.,” (NKJV). Here we have a statement on the Bible’s authority and relevance followed by a claim of inspiration.
Of course, I can claim anything. I can say I am the “Queen of Romania”, and that doesn’t necessarily make it so. We need verification. Consider the following scientific facts. In 1492 it was believed the world was flat, and that to sail to the edge meant certain doom. In the book of Isaiah, written approximately 700 BC or 2200 years earlier, we here this, “It is He who sits above the circle of the earth, and its inhabitants are like grasshoppers, Who stretches out the heavens like a curtain, and spreads them out like a tent to dwell in.” (NKJV). The word circle hear refers to a sphere or globe, not a flat surface. Job 38:35 says, “Can you send out lightnings, that they may go, and say to you, `Here we are!'?” (NKJV). In 1864 James Clerk, a British scientist, suggested the existence light waves and radio waves. These are sent into virtually 100% of American homes into a box that lights up and talks. Of course I am refering to the one eyed monster the television. The book of Job dates to approximately 100 BC, and Job the man to 1000 BC. See the difference? These are only two of many such examples.
The authority or relevance of Scripture is often questioned by well meaning, professing Christians. They may argue that the Bible was for a particular age or era, or is for a limited culture or audience. They may say the Bible is a living document with a vast number of different interpretations. Of course they may argue that the Bible is not the only authoritative document, and Christ is not the only way to the Father. We combat this by standing firm, being loyal, and not compromising. Hebrews 11:36 to 40 reads, Still others had trial of mockings and scourgings, yes, and of chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, were tempted, were slain with the sword. They wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, tormented of whom the world was not worthy. They wandered in deserts and mountains, in dens and caves of the earth. And all these, having obtained a good testimony through faith, did not receive the promise, God having provided something better for us, that they should not be made perfect apart from us. “. To expound on the benefits of setting the Bible up as an authority in our lives one needs only to read Psalm 119 and Psalm 19.
Dr. O
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Response to Mark and Others
My next series will be a back to the basics type of series beginning with Acts 2:42.
To other respondents - I am continuing to study the information you gave. I will respond later.
Dr. O
To other respondents - I am continuing to study the information you gave. I will respond later.
Dr. O
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Sunday, July 27, 2008
ARE JEHOVAH'S WITNESSES A CULT OR CHRISTIAN?
THE JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES
Some consider the Jehovah’s Witnesses, the followers of Charles Taze Russell, to be an offshoot group of the Seventh-day Adventists. The similarities between the two systems can be seen in the conversion experience of “Pastor” Russell. Having been reared in the Reformed Faith He took their doctrine very seriously at first with special interest paid to the doctrine of Hell. From this fiery orthodoxy he was unable to answer certain questions. He then passed over into a frigid unbelief. His faith was then restored by encountering Seventh-Day Adventism, especially their interest in the Second Advent of Christ.
A few years later Russell wrote his first significant book. He had worked out his modifications of Adventist doctrine. This then became the Doctrine of the Jehovah’s Witnesses. Following this he wrote volumes. It was reported that Russell’s written explanations of the Scriptures were far more extensive than St. Paul, St. John, Arius, Waldo, Wycliffe, and Luther. As he expounded on the Gospel, his addresses were know to last six to eight hours a day. As he traveled presenting the Jehovah’s Witness doctrine he would often cover 30,000 miles per year.
His personal life was just as hectic. 1897 he separated from his wife, but she chose not to divorce him until 1913. Her main grounds for the action was his adulterous affair with a Rose Ball. Russell denied these charges going to the point of not entering a room where a woman, unrelated to him, was present. However, he did proceed to defraud his ex-wife of her alimony. The whole scandalous affair nearly brought an end to the movement.
Succeeding Russel was Judge J. F. Rutherford. His election to succeed Russell was met with division. Several small sects within the movement separated themselves. Judge Rutherford’s response was to assure them that they would suffer destruction for their dissension. Rutherford was both very similar and dis-similar to his predecessor. Like Russell he was a very confident speaker and expositor. His doctrinal stances were also very close to those of Russell, and his output of written material even exceeded that of Russell. However, his public persona was seen as secretive and unavailable. He would seemingly appear for his speaking engagements, and following his presentation he would disappear. Much of his private life was kept secret; including some adulterous affairs of his own. His death was also somewhat secretive. He died in January 1942 from an undisclosed illness.
N. H. Knorr was next to lead the cult. His emphasis was on the education of the Jehovah’s Witnesses. He pushed an intensive private and small group study of the Scriptures. He also seemingly sought to separate himself from the legacy of both Russell and Rutherford to the point that many modern Witnesses fail to recognize these men as the patriarchs of their movement.[1]
The Jehovah’s Witnesses and the Bible
The Jehovah’s Witnesses believe that the Bible is the inspired word of God, and they do not see the writings of Russell, Rutherford, and others as infallible. They accept the Bible in its entirety, and they claim to be the only group to actually accurately follow its teachings. They have taken the role of being the infallible interpreters of the infallible word. This infallibility apparently extends to the translation of the Scriptures. They have produced their own version of the Bible, The New World Translation. Using this translation greatly impacts many of the cornerstone doctrines of Christianity. John 1:1 in the New World Translation reads. "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was a god." Instead of the literal "the Word was God," we have "a god," which the sect interprets as "an angelic being.". Col. 1:15-17 says, "He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation; because by means of him all [other] things were created in the heavens and upon the earth, the things visible and the things invisible, no matter whether they are thrones or lordships or governments or authorities. All [other] things have been created through him and for him. Also, he is before all [other] things and by means of him all [other] things were made to exist."(NWT). Because the sect teaches that Christ was a created being rather than eternal God, the word "other" is inserted several times. The first edition of the translation did this without brackets separating it. These are only two of the mis-translations done in the New World Translation to “Proof text” their positions and doctrine.
Russell said of his own work, “I claim nothing of superiority or supernatural power.”.[2] However, the Witnesses have ranked him with the Apostle Paul as a great Biblical interpreter, and have identified him as one of the seven messengers named in Ezekiel 9:1-11. Judge Rutherford said of his own work, “These speeches do not contain my message, but do contain the expression of Jehovah’s purpose which he commands must now be told to the people.”[3] It seems obvious that he saw a higher source for his speeches than his own intellect.
The Jehovah’s Witnesses and the Trinity
To put it simply, for the Jehovah’s Witnesses there is no such thing as the Trinity. For them there is one God and His name is Jehovah. Such names as “God” or “Lord” were introduced into the Greek translations of the Old Testament, and thereby into the New Testament, and represent the basis for the falsehood of the Trinity. They see no authority to support the Trinitarian doctrine, and give credit to Satan for its development. As seen in the earlier examples of the difference between the New World Translation and other English translations, Christ’s deity is denied. He is instead the highest of all creatures. Christ was not eternal or divine, and he had a brother whose name was Lucifer. Jesus is also considered to be Michael, the Captain of Jehovah’s hosts. As for the Holy Spirit, His deity and His personality are both denied. He is seen as the invisible force coming from God, but not God himself. This force is used by Jehovah to get His followers to obey.
Jehovah’s Witnesses and Salvation
Jesus, being no more than a perfect human, became a ransom which compensated exactly for what Adam’s sin cost humanity, that is the right to be perfect humans as well. If Jesus were truly God, the ransom he would have paid would have been far and above the mere equivalent Jehovah requires. Even in this atonement he is assisted by the 144,000 listed in Revelation. These 144,000 sacrificed their right to live in this world which would have been earned through their perfect obedience to the will of Jehovah. Even with Christ’s sacrifice the price paid only covered the procurement of a second chance for the believer to attain salvation though his or her good works.
The Jehovah’s Witnesses and the Sacraments
Jehovah’s Witnesses practice baptism by immersion. It is viewed by them to be a symbol of their personal dedication to serve Jehovah. Before being baptized new Witnesses have usually been active for some time. Three interviews are conducted prior to the baptism. These interviews are conducted by the elders of the congregation, and during them they discuss a series of questions designed to determine a candidate’s understanding of the act and their true preparedness for the act.
The Witnesses do not participate in the Lord’s Supper as do others. It is called the lord’s evening Meal, and it occurs only one time per year. They do cite I Corinthians 11:25 and 26 as the basis for this action. The participants are viewed as the remaining remnant of Christians anointed by God. They are viewed in the same manner as the 144,000 referenced in Revelation 14:1. No human issues an invitation to participate in this communion. Instead each participant believes they have received a calling from God and an anointing of the Holy Spirit to participate. The Witnesses view this meal strictly as a memorial. They do not believe in either transubstantiation or consubstantiation. The bread is given as a representation of Christ’s body and the wine as a representation of His blood.
MY CONCLUSIONS
Based solely on their treatment of the Trinity, and their denial of Jesus' divinity, they are a cult period.
[1] The previous information on Russell, Rutherford, and Knorr is a synopsis of the information contained in: Gerstner, John H., The Teachings the Jehovah’s Witnesses, (Grand rapids, MI., Baker Book House, 1960) pp. 7-11
[2] Ibid, p. 17 - A quote from the Watch Tower , July 1906
[3] Ibid.
Some consider the Jehovah’s Witnesses, the followers of Charles Taze Russell, to be an offshoot group of the Seventh-day Adventists. The similarities between the two systems can be seen in the conversion experience of “Pastor” Russell. Having been reared in the Reformed Faith He took their doctrine very seriously at first with special interest paid to the doctrine of Hell. From this fiery orthodoxy he was unable to answer certain questions. He then passed over into a frigid unbelief. His faith was then restored by encountering Seventh-Day Adventism, especially their interest in the Second Advent of Christ.
A few years later Russell wrote his first significant book. He had worked out his modifications of Adventist doctrine. This then became the Doctrine of the Jehovah’s Witnesses. Following this he wrote volumes. It was reported that Russell’s written explanations of the Scriptures were far more extensive than St. Paul, St. John, Arius, Waldo, Wycliffe, and Luther. As he expounded on the Gospel, his addresses were know to last six to eight hours a day. As he traveled presenting the Jehovah’s Witness doctrine he would often cover 30,000 miles per year.
His personal life was just as hectic. 1897 he separated from his wife, but she chose not to divorce him until 1913. Her main grounds for the action was his adulterous affair with a Rose Ball. Russell denied these charges going to the point of not entering a room where a woman, unrelated to him, was present. However, he did proceed to defraud his ex-wife of her alimony. The whole scandalous affair nearly brought an end to the movement.
