Preachers, beware your words might become false

Preachers beware your words might become false.

In a time when social media, even religious programing, may not always portray the truth in matters that will guide our conscience.  Jesus warned his listeners; “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheeps’ clothing, but underneath are ravenous wolves.  By their fruits you will know them.  Do people pick grapes from thorn bushes, or figs from thistles?  Just so, every good tree bears good fruit, and a rotten tree bears bad fruit.”  (Mt. 7: 15 - 18).  

Now it isn’t those who willingly stand in as real prophets insinuating that the current church is not their true god, but the other ministers who go one step beyond and proclaim their philosophy is the only way to Christ and guaranteed salvation that is the truth.  

It appears we must weigh the teaching of each guiding proclamation and make a discernment as to which to follow.  First, the politically minded officials do not speak for God or any group that does.  Day after day we see the media using the airwaves to indoctrinate the viewing  public and with convincing rhetoric turn the average citizen away from their Christian values towards the new-age philosophies that if left alone will surely pull those God-given graces away.

However, there is another deeper admonishment that is too subtle to ignore and it comes from popular ministers that are one-sided in their remarks.  Without naming any particular minister, the manner of speaking can be a turn-off for the average Christian or Jew.  When anyone places themselves as the curator of God’s Word there can be an upheaval of theology. 

One in particular quotes from the bible that unless you follow Christ alone you will not enter heaven.  This minister continues that unless you adhere to reaching the Father through Christ, you are bound to end in hell for all eternity.  Now, as a Roman Catholic I fully believe in the dictates Christ has taught us and completely promote the theology our church advocates.  But, I must also add here what the CCC says about other religions.  “The Church’s relationship with the Muslims.”  “The plan of salvation also includes those who acknowledge the Creator, in the first place amongst whom are the Muslims; these profess to hold the faith of Abraham, and together with us they adore the one , merciful God, mankind’s judge on the last day.”  CCC 841.

“The Catholic Church recognizes in other religions that search, among shadows and images, for the God who is unknown yet near since he gives life and breath and all things and wants all men to be saved.  Thus the Church considers all goodness and truth found in these religions as a preparation for the Gospel and given by him who enlightens all men that they may at length have life.”  CCC 843

“In their religious behavior, however, men also display the limits and errors that disfigure the image of God in them.”  CCC 844

“Outside the Church there is no salvation.”  “This affirmation is not aimed at those who through no fault of their own, do not know Christ and his Church.”  CCC 847.

Ministers who hold to the idea that those who worship differently, or not at all are sending a message of hate or a better than you symptom to those who are different.  Remember the signs of pride and humility.  Become humble enough to accept all where they’re at.  Not judging others because they don’t adhere to God through no fault of their own.

Ralph B. Hathaway