CENTRALISM - A CENTRALIZING SYSTEM
 Businesses cannot survive long if they do not adhere to some centralizing system. The church also is dependent on centralism. There are only two kinds of centralism: the right kind and the wrong kind. Most religious groups have some kind of headquarters on earth. It doesn’t matter if there is one man ruling the church and sending down edicts, or a council of leaders that makes creeds for them to go by, they are still being led by men from an earthly headquarters.

 The Bible makes it clear that there is no authority above the local congregation other than God, Jesus, and Their Word. (Eph 1:22-23) “And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, {23} Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.” Despite the clear Bible teaching that we are to obey God and not men, the church in the early centuries succumbed to this very thing. It didn’t happen overnight. It was a process of years, starting in the second century with the idea that one of the elders in a congregation was “first among equals” as if that were possible. This ‘head’ elder was soon referred to as bishop while the others retained the office of elder. Through this process centralization of and apostasy of the church on earth continued and was completed when around 600 AD Boniface proclaimed himself to be the head of the church. Of course this was no longer Christ’s church, because only Christ is the head of His church.

 We might think that that could never happen again, but we are mistaken. The church is always only one generation (or less) from apostasy. Failure to teach our children properly will result in falsehood in the church. There are as I type men and women in the church that are not satisfied with the autonomy (rule of each congregation through the Word by men from within the congregation) of the church. There are elders who are not happy with being on equal terms with the other elders of that congregation and want to rule everything themselves. There are elderships that are not happy with overseeing the congregation where they are, but desire to spread their rule over other congregations.

 There are those like Diotrephes who want to have preeminence, and worse than him want to throw whole congregations out if there is anything they don’t like about the way the congregation is led. I am not saying that anything is ok, far from it. Those congregations who are not faithful to the word will be spewed out of the Lord’s mouth like Laodicea. However, we need to all be watching our own congregations and helping them to stay on the right path rather than sticking our noses into other congregations of which we are not even part.

 I often express to our congregation the beauty of autonomy like this: Because each congregation is ruled from within and the only outside force is from God through the word, it doesn’t matter if every other congregation in the U.S. or even in the world goes astray, we can still be faithful. It doesn’t work that way with any earthly centralism. Under any central system you believe what the council or the Pope, or the Apostle of that denomination commands (whether you want to or not).  Of course as is obvious from this emailing itself, that doesn’t mean that we are not all part of the same body of Christ because we live in different places. We are all brothers and sisters as many of us as are in Christ. So keep encouraging your brothers and sisters no matter where they may be, and be sure to thank God for his wisdom in providing the only kind of centralism that can work, a system with Him as the Owner/President/CEO at the headquarters in heaven.

CELTICISM - A CELTIC CUSTOM
 Customs as long as they don’t interfere with obedience to the Word of God are not a problem. The danger occurs when we allow customs to be intermixed with or even to replace the doctrines that the apostles gave. I don’t suppose that Celtic customs are any more likely to do that than any other kind.

 The Celtic religion is a pagan religion and thus the customs of that religion like any other non-Christian religion should be shunned. We should never allow the customs or traditions of men to interfere with our obedience to God whether it be a family tradition, a religious doctrine, or a national, ethnic, or cultural custom.

 Some Celticisms that we should watch out for are Easter, Christmas trees, and St. Patrick’s Day. Although all of these things have become associated in one way or another with religious activity, we need to watch out that they don’t get in the way of the truth. I am not saying that we should not have anything to do with these three things or any other custom as long as it does not cause sin. We must, however, remember that these pagan oriented traditions have no more place in our assemblies than do Halloween, Valentine’s Day, or July 4. The time that we are assembled together is a special time set aside for praising God in song, studying His Word, praying, observing the Lord’s Supper, giving of our means, and exhorting and encouraging our fellow Christians.

