“Mainstream” Christianity – what it is and is not

Posted on October 19, 2011 by admin

As the republican nominee for the presidential elections of 2012 continues to heat up, I wondered how long it would take the Evangelicals and far right Christianity to reveal their religious bigotry again and denounce Mit Romney as a viable candidate because of his Mormonism. Two week ago ignorance, hatred, religious racism, and intolerance raised its ugly head. Rev. Robert Jeffress, senior pastor as First Baptist Church in Dallas was one of the first to declare Mormonism outside “mainstream” Christianity and should be classified as a cult. Oh the ignorance (even among those who profess to be leaders of Christianity), of society when it comes to the history of Christianity. If Mormonism is a cult then “mainstream” Christianity is paganism.

Paganism, those religions usually of a polytheistic nature, was the “mainstream” religion in the days when Christianity was just getting its bearings. The only other monotheistic religion at the time was the Jews, which Christianity stems from. After the ascension of Christ, The Twelve Apostles, with Peter at the head, were now responsible for the directing and teachings of Christ’s church. Even then; however, many within the church were leaving to start their own version claiming to be the “mainstream”. The Apostle Paul in his epistles clearly warns the new members of the church to beware of these false prophets, teachers, and leaders because they have strayed from the true faith. After the death of the Apostles, many different sects of Christianity were vying for who should be labeled with the coveted title of “mainstream” or “orthodox” Christianity. The bishops of Alexandria, Rome, Antioch, Constantinople, and Lyon, and the many different Gnostic sects were among the many.

With the rise of Constantine as the emperor of Rome, Christianity becomes the official religion of the state – but which Christianity?  Not because Constantine was a Christian or even espoused the tenets of Christianity was the reason he made it the official religion. At this time Rome was in decline as an empire, and Constantine needed something to reunite his kingdom. What better institution than this new religion that was spreading fast throughout his empire. There was only one snag – even those who considered themselves the “mainstream” Christians (the followers under the leadership of the bishops of Rome, Antioch, Alexandria, Constantinople, and Lyon), could not agree on critical doctrines of the Church; the main one being the nature of Jesus Christ.

Many at this time felt that Christ and the Father were two distinct individuals, with Christ having a body of flesh and bones even after his resurrection, while others concluded that for God to be eternal he could not have a beginning; thus Jesus had to have been a manifestation of the Father in the flesh and not a separate being. How could Constantine use this new growing institution to unite his empire if they were not even united; therefore, the need for a council to be held; the famous council of Nicaea.

The council of Nicaea did not resolve anything. The two competing sides were sticking to their guns, neither would budge; the solution? A pagan emperor would decide the fate of God’s nature and the future doctrine of Christianity. For no other reason than pure expedience, Constantine declared that Jesus and the Father were “Homoousious” a Greek philosophical term meaning “consubstantial” – of one substance – to define the Father and the Son. Thus in a day the doctrine of the trinity, being of one substance consubstantial and eternal, was born. Never mind this Greek term is never used in the four gospels and is not a scriptural but a Greek philosophical term. Constantine would also declare himself pontifex maximas (chief priest) of his new religious institution – and universal (catholic) Christianity is born with Protestantism later accepting the same Geek influenced philosophical Trinitarian doctrine of the Father and the Son. From this point on, this pagan emperor influenced Christianity labeled “mainstream”, which Christianity is very different from that taught by the Savior and his Apostles. The following is a brief, yet important, list of doctrines taught by the Savior and his Apostles in the New Testament that are no longer important or taught my “mainstream” Christianity.

  • The imperative importance of Apostles and Prophets – now where are Popes and Cardinals mentions in the four gospels or bishops, priests, etc. exempting the need for Apostles (Ephesians 4:11-14
  • That God runs his Church through direct revelation to Apostles and Prophets (see Matthew13-18 – from the context of these verse the rock that Peter was to build on was direct revelation from God).
  • The ordinance of baptism essential for salvation (see John 3:1-5)
  • The authority to act for and in behalf of God must come from God himself or his chosen servants by the laying on of hands (see Hebrews 5:4 (1-4)).
  • That the Savior was resurrected with a glorified body of flesh and bones and still has it (see Luke 24:36-43).
  • That God full intended for us to partake of his divine nature and become like him (see 2 Peter 1:4).

Again, these are just a few main doctrines taught from the New Testament that “mainstream” Christianity today either ignore or refuse to teach or acknowledge. However, all of them are taught in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saint, commonly known as the Mormons. So, if “Mormons” are not “mainstream” Christians and they teach doctrines that are more in line with New Testament Christianity then those who claim to be “mainstream” Christians, what does that say about “mainstream” Christianity?