Succeeding Russel was Judge J. F. Rutherford. His election to succeed Russell was met with division. Several small sects within the movement separated themselves. Judge Rutherford’s response was to assure them that they would suffer destruction for their dissension. Rutherford was both very similar and dis-similar to his predecessor. Like Russell he was a very confident speaker and expositor. His doctrinal stances were also very close to those of Russell, and his output of written material even exceeded that of Russell. However, his public persona was seen as secretive and unavailable. He would seemingly appear for his speaking engagements, and following his presentation he would disappear. Much of his private life was kept secret; including some adulterous affairs of his own. His death was also somewhat secretive. He died in January 1942 from an undisclosed illness.
N. H. Knorr was next to lead the cult. His emphasis was on the education of the Jehovah’s Witnesses. He pushed an intensive private and small group study of the Scriptures. He also seemingly sought to separate himself from the legacy of both Russell and Rutherford to the point that many modern Witnesses fail to recognize these men as the patriarchs of their movement.[1]
The Jehovah’s Witnesses and the Bible
The Jehovah’s Witnesses believe that the Bible is the inspired word of God, and they do not see the writings of Russell, Rutherford, and others as infallible. They accept the Bible in its entirety, and they claim to be the only group to actually accurately follow its teachings. They have taken the role of being the infallible interpreters of the infallible word. This infallibility apparently extends to the translation of the Scriptures. They have produced their own version of the Bible, The New World Translation. Using this translation greatly impacts many of the cornerstone doctrines of Christianity. John 1:1 in the New World Translation reads. "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was a god." Instead of the literal "the Word was God," we have "a god," which the sect interprets as "an angelic being.". Col. 1:15-17 says, "He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation; because by means of him all [other] things were created in the heavens and upon the earth, the things visible and the things invisible, no matter whether they are thrones or lordships or governments or authorities. All [other] things have been created through him and for him. Also, he is before all [other] things and by means of him all [other] things were made to exist."(NWT). Because the sect teaches that Christ was a created being rather than eternal God, the word "other" is inserted several times. The first edition of the translation did this without brackets separating it. These are only two of the mis-translations done in the New World Translation to “Proof text” their positions and doctrine.
Russell said of his own work, “I claim nothing of superiority or supernatural power.”.[2] However, the Witnesses have ranked him with the Apostle Paul as a great Biblical interpreter, and have identified him as one of the seven messengers named in Ezekiel 9:1-11. Judge Rutherford said of his own work, “These speeches do not contain my message, but do contain the expression of Jehovah’s purpose which he commands must now be told to the people.”[3] It seems obvious that he saw a higher source for his speeches than his own intellect.
The Jehovah’s Witnesses and the Trinity
To put it simply, for the Jehovah’s Witnesses there is no such thing as the Trinity. For them there is one God and His name is Jehovah. Such names as “God” or “Lord” were introduced into the Greek translations of the Old Testament, and thereby into the New Testament, and represent the basis for the falsehood of the Trinity. They see no authority to support the Trinitarian doctrine, and give credit to Satan for its development. As seen in the earlier examples of the difference between the New World Translation and other English translations, Christ’s deity is denied. He is instead the highest of all creatures. Christ was not eternal or divine, and he had a brother whose name was Lucifer. Jesus is also considered to be Michael, the Captain of Jehovah’s hosts. As for the Holy Spirit, His deity and His personality are both denied. He is seen as the invisible force coming from God, but not God himself. This force is used by Jehovah to get His followers to obey.
Jehovah’s Witnesses and Salvation
Jesus, being no more than a perfect human, became a ransom which compensated exactly for what Adam’s sin cost humanity, that is the right to be perfect humans as well. If Jesus were truly God, the ransom he would have paid would have been far and above the mere equivalent Jehovah requires. Even in this atonement he is assisted by the 144,000 listed in Revelation. These 144,000 sacrificed their right to live in this world which would have been earned through their perfect obedience to the will of Jehovah. Even with Christ’s sacrifice the price paid only covered the procurement of a second chance for the believer to attain salvation though his or her good works.
The Jehovah’s Witnesses and the Sacraments
Jehovah’s Witnesses practice baptism by immersion. It is viewed by them to be a symbol of their personal dedication to serve Jehovah. Before being baptized new Witnesses have usually been active for some time. Three interviews are conducted prior to the baptism. These interviews are conducted by the elders of the congregation, and during them they discuss a series of questions designed to determine a candidate’s understanding of the act and their true preparedness for the act.
The Witnesses do not participate in the Lord’s Supper as do others. It is called the lord’s evening Meal, and it occurs only one time per year. They do cite I Corinthians 11:25 and 26 as the basis for this action. The participants are viewed as the remaining remnant of Christians anointed by God. They are viewed in the same manner as the 144,000 referenced in Revelation 14:1. No human issues an invitation to participate in this communion. Instead each participant believes they have received a calling from God and an anointing of the Holy Spirit to participate. The Witnesses view this meal strictly as a memorial. They do not believe in either transubstantiation or consubstantiation. The bread is given as a representation of Christ’s body and the wine as a representation of His blood.
MY CONCLUSIONS
Based solely on their treatment of the Trinity, and their denial of Jesus' divinity, they are a cult period.
[1] The previous information on Russell, Rutherford, and Knorr is a synopsis of the information contained in: Gerstner, John H., The Teachings the Jehovah’s Witnesses, (Grand rapids, MI., Baker Book House, 1960) pp. 7-11
[2] Ibid, p. 17 - A quote from the Watch Tower , July 1906
[3] Ibid.
Sunday, July 20, 2008
IS THE SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH A CULT?
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST
Amid the great wave of eschatological fervor of the mid 1800’s Seventh Day Adventism was born. One of the early leaders of the movement was William Miller. Miller was born in Pittsfield, Massachusetts in February 1782. As a young man he was a farmer with a fine reputation, a captain during the war of 1812, and an overall outstanding citizen. Religiously, at first he was a member of a local Baptist church. However, some more skeptical friends lead him into a form of frigid deism. After recapturing his Christianity, he applied himself to a much deeper, more earnest and honest study of the Bible. For a sixteen year period, with only his bible and a concordance, and with no formal church teaching, he fell into what some would characterize as some extreme notions in the area of Bible prophecy. He then set out to spread these notions to any who would listen.
By 1840 Adventism was becoming a significant movement. This was especially true with the publication of the influential periodical, The Sign of the Times. With it the message of the imminent return of Christ began to spread. Based on his study and calculations Miller announced his expectation of Christ’s return to occur between March 21, 1842 to March 21, 1843. Of course this did not occur and six weeks later Miller wrote to his disillusioned followers the following, “Were I to live my life over again, with the same evidence that I then had, to be honest with god and man I should have to do as I have done. Although the opposition said it would not come, they produced no weighty arguments. It was evidently guesswork with them; and I then thought, and do now, that their denial was based more on unwillingness for the Lord to come than on any arguments leading to such a conclusion… I confess my error, and acknowledge my disappointment; yet I still believe that the day of the Lord is near, even at the door; and I exhort you, my brethren, to be watchful, and not let that day come upon you unaware.”[1] Later predictions of Christ’s return included October 20 to 22, 1944. October 22 was declared to be the date for the “End of the World”. Five years after the failure of Christ to return, Miller went to be with him. His tombstone reads, “At the time appointed, the end shall be.”[2]
Succeeding Miller as the identified prophet and leader of the Adventist movement is Ellen G. White. Where Miller based his predictions on his exposition of the Bible, White based her’s on numerous “revelations”. A subsequent difference which needs to be noted is the fact the when confronted by his errors Miller admitted them, White would not. Her revelations began in 1844 and proceeded until her death in 1915.. E. G. White still holds a great deal of power in the Seventh day Adventist Church of today. When asked if the Adventist’s considered White to be inspired, in the sense the Scriptures are inspired, one SDA pastor’s description more fit the idea of illumination than actual inspiration. Ellen Whites writings are not considered a substitute for the Scriptures, and Scripture should be used to judge her writings.
The Seventh-day Adventists and the Scriptures
The Seventh-day Adventists do believe in the inspiration of the Scriptures. However, they do not seem to go so far as to believe in the Verbal / plenary inspiration of the Bible. The following information is taken from a book entitled, Seventh-day Adventists Believe – A Biblical Exposition of Fundamental Doctrines. They say, “Divine revelation was given by inspiration of God to ’holy men of God’ who were ‘moved by the Holy Spirit’ (2 Peter 1:21). These revelations were embodied in human language with all its limitations and imperfections, yet they remained God’s testimony. God inspired men – not words…God instructed them to describe to the best of there ability what they saw or heard.”.[3] Ellen G. White has written in her book Selected Messages, “God has not put Himself in words, in logic, in rhetoric, on trial in the Bible. The writers of the Bible were God’s penmen, not His pen.” [4] White also writes in the same work, “Inspiration acts not on the man’s words or his expressions but on the man himself, who under the influence of the Holy Ghost, is imbued with thoughts…The divine mind and will is combined with the human mind and will, thus the utterances of the man are the word of God.”[5] Based on this thinking it is said, “A parallel exists between the incarnate Jesus and the Bible. Jesus was God and man combined, the divine and the human in one. So the Bible is the divine and human combined…This divine-human combination makes the Bible unique among literature.”[6]
Based on their view of inspiration the Seventh-day Adventists believe the Scriptures to be accurate. They allow for the variance of ancient manuscripts by holding that the essential truths have been preserved. They hold that the alleged errors of the copyists and translators were really more misunderstandings. At the root of these misunderstandings is the fact that the Bible was being read through western eyes. Perceived discrepancies should not erode our confidence in the Scriptures, but should be recognized as the product of our inaccurate perceptions.
They also consider the Bible to be authoritative, but this to is tied to inspiration.
Damsteegt writes, “If we perceive the Bible as being merely a collection of human testimonies or if the authority we grant it in some way depends on how it moves our feelings or emotions, we sap its authority in our lives. But when we discern God’s voice speaking through the writers, no matter how weak and human they may have been, the Scriptures be come absolute authority in matters of doctrine, reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness (2 Timothy 3:16).”[7] The Adventists hold that all human wisdom must be subject to the authority of scripture. They see the Bible as the norm by which all other ideas are to be tested. Damsteegt says, “Judging the Word of God by finite human standards is like trying to measure the stars with a yardstick.”[8]
The Seventh-day Adventists and the Trinity
The Seventh-day Adventists do believe in the triune God or Trinity made up of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. He is one God and only one God in both the Old and New Testaments, but He is a godhead made up of three individuals, a unity of three co-equal and co-eternal persons having a unique and mysterious relationship. There is no distance between the three persons of the Trinity. All three are divine, and they share certain powers and qualities. As in human organizations there is a final authority, in the case of the Godhead this final authority rests in all three members of the Trinity. The three together express an excellent working relationship with the Father acting as the source, the Son the mediator, and the Holy Spirit acting as the actualizer.
