How to Say You’re A Christian But Not Act Like One, Part 1

Theology and Politics from a Conservative, Biblical Perspective

WARNING: If sarcasm offends you, please read no further as this particular post (as well as the next) is filled with sarcasm. The sarcasm used herein is included to be emphatic. The sarcasm is not meant to disrespect but is used as hyperbole, stretching way beyond the stated point in order to make it very clear so that the point cannot be missed. I’m sorry I have to explain it but better to explain it now than be falsely accused later, though I’ve grown accustomed to that as well.

There is way too much acrimony in the Church and much of it is caused by people who believe above all things that they and they alone have the truth about Eschatology (end times events). Because of that, they make it their mission to condemn not only what they consider to be wrong theology but their condemnation is directed toward the people that hold those “wayward” (read: false; heretical) positions.

Not only is this a shame, but it is an embarrassment to the cause of Christ. Because of this, many within Christendom see as their “great commission,” not the salvation of the lost, but the correction of those with whom they disagree theological in the Eschatological realm. For those folks, people with whom they are at odds with – those who hold an Eschatological position that differs from theirs – are considered heretics, deceivers (because they are deceived) and on the verge of losing their salvation.

It is to those myopic individuals that this short series is written to. For people to disagree over issues that are peripheral to salvation is only natural. To see this happen without grace and love is unconscionable. Many of these individuals say they are Christian and I’m not necessarily doubting that. However, what they say, what they do, and how they act toward those with whom they disagree is anathema and should be treated as such. Instead, it is a true source of twisted pride that causes people to believe that what they are saying and however offensive they have become in their argumentation is due to the fact that they believe they must “be faithful” to the truth. Of course, they are the only ones who have that truth. Just ask them. They’ll tell you.

Again, if sarcasm offends you, please go no further. Thank you.

If you say you are a Christian and disagree with a brother or sister over some peripheral issue like Eschatology, make every effort to:

A. Use podium as bully pulpit to excoriate those who believe differently from you over non-essential if the faith like Eschatology. Invite the wayward brother/sister to your church when you are speaking. Knowing that they will be there, be sure to craft a sermon that will make them feel the heat of hell as they sit there, helpless while you stand in for God and open His Word. You can say whatever you want and be as critical as you want because after all, you are preaching from God’s Word and you have truth on your side.

B. Make sure you use the excuse that you are trying to save people from “heresy.” People need to know that they are heretics and since you and you alone have the truth, it is imperative that you tell them. You really don’t even need to make excuses or apologize for doing so. Just hit ’em with “truth” right between the eyes. If they fail to see it, you did your part, but apparently, they are too deceived, blind, and ignorant to appreciate and embrace your truth.

C. Completely ignore the board in your own eye while pointing out what you see as faults in others. Make sure that you never give anyone the idea that you doubt your own position. Don’t use phrases like, “I could be wrong” because this simply creates of offense to the cross of Christ. You and you alone have the truth so speak it!

D. Don’t worry about evangelizing the lost. The most important thing is to “straighten” out folks who don’t believe as you believe. The Great Commission is for “other” Christians, not you. You have a higher calling because if you do not “straighten out” those who differ from you regarding Eschatology, then there is a very real chance (you believe) their blindness will turn to deception, which in turn, could cause a loss of their salvation (since you also believe salvation can be lost). It is your holy and righteous duty and obligation to pull these wayward souls from the fire!

E. It’s also extremely important to remember that if you attend a church where the overwhelming majority of folks who attend are PreTribbers (and the church’s statement of beliefs might even include that declaration), you must use every opportunity to oppose them. Remember, you are a light among darkness. No one else has the truth. Only you. Repeat that often. If you don’t tell them, who will? God will hold you accountable. Instead of seeking another church of like-minded individuals who ascribe to your brand of Eschatology, continue to remain at that particular church where your “ministry” may prosper.

F. Remember, you are always correct at every point regarding Eschatology. You are never wrong, even when you are wrong. When you fumble your way through the Bible and can’t even exegete more simple passages, don’t worry about it because you’re still not wrong. You are always correct.

