Carefully and thoughtfully, yet with a sting to my heart, I have observed intellectual-type arguments of some who speak of the Christian life other then that charged in scripture. I am compelled to make a sobering comparison of Israel in the days of the prophet Isaiah with those today who, using worldly wisdom, propound a pseudo-christian way . In ancient times, "God's people" too had a form of godliness, they had not abandoned their belief in God but they did abandon the truth of God and His claim and government over their entire life. That is what is lacking in pop-Christian culture. Man justifies his sin because it cannot be satisfied if yielded to Christ and the call to holiness. When confronted by the prophet, (ch. 28) the Israelites mocked him saying, essentially; who are you trying to teach, we are way smarter than you are, you should be talking to children, your message is so yesterday. Such was their attitude. And often is the attitude today as it relates to the untainted truth in Scripture. The Gospel has not changed (no matter how fancy an argument is put over it), nor its call to repent, nor has God in his grace or judgement. As G.Campbell Morgan so aptly states, "Judgement as Divine punishment is contrary to Divine wish, but nevertheless part of the Divine will, that which God would never do, if man did not compel Him to the doing." Alas, Israel did not heed the prophet's call and they were overthrown and taken into captivity.
I fear that much of the modern popular Christian church is abdicating the Word of Truth for fancy, wise-sounding arguments that allow man to keep his sin. Ultimate wisdom is not in man but in God. As St. John says; 1Jn 2:4 The one who says, "I have come to know Him," without keeping His commands, is a liar, and the truth is not in him."
To end on a positive note: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind". That means God has government over all area's of life. So, live in the light and shine in the world.
In our parish discussions, we call those who pick and choose what they obey the "salad bar" Catholics. There is usually something like say.... birth control that they have a problem with. You can't pick and choose folks, it doesn't work that way.
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