A few months ago I posted something negative about a man that was much beloved by the Christian world. What I posted was based on his documented actions of unity with a false religion and his recorded words on video where he said he does not believe Jesus is the only way. But because this man was so beloved, I was greatly attacked on both social media and personally. In fact, I lost both readers and perhaps even a few friends over this.
This has happened to me before with a few other men and women that I have spoken up about and I have come to realize that there are certain people one must never talk about if one does not want to be maligned, gossiped about, and openly attacked. I have deemed these the “untouchables”.
They have become such a part of the fabric of Christianity that even solid believers are unwilling to take a hard look at their actions and words–even if they conflict with scripture.
So who are these “untouchables”? There are a few similarities I have noticed among them–
1. They generally begin their ministries in a biblically solid way. While they may not hold to orthodox beliefs, their initial books and teachings will hold few things that conflict with the traditional interpretation of scripture.
2. They generally have friends in high places. Not only are they trusted by the masses, but they are trusted (and lauded and praised) by men and women that we trust.
3. They generally do and encourage a lot of good things. They promote the things that almost all people have a heart for: Helping others; Loving Jesus; Loving others; Unity.
4. They generally do not accept the biblical account of creation or at least leave the door open for evolution.
5. There is always a gradual and subtle creep away from what scripture teaches. This is slow and sure. It will always happen.
So what does it matter? If they’ve done a lot of good, why not leave them alone?
I would ask this: Can it possibly be God’s definition of “good” if the teacher is leading his followers off of the narrow way and on to the broad way?
Can someone’s good outweigh the bad when it comes to the health and destiny of people’s souls?
We are a culture that is obsessed with following people. Movie stars. Athletes. Musicians. And, yes, even pastors and Bible teachers. This blind obsession often leads to an unbiblical loyalty and trust that reassures us that we can stop discerning.
I saw a quote by Mike Gendron the other day that sums up why this is so dangerous–
One of the most troubling problems within the church today is the unwavering loyalty to a “Christian” personality rather than to Christ and His Word. The unwillingness to test every man’s teaching with God’s Word, coupled with a stubborn lack of discernment, produces fertile ground for deception to flourish.
And that is exactly what we have these days–a fertile ground for deception to flourish because of unwavering loyalty combined with a stubborn lack of discernment.
Look, I am not so naive to think that I can change the world with a blog post. This is the Christian world we live in and my blog post isn’t going to change anything. But here’s what I hope to do this morning–
I hope to encourage you (and myself, too) to not let any man or woman become an “untouchable” in our lives. Everyone we read or listen to should be held to the authority of scripture. And when someone says something negative about someone we dearly admire and trust, then we should be willing to take an honest look at what they are saying and compare it to scripture (rather than attacking the messenger, as is so often the case). We must be careful to let no man or woman receive a pass on teaching what is right and true simply because we like them or because discernment happens to be dreadfully unpopular.
I know it’s a discouraging, time-consuming, and exhausting task to hold teachers and preachers and authors up to the light of God’s Word. We are living in an age where deception is flourishing and discernment is viewed as sinful. It’s not fun to be in this camp. But it is not only necessary if we want to stay on the straight and narrow, it is what we are commanded to do as believers.
I leave you with this verse (I Thessalonians 5:21)–
Test all things; hold fast what is good.
Amen, well said. I am thankful that you voice your views, and I stand behind them.
Thank you!!
There is a reason the road to Christ is narrow. How many times did Jesus warn us against false prophets? We are to know His voice, and that is by reading His Word and hearing His Word. Those who are sharing the gospel for their own gain will be held accountable for how they are misleading those if they are indeed doing so, and their punishment will be just. The Bible is clear about what is required of those who are teaching the Bible. I’m praying against the enemy and those who mislead the Lord’s people, but also for those who just don’t seek the true God. We must insist they become aware of their “itching ears” and listen to TRUTH. Thank you for again being honest and cautionary on a topic that is incredibly necessary in this current age.
Yes! Exactly. The way is narrow but we (mainstream Christianity) are acting like it must be broad or we are doing something wrong. Prayer is our best offense and defense in this craziness because only God can change the heart. Thanks for your insight!
This is so true! Thank you for today’s blog…very worth reading & sharing on facebook.
Thank you, Dawn :)
This is something that has been bothering me for some time now. in the interest of what I’m going to call “faux unity” we dare not utter a discouraging word. Many pastors and respected Christian leaders have allowed themselves to get caught up in the political debates of the day, completely ignoring the biblical teachings found in Romans 13 and 1 Peter 2. People I formerly respected have chosen to use their God-given platforms to rail against current leadership rather than to (1) focus people on the person of Jesus Christ and His work on our behalf, and (2) champion Christ’s teaching.
Rather than supporting and following “Christian thought-leaders” I have begun to focus on finding right teaching and promoting right thinking rather than individuals. I have also learned to be more discerning about where I go to find good teaching. Just because a person has a national platform within the “Church” doesn’t give them credibility in the public square any more than actors and sports heroes who are given an authoritative word on moral issues.
Discernment is key to our survival and obtaining good teaching. The Bereans tested even the teachings of Paul. How much more should we be testing the positions and teachings of those using a position of Christian national prominence? We must be good students and stewards of God’s word.
Thanks, one more time for a timely and well-considered post. Sorry if I’ve carried on a bit.
Thank you for your thoughts! I always love your insight and I couldn’t agree more. :)
This is everywhere! It is wearying to run into slight (or blatantly obvious) diversions off the True Path. Every direction I look, I see individuals aligning themselves with both sides, biblical and worldly. Or just more worldly. Thank you for reminding us to keep our spiritual glasses on and base everything on Christ and the Bible.
You are so right–it’s everywhere!!