 We don’t need to celebrate Easter as a religious holiday (holy day), but if we enjoy hunting Easter eggs and giving candy that is all good and fun. We remember Christ’s resurrection each week when we partake of the Lord’s Supper, and that is sufficient. Christmas trees are fun to decorate, pretty to look at, and a good place to store presents, and there is nothing sinful in that. There have been sins associated with trees in times past, and the custom does come from a pagan form of worship, but as long as we recognize God’s creative power and don’t fall to worshiping the created rather than the Creator we are not sinning with them. (Jer 10:3-5) “For the customs of the people are vain: for one cutteth a tree out of the forest, the work of the hands of the workman, with the ax. {4} They deck it with silver and with gold; they fasten it with nails and with hammers, that it move not. {5} They are upright as the palm tree, but speak not: they must needs be borne, because they cannot go. Be not afraid of them; for they cannot do evil, neither also is it in them to do good.” Jeremiah points out the sin of worshiping or attributing some special powers to a tree, but not the use of it as decoration.

 (Gal 4:8-11) “Howbeit then, when ye knew not God, ye did service unto them which by nature are no gods. {9} But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage? {10} Ye observe days, and months, and times, and years. {11} I am afraid of you, lest I have bestowed upon you labour in vain.” Paul makes it clear to the Galatians that there is only one God and only the commandments that He makes are to be heeded. If we like these Galatians observe all of these “holidays” and think that we are in some way better for it, we are mistaken. They are fun and enjoyable, and we get to be with family, but there is nothing HOLY about our Holidays.

 There are many that use these traditional gatherings as well as others like family reunions as an excuse to miss the assembly of the saints. When we allow that to happen we have sinned. Let us put forth every effort to observe God’s Holy will and not man’s holy days.

CATHOLICISM - FOLLOWING THE TEACHINGS AND PRACTICES OF THE ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH.
 There are enough dangers with Catholicism that I could spend the rest of the year on this subject alone. If you are interested in further study on this topic you might be interested in two books:
1) Traditions of Men Versus the Word of God, by Alvin Jennings, published by Star Bible Productions, Inc., P.O. Box 821220, Fort Worth, Texas 76182, 1-800-433-7507.
2) Catholicism Against Itself, by O. C. Lambert, published by Star Bible Productions, Inc., P.O. Box 821220, Fort Worth, Texas 76182, 1-800-433-7507.  There are probably other good books on the subject as well, and the Bible itself is full of incriminating evidence against the Catholic religion.  Let’s look at just a few of the teachings of Catholicism that contradict God’s Word.

1) They claim to trace the Papacy back to Peter. According to their own regulations, however, Peter could never have been a ‘Pope’ because he was married (Mat 8:14) “And when Jesus was come into Peter’s house, he saw his wife’s mother laid, and sick of a fever.” Further, according to history the first Pope proclaimed himself such, it was not passed down to him, and that was Boniface in 608 AD. No, the Catholic church is not the same church that Christ established in the first century.

2) Priests are called ‘Father’. (Mat 23:9) “And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven.”

3) Only a priest can mediate between the congregation and God. The Bible says that only Christ is our mediator and that all Christians are priests. (1 Tim 2:5) “For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;” and (1 Pet 2:5) “Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.” and (1 Pet 2:9) “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:”

4) Tradition and teaching of ‘Popes’ and councils is held above the Bible and study of the Bible is not encouraged. Jesus condemned tradition that violated God’s law, and Bible teaches that it is all sufficient and should be studied.  (Mat 15:3) “But he answered and said unto them, ‘Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition?’” (2 Tim 2:15)  “Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” (2 Tim 3:16-17)  All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: {17} That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.  There are many more doctrines that are held by the Catholic church in direct opposition to the Bible (idolatry, prayer to those who are not God, infant baptism, confusion over saints, etc.), but I suppose that is what happens when you believe that man’s ideas are better than God’s. Let us always look to God and his revealed will for our authority in religion and in life.

CATECHISM - A BOOK CONTAINING A SUMMARY OF THE PRINCIPLES OF A RELIGION, IN THE FORM OF QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS.
 Unless I am mistaken, there is a book that contains the principles of Christianity. Last I knew it was called the New Testament, and had references to prophecies in the Old Testament as well as the teachings of Christ and the Apostles. I would hope that we would all study the scriptures in order to answer any questions we have. (1 Pet 3:15)  “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:” One of the problems with a system like a catechism is that those involved are not encouraged to study the Word for themselves, in fact, in many instances they are told not to or that there is no need. ‘Why study when you have all the answers right here?’ They don’t think about the fact that the Bible is inspired of God and a catechism is written by fallible men.  Even if I had a book that gave me a pat answer for all these questions, and I had memorized the answers, I would still not have an understanding of why that was the answer. 