Seventh-day Adventists believe the Father to be, “…the Eternal Father is the
Creator, Source, Sustainer, and Sovereign of all creation. He is just and holy, merciful, and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness. The qualities and powers exhibited in the Son and Holy Spirit are also revelations of the Father.”[9] Their belief about Jesus is, “God the Eternal Son became incarnate in Jesus Christ. Through Him all things were created, the character of God is revealed, the salvation of humanity is accomplished, and the world is judged. Forever truly God, He became also truly man, Jesus the Christ. He was conceived of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He lived and experienced temptation as a human being, but perfectly exemplified the righteousness and love of God. By His miracles He manifested God’s power and was attested as god’s promised Messiah. He suffered and died voluntarily on the cross for our sins and in our place, was raised from the dead, and ascended to minister in the heavenly sanctuary in our behalf. He will come again in glory for the final deliverance of His people and the restoration of all things.”[10] They believe the Spirit to be,”…active with the Father and the Son in creation, incarnation, and redemption. He inspired the writers of scripture. He filled Christ’s life with power. He draws and convicts human beings; and those who respond He renews and transforms into the image of God. Sent by the Father and the son to be always with His children, He extends spiritual gifts to the church, empowers it to bear witness to Christ, and in harmony with the Scriptures leads it into all truth.”[11]
The Seventh-day Adventist and Salvation
The need for salvation is seen as the Great Controversy between Christ and Satan. Their Fundamental Beliefs include the following statement, “This conflict originated in heaven when a created being, endowed with freedom of choice, in self-exaltation became Satan, God’s adversary, and led into rebellion a portion of the angels. He introduced the spirit of rebellion into this world when he led Adam and eve into sin. This human sin resulted in the distortion of the image of God in humanity.”[12]
In response to this the Adventists believe the death of Christ to be the only means of atonement, and acceptance of this atonement brings eternal life. They believe, “This perfect atonement vindicates the righteousness of God’s law and the graciousness of His character; for it both condemns our sin and provides our forgiveness. The death of Christ is substitutionary and expiatory, reconciling and transforming.”[13] Our contact with salvation comes by being led by the Holy Spirit to sense our need for salvation, acknowledge our sinful state, and then exercise faith in Jesus Christ as our substitute and example. Also through the Spirit we are born again, sanctified, renewed, and we become partakers of the divine nature and have the assurance of salvation now and in the judgment.[14]
The Seventh-day Adventist and the Sacraments
In Adventism baptism is seen as part of our confession of faith in Christ. In it the participant testifies to the their death to sin and their new purpose of walking in newness of life. It represents our union with Christ, the forgiveness of our sin, and the reception of the Holy Spirit. Adventists practice baptism by immersion after one has affirmed their faith in Jesus Christ. It is seen as evidence of their repentance.[15]
In the Seventh-day Adventist church communion is open to all believers. It is a proclamation of Christ’s sacrificial death. The Adventists believe that communion needs to be preceded by a period of self-examination, repentance, and confession. When communion is celebrated a service of foot washing is done as well. Adventist belief says, “The Master ordained the service of foot washing to signify renewed cleansing, to express a willingness to serve one another in Christlike humility, and to unite our hearts in love.”[16]
The Seventh-day Adventist and the Sabbath
The most stark difference between the seventh-day Adventists and mainline Christianity is their adherence to the Sabbath. They consider the Sabbath to be from Friday at sunset to Saturday at sunset. Before it begins it is customary to make preparations for the Sabbath observance so nothing can spoil its sacredness. This includes the preparation of food for the Sabbath day. Before sunset Friday it is suggested that each family gather for a time of worship, prayer, and Bible reading. It is advised that this be repeated at the close of the Sabbath as well. Based on Christ’s example Adventists gather for their corporate worship on Saturday. They see the change from Saturday to Sunday worship as the influx of Roman paganism into Christianity.
MY CONCLUSION
Unlike the other groups in this study, I personally struggle with branding the Seventh Day Adventist a cult. They believe in the inspiration of the scriptures, and they do not add or remove from the Scriptures. They believe in the Trinity and the Sacraments as do orthodox, conservative Christians. The attempts made a setting a definite date for Christ's second advent were admitted to be in error by those who made the predictions.
[1] Gerstner, John H., The Teachings of Seventh-day Adventism, (Grand rapids, MI., Baker Book House, 1960) pp. 8 and 9
[2] Ibid., p. 9
[3] Damsteegt, P. G. , Seventh-day Adventists Believe – A Biblical Exposition of Fundamental Doctrines, (Hagerstown, Maryland, Review and Herald Publishing Association, 1988), p.8
[4] Ibid.
[5] Ibid.
[6] Ibid. p. 8 and 9
[7] Ibid. p. 13
[8] Ibid.
[9] Ibid. p. 28
[10] Ibid. p. 36
[11] Ibid. p. 58
[12] Ibid. p. 97
[13] Ibid. p. 107
[14] Ibid. p. 118
[15] Ibid. p. 179
[16] Ibid. p. 193
Amid the great wave of eschatological fervor of the mid 1800’s Seventh Day Adventism was born. One of the early leaders of the movement was William Miller. Miller was born in Pittsfield, Massachusetts in February 1782. As a young man he was a farmer with a fine reputation, a captain during the war of 1812, and an overall outstanding citizen. Religiously, at first he was a member of a local Baptist church. However, some more skeptical friends lead him into a form of frigid deism. After recapturing his Christianity, he applied himself to a much deeper, more earnest and honest study of the Bible. For a sixteen year period, with only his bible and a concordance, and with no formal church teaching, he fell into what some would characterize as some extreme notions in the area of Bible prophecy. He then set out to spread these notions to any who would listen.
By 1840 Adventism was becoming a significant movement. This was especially true with the publication of the influential periodical, The Sign of the Times. With it the message of the imminent return of Christ began to spread. Based on his study and calculations Miller announced his expectation of Christ’s return to occur between March 21, 1842 to March 21, 1843. Of course this did not occur and six weeks later Miller wrote to his disillusioned followers the following, “Were I to live my life over again, with the same evidence that I then had, to be honest with god and man I should have to do as I have done. Although the opposition said it would not come, they produced no weighty arguments. It was evidently guesswork with them; and I then thought, and do now, that their denial was based more on unwillingness for the Lord to come than on any arguments leading to such a conclusion… I confess my error, and acknowledge my disappointment; yet I still believe that the day of the Lord is near, even at the door; and I exhort you, my brethren, to be watchful, and not let that day come upon you unaware.”[1] Later predictions of Christ’s return included October 20 to 22, 1944. October 22 was declared to be the date for the “End of the World”. Five years after the failure of Christ to return, Miller went to be with him. His tombstone reads, “At the time appointed, the end shall be.”[2]
Succeeding Miller as the identified prophet and leader of the Adventist movement is Ellen G. White. Where Miller based his predictions on his exposition of the Bible, White based her’s on numerous “revelations”. A subsequent difference which needs to be noted is the fact the when confronted by his errors Miller admitted them, White would not. Her revelations began in 1844 and proceeded until her death in 1915.. E. G. White still holds a great deal of power in the Seventh day Adventist Church of today. When asked if the Adventist’s considered White to be inspired, in the sense the Scriptures are inspired, one SDA pastor’s description more fit the idea of illumination than actual inspiration. Ellen Whites writings are not considered a substitute for the Scriptures, and Scripture should be used to judge her writings.
The Seventh-day Adventists and the Scriptures
The Seventh-day Adventists do believe in the inspiration of the Scriptures. However, they do not seem to go so far as to believe in the Verbal / plenary inspiration of the Bible. The following information is taken from a book entitled, Seventh-day Adventists Believe – A Biblical Exposition of Fundamental Doctrines. They say, “Divine revelation was given by inspiration of God to ’holy men of God’ who were ‘moved by the Holy Spirit’ (2 Peter 1:21). These revelations were embodied in human language with all its limitations and imperfections, yet they remained God’s testimony. God inspired men – not words…God instructed them to describe to the best of there ability what they saw or heard.”.[3] Ellen G. White has written in her book Selected Messages, “God has not put Himself in words, in logic, in rhetoric, on trial in the Bible. The writers of the Bible were God’s penmen, not His pen.” [4] White also writes in the same work, “Inspiration acts not on the man’s words or his expressions but on the man himself, who under the influence of the Holy Ghost, is imbued with thoughts…The divine mind and will is combined with the human mind and will, thus the utterances of the man are the word of God.”[5] Based on this thinking it is said, “A parallel exists between the incarnate Jesus and the Bible. Jesus was God and man combined, the divine and the human in one. So the Bible is the divine and human combined…This divine-human combination makes the Bible unique among literature.”[6]
Based on their view of inspiration the Seventh-day Adventists believe the Scriptures to be accurate. They allow for the variance of ancient manuscripts by holding that the essential truths have been preserved. They hold that the alleged errors of the copyists and translators were really more misunderstandings. At the root of these misunderstandings is the fact that the Bible was being read through western eyes. Perceived discrepancies should not erode our confidence in the Scriptures, but should be recognized as the product of our inaccurate perceptions.
They also consider the Bible to be authoritative, but this to is tied to inspiration.
Damsteegt writes, “If we perceive the Bible as being merely a collection of human testimonies or if the authority we grant it in some way depends on how it moves our feelings or emotions, we sap its authority in our lives. But when we discern God’s voice speaking through the writers, no matter how weak and human they may have been, the Scriptures be come absolute authority in matters of doctrine, reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness (2 Timothy 3:16).”[7] The Adventists hold that all human wisdom must be subject to the authority of scripture. They see the Bible as the norm by which all other ideas are to be tested. Damsteegt says, “Judging the Word of God by finite human standards is like trying to measure the stars with a yardstick.”[8]
The Seventh-day Adventists and the Trinity
The Seventh-day Adventists do believe in the triune God or Trinity made up of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. He is one God and only one God in both the Old and New Testaments, but He is a godhead made up of three individuals, a unity of three co-equal and co-eternal persons having a unique and mysterious relationship. There is no distance between the three persons of the Trinity. All three are divine, and they share certain powers and qualities. As in human organizations there is a final authority, in the case of the Godhead this final authority rests in all three members of the Trinity. The three together express an excellent working relationship with the Father acting as the source, the Son the mediator, and the Holy Spirit acting as the actualizer.
