A Voice from the Past - Justin Martyr

But those who hand down the myths which the poets have made, adduce no proof to the youths who learn them; and we proceed to demonstrate that they have been uttered by the influence of the wicked demons, to deceive and lead astray the human race. For having heard it proclaimed through the prophets that the Christ was to come, and that the ungodly among men were to be punished by fire, they put forward many to be called sons of Jupiter, under the impression that they would be able to produce in men the idea that the things which were said with regard to Christ were mere marvelous tales, like the things which were said by the poets.

Justin Martyr, 110-165 AD, First Apology, Chapter LIV (The Apostolic Fathers with Justin Martyr and Ireneus, Phillip Schaff, Eerdmans, p. 243)

What do you think of this theory? Does it make sense?

Two - Edged Sword - Hebrews 4:12,13

The Personality Cult

A characteristic of the modern Evangelical church is a tendency toward personality cults, to put certain leaders on a pedestal. Now these leaders may be godly people whose desire is to serve God, or shallow purveyors of flash who only desire the public eye, or something in between. I suspect there are some in each category, and while I have my opinion in certain cases, I do not want to make any kind of blanket judgment. But I do think that there are dangers of raising even good and godly people to too high a position.

It is important that everything taught must be checked by Scripture  (Acts 17:11; Galatians 1:8,9; 1 Thessalonians 5:21). This is true even of good leaders, for all of us are imperfect (Philippians 3:12-16; 1 John 1:8-10; Galatians 5:17). Often it is the errors of good leaders that are the most dangerous. It was good men, wanting to prevent the spread of heresy, who held we should not question the teaching of the church, which  descended from the apostles, and thus laid the foundation of the papacy. Also, if someone is uncritically following a celebrity leader, it is more likely it will be based on external appearance than on substance. Further, people will fail us (1 Corinthians 2:1-5; Psalms 118:8; 146:3). (Even if the failure is more perceived than real, this can have the same effect.) When a ministry or a person's life is built around one person, that person's failure can have major repercussions.  Also, the cult of personality can result in the creation and continuance of factions (1 Corinthians 1:10-17; 3:21-24; 4:1-5). Now there will always be areas of disagreement among Christians, but these are easier to deal with when seen as issues of fact, rather than loyalty to individuals.  Also, there is the danger that human beings may be given the honor that belongs only to God (1 Corinthians 10:31; Colossians 3:22-24; Isaiah 42:8).

Now we should not throw out all prominent leaders, for according to Scripture they are a gift from God (Ephesians 4:11-16; 1 Peter 4:10,11; Romans 12:3-8). (There may indeed be some individuals who should not be followed, but this must be decided on a case-by-case basis.) Also, trusting only in ourselves can be as dangerous an error as trusting wholly in another human being (Proverbs 15:22; 26:12; 1 Corinthians 3:18). What I would suggest is putting even good leaders in perspective. One thing that is helpful here is having a broad knowledge of a large number of good teachers. Also, we should have greater respect for our more ordinary local leaders, who God has put over us (Hebrews 13:17; 1 Thessalonians 5:12; 1 Timothy 5:17), the ones we know and who know us. (Though these too can be turned into a personality cult if we are not careful.) But above all, our primary loyalty must be to God and His Word, and other things must be judged by them.

A Touch of Humor - The Stunt

What kinds of things can we end up following because someone told us that they are the right things to do? How can we avoid this?

A Voice from the Past - Cyprian

Thus also the Church, shone over with the light of the Lord, sheds forth her rays over the whole world, yet it is one light which is everywhere diffused, nor is the unity of the body separated. Her fruitful abundance spreads her branches over the whole world. She broadly expands her rivers, liberally flowing, yet her head is one, her source one; and she is one mother, plentiful in the results of fruitfulness: from her womb we are born, by her milk we are nourished, by her spirit we are animated.

Cyprian, 200-258 AD, Treatise 1, On the Unity of the Church, Section 5 (T & T Clark/ Eerdmans, trans. by Rev. Ernest Wallis, p.694)

What are the implications of this statement? Is this a correct way of looking at things?

Superficial Unity

How do we promote real unity in the Christian church? There are various approaches. We can have joint meetings or involve ourselves in joint projects. This can be helpful to see what each other is really like and to get past stereotypes we have of one another. Also, if the joint project is successful it can produce some real good in the world. But then we can all go back to our own denominational groups, and any unity that was there might to be forgotten. How we get past this temporary appearance of unity to a unity that has some permanent meaning? Ever so often we see a group that gets tired of the denominational labels. So they decide to form a church that is known for being just Christian. But they end up coming up with their own beliefs and ways of doing things and become just one more denomination. Or others would form an interdenominational group and only deal with those issues they feel comfortable with, sending people back to the churches to deal with the others. Others would throw out all teaching and try to unite people under a broad umbrella distinguished by only the name "Christian." But if "Christian" is nothing but a meaningless name, what is there to unite about?

I am convinced that we need to start from the other  end. Scripture says that there exists a unity between true Christians (Galatians 3:27,28; Ephesians 2:14-19; 4:4-6). The question then is what constitutes a true Christian. Scripturally, this is grounded in a genuine faith in Christ and his death and resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:1-11; Romans 3:21-26; Ephesians 2:1-9). Now there are truths implied in this that must be believed, though it is not always possible to tell what people believe in their hearts. But these truths include that Jesus Christ was God who became a human being (John 1:1-18; Philippians 2:5-11; Hebrews 2:9,10) in order to pay the penalty for our sins (1 Peter 2:24,25; Colossians 2:13,14; Romans 5:6-8) so that He might offer us eternal life apart from anything we could do to earn it (Galatians 2:21; Titus 3:5,6; Romans 3:19,20). Further, Scripture says that if we have faith in Christ, it will result in His working in us to transform us (2 Corinthians 3:18; Philippians 2:13; Colossians 1:29) and working through us to accomplish His purpose in the world (Ephesians 2:10; 2 Corinthians 3:5,6; Matthew 16:18). This makes us part of His body, which he uses to accomplish His will in this present age (Romans 12:3-8; 1 Corinthians 12:12-27; Ephesians 4:11-15). If we accept this, then we need to recognize that God is at work in people who are not necessarily part of our group or denomination. This will undoubtedly step on some individuals' toes regarding their doctrinal convictions or prejudices. But I am convinced it is only in this direction that we can move toward true unity. It is also the way to put the other issues we might still disagree on in perspective.

Can We Please Everyone?

In Aesop's fables there is the story of the man, the boy, and the donkey. A man and a boy were driving a donkey into town to sell him at the marketplace. They passed a group of young men who laughed at them, saying, "Look at those fools who are driving that donkey when they could be riding it." So the man got up on the bach out to people where they are (1 Corinthians 9:19-23; Matthew 9:11-13; Romans 12:18). But this does not necessarily mean trying to please them in everything. Especially given that what people want is not always what they really need. Further, we need to remember that the message of the cross is a stumbling block to those who reject it (1 Corinthians 1:20-25; 2:14; 2 Corinthians 4:3). Therefore, we should confront people with love and gentleness (1 Peter 3:15; 2 Timothy 2:24-26; Colossians 4:5,6), but we cannot always expect to please them. And if we try hard to please everyone, we could end up with our donkey in the drink.