How many religious people believe what they believe for the following reasons:

1) My parents told me that was the way it was - What if your parents were wrong?
2) The ‘pastor’ told me - What if the ‘pastor’ was taught the wrong thing?
3) I read it in a book - What if the author was mistaken?
4) That is what my church teaches - What if the church isn’t founded by and on Christ and his teachings as it should be?

The problem with all of these and many other reasons for us believing something is that we are depending on someone else to get us to Heaven.  (Phil 2:12) “Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.” You see we alone are responsible for what we believe. Our salvation is far too important for us to leave it to someone else. I am taking my car to the shop on Friday to have it worked on, I have to go to the dentist to get my teeth taken care of, I had to study books to learn to read and write and do math, but I better not go to anyone besides Jesus to find salvation.

 Here is an answer that is much better than the others. I believe it because the Bible teaches it in such and such book, chapter, and verse. Let us all strive to have a biblical answer for what we do, believe and teach.

BUDDHISM - RELIGION OF INDIA STARTED BY BUDDHA TEACHING REINCARNATION
 It amazed me to find out how Buddhism is infiltrating our society. It often comes masked within the New Age Movement. ‘Buddhism’ is not the name this religion uses in the far east, no, the religion’s name is Buddha-Dharma. If the second half of that doesn’t look familiar to you, then, you are among the lucky few who have not seen one of ABC’s shows, “Dharma and Greg” ("Lost" is a more recent show that uses the name Dharma. ). I remember thinking the first time I heard of this particular show that she had a very strange name, now I know why. The premise of this show is that this couple; Dharma, a New Ager and highly enlightened individual, and Greg, a regular American guy with old fashioned and obsolete Christian values, must learn together how to handle married life. (Well, at least they are married). The television industry and movie industry alike are pushing Buddhism on us. A few years back there was a movie called “Little Buddha” where an American boy was discovered to be the next Buddha.

I for one would much rather have a Buddhist neighbor than an Atheist neighbor since the former, if true to his religion, would have the better morals. From an eternal standpoint, however, the Buddhist has no more hope than the Atheist. Buddhism does not acknowledge Christ as savior, in fact Buddhism teaches that man of his own accord, by his own will and determination can and must save himself. There are many in the religious world that would make this same accusation of the churches of Christ, and there may indeed be some among us who even believe that they can save themselves, BUT there is salvation in or by or through no one other than Jesus Christ. While the Bible teaches that certain works of faith are essential in order to obtain and keep salvation it also very clearly teaches that those works are not anything to boast about and in fact the works aren’t what saves us. It is quite a paradox. There are many in the religious world who may never be able to come to an understanding of how we must do something to receive a free gift.

Buddhism teaches many morals similar to those in the ten commandments and New Testament, but it also holds many dangerous pitfalls. Reincarnation is a foundational belief of Buddhism. The belief that we come back to this earth again and again in different forms is refuted quite simply by the Hebrews writer, (Heb 9:27) “And as it is appointed unto men ONCE to die, but after this the judgment:”.  The type of meditation done by it and other Eastern religions is also contrary to the Biblical pattern of meditation. King David said, (Psa 1:2) “But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.”  Paul told Timothy, (1 Tim 4:15) “Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all.” The meditation approved of by David and Paul is focusing your mind upon something thinking intently about it and as a result gaining a better understanding. Buddhist and Eastern meditation on the other hand requires one to empty himself of all thoughts and if one is successful he will slip into Nirvana, which is their equivalent to heaven. The Bible does teach us to empty our minds of certain kinds of thoughts, but never are we to just blank out and become zombies.

There are many other dangers in Buddhism, but time and space fail me. Beware of these and search out others, for, Buddhism often comes disguised. Sometimes it even comes wearing Christian terminology.

BRAHMANISM - RELIGIOUS SYSTEM OF THE HINDUS CHARACTERIZED BY PANTHEISM
Brahmanism like Christianity teaches that there is only one true God. Unlike Christianity it teaches that God IS the universe, the earth, the plants, the animals, and even us. That’s right, they don’t believe God created it all, they believe God is all. Their god is called Brahman, which is the name Americans have given to the cattle from India that is sacred to them, and a belief in Brahman is part of Hinduism (to be covered in the H’s).