Seventh-day Adventists believe the Father to be, “…the Eternal Father is the
Creator, Source, Sustainer, and Sovereign of all creation. He is just and holy, merciful, and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness. The qualities and powers exhibited in the Son and Holy Spirit are also revelations of the Father.”[9] Their belief about Jesus is, “God the Eternal Son became incarnate in Jesus Christ. Through Him all things were created, the character of God is revealed, the salvation of humanity is accomplished, and the world is judged. Forever truly God, He became also truly man, Jesus the Christ. He was conceived of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He lived and experienced temptation as a human being, but perfectly exemplified the righteousness and love of God. By His miracles He manifested God’s power and was attested as god’s promised Messiah. He suffered and died voluntarily on the cross for our sins and in our place, was raised from the dead, and ascended to minister in the heavenly sanctuary in our behalf. He will come again in glory for the final deliverance of His people and the restoration of all things.”[10] They believe the Spirit to be,”…active with the Father and the Son in creation, incarnation, and redemption. He inspired the writers of scripture. He filled Christ’s life with power. He draws and convicts human beings; and those who respond He renews and transforms into the image of God. Sent by the Father and the son to be always with His children, He extends spiritual gifts to the church, empowers it to bear witness to Christ, and in harmony with the Scriptures leads it into all truth.”[11]
The Seventh-day Adventist and Salvation
The need for salvation is seen as the Great Controversy between Christ and Satan. Their Fundamental Beliefs include the following statement, “This conflict originated in heaven when a created being, endowed with freedom of choice, in self-exaltation became Satan, God’s adversary, and led into rebellion a portion of the angels. He introduced the spirit of rebellion into this world when he led Adam and eve into sin. This human sin resulted in the distortion of the image of God in humanity.”[12]
In response to this the Adventists believe the death of Christ to be the only means of atonement, and acceptance of this atonement brings eternal life. They believe, “This perfect atonement vindicates the righteousness of God’s law and the graciousness of His character; for it both condemns our sin and provides our forgiveness. The death of Christ is substitutionary and expiatory, reconciling and transforming.”[13] Our contact with salvation comes by being led by the Holy Spirit to sense our need for salvation, acknowledge our sinful state, and then exercise faith in Jesus Christ as our substitute and example. Also through the Spirit we are born again, sanctified, renewed, and we become partakers of the divine nature and have the assurance of salvation now and in the judgment.[14]
The Seventh-day Adventist and the Sacraments
In Adventism baptism is seen as part of our confession of faith in Christ. In it the participant testifies to the their death to sin and their new purpose of walking in newness of life. It represents our union with Christ, the forgiveness of our sin, and the reception of the Holy Spirit. Adventists practice baptism by immersion after one has affirmed their faith in Jesus Christ. It is seen as evidence of their repentance.[15]
In the Seventh-day Adventist church communion is open to all believers. It is a proclamation of Christ’s sacrificial death. The Adventists believe that communion needs to be preceded by a period of self-examination, repentance, and confession. When communion is celebrated a service of foot washing is done as well. Adventist belief says, “The Master ordained the service of foot washing to signify renewed cleansing, to express a willingness to serve one another in Christlike humility, and to unite our hearts in love.”[16]
The Seventh-day Adventist and the Sabbath
The most stark difference between the seventh-day Adventists and mainline Christianity is their adherence to the Sabbath. They consider the Sabbath to be from Friday at sunset to Saturday at sunset. Before it begins it is customary to make preparations for the Sabbath observance so nothing can spoil its sacredness. This includes the preparation of food for the Sabbath day. Before sunset Friday it is suggested that each family gather for a time of worship, prayer, and Bible reading. It is advised that this be repeated at the close of the Sabbath as well. Based on Christ’s example Adventists gather for their corporate worship on Saturday. They see the change from Saturday to Sunday worship as the influx of Roman paganism into Christianity.
MY CONCLUSION
Unlike the other groups in this study, I personally struggle with branding the Seventh Day Adventist a cult. They believe in the inspiration of the scriptures, and they do not add or remove from the Scriptures. They believe in the Trinity and the Sacraments as do orthodox, conservative Christians. The attempts made a setting a definite date for Christ's second advent were admitted to be in error by those who made the predictions.
[1] Gerstner, John H., The Teachings of Seventh-day Adventism, (Grand rapids, MI., Baker Book House, 1960) pp. 8 and 9
[2] Ibid., p. 9
[3] Damsteegt, P. G. , Seventh-day Adventists Believe – A Biblical Exposition of Fundamental Doctrines, (Hagerstown, Maryland, Review and Herald Publishing Association, 1988), p.8
[4] Ibid.
[5] Ibid.
[6] Ibid. p. 8 and 9
[7] Ibid. p. 13
[8] Ibid.
[9] Ibid. p. 28
[10] Ibid. p. 36
[11] Ibid. p. 58
[12] Ibid. p. 97
[13] Ibid. p. 107
[14] Ibid. p. 118
[15] Ibid. p. 179
[16] Ibid. p. 193
Sunday, July 13, 2008
IS THE CHURCH OF CHRIST SCIENTIST A CULT?
THE CHURCH OF CHRIST SCIENTIST
The Church of Christ, Scientist (AKA. Christian Science) may have the word Christian in its name. Yes, they do talk about God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. However, once you dig deeper in to their beliefs and doctrines the similarities cease and the blasphemous teachings begin.
Mary Baker Eddy, their most notable teacher, was born in 1821. At the age of twelve young Mary was already rebelling against orthodox Christianity even though she had been admitted to the Congregational Church of Tilton, New Hampshire. In 1843 she married George Washington Glover who died the following year. In 1845 their son was born. He however was sent to boarding school or to live with relatives most of his life. In 1853 she married a dentist named Patterson, but he soon abandoned her due to her chronic illnesses. In 1862 she was said to have been healed by Phineas P. Quimby, a man she would later plagiarize to produce her writings. Quimby is said to have “healed” using a certain amount of psychology mixed with mesmerism (later known as hypnosis).
She is said to have discovered Christian Science in 1866. Her most notable literary work, and the chief teaching tool of the church, Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures was published in 1875. As the number of readers of Science and Health grew, Eddy established a Church organization to communicate the ideas in Science and Health for humanity’s benefit. The First Church of Christ, Scientist located in Boston, the “Mother Church”, was incorporated in 1879. The Church is still in existence and has 2000 branch churches in 80 different countries. The Church is designed, “to commemorate the words and works of our Master, which should reinstate primitive Christianity and its lost element of healing.”(From Eddy’s Church Manual). The Church has no ordained clergy, and 1895 Eddy declared the Bible and Science and Health to be the Pastor of the worldwide Church.[1]
Since the death of Mary Baker Eddy in 1913 the movement has suffered several divisions. Despite this, the church has continued to grow. Shortly before her death Eddy saw her church grow to some ten thousand healers servicing some six million followers. By 1920 there was estimated to be ten million followers in the United States, and another three million in Great Britain.
Christian Science and the Bible
Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures was copyrighted by Mary Baker Glover (later to become Mary Baker Eddy) in 1875. It is supposedly a companion to the Holy Bible. In studying the Bible no particular version is specified or recommended. Eddy discovered this information following a near fatal accident in 1866. However, many believe it to be the plagiarized work of one Francis Leiber, a German – American philosopher.[2] Walter Martin includes accusations, and documentation, of how Eddy plagiarized several others, including Leiber, in the production of Science and Health. Others she stole from include Dr. Phineas Parkhurst Quimby and his writing The Science of Man, and Lindley Murray and his work The English Reader.[3]
The relationship between the inspired Bible and Science and Health can be seen in the following quotes in relation to the creation account, specifically Genesis 2:7. Genesis 2:7 reads, “And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being.”(NKJV). In Science and Health (p.524) Eddy writes, "“s this addition to His creation real or unreal? Is it the truth, or is it a lie concerning Man and God? It must be a lie."[4] She also writes, “The manifest mistakes in the ancient versions; the thirty thousand different readings in the Old testament, and the three hundred thousand in the New – these facts show how a mortal and material sense stole into the divine record, with its own hue darkening, to some extent, the inspired pages.”[5] It is obvious that though she promoted Bible study and considered the Bible and Her work to the actual “Pastor” for the Church, Eddy did not hold to verbal plenary inspiration.
Christian Science and the Trinity
The teachings of Mary Baker Eddy and Christian Science represent on example of using Biblical names and terms, but defining them in another way. If asked, Who is God or What is God? The answers a Christian Science practitioner would give would vary. God is the Universal Principle. Science and Health 331:18-24 reads, “God is individual, incorporeal. He is divine principle, Love, the universal cause, the only creator, and there is no other self existence. He is all-inclusive, and is reflected by all that is real and eternal and by nothing else. He fills all space, and it is impossible to conceive of such omnipresence and individuality except as infinite Spirit and Mind.”[6] Other designations for God include Mind (S&H 330:20-21), and Father – Mother (S&H 331:30).[7]
Jesus is merely seen as the spiritual idea of sonship (S&H 331:30&31). Other definitions go even father afield from evangelical Christianity. Science and Health 333:3-15 says, “The word Christ is not properly a synonym for Jesus though it is commonly used.”[8] Science and Health 361:9 to 13 says, “The Christian who believes in the First Commandment is a monotheist…and recognizes the Jesus Christ is not God, as Jesus himself declared, but is the son of God.”[9] Mary Baker Eddy’s teachings even deny the death of Christ (S&H 46:3), and they consider his sacrifice to be insufficient to save (S&H 25:3)
In Christian Science there is no person of the Holy Spirit. He is instead simply divine science (S&H 331:31). The Trinity is not the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost. Instead the Trinity is made up of Life, Truth, and Love.(S&H 331). Our traditional view is considered polytheism, Eddy writes. “The theory of three persons in One God suggests polytheism, rather than the one ever-present I Am.”(S&H 256:9-11).[10]
Christian Science and Various Other Doctrines
One of the most notable beliefs held by those who practice Christian Science is the denial that there is such a thing a sickness or sin. This leads them to deny the need for formal medical help. They believe, “When sin or sickness — the reverse of harmony — seems true to material sense, impart without frightening or discouraging the patient the truth and spiritual understanding, which de447-19447-20stroy disease. Expose and denounce the claims of evil and disease in all their forms, but realize no reality in them. A sinner is not reformed merely by assuring him that he cannot be a sinner because there is no sin. To put down the claim of sin, you must detect it, remove the mask, point out the illusion, and thus get the victory over sin and so prove447-24447-26447-27 its unreality. The sick are not healed merely by declaring there is no sickness, but by knowing that there is none.”(S&H 447:24-29)[11] With no sin it is easy to understand that they would also deny the existence of the Devil. There definition of devil is as follows, “DEVIL. Evil; a lie; error; neither corporeality nor mind; the opposite of Truth; a belief in sin, sickness, and death; animal magnetism or hypnotism; the lust of the flesh, which saith: " I am life and intelligence in matter. There is more than one mind, for I am mind, a wicked mind, self-made or created by a tribal god and put into the opposite of mind, termed matter, thence to reproduce a mortal universe, including man, not after the image and likeness of Spirit, but after its own image."(S&H 584:17-25)[12]
MY CONCLUSIONS
I believe it should be clear from even this brief presentation that Christian Science is far from orthodox, conservative Christianity.