I think we should leave it up to God and his Son to decide who is and is not a Christian or what Church is considered Christianity. As the New Testament say, “by their fruits (what they do) you shall know them” (see 7:15-20). Degrading and labeling others is not a Christian fruit, so when people like Mr. Jeffress participates in such unchristian like behaviors what does that say about his Christianity or lack thereof?

Principle: The Savior taught mankind to “love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples” (see John 13:34-35). We should respect and love all people of all faiths and traditions and seek understanding by coming to know them and about their beliefs.

Application: Parents take the time yourselves to learn of other faiths and traditions, and respect their beliefs so that you can (by example) pass on to your children an attitude of love and respect for others. Once a month take the time to study a new religion, culture, or tradition with your children and discuss the good and positive that come from such teachings.

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Mother Teresa, A Saint Indeed

Posted on April 19, 2011 by admin

The writings and example of Mother Teresa are an inspiration to anyone concerned about others. I recently came across her talk in 1994 at the National Prayer Breakfast. Every year in Washington, D.C., political and religious leaders from across the United States come together for the National Prayer Breakfast. In 1994, Mother Teresa was the invited speaker. Her message about the assault on the family and children is timeless and critical in understanding the moral decline in today’s world. Below is a portion of that speech.

Maybe in our family we have someone who is feeling lonely, who is feeling sick, who is feeling worried. Are we willing to give until it hurts, in order to be with our families? Or do we put our own interests first?

I was surprised in the West to see so many boys and girls given to drugs. And I tried to find out why. Why is it like that when those in the West have so many more things than those in the East? And the answer was: “Because there was no one in the family to receive them.”

Our children depend on us for everything: their health, their nutrition, their security, their coming to know and love God. For all of this, they look to us with trust, hope and expectation. But often father and mother are so busy that they have no time for their children, or perhaps they are not even married, or have given up on their marriage. So the children go to the streets, and get involved in drugs, or other things.

We are talking of love of the child, which is where love and peace must begin.

But I feel that the greatest destroyer of peace today is abortion, because it is a war against the child – a direct killing of the innocent child – murder by the mother herself. And if we accept that a mother can kill her own child, how can we tell other people not to kill one another?

How do we persuade a woman not to have an abortion? As always, we must persuade her with love. The father of that child, whoever he is, must also give until it hurts. By abortion, the mother does not learn to love, but kills even her own child to solve her problems. And by abortion, the father is told that he does not have to take any responsibility at all for the child he has brought into the world.

Any country that accepts abortion is not teaching the people to love, but to use any violence to get what they want. That is why the greatest destroyer of love and peace is abortion.

And for this I appeal in India and I appeal everywhere: “Let us bring the child back.” The child is God’s gift to the family. Each child is created in the special image and likeness of God for greater things – to love and to be loved. This is the only way that our children are the only hope for the future. As other people are called to God, only their children can take their places.

But what does God say to us? He says, “Even if a mother could forget her child, I will not forget you. I have carved you in the palm of My hand.” We are carved in the palm of His hand – that unborn child has been carved in the hand of God from conception, and is called by God to love and to be loved, not only now in this life, but forever. God can never forget us.

Any and all productive civilizations have and will center on the stability of the family. As the family goes (and the morals therein) so goes society. Destroy the need for a mother and a father and you destroy the stability of the family and society. Increase selfishness in the family through divorce, infidelity, abortion, and the accumulation of material things and you develop an entitled “me” centered society. The greatest resource we have is our children and the family. We destroy this and we destroy ourselves.

Principle: marriage and children (the family) is ordained of God, and is critical to achieving true happiness.

Application: parents, take time this week to list where the majority of your time and energy goes (after having to provide economically for your family). Where on the priority list does my spouse and children fall? Am I willing to make the necessary sacrifices in order to insure that my spouse and children have a safe and healthy environment to live in? Fathers, your primary responsibility to provide for and protect your family– how are you doing? Mothers, your primary responsibility is to teach and to nurture your family – how are you doing? For the mother to leave her primary responsibility of the home and seek employment may be necessary in these tough economic times. However, to do so, so you can have more toys is not only unwise but also selfish. Take the time once a week to spend time with your family teaching, playing, and loving.

 

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Do Not Despair

Posted on April 14, 2011 by admin

With home foreclosures at record numbers, the price of fuel and food increasing at alarming rates, and unemployment continuing to rise it is not surprising to see many become discouraged, give up, and turn to despair. In doing research for one of the classes I teach for the University of Phoenix, I came across a talk by a Christian leader Ezra Taft Benson, the President of the The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saint, who was also the Secretary of Agriculture in President Eisenhower’s Administration. His talk was title “Do Not Despair” given in 1986; however, the message is as timely today as it was then. Though you may not be of his religious persuasion, the principles he teaches are universal to all those who and not prone to religious bigotry and are open to truth whatever the source. Below are excerpts from his talk, which principles if applied can bring relief, help, and encouragement in these troubled times.

