This is a recent quote I came across in my morning blog reading, I have removed the names to protect the accused (ha ha)….
“ (this woman) was invited to speak at the pagan shrine in (said town) recently. The shrine to the gods is headed by emergent guru (unnamed pastor), and was host to (this woman) who quoted all kinds of “Christian” mystics and heretics–but precious little Scripture. In fact, (this woman) calls those of us who do believe the truth of Scripture “fools” for daring to examine the filth she is spewing.”
…Yikes! Sounds biting, but I am sure the blogger is a faithful Christian who is trying their best to warn others about perhaps the dangers of following this specific heretical teaching. But when you read the quote lifted from the body of the article these words don’t sound very “Christian.” Or maybe they do… I don’t know.
So even though I am very familiar with both of these people, have read their books and listened to their teaching I did a little homework just to see what their reputations looked like in more professional circles. Rather than take this person’s claims at face value I did my own background check into these two unnamed heretics.
The pastor of the “pagan shrine” was recently called “the next Billy Graham” by the Chicago Sun times and is pastor to one of the fastest growing churches in U.S. history, drawing more than 10,000 worshippers each week (plus another 3,000 or so who download sermons from the web.) He has authored 4 books, made over 40 videos, made several public speaking tours and is easily one of the most sought after minds in the new church movement today.
And the woman in this quote is the founding editor of the Religion Department of PUBLISHERS WEEKLY, the international journal of the book industry, is frequently quoted in print sources like USA TODAY, CHRISTIAN SCIENCE MONITOR, NY TIMES as well as in electronic media like PBS, NPR, and THE HALLMARK CHANNEL, (oooh she sounds dangerous) She is an authority on religion in America and is a much sought after lecturer.
Very different isn’t it? It’s interesting to me that a well known and respectful Christian who many follow and listen to… can also be called a heretic, or a blasphemer. And I am sure that we have all heard worse! I have heard good meaning Christians call some pastors and leaders “the anti-Christ!” Or I have heard some people say, “That person is the devil himself.” And so we throw these words around like apostate, heretic, and blasphemer at other Christians – and sometimes even from the pulpit or from other public platforms where we have the power to influence others.
And I think what happens is we read a lot of the verses telling us to watch out for false teachers and false prophets and so we indoctrinate ourselves as the “Jesus police.” We break out our own soap box, make some cardboard signs and we are quick to begin diverting traffic away from these apparent heathens.
I love the movie Elf with Will Farrell. Very early on in the move, Santa gives Buddy the elf some advice about going to New York City and he says, “…There are, like, thirty Ray’s Pizzas. They all claim to be the original. But the real one’s on 11th.”
And if you visit New York it may seem like there are several Ray’s Pizzerias. But if you look closely each has a different name. There is “Ray’s Original Pizza,” “Famous Ray’s Pizza,” “World-Famous Original Ray’s Pizza;” and they are all names of dozens of restaurants in New York that are completely independent but have similar menus, signs and logos.
And Santa was saying to Buddy, “Watch out! There is false pizza everywhere.”
And while some people might have “good intentions,” I get super bent out of shape when I hear Christians and pastors speak out and speak down against other Christians. I don’t know where we find the time to belittle each other, or to tear each other down in front of a watching world. I just don’t know if that’s the healthy and right things to do; and I wonder what the bible has to say about it.
Because certainly these are not NEW issues – the idea of false teaching and leading people astray has been around since the beginning. Look at Deuteronomy…
Deuteronomy 13:6-11
If your very own brother, or your son or daughter, or the wife you love, or your closest friend secretly entices you, saying, “Let us go and worship other gods” (gods that neither you nor your fathers have known, gods of the peoples around you, whether near or far, from one end of the land to the other), do not yield to him or listen to him. Show him no pity. Do not spare him or shield him. You must certainly put him to death. Your hand must be the first in putting him to death, and then the hands of all the people. Stone him to death, because he tried to turn you away from the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. Then all Israel will hear and be afraid, and no one among you will do such an evil thing again.
This is the old covenant law and it seems pretty clear – if someone is preaching a gospel of fake pizza… kill them. Life’s too short. Right? To keep the purity of Israel, and to control the spread of false doctrine, a slap on the wrist is not enough – people need to see and feel the weight of how important this is. And the punishment sounds harsh, but I can appreciate the intention: God’s word must be kept right and pure and uncontaminated. And people who willfully try to take someone away from that should be punished. In effect, these are God’s children – and this passage is essentially saying, “There are kidnappers in your midst.”
