I remember a warning from one of my teachers at Biola University; he told the class that knowing certain evidence for God doesn’t matter if our interpretation of Christianity is wrong. In other words, it is critical that our beliefs about God are accurate. Unfortunately, too many people who profess to be Christians have beliefs not supported by the Bible; and most are also unaware of the evidence for Christianity. According to theologian R.C. Sproul, this is the most anti-intellectual period of the church.[1]
While some Christians remain devoted to studying and following the Bible, others have allowed their beliefs to be influenced, corrupted by culture and false ideas. Given what is at stake, it is essential that Christians base their beliefs on Scripture.
Christianity is a true story about salvation, shared through a divinely inspired book – the Bible.
NEWS
A recent opinion article in USA Todaymay have affected my blood pressure. Essentially, the opinion article accused “far-right Trump” backers of using Christianity to attack democracy, specifically the invasion of the U.S. Capitol.
One of my issues with the article is the approach. While I support everyone sharing his or her opinion through civil discourse, the article lacks supporting rationale. It simply makes accusations with no substantiation. The author simply asserts her expertise on the subject. This is not a logical argument; it is an opinion without reason. Everyone, especially Christians, should recognize the fallacy of this approach.
As an example, she accuses far-right Christians of a grotesque misreading of the Christianity, but she never provides specifics regarding any alleged Biblical errors. Rather, it seems to be a general swipe at whom she refers to as “evangelical white Christianity” and those who voted for Trump. If you are going to make accusations, you need to provide support for these claims.
Let me flip the script and offer a substantiated critique of certain theological claims she made. Below is a quote from her article:
“In Christian theology, we are taught that God is a force for grace and love, who ultimately forgives all, and that hatred of any sort — even toward one’s enemies — is ungodly and dangerous.”[2]
I am not sure what is meant by “…God is a force for grace and love...” Rather than guess at certain interpretations, some acceptable and others not, I will focus on two other aspects I do have an issue with:
1. “…ultimately forgives all…” This is simply wrong; unfortunately “all” are not forgiven. It may sound nice, but that is directly opposed to what Jesus said. Consider the following verses which are quotes from Jesus:
a. The one who believes in the Son has eternal life, but the one who refuses to believe in the Son will not see life; instead, the wrath of God remains on him.(John 3:36 CSB emphasis added)
b. Enter through the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the road is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who go through it. (Matthew 7:13 CSB emphasis added)
c. "Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord!' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but [only] the one who does the will of My Father in heaven. On that day many will say to Me, 'Lord, Lord, didn't we prophesy in Your name, drive out demons in Your name, and do many miracles in Your name?' Then I will announce to them, 'I never knew you! Depart from Me, you lawbreakers! '(Matthew 7:21-23 CSB)
2. “…hatred of any sort…is ungodly and dangerous.” Again, this is not quite right. While I agree that hating people is wrong, and Jesus said that we should love our enemies (Matthew 5:44), it is acceptable to hate that which is wrong. Consider the proverb below:
a. To fear the LORD is to hate evil; I hate pride and arrogance, evil behavior and perverse speech. (Proverbs 8:13 NIV)
After I did a little research on the author, I am not surprised that I disagree with her. She supports what many would say is a far-left, and frankly an inaccurate interpretation of Scripture, including what I mentioned above regarding salvation.
RELIGION
Having accurate beliefs about God is critical. Our eternal salvation is based on correct theology. Moreover, everyone who professes to be a Christian – a follower of Jesus – is an ambassador for God. See quotes from the Apostles Paul and Peter respectively:
Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making an appeal through us; we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. (2 Corinthians 5:20 NAS emphasis added)
But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyonewho asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, (1 Peter 3:15 NIV emphasis added)
As ambassadors, we need to be able to offer brief, accurate answers to at least two questions:
What is Christianity? Our response must be based on the Word of God, not cultural or philosophical preferences.
Why am I a Christian? Our response can be both our personal testimony as well as reasons to believe God exists, the Bible is divinely inspired by God and Jesus claimed to be God and proved this claim.
Regarding the first question, I would offer the following summary: Christianity is an explanation for the origin of the universe and human beings, why human beings have a sinful nature, and how we can be reconciled to God. Below are major points and supporting Biblical verses.
1. God created humankind
a. God exists and created the universe and all natural things (Genesis 1:1).
b. God created humankind in His image (Genesis 1:27), capable of reason (Isaiah 1:18), love (Matthew 22:37) and free-will (Joshua 24:15).
2. Humankind rebelled against God
a. Humankind rebelled against God (Genesis 3).
b. Everyone is a sinner (Romans 3:23).
c. The wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23); eternal punishment (John 3:36).
d. It is impossible for good deeds to nullify our sin and reconcile us to a Holy God (Ephesians 2:8-9).
3. God descended in the form of man (Jesus) to provide the only way for salvation
a. Jesus, who is God, descended in the form of a man (John 1:1,14).
b. Jesus came to share spiritual truth (John 18:37) and to die for the sins of humankind (1 Timothy 1:15).
c. Salvation is available to those who put their faith in Jesus as Lord and Savior (Romans 10:9-10)
Is there more that follows from the Christian worldview? Certainly. There is no substitute for reading the Bible; but for a good overview of the Christian worldview, I would recommend The Story of Reality by Gregory Koukl.
Summary Point:
Christians must have accurate beliefs based on true interpretations of the Bible, not influenced by cultural or philosophical preferences.
[1]J.P.Moreland, William Lane Craig. Philosophical Foundations for a Christian Worldview. InterVarsity Press: Downers Grove, IL © 2003, p.12 [2]https://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/voices/2021/02/25/white-supremacy-violence-are-sickness-not-christianity-column/4555936001/
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