The Brahmans hold the belief of animism - that all things have a spirit, and they consider many things sacred as a result. When you couple this with the belief that we come back in another animal form if we have not lived well enough, reincarnation, you have people who can’t help but be vegetarians for fear not only that they are eating God, but also that they might be eating grandma if they eat any animals.

There are a multitude of problems with this idea, but let us focus on just two. If this Brahman is God and we are all part of him, why don’t most of us know it? And, secondly, If we and all the universe are all God, how can there be evil, and more specifically, how can we be or do evil? As far as I know Brahmanism has never answered these two problems. The Brahmans, continue in their pursuit of living well enough that they will become literally part of Brahman and not have to come back to this life again. I guess the old saying, ‘if at first you don’t succeed, try, try again’ would certainly be their motto. Unfortunately, we only get one life in which to obey God. It seems that even though they say we are all supposed to be part of God, we must have some sort of amnesia, and can’t remember who we are. I don’t know how part of an all-knowing God could not know something that basic, but that is the logic behind Brahmanism. Secondly, the evil; most of the adherents to Brahmanism or its like have historically denied the existence of evil. Well, that’s easy enough, if you can’t explain it just deny it. As Christians, we understand that God often works so that even the evil is overcome with a good result, i.e. Jesus’ crucifixion, or trials that strengthen us. God and the Bible, however, never deny the existence of evil. How could anyone who has even heard of the planet earth, much less someone who lives here be so suckered in as to believe that there is no evil? It is clear to anyone who will examine the evidence that there is evil here. So, if the entire universe is God, or Brahman, and there is evil in the universe, then, Brahman must be at least partially evil. Ouch! I for one am glad that I am neither part of a god, nor do I serve a god that is evil. Let us praise the Creator, not the created. (Rom 1:22-25) “Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, {23} And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things. {24} Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: {25} Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.”

BAHA’ISM - RELIGION FOUNDED IN IRAN IN 1863 BY HUSAYN ‘ALI BAHA’U’LLAH. IT  TEACHES THE  ESSENTIAL WORTH OF ALL RELIGIONS, THE UNITY OF ALL RACES, AND EQUALITY OF  THE SEXES.
This religion has some admirable characteristics, and most religions do.  The problem is exactly that. As we look at the world religions, we see many  of them teaching some good things. This is one of Satan’s best tricks if he  can get us to look at the similarities in all the religions instead of the  distinctiveness of Christianity, he can keep us confused. Is unity of all  races a good goal? Yes, if it is unity in the truth of God’s word. Is  equality of the sexes an admirable thing? Yes, if by that one means that  neither sex is mistreated and that they are considered people with human  rights as opposed to property. But is that what is meant by such teachings  or is there something else taught that would violate God’s word.

Are all religions essentially worthwhile? What about the Satanic religion?  What about the religion of humanism? While many religions have some good  teachings, they also have some bad. Are we supposed to swallow the poison  along with the medicine? From a secular standpoint religions are all pretty  much the same. They all have some type of moral code. Isn’t that good? They  all give a portion of their time and material resources to “worthy causes”.  Isn’t that admirable? The point is though that we are not talking about  religion from a secular standpoint. We are talking about religion from a  spiritual standpoint. While society may receive some of the same benefits  from many different religions, The human soul can only truly be benefitted  by a religion that can redeem one from sin and make reservations for  eternity.

Of all these “worthwhile religions”, not a single one of them has as its  founder anyone who can save them from their sins, raise them from the dead, or assure them happiness for eternity. So when we measure the true value of these religions we find them worthless. (John 14:6) “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” You have heard it before most likely, but it is good to remember. Jesus didn’t claim to be part of the truth, or one of many ways, or one of several that could bring life. Quite to the contrary of teaching the essential worth of all religions Jesus taught the worthlessness of any other religion. Do you want the truth the whole truth and nothing but the truth? Do you want to go THE way that leads to eternal joy and salvation from sin? Do you want life in this world and the next? Jesus is the only one who can provide any of these three, much less all of them.

Don’t be fooled by the devil when he puts a candy coating on his poisonous lies. All religions outside of Christ are the same, but they are not the same as Christ’s.