[1] This information was gleaned from the Official web site of the Mother Church.
[2] Larson, Bob, Larson’s New Book of Cults, (Wheaton, IK., Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., 1982)p. 165
[3] Martin, pp.250-252
[4] Ibid, p. 259
[5] Ibid
[6] Glover, Mary Baker, Science and Health with Key To The Scriptures, (Boston, MA., The First Church of Christ, Scientist, 1934) p.331
[7] Ibid.
[8] Ibid. p. 333
[9] Ibid. p. 361
[10] Ibid. p. 256
[11] Ibid. p. 447
[12] Ibid. p. 584
The Church of Christ, Scientist (AKA. Christian Science) may have the word Christian in its name. Yes, they do talk about God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. However, once you dig deeper in to their beliefs and doctrines the similarities cease and the blasphemous teachings begin.
Mary Baker Eddy, their most notable teacher, was born in 1821. At the age of twelve young Mary was already rebelling against orthodox Christianity even though she had been admitted to the Congregational Church of Tilton, New Hampshire. In 1843 she married George Washington Glover who died the following year. In 1845 their son was born. He however was sent to boarding school or to live with relatives most of his life. In 1853 she married a dentist named Patterson, but he soon abandoned her due to her chronic illnesses. In 1862 she was said to have been healed by Phineas P. Quimby, a man she would later plagiarize to produce her writings. Quimby is said to have “healed” using a certain amount of psychology mixed with mesmerism (later known as hypnosis).
She is said to have discovered Christian Science in 1866. Her most notable literary work, and the chief teaching tool of the church, Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures was published in 1875. As the number of readers of Science and Health grew, Eddy established a Church organization to communicate the ideas in Science and Health for humanity’s benefit. The First Church of Christ, Scientist located in Boston, the “Mother Church”, was incorporated in 1879. The Church is still in existence and has 2000 branch churches in 80 different countries. The Church is designed, “to commemorate the words and works of our Master, which should reinstate primitive Christianity and its lost element of healing.”(From Eddy’s Church Manual). The Church has no ordained clergy, and 1895 Eddy declared the Bible and Science and Health to be the Pastor of the worldwide Church.[1]
Since the death of Mary Baker Eddy in 1913 the movement has suffered several divisions. Despite this, the church has continued to grow. Shortly before her death Eddy saw her church grow to some ten thousand healers servicing some six million followers. By 1920 there was estimated to be ten million followers in the United States, and another three million in Great Britain.
Christian Science and the Bible
Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures was copyrighted by Mary Baker Glover (later to become Mary Baker Eddy) in 1875. It is supposedly a companion to the Holy Bible. In studying the Bible no particular version is specified or recommended. Eddy discovered this information following a near fatal accident in 1866. However, many believe it to be the plagiarized work of one Francis Leiber, a German – American philosopher.[2] Walter Martin includes accusations, and documentation, of how Eddy plagiarized several others, including Leiber, in the production of Science and Health. Others she stole from include Dr. Phineas Parkhurst Quimby and his writing The Science of Man, and Lindley Murray and his work The English Reader.[3]
The relationship between the inspired Bible and Science and Health can be seen in the following quotes in relation to the creation account, specifically Genesis 2:7. Genesis 2:7 reads, “And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being.”(NKJV). In Science and Health (p.524) Eddy writes, "“s this addition to His creation real or unreal? Is it the truth, or is it a lie concerning Man and God? It must be a lie."[4] She also writes, “The manifest mistakes in the ancient versions; the thirty thousand different readings in the Old testament, and the three hundred thousand in the New – these facts show how a mortal and material sense stole into the divine record, with its own hue darkening, to some extent, the inspired pages.”[5] It is obvious that though she promoted Bible study and considered the Bible and Her work to the actual “Pastor” for the Church, Eddy did not hold to verbal plenary inspiration.
Christian Science and the Trinity
The teachings of Mary Baker Eddy and Christian Science represent on example of using Biblical names and terms, but defining them in another way. If asked, Who is God or What is God? The answers a Christian Science practitioner would give would vary. God is the Universal Principle. Science and Health 331:18-24 reads, “God is individual, incorporeal. He is divine principle, Love, the universal cause, the only creator, and there is no other self existence. He is all-inclusive, and is reflected by all that is real and eternal and by nothing else. He fills all space, and it is impossible to conceive of such omnipresence and individuality except as infinite Spirit and Mind.”[6] Other designations for God include Mind (S&H 330:20-21), and Father – Mother (S&H 331:30).[7]
Jesus is merely seen as the spiritual idea of sonship (S&H 331:30&31). Other definitions go even father afield from evangelical Christianity. Science and Health 333:3-15 says, “The word Christ is not properly a synonym for Jesus though it is commonly used.”[8] Science and Health 361:9 to 13 says, “The Christian who believes in the First Commandment is a monotheist…and recognizes the Jesus Christ is not God, as Jesus himself declared, but is the son of God.”[9] Mary Baker Eddy’s teachings even deny the death of Christ (S&H 46:3), and they consider his sacrifice to be insufficient to save (S&H 25:3)
In Christian Science there is no person of the Holy Spirit. He is instead simply divine science (S&H 331:31). The Trinity is not the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost. Instead the Trinity is made up of Life, Truth, and Love.(S&H 331). Our traditional view is considered polytheism, Eddy writes. “The theory of three persons in One God suggests polytheism, rather than the one ever-present I Am.”(S&H 256:9-11).[10]
Christian Science and Various Other Doctrines
One of the most notable beliefs held by those who practice Christian Science is the denial that there is such a thing a sickness or sin. This leads them to deny the need for formal medical help. They believe, “When sin or sickness — the reverse of harmony — seems true to material sense, impart without frightening or discouraging the patient the truth and spiritual understanding, which de447-19447-20stroy disease. Expose and denounce the claims of evil and disease in all their forms, but realize no reality in them. A sinner is not reformed merely by assuring him that he cannot be a sinner because there is no sin. To put down the claim of sin, you must detect it, remove the mask, point out the illusion, and thus get the victory over sin and so prove447-24447-26447-27 its unreality. The sick are not healed merely by declaring there is no sickness, but by knowing that there is none.”(S&H 447:24-29)[11] With no sin it is easy to understand that they would also deny the existence of the Devil. There definition of devil is as follows, “DEVIL. Evil; a lie; error; neither corporeality nor mind; the opposite of Truth; a belief in sin, sickness, and death; animal magnetism or hypnotism; the lust of the flesh, which saith: " I am life and intelligence in matter. There is more than one mind, for I am mind, a wicked mind, self-made or created by a tribal god and put into the opposite of mind, termed matter, thence to reproduce a mortal universe, including man, not after the image and likeness of Spirit, but after its own image."(S&H 584:17-25)[12]
MY CONCLUSIONS
I believe it should be clear from even this brief presentation that Christian Science is far from orthodox, conservative Christianity.
[1] This information was gleaned from the Official web site of the Mother Church.
[2] Larson, Bob, Larson’s New Book of Cults, (Wheaton, IK., Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., 1982)p. 165
[3] Martin, pp.250-252
[4] Ibid, p. 259
[5] Ibid
[6] Glover, Mary Baker, Science and Health with Key To The Scriptures, (Boston, MA., The First Church of Christ, Scientist, 1934) p.331
[7] Ibid.
[8] Ibid. p. 333
[9] Ibid. p. 361
[10] Ibid. p. 256
[11] Ibid. p. 447
[12] Ibid. p. 584
Sunday, July 6, 2008
ARE THE MORMONS CHRISTIANS OR A CULT?
THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER DAY SAINTS
Mormonism is perhaps the most native of all American religious groups, in its early history and development it was chased out of Ohio, Mississippi, and Illinois. The faithful settled in what at the time was Mexican territory, but which later became part of the American west. It all began in Sharon, Vermont, the birthplace of Joseph Smith. There he was born to Joseph Smith Sr. and Lucy Mack Smith. He was a prophet in his own right, having had visions that were very similar to the later ones alleged by his son. Joseph Smith’s mother would have been seen as a “psychic” today. His maternal grandfather, Solomon Mack displayed a great knack for the occult. One biographer, Fawn Brodie, summed up Joseph Smith JR’s youth with this description, “a likable, ne’er-do-well who was notorious for tall tales and necromantic arts and who spent his leisure leading a band of idlers in digging for buried treasure.”[1] In 1820 Smith had his first vision. In 1823 Smith “met” the angel Moroni who was reportedly a resurrected saint who had died in AD 400. Moroni introduced him to a set of gold plates that contained the text of the Book of Mormon. In 1830 this new revelation was published in Palmyra, Illinois. Later that year the church was founded. In 1844 Smith was martyred by a lawless militia near Nauvoo, Illinois. In 1847 Brigham Young lead the Saints to Utah which was not a part of the United States at the time. Young offered a knowledge of business in place of Smith’s visions.
The most notable characteristic of Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (AKA. Mormons) is their door to door evangelistic efforts.. Most have encountered Mormon missionaries or elders, and can spot them very readily. The typical missionaries are males, traveling in pairs, they are 19 to 21 years of age, and they serve for a period of 18 months to two years. Their normal attire is black pants and white shirts. Some things not so readily known is that they are volunteers, it is not compulsory that a Mormon young person serve in this capacity. They are unpaid, and have had to raise their own support for the work. They are given some training before being sent out. A training period of three weeks is given, with nine weeks being allowed if a foreign language must be learned.. They are taught to present a set presentation of their beliefs concerning Jesus Christ and His Atonement for all people.. There are approximately 60,000 missionaries at work at any one time, and this work may include evangelism as well as community service.[2]
PLEASE NOTE - You may want to review my previous article which outlines very briefly the tenets of conservative Christianity.