We live, in an age when, as the Lord foretold, men’s hearts are failing them, not only physically but in spirit. Many are giving up heart for the battle of life. Suicide ranks as a major cause of deaths of college students. As the showdown between good and evil approaches with its accompanying trials and tribulations, Satan is increasingly striving to overcome the Saints with despair, discouragement, despondency, and depression.

To help us from being overcome by the devil’s designs of despair, discouragement, depression, and despondency, the Lord has provided at least a dozen ways which, if followed, will lift our spirits and send us on our way rejoicing.

Rrepentance: “When I do good I feel good,” said Abraham Lincoln, “and when I do bad I feel bad.” Sin pulls a man down into despondency and despair. While a man may take some temporary pleasure in sin, the end result is unhappiness. “Wickedness never was happiness.” (Alma 41:10.) Sin creates disharmony with God and is depressing to the spirit. Therefore, a man would do well to examine himself to see that he is in harmony with all of God’s laws. Every law kept brings a particular blessing. Every law broken brings a particular blight. Those who are heavy-laden with despair should come unto the Lord, for his yoke is easy and his burden is light. (See Matt. 11:28–30.)

Prayer: Prayer in the hour of need is a great boon. From simple trials to our Gethsemanes, prayer—persistent prayer—can put us in touch with God, our greatest source of comfort and counsel. “Pray always, that you may come off conqueror.”

Service: To lose yourself in righteous service to others can lift your sights and get your mind off personal problems, or at least put them in proper focus. “When you find yourselves a little gloomy,” said President Lorenzo Snow, “look around you and find somebody that is in a worse plight than yourself; go to him and find out what the trouble is, then try to remove it with the wisdom which the Lord bestows upon you; and the first thing you know, your gloom is gone, you feel light, the Spirit of the Lord is upon you, and everything seems illuminated.”

Work: The earth was cursed for Adam’s sake. Work is our blessing, not our doom. God has a work to do, and so should we. Retirement from work has depressed many a man and hastened his death. It has been said that even the very fiends weave ropes of sand rather than face the pure hell of idleness. We should work at taking care of the spiritual, mental, social, and physical needs of ourselves and of those whom we are charged to help

Health: [God] said that we should retire to our beds early and arise early, that we should not run faster than we have strength, and that we should use moderation in all good things. In general, the more food we eat in its natural state—without additives—and the less it is refined, the healthier it will be for us. Food can affect the mind, and deficiencies of certain elements in the body can promote mental depression. A good physical examination periodically is a safeguard and may spot problems that can be remedied. Rest and physical exercise are essential, and a walk in the fresh air can refresh the spirit. Wholesome recreation is part of our religion and is a necessary change of pace; even its anticipation can lift the spirit.

Rreading: The psalms in the Old Testament have a special food for the soul of one in distress. In our day, we are additionally blessed with the Doctrine and Covenants—modern revelation. The words of the prophets are crucial reading and can give direction and comfort in an hour when one is down.

Fasting: A certain kind of devil goes not out except by fasting and prayer, the scriptures tell us. (See Matt. 17:14–21.) Periodic fasting can help clear up the mind and strengthen the body and the spirit. Wisdom should be used, and this fast should be broken with light eating. To make a fast most fruitful, it should be coupled with prayer and meditation; physical work should be held to a minimum, and one should ponder on the scriptures and the reason for the fast.

Friends: The fellowship of true friends who can hear you out, share your joys, help carry your burdens, and correctly counsel you is priceless. Ideally, our family ought to be our closest friends. Most important, we should seek to become the friend of our Father in Heaven and our brother Jesus the Christ. What a boon to be in the company of those who edify us! To have friends, one should be friendly

Music: Inspiring music may fill the soul with heavenly thoughts, move one to righteous action, or speak peace to the soul. When Saul was troubled with an evil spirit, David played for him with his harp; Saul was refreshed and the evil spirit departed. (See 1 Sam. 16:23.)

Endurance: There are times when you simply have to righteously hang on and outlast the devil until his depressive spirit leaves you. Pressing on in noble endeavors, even while surrounded by a cloud of depression, will eventually bring you out on top into the sunshine. Even our master Jesus the Christ, while facing that supreme test of being temporarily left alone by our Father during the crucifixion, continued performing his labors for the children of men, and then shortly thereafter he was glorified and received a fulness of joy. While you are going through your trial, you can recall your past victories and count the blessings that you do have with a sure hope of greater ones to follow if you are faithful. And you can have that certain knowledge that in due time God will wipe away all tears and that “eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.” (1 Cor. 2:9.)

