Sam--you make some excellent points. Indeed, there are many cults and churches that claim to be the "original and true" one when, in fact, they're not; it is, as you have pointed out in previous posts, a shame and, in many instances, a sham. I would respectfully say that faulty execution is not necessarily the result of faulty instruction.
Jesus and, later, Paul warned against hypocrisy and conforming to the traditions and institutions of the world. In other posts, you have rightly pointed out that Paul confronted Peter for his hypocrisy of forcing Gentiles to follow Jewish customs when Peter was, in fact, living like a Gentile. That doesn't mean Peter's instruction was faulty but it's pretty clear that Peter's execution fell short.
You should scoff at some of what passes for Christianity; there is a lot out there about which many decent people on this thread are all ashamed. I am ashamed for some of the decidedly un-christian responses that have been aimed at you. Whether this faulty execution happens because of mistake or malice, I really don't know. However, we are instructed to be on the watch for counterfeits; we should "test the spirits" as John counsels to see if they're truly from God. Jesus said: Many will say to me . . . Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles? Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me you evildoers!'
So, my point is that universality of agreement should not be the test as to what the truth is. Would you agree?
Respectfully,
Bob |