The Mormons and the Scriptures
When one of these young men come into a home they will be carrying a book which they revere as much as we do the Bible. In a single bound volume they have the King James Version of the Holy Bible.[3] In addition to the Bible are the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price. All of these additional works are considered divine and authoritative.
Concerning the Book of Mormon Joseph Smith is quoted as saying, “We believe the Bible to be the word of God… we also believe the Book of Mormon to be the word of God.”.[4] The Book of Mormon was allegedly given to Joseph Smith by the Angel Moroni who had compiled it in 421 AD It is a sacred record of the peoples of ancient America written on metal plates and supernaturally translated by Smith. The Doctrine and Covenants is a collection of divine revelations and inspired declarations. These were received through Joseph Smith Jr. beginning in 1829 when he was fourteen years old. It was subsequently added to by later Presidents and Prophets of the Mormon Church. The Pearl of Great Price is a collection of writings by Joseph Smith. It was first published in 1851, and later accepted by the church in 1880. Included in it are the Book of Moses, Book of Abraham, Book of Matthew, Book of History, and the Articles of Faith.[5]
The Mormons and The Trinity
When answering the question “Who is God?” the Mormons offer a mix of descriptions and definitions. Some of their definitions sound true and legitimate, but others sound extremely far fetched. The Doctrine and Covenants 130:22 offers this description, “God the Father is a glorified and perfected man, a personage of flesh and bone.”. Another definition offered by Joseph Smith says, “God himself was once as we are now, and is an exalted man, and sits enthroned in yonder heavens!…God himself, the Father of us all, dwelt on an earth, the same s Jesus Christ himself did.” (Teachings, p. 345).[6] We to can become a god. Christ became God, “By obedience and devotion to truth he attained that pinnacle of intelligence which ranked his as a God…As such he became, under the Father, the Creator of this earth and of worlds without number.”[7]
The Spirit of the Lord has three distinct meanings in Mormonism. First it is referencing the spirit body of Christ our Lord, the body he inhabited from his birth as the First born of the Father until he was born of Mary in mortality. It also means the Spirit of Jesus Christ, or light of truth, the Spirit which is impersonal and fills immensity of space; the agency by emas of which God governs and controls in all things. Finally the Spirit entity of personage who is a member of the God head.[8] The Prophet Joseph Smith did not accept the Spirit as a part of the Godhead. In Lectures on Faith he writes, There are two personages who constitute the great, matchless, governing, and supreme power over all things, by whom all things were created and made…They are the Father and the Son.”[9]
The Mormons and Salvation
One of the most notable teachings in Mormonism is the fact that anyone may attain a position of Godhood. God hood is defined as, “…to have the character, possess the attributes, and enjoy the perfection which the Father has. It is to do what he does, have the power resident in him, and live as he lives, having eternal increase.”(Doctrine and Covenants 132:17-20, 37)[10] Eternal life is described as, “To inherit the same power, the same glory, and the same exhaltation, until you arrive at the station of a god, and ascend the throne of eternal power, the same as those who have gone before..”(Teaching, p. 345)[11]
The Mormons also teach a salvation for the dead. This is a system where those who would have accepted the gospel in life, had they been permitted to hear it, will have a chance to accept it in the spirit world. This involves a baptism for the dead where a living subject acts as a proxy fulfilling the ordinance of baptism. A Mormon may be baptized numerous times for numerous people. One of the young elders I dealt with had already been baptized over 20 times.
The Mormons and the Ordinances
The Mormons believe in two types of baptism. Water baptism, by immersion, by the power of the Aaronic Priesthood and Baptism of the Spirit by the power of the Melchizedek Priesthood. Baptism serves four purposes in Mormon doctrine. Baptism is for the remission of sin, membership in the church and the kingdom, it is the gate to the celestial kingdom, and finally, the door to personal sanctification. [12] Communion or the Lord’s supper is not considered a sacrament, but simply a rite or ceremony of the church.
MY CONCLUSION
Comparing the beliefs of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints to the basic beliefs of conservative Christianity it becomes apparent they are a cult. They deny the divinity of the Father, Jesus the Son, and the Holy Spirit. They also add to the Scriptures.
[1] Gerstner, p. 8
[2] This information has been taken from the official web site of the Mormon church.
[3] Some have contended that the Mormons adapted or changed the KJV, but I found no evidence of this.
[4] Articles of Faith, Article 8
[5] This information has been taken from the official website of the Mormon church
[6] McConkie, Bruce R., Mormon Doctrine, (Salt Lake City, UT., Publishers Press, 1966), p. 321
[7] Ibid. p 129
[8] Ibid. P.752
[9] Ibid. p. 319
[10] Ibid. p.321
[11] Ibid. p. 321
[12] Ibid. p. 70
Mormonism is perhaps the most native of all American religious groups, in its early history and development it was chased out of Ohio, Mississippi, and Illinois. The faithful settled in what at the time was Mexican territory, but which later became part of the American west. It all began in Sharon, Vermont, the birthplace of Joseph Smith. There he was born to Joseph Smith Sr. and Lucy Mack Smith. He was a prophet in his own right, having had visions that were very similar to the later ones alleged by his son. Joseph Smith’s mother would have been seen as a “psychic” today. His maternal grandfather, Solomon Mack displayed a great knack for the occult. One biographer, Fawn Brodie, summed up Joseph Smith JR’s youth with this description, “a likable, ne’er-do-well who was notorious for tall tales and necromantic arts and who spent his leisure leading a band of idlers in digging for buried treasure.”[1] In 1820 Smith had his first vision. In 1823 Smith “met” the angel Moroni who was reportedly a resurrected saint who had died in AD 400. Moroni introduced him to a set of gold plates that contained the text of the Book of Mormon. In 1830 this new revelation was published in Palmyra, Illinois. Later that year the church was founded. In 1844 Smith was martyred by a lawless militia near Nauvoo, Illinois. In 1847 Brigham Young lead the Saints to Utah which was not a part of the United States at the time. Young offered a knowledge of business in place of Smith’s visions.
The most notable characteristic of Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (AKA. Mormons) is their door to door evangelistic efforts.. Most have encountered Mormon missionaries or elders, and can spot them very readily. The typical missionaries are males, traveling in pairs, they are 19 to 21 years of age, and they serve for a period of 18 months to two years. Their normal attire is black pants and white shirts. Some things not so readily known is that they are volunteers, it is not compulsory that a Mormon young person serve in this capacity. They are unpaid, and have had to raise their own support for the work. They are given some training before being sent out. A training period of three weeks is given, with nine weeks being allowed if a foreign language must be learned.. They are taught to present a set presentation of their beliefs concerning Jesus Christ and His Atonement for all people.. There are approximately 60,000 missionaries at work at any one time, and this work may include evangelism as well as community service.[2]
PLEASE NOTE - You may want to review my previous article which outlines very briefly the tenets of conservative Christianity.
The Mormons and the Scriptures
When one of these young men come into a home they will be carrying a book which they revere as much as we do the Bible. In a single bound volume they have the King James Version of the Holy Bible.[3] In addition to the Bible are the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price. All of these additional works are considered divine and authoritative.
Concerning the Book of Mormon Joseph Smith is quoted as saying, “We believe the Bible to be the word of God… we also believe the Book of Mormon to be the word of God.”.[4] The Book of Mormon was allegedly given to Joseph Smith by the Angel Moroni who had compiled it in 421 AD It is a sacred record of the peoples of ancient America written on metal plates and supernaturally translated by Smith. The Doctrine and Covenants is a collection of divine revelations and inspired declarations. These were received through Joseph Smith Jr. beginning in 1829 when he was fourteen years old. It was subsequently added to by later Presidents and Prophets of the Mormon Church. The Pearl of Great Price is a collection of writings by Joseph Smith. It was first published in 1851, and later accepted by the church in 1880. Included in it are the Book of Moses, Book of Abraham, Book of Matthew, Book of History, and the Articles of Faith.[5]
The Mormons and The Trinity
When answering the question “Who is God?” the Mormons offer a mix of descriptions and definitions. Some of their definitions sound true and legitimate, but others sound extremely far fetched. The Doctrine and Covenants 130:22 offers this description, “God the Father is a glorified and perfected man, a personage of flesh and bone.”. Another definition offered by Joseph Smith says, “God himself was once as we are now, and is an exalted man, and sits enthroned in yonder heavens!…God himself, the Father of us all, dwelt on an earth, the same s Jesus Christ himself did.” (Teachings, p. 345).[6] We to can become a god. Christ became God, “By obedience and devotion to truth he attained that pinnacle of intelligence which ranked his as a God…As such he became, under the Father, the Creator of this earth and of worlds without number.”[7]
The Spirit of the Lord has three distinct meanings in Mormonism. First it is referencing the spirit body of Christ our Lord, the body he inhabited from his birth as the First born of the Father until he was born of Mary in mortality. It also means the Spirit of Jesus Christ, or light of truth, the Spirit which is impersonal and fills immensity of space; the agency by emas of which God governs and controls in all things. Finally the Spirit entity of personage who is a member of the God head.[8] The Prophet Joseph Smith did not accept the Spirit as a part of the Godhead. In Lectures on Faith he writes, There are two personages who constitute the great, matchless, governing, and supreme power over all things, by whom all things were created and made…They are the Father and the Son.”[9]
The Mormons and Salvation
One of the most notable teachings in Mormonism is the fact that anyone may attain a position of Godhood. God hood is defined as, “…to have the character, possess the attributes, and enjoy the perfection which the Father has. It is to do what he does, have the power resident in him, and live as he lives, having eternal increase.”(Doctrine and Covenants 132:17-20, 37)[10] Eternal life is described as, “To inherit the same power, the same glory, and the same exhaltation, until you arrive at the station of a god, and ascend the throne of eternal power, the same as those who have gone before..”(Teaching, p. 345)[11]
The Mormons also teach a salvation for the dead. This is a system where those who would have accepted the gospel in life, had they been permitted to hear it, will have a chance to accept it in the spirit world. This involves a baptism for the dead where a living subject acts as a proxy fulfilling the ordinance of baptism. A Mormon may be baptized numerous times for numerous people. One of the young elders I dealt with had already been baptized over 20 times.
