See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ. (Col 2:8)Oh, we are so there, aren't we? We've decided that we probably know what's best. That old Bible thing? It's okay, as far as it goes. But, for instance, when the children's song says, "Jesus loves me; the Bible tells me so," voices in the church cry, "Oh, no, don't go there. We don't need the Bible for that." When someone tries to use Scripture to defend the faith, apologists argue, "Don't go there. That won't work." When discussions about Scripture pull out things, quite clear, that stand in opposition to current views -- LGBT, women in the church, submission in marriage, you name it -- there are plenty of loud voices that shout it down. "Don't go there." Why? "Because, we know better. Our philosophy, our modern traditions, our current perspectives are superior to that old book." And they build their case on what the text calls "the elemental spirits of the world." Certainly not on Christ (John 17:17).
It's everywhere today, in and out of the church. Truthfully, as evidenced by the fact that the text came from a letter written to a first century congregation, it has been around a lot longer than just today. And, as timeless as the warning is, people who call themselves Christians glibly reject it, build their "faith" on their philosophies and human traditions, and, effectively, ignore Christ and His Word. Because, after all, they know better, right?
3 comments:
I believe you have assessed the current situation exactly right, and, sadly, things will not end well for those choosing the world’s philosophies over God’s truth--thus the clear and strong warning from Paul here (and elsewhere). It’s also true that this is not a modern thing; as long as man has possessed intellect, he’s been using it to argue with his Maker. The world has its own “wisdom,” but it will pass away (1 John 2:15-17)--along with all the scoffers and mockers. Keep sharing God’s truth with us foolish people, Stan!
Scripture is a great source because it is written by the Creator of reality. I have found nothing in Scripture that is denied by reality. Though, when arguing non-religious things, being able to use something other than Scripture is useful, though whatever is used will end up agreeing with Scripture.
Yet we see people who elevate human reason over everything else as they choose to focus on the created rather than the Creator.
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