ISM’s In the Way
Not long ago I listened to a Romanian monk of a monastery explain about common blockers to the Christian faith. He mentioned only three: Marxism, Atheism, and Existentialism. But it would appear that the adversary of our souls has an “ISM” for nearly everybody. A quick look at the internet lists hundreds. Touching just a few:
-- Egotism – an excessive self-focus. The belief that self-interest is the proper goal of all human actions.
-- Existentialism -- “this represents a revolt against external authority, ready-made world views, authoritarian and conventional moral values and codes of conduct. Man has been dumped into the world whether he likes it or not. He has to make his own way in it, creating his own values . . .” from Zondervan. Existentialism is a philosophical approach to life that condones our sin & selfishness. Some proponents are atheists while others profess Biblical faith (??).
-- Gnosticism – “an early trend of religious thought . . . which flourished in the Hellenistic (Greek) Near East. There were numerous Gnostic sects, both pagan and Christian. The Christian Gnostics denied the literal meaning of the Scriptures and saw only an esoteric meaning based on gnosis, e.g. they did not believe that a real Jesus was really crucified.” Webster’s Encyclopedic Dictionary
-- Hedonism – a belief that pleasure is the principal good in life.
-- Humanism – a belief that humans are basically good at heart needing little or no Salvation, and will ultimately solve all world problems by ambition & teamwork.
-- Liberalism – in politics it’s the philosophy that personal freedom & democratic government is supreme. In religion it broadly interprets the Bible & shuns rigid doctrine. See link 161 “Liberal Theology”.
-- Mysticism – getting spiritual truths by fixed meditation, or through esoteric/occult rites & doctrines, etc. – Yoga is a common form, but does it open people to demon influence?? See link 43 “The Demon”
Well, most of the above ISM’s appeal to thinking type folks. But there are plenty of ISM’s for the rest of us also. And of course, we have thousands of “other” religions to distract souls. I believe our adversary Lucifer has “covered all bases” making it REALLY a challenge to find our connection with the real God. Maybe something like “running the gauntlet” . . . BUT for those who desire the “real deal”, God has given the record of Israel, and the New Testament Scriptures to provide genuine spiritual light. And Jesus is the brightest “star” of that light.
Jesus said, “I am the light of the world; he who follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12 He also said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but by me.” John 14:6 “There is a way which seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.” Proverbs 14:12 “Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.” Colossians 2:8 KJV “Truth shall forever be on the scaffold, and wrong forever on the throne as long as time shall last.” H. Lindsell “No road to perdition has ever been more thronged than that of false Doctrine. Error is a shield over the conscience, and a bandage over the eyes.” D.C. Hodge
Considering that each one of us has an eternal soul, it only makes sense to find the genuine Salvation of God. A “blocker” or a fake “bill of goods” is not what we need. Choose Jesus, He is Alive. “Behold I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.” Jesus Christ. Revelation 3:20, see also “Rude Surprises” link 79.
Many other Titles: www.gospelnotes.org * * F. J. Stone * *
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