The Mormons and the Ordinances
The Mormons believe in two types of baptism. Water baptism, by immersion, by the power of the Aaronic Priesthood and Baptism of the Spirit by the power of the Melchizedek Priesthood. Baptism serves four purposes in Mormon doctrine. Baptism is for the remission of sin, membership in the church and the kingdom, it is the gate to the celestial kingdom, and finally, the door to personal sanctification. [12] Communion or the Lord’s supper is not considered a sacrament, but simply a rite or ceremony of the church.
MY CONCLUSION
Comparing the beliefs of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints to the basic beliefs of conservative Christianity it becomes apparent they are a cult. They deny the divinity of the Father, Jesus the Son, and the Holy Spirit. They also add to the Scriptures.
[1] Gerstner, p. 8
[2] This information has been taken from the official web site of the Mormon church.
[3] Some have contended that the Mormons adapted or changed the KJV, but I found no evidence of this.
[4] Articles of Faith, Article 8
[5] This information has been taken from the official website of the Mormon church
[6] McConkie, Bruce R., Mormon Doctrine, (Salt Lake City, UT., Publishers Press, 1966), p. 321
[7] Ibid. p 129
[8] Ibid. P.752
[9] Ibid. p. 319
[10] Ibid. p.321
[11] Ibid. p. 321
[12] Ibid. p. 70
Sunday, June 29, 2008
INTRODUCING THE BIBLE CULTS
INTRODUCTION
In my life I have had the opportunity to deal directly with three of the major cults active in the United States. The fourth dealt with in this presentation represents some of the heritage of my family. In this presentation I hope to expose these groups for what they truly are. The majority of well meaning, but ignorant, Christians accept these groups as equals. Looking at them as just other denominations, other groups of true Christians. Part of the reason for this misunderstanding is the fact that these groups use the Bible, primarily the King James Version, as one of their primary texts.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (The Mormons) were given an opportunity to teach me concerning their beliefs. Two well meaning young men stopped by my home one Saturday afternoon. I introduced myself, and the fact that I was a Pastor serving a local church, and offered to sit down with them and discuss things. Even in light of my identity the two young men agreed and we began meeting every Tuesday for a time of study and prayer. Over the next few weeks I was taught by four different Mormon Elders, their term for their itinerat missionaries. From the outset it was agreed that chances were slim that I would be converted to Mormonism, and they were also slim that the young men would be converted away from Mormonism. In the process I learned a great deal about the young missionaries and their devotion, and I learned a great deal about the Mormon Church.
I had a similar opportunity with the Seventh day Adventist Church. I was serving a young Independent Christian Church that met for three and one half years in the Seventh Day Adventist Church building in our community. In the one and a half years I served the church I developed a close friendship with their pastor. At one point I became his test subject or guinea pig. He had been trained to present a thirteen week study in Seventh Day Adventist doctrine, but before he could train his congregation he was required to actually conduct the study with a person not connected with the Seventh Day Adventist church. Here again I learned a great deal about their heritage and doctrine.
My encounters with the Church of Christ Scientists (AKA. Christian Science) hits a little closer to home. My mother dabbled in Christian Science for decades. She would attend their lectures, read their materials, and try to apply their teachings. At one point she balanced the teachings of Kenneth Hagin, a “name it claim it health wealth doctrine” charismatic evangelist, and those of Mary Baker Eddy, founder of Christian Science. My mother was faithful to Christian Science almost to the end. She was diagnosed with inoperable lung cancer that had spread to her brain and liver. She had not sought medical treatment until the cancer was beyond repair. However after being diagnosed by a physician, and being treated in a hospital, a Christian Science Practitioner, their term for a minister, refused to counsel her further.
The fourth group, the Jehovah’s Witnesses have not impacted my life as personally as the other three. My paternal Grandmother at one time in her life practiced this religion. Some of my relatives on that side still practice it.
DEFINING A CULT
Dr. Charles Braden defines a cult as, “…any religious group which differs significantly in one or more respects as to the belief or practice from those religious groups which are regarded as the normative expressions of religion in our total culture.”[1] John H. Gerstner of the Pittsburgh Theological Seminary uses the term “sect” rather than “cult”. He is quoted as saying, “Evangelicals generally use Sect when referring to those denominations which do not hold to fundamental biblical principals – especially the deity of Christ and His atonement”[2]
For a Biblical perspective lets consider Galatians 1:6 to 10. These verses read, “I marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him who called you in the grace of Christ, to a different gospel, which is not another; but there are some who trouble you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ. But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed. As we have said before, so now I say again, if anyone preaches any other gospel to you than what you have received, let him be accursed. For do I now persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I still pleased men, I would not be a servant of Christ.”(NKJV). The basic question before us is simple. Is what the group teaches in conformity to orthodox Christian doctrine as revealed to us in the Scriptures.
In this presentation we are going to do a brief comparison of basic Christian doctrine and the beliefs and doctrines of these three major groups. We will especially concentrate on the following areas:
1. Scripture - how do these groups view the Bible as well as other documents they may hold as inspired.
2. The Trinity - how do they define the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit as compared to orthodox Christianity.
3. Salvation - is there a thing called sin, and how is it atoned for.
4. The Sacraments of Baptism and Communion.
We will conclude with a list of principles to keep in mind when reaching out to these groups, as well as any other denomination of religious group. Much of the material used has been gleaned from the official and authorized materials published by each of these respective groups. When necessary the information has been supplemented with conservative, evangelical responses taken from such works as The Kingdom of the Cults by Dr. Walter Martin and Larson’s New Book of Cults by Bob Larson.
BASIC CONSERVATIVE CHRISTIANITY
Before we look at these cults we need to lay out a foundation of some of the basic beliefs that are held as the truth which cannot be altered or changed. First, the Bible is the inspired word of God. II Timothy 3:16 says, “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,”(NKJV). II Peter 1:21 adds, “for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.”(NKJV). Some thirty-nine human authors were given the word by the process of revelation. God, through, the Holy Spirit, used the vocabulary, style, and even dialect of these authors to deliver His word. In addition, there are sections of Scripture that were given primarily by dictation with God instructing the authors to “Write these words”. In its original form, in its original languages (Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek) the Bible is without error in any form
Second, conservative Christianity teaches there is one God, but that He is a trinity of three persons, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. As a part of the commission of His Church, God gave the following instruction, “"Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, (Matthew 28:19 NKJV). Chafer and Walvoord write, “While the doctrine of the Trinity is a central fact of the Christian faith, it is also beyond human comprehension and has no parallel in human experience. It is best defined as holding that, while God is one, He exists as three persons. These persons are equal have the same attributes, and are equally worthy of adoration, worship, and faith.”[3]
Third, conservative Christianity teaches that man is a sinner in need of salvation. Romans 3:23 says, “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,”(NKJV). Romans 6:23 adds, “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”(NKJV). Ephesians 2:8 and 9 tell us how to collect this gift, “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.”(NKJV).
Finally, conservative Christianity recognizes two ordinances of the church. The first is baptism, as stated in Acts 2:38, “…Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”(NKJV). The second is communion or the Lord’s supper, “For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death till He comes.”(I Corinthians 11:26 NKJV).
[1] Martin, Walter, The Kingdom of the Cults, (Minneapolis, MN., Bethany House Publishers, 1997) p. 17
[2] Gerstner, John H., The Teachings Of Mormonism, (Grand Rapids, MI., Baker Book House, 1960) p. 5, Dr. Gerstner includes this same definition in each of his series of booklets on the major sects.
[3] Chafer, Lewis Sperry and Walvvord, John F., Major Bible Themes, (Grand Rapids, MI., Zondervan Publishing House, 1974) p. 40
In my life I have had the opportunity to deal directly with three of the major cults active in the United States. The fourth dealt with in this presentation represents some of the heritage of my family. In this presentation I hope to expose these groups for what they truly are. The majority of well meaning, but ignorant, Christians accept these groups as equals. Looking at them as just other denominations, other groups of true Christians. Part of the reason for this misunderstanding is the fact that these groups use the Bible, primarily the King James Version, as one of their primary texts.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (The Mormons) were given an opportunity to teach me concerning their beliefs. Two well meaning young men stopped by my home one Saturday afternoon. I introduced myself, and the fact that I was a Pastor serving a local church, and offered to sit down with them and discuss things. Even in light of my identity the two young men agreed and we began meeting every Tuesday for a time of study and prayer. Over the next few weeks I was taught by four different Mormon Elders, their term for their itinerat missionaries. From the outset it was agreed that chances were slim that I would be converted to Mormonism, and they were also slim that the young men would be converted away from Mormonism. In the process I learned a great deal about the young missionaries and their devotion, and I learned a great deal about the Mormon Church.
I had a similar opportunity with the Seventh day Adventist Church. I was serving a young Independent Christian Church that met for three and one half years in the Seventh Day Adventist Church building in our community. In the one and a half years I served the church I developed a close friendship with their pastor. At one point I became his test subject or guinea pig. He had been trained to present a thirteen week study in Seventh Day Adventist doctrine, but before he could train his congregation he was required to actually conduct the study with a person not connected with the Seventh Day Adventist church. Here again I learned a great deal about their heritage and doctrine.
My encounters with the Church of Christ Scientists (AKA. Christian Science) hits a little closer to home. My mother dabbled in Christian Science for decades. She would attend their lectures, read their materials, and try to apply their teachings. At one point she balanced the teachings of Kenneth Hagin, a “name it claim it health wealth doctrine” charismatic evangelist, and those of Mary Baker Eddy, founder of Christian Science. My mother was faithful to Christian Science almost to the end. She was diagnosed with inoperable lung cancer that had spread to her brain and liver. She had not sought medical treatment until the cancer was beyond repair. However after being diagnosed by a physician, and being treated in a hospital, a Christian Science Practitioner, their term for a minister, refused to counsel her further.
The fourth group, the Jehovah’s Witnesses have not impacted my life as personally as the other three. My paternal Grandmother at one time in her life practiced this religion. Some of my relatives on that side still practice it.
