on the walk

We are four posts in with our tour of tips for spotting heresy. Today we get to one that was already mentioned in an earlier comment: Karma.

Karma is the popular notion that we all get what we deserve. The word comes from Hindu philosophy. In Hindu philosophy, the notion of Karma is a detailed and complicated belief about how the world fundamentally works. But when we encounter the notion of Karma is it usually just a sloppy notion that “what does around comes around.” However just because our notion of karma lacks philosophical sophistication does not mean that it lacks power. And it pops up a lot in conversations and books in a way that convinces me Continue Reading »

This is really an example of the False Promises test, but it is such a common and relatively easy one to spot that I thought I should mention it.

If a book or preacher teaches a worldview or a doctrine that does not call you any sort of sacrifice then it is not biblical. Jesus offers grace as we die to ourselves. He offers us himself as a sacrifice for our forgiveness and calls us to offer ourselves as a living sacrifice as an act of worship to him.

So if you are reading something that teaches you how to get, and get, and get some more and never calls you to sacrifce, well then it may seem like good advice, and you may want to follow it, but don’t pretend it is Christian.

on the walk

-Ethan

The promises of Christ are wonderful. In fact they are so wonderful that I often fall short of fully comprehending his great promises for my good. But nevertheless they are not always what I wished he would promise.

For instance Jesus makes this promise in Matthew 10:18-20,

On my account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles. But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say, for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.

Now that is an amazing promise, but it isn’t exactly the promise I would have asked for. I might have preferred this promise, “Don’t worry, they won’t arrest you” or maybe, “Don’t worry about what to say, just pass out fliers.” Continue Reading »

I have been asked to review several secular books lately by well-meaning and sincere Christians who are wondering if the book is consistent with Christian teaching. Even more troubling, I occasionally have godly people recommended books to me that are in many ways significantly opposed to scripture. This has demonstrated to me that many Christians lack skills of discernment to distinguish truth from error. Certainly the most important way to develop such skills is through frequent biblical study in the context of a wise Christian community. However there are some particular questions that form an arsenal of sorts to help Christians confidently asses most texts. I hope to explore these issues in a series of posts. Perhaps these ideas will help you read with more wisdom. Continue Reading »