So Moses warns the people– “…if someone tries to lure you away from God, from this family… don’t waste your breath. Get rid of them….”
Peter says something similar.
2 Peter 2:1-3
There were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them—bringing swift destruction on themselves. Many will follow their shameful ways and will bring the way of truth into disrepute. In their greed these teachers will exploit you with stories they have made up. Their condemnation has long been hanging over them, and their destruction has not been sleeping.
The word Peter uses here for “false teachers” is the Greek word pseudodidaskalos and it strangely enough means “false teacher.” Psudeo means fake and didaskalos means teacher.
Interesting enough, this is actually the ONLY time that the phrase false teacher appears in the Greek New Testament. So I wanted to closely look at Luke 9 today and read perhaps how this might look though the lens of Jesus….
Luke 9:1-2
When Jesus had called the Twelve together, he gave them power and authority to drive out all demons and to cure diseases, and he sent them out to preach the kingdom of God and to heal the sick.
So Jesus sets twelve people aside – and gives them his permission –and his authority to carry the “Jesus label” out into the world.
So look down at vs. 46
An argument started among the disciples as to which of them would be the greatest. Jesus, knowing their thoughts, took a little child and had him stand beside him. Then he said to them, “Whoever welcomes this little child in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. For he who is least among you all—he is the greatest.”
I hear this verse lifted out by children’s pastors a lot. It’s used as an example of how Jesus loved kids. But in this example Jesus isn’t showing his great affection for children, he is in effect taking a member of society who was very low on the social scale – and saying: if you want to be great in the kingdom, you will notice the ones who won’t bring you a higher status. Care for the outcast and take the unseen jobs. Jesus is in effect turning what might seem the right way and turning it on its head.
If you want to get ahead in the world today, you don’t hang out in the mail room, or become best friends with the messenger boys; you don’t talk to the janitor or the guy who fixes the copy machine. If you want the boss to notice you – you pick jobs that get you noticed. So when the chosen twelve are arguing about who is better than who – Jesus straightens them out and says, “It’s not the ones who are trying to be noticed and seen. It’s not the ones whose goal it is to get ahead… who get ahead.”
Look at verse…49
“Master,” said John, “we saw a man driving out demons in your name and we tried to stop him, because he is not one of us.”
“Do not stop him,” Jesus said, “for whoever is not against you is for you.”
So first the disciples are jealous of one another – and now it seems they are jealous of an outsider. This guy is on his own – doing his own thing – he doesn’t have Jesus’ permission or authority. The disciples are saying, “he’s not in the club, so shouldn’t we stop him – speak against him – undermine him – post scandalous blogs about him…. We certainly can’t allow him to become greater than us.”
So what does Jesus say in verse 50?
“Do not stop him,” Jesus said, “for whoever is not against you is for you.”
Obviously this is a guy who has not benefited from being a close disciple of Christ. The disciples don’t know him. And by saying that he was not “one of them” they were calling him an “apostate.”
Apostasy is what we call people who have left the faith either by their own volition or who we deem “too radical” to be included. The word derives from the Greek αποστασία (apostasia), meaning a defection or revolt, from απο, apo, “away, apart”, στάσις, stasis, “stand”, “standing”. It literally means someone who “stands over there.”
Apostasy is an “outsider.”
How ironic that this teaching follows the former. Jesus just got through telling them that to be great in the Kingdom; they should welcome those who stand on the outside – those on the fringes.
And who stands on the outside? Pastors who are not our pastors, churches who are not ours, denominations who are not ours…. Authors we don’t read. Theologians who teach things we don’t believe. Leaders who aren’t members of our political affiliation. And Jesus says,
“Do not stop them… whoever is not against you is for you.”
And I think for some strange reason we each think that someone who we don’t line up with theologically must be wrong and therefore against us and against God. But are they really against us? Just because we don’t recognize their authority or perhaps some of their doctrine seems edgy to us, does that mean that they are against God?