Goals: Every accountable child of God needs to set goals, short- and long-range goals. A man who is pressing forward to accomplish worthy goals can soon put despondency under his feet, and once a goal is accomplished, others can be set up. Some will be continuing goals. Each week when we partake of the sacrament we commit ourselves to the goals of taking upon ourselves the name of Christ, of always remembering him and keeping his commandments. Of Jesus’ preparations for his mission, the scripture states that he “increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.” (Luke 2:52.) This encompasses four main areas for goals: spiritual, mental, physical, and social.

Yes, life is a test; it is a probation; and perhaps being away from our heavenly home we feel sometimes, as holy men in the past have felt, that we are “strangers and pilgrims on the earth.”

Some of you will recall in that great book Pilgrim’s Progress by John Bunyan that the main character known as Christian was trying to press forward to gain entrance to the celestial city. He made it to his goal, but in order to do so, he had to overcome many obstacles, one of which was to escape from the Giant Despair.

Principle: overcoming felling of discouragement and despair requires action on our part.

Application: first, parents what areas discussed above do you need to work on to help you not become so discouraged that you cannot fulfill your responsibilities to your children? Before trying to teach the above suggestions above, practice them first in your life then you will be able to teach them with power. Second, take the time to sit down with your children to read and discuss the principles Ezra Taft Benson give to help with overcome the feelings of discouragement and despair. Help them come up with a plan on how the can implement the principles in their lives, and share with them how they have helped you.

 

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The Blame Game

Posted on April 12, 2011 by admin

We live in very interesting times of computers, smart phones, ipads, and instant communication through the internet. Some have dubbed it the space or computer age. However, I would refer to our current culture as The Blame Game. Many in society blame everyone and everything for their misfortunes or unfavorable conditions. We blame acquaintances, parents, churches, spouses, teachers, neighbors, the government, and even the weather for our problems. We speak more about certain “rights” that are owed us. Look at the mayhem in Wisconsin over budgets, deficit spending, greedy union leaders and members. I did not hear a report about one person standing up and taking responsibility for their actions or situations – it was all someone else’s fault. I fear that a society that does not and will not assume responsibility for their actions is doomed to failure, destruction, and chaos. Not to mention the irresponsible example we are setting for our children.

We are grooming the rising generation for failure, heartache, and disappointment as society continues to blame others for all their ills instead of taking responsibility for their lives. I was encouraged by the following example told by a Christian leader.

let me tell you about a lovely young lady who visited in my office. She was discouraged, almost depressed. She enjoyed her profession of teaching yet felt that her life was not going anywhere. To complicate the problem she was feeling, her testimony had waned, and she was lacking the spark that all who had known her acknowledged was part of her vibrant personality.

“I am going to ask you a question,” I said, “but I do not want details. Are you living the commandments?”

She whispered, “No.”

We talked about her going to her bishop. We also talked about testimony and about how when one lives the commandments, that individual is endowed with blessings of the Spirit that can come in no other way.

She left, seemingly as discouraged as she had entered my office. But in a while, perhaps a month later, my telephone rang. She reported that all was well.

“What do you mean?” I asked.

“Well, I went to my bishop. I am living the commandments now, and, yes, I know the gospel is true. I did it on my own,” she reported.

“No one else could have done it for you,” I replied.

Think of the days, weeks, even months and years wasted by a person waiting for someone else to assume responsibility for their needs. It simply cannot be. God, in his heaven, will not do for us what we can and should do for ourselves.

Parents, church and government leaders, children, and teachers it is time to take personal responsibility for our own lives and stop blaming others for what might disturb us! May we have the courage to stop The Blame Game.

Principle – in the end we are all responsible for our own actions, lives, and happiness. Blaming others will only delay the inevitable – taking responsibility for ourselves.

Application – following are four areas we as parent can help teach our children be responsible people.

  1. Teach responsibility by giving responsibility. Give your children responsibilities through chores, earning their own spending money, etc. and hold them accountable.
  2. Teach how to make correct choices. The best way to accomplish this is for you as a parent to set the example and make correct choices yourself, and when you make a mistake discuss it with your children and how you could have made a better choice instead of blaming others.
  3. Teach them how to work. Again, the greatest teaching tool you have to accomplish this will be you as the parent. What is your work ethic like? Do you work for what you want and need or do you seek to blame others and seek a handout? Provide opportunities for your children to work and receive rewards for hard work.
  4. Teach them about the consequences to their actions. Use the different choices they make or are about to make, to help them see the consequences of their actions. Discuss with you children the different consequences to choices people or they make.

 

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