DEFINING A CULT
Dr. Charles Braden defines a cult as, “…any religious group which differs significantly in one or more respects as to the belief or practice from those religious groups which are regarded as the normative expressions of religion in our total culture.”[1] John H. Gerstner of the Pittsburgh Theological Seminary uses the term “sect” rather than “cult”. He is quoted as saying, “Evangelicals generally use Sect when referring to those denominations which do not hold to fundamental biblical principals – especially the deity of Christ and His atonement”[2]
For a Biblical perspective lets consider Galatians 1:6 to 10. These verses read, “I marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him who called you in the grace of Christ, to a different gospel, which is not another; but there are some who trouble you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ. But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed. As we have said before, so now I say again, if anyone preaches any other gospel to you than what you have received, let him be accursed. For do I now persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I still pleased men, I would not be a servant of Christ.”(NKJV). The basic question before us is simple. Is what the group teaches in conformity to orthodox Christian doctrine as revealed to us in the Scriptures.
In this presentation we are going to do a brief comparison of basic Christian doctrine and the beliefs and doctrines of these three major groups. We will especially concentrate on the following areas:
1. Scripture - how do these groups view the Bible as well as other documents they may hold as inspired.
2. The Trinity - how do they define the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit as compared to orthodox Christianity.
3. Salvation - is there a thing called sin, and how is it atoned for.
4. The Sacraments of Baptism and Communion.
We will conclude with a list of principles to keep in mind when reaching out to these groups, as well as any other denomination of religious group. Much of the material used has been gleaned from the official and authorized materials published by each of these respective groups. When necessary the information has been supplemented with conservative, evangelical responses taken from such works as The Kingdom of the Cults by Dr. Walter Martin and Larson’s New Book of Cults by Bob Larson.
BASIC CONSERVATIVE CHRISTIANITY
Before we look at these cults we need to lay out a foundation of some of the basic beliefs that are held as the truth which cannot be altered or changed. First, the Bible is the inspired word of God. II Timothy 3:16 says, “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,”(NKJV). II Peter 1:21 adds, “for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.”(NKJV). Some thirty-nine human authors were given the word by the process of revelation. God, through, the Holy Spirit, used the vocabulary, style, and even dialect of these authors to deliver His word. In addition, there are sections of Scripture that were given primarily by dictation with God instructing the authors to “Write these words”. In its original form, in its original languages (Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek) the Bible is without error in any form
Second, conservative Christianity teaches there is one God, but that He is a trinity of three persons, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. As a part of the commission of His Church, God gave the following instruction, “"Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, (Matthew 28:19 NKJV). Chafer and Walvoord write, “While the doctrine of the Trinity is a central fact of the Christian faith, it is also beyond human comprehension and has no parallel in human experience. It is best defined as holding that, while God is one, He exists as three persons. These persons are equal have the same attributes, and are equally worthy of adoration, worship, and faith.”[3]
Third, conservative Christianity teaches that man is a sinner in need of salvation. Romans 3:23 says, “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,”(NKJV). Romans 6:23 adds, “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”(NKJV). Ephesians 2:8 and 9 tell us how to collect this gift, “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.”(NKJV).
Finally, conservative Christianity recognizes two ordinances of the church. The first is baptism, as stated in Acts 2:38, “…Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”(NKJV). The second is communion or the Lord’s supper, “For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death till He comes.”(I Corinthians 11:26 NKJV).
[1] Martin, Walter, The Kingdom of the Cults, (Minneapolis, MN., Bethany House Publishers, 1997) p. 17
[2] Gerstner, John H., The Teachings Of Mormonism, (Grand Rapids, MI., Baker Book House, 1960) p. 5, Dr. Gerstner includes this same definition in each of his series of booklets on the major sects.
[3] Chafer, Lewis Sperry and Walvvord, John F., Major Bible Themes, (Grand Rapids, MI., Zondervan Publishing House, 1974) p. 40
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
HOW TO REACH OUT TO PEOPLE OF OTHER BELIEF SYSTEMS
HOW TO REACH OUT TO PEOPLE OF OTHER BELIEF SYSTEMS
You are laid back, maybe watching a TV show with the family, and the door bell rings. You go to the door and there they stand. There is two of them in black slacks, white shirts, ties, and wearing big grins. Its the MORMONS!!! It could have just as easily been Jehovah's Witnesses, Baptists, or some other group doing the hard task of door to door evangelism. Some of them are good Christian people serving the savior. Others may carry a Bible and fist fulls of other literature, but on closer examination, are not following the Christian God of the Bible. How do you respond?
The first step in reaching out to the cults is to know what YOU believe. Peter admonishes us, "But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear."(I Peter 3:15 NKJV). Paul charged Timothy with these words, "I charge you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom: Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all long-suffering and teaching. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables."(II Timothy 4:1 to 4 NKJV). It would do well for any church member to find out if their congregation has a "Statement of Faith" (a.k.a. Doctrinal Statement, Statement of Beliefs, etc.). If they do commend your Elders and Minister for their forethought. If not, ask why. This document needs to be periodically reviewed on a personal basis as well as corporately. So many problems can be avoided if one is drawn up and adhered to.
The second thing is to have your own things in order. II Timothy 2:15 reads, "Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."(NKJV). Most people concentrate on the last section of this verse. However, the whole life and lifestyle are being talked about. Consider I Peter 1:13-16, "Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; as obedient children, not conforming yourselves to the former lusts, as in your ignorance; but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, "Be holy, for I am holy.'"(NKJV). Would you accept the testimony of a person who does not reflect what they are trying to teach or testify to? So many times Christians in the popular media are portrayed as hypocrites. Your Christian walk has to be evident to those you are dealing with.
Next we need to treat others with respect. Consider Paul’s example in Athens. As he address the crowd he says, ""Men of Athens, I perceive that in all things you are very religious; for as I was passing through and considering the objects of your worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: to the unknown God. Therefore, the One whom you worship without knowing, Him I proclaim to you."(Acts 17:22 and 23 NKJV). In a respectful manner he reveals the identity of the unknown God. The result was the openness of some to enter into a dialog with Paul, and for some their eventual salvation. Please note that showing respect does not mean compromising or condoning any anti-Christian beliefs. Some may think that giving these people a "hearing" gives them a false sense of legitimacy or acceptance. We need to tactfully agree to disagree, but do not compromise the truth.
We need to become like the Bereans. Acts 17:11 reads, "These were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so."(NKJV). Take notes during your discussions. Compare these notes, or their actual literature, to Scripture. Formulate questions based on the Bible, but remember they may use the Bible just as we do.
Finally, keep your goal in perspective. I Corinthians 3:1 to 9 read, "And I, brethren, could not speak to you as to spiritual people but as to carnal, as to babes in Christ. I fed you with milk and not with solid food; for until now you were not able to receive it, and even now you are still not able; for you are still carnal. For where there are envy, strife, and divisions among you, are you not carnal and behaving like mere men? For when one says, "I am of Paul,'' and another, "I am of Apollos,'' are you not carnal? Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers through whom you believed, as the Lord gave to each one? I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase. So then neither he who plants is anything, nor he who waters, but God who gives the increase. Now he who plants and he who waters are one, and each one will receive his own reward according to his own labor. For we are God's fellow workers; you are God's field, you are God's building. According to the grace of God which was given to me, as a wise master builder I have laid the foundation, and another builds on it. But let each one take heed how he builds on it."(NKJV). In dealing with a cultist, or any non-believer or member of a different church, you are feeding them milk, the food of infants. You are either planting the seed of the Word of God, or you are caring for the seed someone planted earlier. However, God is the one who will harvest the crop. You may get to see it happen and witness a New Creature being born again, or you have to wait until the judgment. Never the less we must do our part in faith.
The first step in reaching out to the cults is to know what YOU believe. Peter admonishes us, "But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear."(I Peter 3:15 NKJV). Paul charged Timothy with these words, "I charge you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom: Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all long-suffering and teaching. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables."(II Timothy 4:1 to 4 NKJV). It would do well for any church member to find out if their congregation has a "Statement of Faith" (a.k.a. Doctrinal Statement, Statement of Beliefs, etc.). If they do commend your Elders and Minister for their forethought. If not, ask why. This document needs to be periodically reviewed on a personal basis as well as corporately. So many problems can be avoided if one is drawn up and adhered to.
The second thing is to have your own things in order. II Timothy 2:15 reads, "Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."(NKJV). Most people concentrate on the last section of this verse. However, the whole life and lifestyle are being talked about. Consider I Peter 1:13-16, "Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; as obedient children, not conforming yourselves to the former lusts, as in your ignorance; but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, "Be holy, for I am holy.'"(NKJV). Would you accept the testimony of a person who does not reflect what they are trying to teach or testify to? So many times Christians in the popular media are portrayed as hypocrites. Your Christian walk has to be evident to those you are dealing with.
Next we need to treat others with respect. Consider Paul’s example in Athens. As he address the crowd he says, ""Men of Athens, I perceive that in all things you are very religious; for as I was passing through and considering the objects of your worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: to the unknown God. Therefore, the One whom you worship without knowing, Him I proclaim to you."(Acts 17:22 and 23 NKJV). In a respectful manner he reveals the identity of the unknown God. The result was the openness of some to enter into a dialog with Paul, and for some their eventual salvation. Please note that showing respect does not mean compromising or condoning any anti-Christian beliefs. Some may think that giving these people a "hearing" gives them a false sense of legitimacy or acceptance. We need to tactfully agree to disagree, but do not compromise the truth.
We need to become like the Bereans. Acts 17:11 reads, "These were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so."(NKJV). Take notes during your discussions. Compare these notes, or their actual literature, to Scripture. Formulate questions based on the Bible, but remember they may use the Bible just as we do.
Finally, keep your goal in perspective. I Corinthians 3:1 to 9 read, "And I, brethren, could not speak to you as to spiritual people but as to carnal, as to babes in Christ. I fed you with milk and not with solid food; for until now you were not able to receive it, and even now you are still not able; for you are still carnal. For where there are envy, strife, and divisions among you, are you not carnal and behaving like mere men? For when one says, "I am of Paul,'' and another, "I am of Apollos,'' are you not carnal? Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers through whom you believed, as the Lord gave to each one? I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase. So then neither he who plants is anything, nor he who waters, but God who gives the increase. Now he who plants and he who waters are one, and each one will receive his own reward according to his own labor. For we are God's fellow workers; you are God's field, you are God's building. According to the grace of God which was given to me, as a wise master builder I have laid the foundation, and another builds on it. But let each one take heed how he builds on it."(NKJV). In dealing with a cultist, or any non-believer or member of a different church, you are feeding them milk, the food of infants. You are either planting the seed of the Word of God, or you are caring for the seed someone planted earlier. However, God is the one who will harvest the crop. You may get to see it happen and witness a New Creature being born again, or you have to wait until the judgment. Never the less we must do our part in faith.
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