And maybe you could argue, “But there are some people / groups that are preaching damnable heresy – shouldn’t we stop them – belittle them – dehumanize them – protest them – carry picket signs – call them names? Spread the word through email chain letters? Peter says to watch out for false teachers!”
True – but, look at what Paul says…
Philippians 1:15-18
It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. The latter do so in love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains. But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice.
So just like 2 Peter, there is a statement about people who preach Christ for the wrong motives. But a close reading of Peter doesn’t actually say what to do… it’s more of a personal warning. But Paul takes it a step further and says “…but who cares?”
Who cares????
Is that really the Christian stance we should take? Let’s keep reading Jesus.
Luke 9 a little further down – vs 51
As the time approached for him to be taken up to heaven, Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem. And he sent messengers on ahead, who went into a Samaritan village to get things ready for him; but the people there did not welcome him, because he was heading for Jerusalem. When the disciples James and John saw this, they asked, “Lord, do you want us to call fire down from heaven to destroy them.
So here is another example of the hot headed disciples trying to “protect Jesus’ image.” First it was people on the outside doing things in Jesus’ name and now it’s gentiles not being nice to Jesus. What? They dissed Christ? Not on my watch [rolls up sleeves] why I oughta….
But who does Christ rebuke? The Samaritans?
But Jesus turned and rebuked them, and they went to another village.
No… his own followers.
In Luke 9 – there are three instances of the disciples getting it wrong and on the third strike –Jesus has to take them by the arm and put them in a time out. Jesus said we need to have eyes to include the people on the outside and that just because we may not understand them, and just because thy don’t belong to our group, it doesn’t give us any ground to exclude or destroy them.
So we’ve looked at apostasy, let’s look real quick at blasphemy and heresy.
In Matthew 26 Jesus is taken to the Sanhedrin which was the ancient Jewish court system. There was one Great Sanhedrin which was the supreme religious body in the Land of Israel during the time of the Holy Temple. But in every city there were also smaller religious “Sanhedrins,” as well as a civil political-democratic “Sanhedrin.” The Sanhedrin was a political and judicial council headed by the country’s ruler. The Sanhedrin judged accused lawbreakers, but could not initiate arrests.
Matthew 26:59-
The chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were looking for false evidence against Jesus so that they could put him to death. But they did not find any, though many false witnesses came forward.
Finally two came forward and declared, “This fellow said, ‘I am able to destroy the temple of God and rebuild it in three days.’ “
A typical trial required a minimum of two witnesses to convict a suspect. There were no attorneys. Instead, the accusing witness stated the offense in the presence of the accused and the accused could call witnesses on his own behalf. The court questioned the accused, the accusers and the defense witnesses. The Great Sanhedrin dealt with religious and ritualistic Temple matters, criminal matters appertaining to the secular court, proceedings in connection with the discovery of a corpse, trials of adulterous wives, tithes, preparation of Torah Scrolls for the king and the Temple, drawing up the calendar and the solving of difficulties relating to ritual law.
Continuing…
Then the high priest stood up and said to Jesus, “Are you not going to answer? What is this testimony that these men are bringing against you?” But Jesus remained silent.
The high priest said to him, “I charge you under oath by the living God: Tell us if you are the Christ,[
“Yes, it is as you say,” Jesus replied. “But I say to all of you: In the future you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven.”
Then the high priest tore his clothes and said, “He has spoken blasphemy! Why do we need any more witnesses? Look, now you have heard the blasphemy. What do you think?”
“He is worthy of death,” they answered.
They accused Jesus of blasphemy. So what is blasphemy?
Greek – βλασφημέω Blasphemy is to speak poorly about, reproachfully, or to speak evil of.
The word means: βλασ”I injure” and φήμη = “reputation” – so when we blaspheme we injure God’s reputation. The disciples wanted to call down fire on the Samaritans because they felt Christ’s reputation had been injured. The Sanhedrin tore their clothes because they felt Christ comparing himself to God – slighted God.
This is why the disciples wanted to call down fire from heaven in Luke 9, they felt that the Samaritans had slighted God by injuring Christ’s reputation.
What about Heresy? Jesus is teaching those who have been following him in John 6:53-66 and he says… “I tell you the truth, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day. For my flesh is real food and my blood is real drink. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me, and I in him.”