G. Always ridicule folks with whom you disagree for their eisegesis even though yours us far worse than theirs. In fact, don’t even worry about yours (see point F). The job at hand is to make those who disagree with your view of Eschatology feel small and belittled. Jesus did this with the Pharisees and even though He did so as God the Son who had no sin nature and for other reasons entirely, you have permission to do the same even though you are unable to adequately judge your own heart. No worries. It’s about THEIR perceived error, not yours.

H. Also remember, discussing aspects of Eschatology is the most important thing in life. Winning the argument earns more crowns. While evangelizing the lost is good, being humble is a desired target, and living of a life of good deeds so that Jesus will be glorified, there really is nothing more important than debating/arguing about aspects of Eschatology. God is so pleased every time you tell someone that they are reading into the Bible, as opposed to gaining God’s meaning from it.

I. If you have no formal Bible training, you are automatically qualified to take on people with theological doctorates. After all, they were simply taught what to believe by their professors. You – on the other hand – learned things from books in a completely haphazard way, but you did it all on your own. Never mind that the only books you have in your library are by authors with whom you fully agree. Free free to brag about that because you won’t be bragging, but simply stating “facts.” Remember point F.

J. Once again, it is very important to remember, it’s not about winning souls for Christ. It’s about winning the argument especially as it concerns Eschatology. That’s really all that matters.

K. Make sure you use convoluted reasoning to “prove” that those who don’t believe as you do concerning Eschatology are shown to be heretics. Then you can use most of Paul’s arguments to treat them with utter contempt, you know, like you’d treat the devil, and the way Jesus dealt with the Pharisees.

L. When dealing with the issue of Eschatology and those with whom you disagree, it is not necessary to be gracious or loving. In fact, in no way should you be loving at all. Remember, these folks are the enemies of the cross and must be stopped at all costs. You should also be praying continually that God will “take them home” or at least out of this life if you are uncertain as to whether or not they are saved.

M. Always tell folks with whom you disagree that you are merely being “faithful” to Jesus, therefore Christ compels you. That will shut them up. If it doesn’t, then it simply proves their blindness.

N. In the case of a person who does not agree with you on the subject of the end times, 1st Hezekiah 1:8 says it is permissible to hate them. 3 Peter 14:8 goes further in commanding that you pray for their death. For further instruction, do not hesitate to use the Qu’ran.

O. Remember, everything you do and say, no matter how harsh, is truth and done in love (whether seen as loving or not). The fact that people still oppose you is not your fault or your problem.

P. Even though you cannot exegete your way out of a wet paper sack, continue to believe that you are right. Keep on quoting Scripture and your faulty interpretation of it. After awhile, you’ll start to sound like an Indian Swami who speaks gibberish, but people come to hear as “wisdom.”

Q. Make sure whenever you preach or teach, everything is connected to your particular view of Eschatology, no matter how awkward the connection or how much of a stretch. If you are rejected it’s your cross to bear. It has nothing to do with your complete lack of love and overriding arrogance on the subject. Remember, you are always right (point F above).

R. Don’t forget to be as unloving and divisive as possible. If folks point this out to you, point to Jesus and how people hated Him. Ignore the fact that unlike you, He fulfilled many prophecies, preached the truth, and never sinned.

S. While you are being divisive, please don’t forget to remind yourself that this is the cross you bear for upholding the “truth” (because you are never wrong; point F).

T. Remember to be as harsh as possible with those with whom you disagree, especially from the pulpit because no one would dare speak out during a church service. Belittle these enemies of Christ. Poke fun at, become indignant, and above all, use “righteous anger” to get your point across. This is optional, but feel free to go through the action of shaking your feet off as you speak with them or they disagree with you. That’ll show ’em!

U. Always look down on those with whom you disagree. Remember, you are being “faithful” to Jesus and the truth and there are precious few of you left. The rest are beneath you and they need to see that.

Folks, we’ll be back with Part 2 in this series. I’ve made some points that you can either accept or reject. Frankly, I’ve gotten sick and tired with how vehement people get over the issue of Eschatology. I have my beliefs and on many occasions, I have stated “I could be wrong” simply because I could be. When I stand before Him on my day of judgment, the overriding issue is not going to be whether or not I was a PreTribber or an Amillennialist. The overriding issue is whether or not I am actually a Christian, my love for Him, and my willingness to have spent my days in service to Him.

Theology and Politics from a Conservative, Biblical Perspective