So that’s the teaching and listen to how the people responded…
On hearing it, many of his disciples said, “This is a hard teaching. Who can accept it?”
Aware that his disciples were grumbling about this, Jesus said to them, “Does this offend you? What if you see the Son of Man ascend to where he was before! The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you are spirit. He went on to say, “This is why I told you that no one can come to me unless the Father has enabled him.”
From this time many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed him.
The word “heresy” comes from the Greek hairetikos from the root haireisthai “to take” and it means “able to choose.” Heresy – is a controversial or novel change to a system of beliefs, especially a religion that conflicts with established dogma.
In other words heresy is teaching that takes you in a new direction and typically takes you away from your more traditionally held beliefs.
There is an ancient letter from Minucius Felix Octavius and how he reports that Christian recruits were given church membership after they ate a baby and drank its blood. It was a misunderstanding on the Lord’s Table. We understand that Jesus was not speaking literally about his followers consuming his body.
Was Jesus a blasphemer? The religious courts thought so and ultimately he was condemned to death by them.
Was Jesus a heretic? Some of his own disciples thought so – and there is no doubt that the things he spoke were controversial and that they presented a change to a long held system of beliefs. In fact the definition of a heretic isn’t necessarily a bad one.
It’s interesting that the religious courts needed 2 witness to condemn Jesus and the bible records that two were found. And what the witnesses said was almost true, although it was lifted out of context. And you know – anything spoken or written can be isolated – words can be lifted out of context – just as people can twist the scriptures – they can also twist the words of pastors and teachers.
So I think we need to be very careful about throwing around the word “Blasphemy” or “apostate” or “heretic” – because if the Holy Spirit works through an author, a pastor a book or a church – as soon as someone calls that “channel” blasphemy – you better duck.
And if our own Lord and Savior was called a blasphemer and a heretic… are those we give that label to in “bad company?”
A little application for us all. We will certainly come across people we don’t agree with and or teachers who appear to present a conflicting doctrine. How should we respond to false teachers?
1. Test it
1 John 4:1
Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world.
Matthew 7:1-5
“Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you. Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when there is the log in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye.
2. Check yourself – before you wreck yourself
Matt 18-15-18
“If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault, just between the two of you. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over. But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’ If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, treat him as you would a pagan or a tax collector.
3. Can I get a witness?
2 John 1:10
If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your house or give him any greeting,
Paul had a problem with Peter. Some people think that when Peter went to someone’s house – and was invited to eat, he would move away from the table and only eat with Jewish Christians and Paul thought that was wrong… so he wrote a blog about it…
No… look at what Paul said…
Galatians 2:11
But when Peter came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he stood condemned.
Yep – “to his face.” So what happens if the guy you want to speak out against, or the woman you want to point fingers at is famous or lives in another city? How will you ever be able to get “in their face.”
Well I would argue that a pastor, or author or person that you don’t know – also doesn’t know you – and therefore they are not “against you.” Jesus rebukes his disciples for wanting to condemn strangers with a blanket “cover all” judgment.
The take away from this is the condemning language. Of course I am not saying that there are not people with crazy theology out there or certainly people who are steering the church to the extreme left or the extreme right of Christ.
I just don’t see Jesus condemning people…or people groups. I don’t think we have any right (or calling) to shout words of judgment outside our individual church walls. In fact, maybe that’s the only good thing about the walls – limit your condemnation and house cleaning to your own house.
Words are still powerful, words like “hate” get thrown around all too much especially if we don’t really mean it. What does the world hear when we as Christians say, “I hate this….?” Or “I hate that person..?”
Listen to a quote I came across from author Mark Steele in his latest book Christianish,
“We are quick to wax eloquent about how our own supposed righteousness contrasts against those whom we deem as the villains of the day – the problem being that this act of decrying people is the part of our faith walk that is most under the microphone. Our very public attacking words aimed at people (people Jesus loved and died for) who disagree with us is under a megaphone. And the world is using our most irate voices to define us. They listen and they hear opinionated hatred, ignorance, antagonism, and of course hypocrisy – because we say our faith is one of love for all (humanity), but we say it with a voice that is spitting bile.”
We need to be cautious about calling pastors and authors, religious leaders and other denominations: heretical, blasphemers or apostate… unless we mean to say we consider them in the same boat as Jesus – in which case I agree.
