How to Respond to False Doctrine

[drayanna]

Wish I hadn't asked, that truly breaks my heart. Left with such a solemnity inside. Let's pray.

mine too

..rather long rant on Catholicism...."false" doctrine #7....

Long-yes
false-nope I shared a experience on CF.
I was talking to OP on this one and said what I did when confronted on something that was false doctrine.
Since I was not giving doctrine it can't be false.
Was I correct on how I handled it? I am not sure but it's what I did. I didn't run away but did feel as though I needed to flee.
make sure when you are judging others you are doing so with love and in the spirit.
But if you want doctrine....
In Jesus words...
And call no man your father on earth, for you have one Father, who is in heaven

 

[GeorgeJ]

43.7 % of all statistics are made up on the spot.

 

[LPetal]

2 Timothy 23 Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. 24 And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. 25 Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, 26 and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.

 

[LPetal]

If the above was Paul's advice to young Timothy, then I should think it's good for me too.

 

[Halbhh]

Often people don't realize many have never heard or only vaguely/partially heard or only gotten a misrepresentation of the gospels.

They've not read them. Perhaps they can quote a verse or 3, sometimes, often not even those accurately.

So, what they need, from us, is to hear the fullness of the good news.

For the first time.

Even if they are putatively asking something about hell/annihilation.

What many need is *not* discussion about the precise nature of the 'lake of fire', in contrast to 'hades', or such. No. It's plenty enough for them to only very vaguely know that's the failure to gain eternal life in bliss. They need to know eternal life is possible!

Even if they ask a question that reminds us of a doctrine we have.

And the surest way to convey the good news of Christ of all ways is by direct quotes from the gospels, I think.

 

[drayanna]

"False" doctrine #8.

The one-world religion described inRevelation 17:1–18 as “the great harlot” will be part of the end-times scenario. The termharlot is used throughout the Old Testament as a metaphor for false religion. The actual identity and makeup of the religion has been debated for centuries and has resulted in a number of different views among Bible commentators and theologians. There are convincing arguments for the one world religion being Catholicism, Islam, the New Age movement, or some form of religion not even invented yet, and an internet search will produce many more possibilities and theories. There is no doubt that some sort of one-world religion under the false prophet will be a part of the end times, perhaps made up of a number of different religions, sects, and isms that are around today.

Revelation 17:1–18 gives us several characteristics of the one-world religion. The false religion will dominate all the “peoples and multitudes and nations and tongues” of the earth (Revelation 1b, 15), meaning that it will have universal authority, no doubt given by the Antichrist, who rules the world at that time. Verses 2–3 describe the harlot as committing adultery with the “kings of the earth,” referring to the false religion’s influence among the world’s rulers and influential people. The reference to being drunk with the wine of her adulteries may refer to those who are drunk with the power they receive from worshiping the false god of the false religion. Satan frequently ensnares those whose lust for power drives them away from the worship of the true and living God. The alliances forged by the false religion will unite church and state as never before.

Verse 6 describes the harlot as being “drunk with the blood of the saints” and the blood of those who testify of Jesus. Whether they will be martyred at the hand of the Antichrist or by being systematically starved, believers who are on the earth during the tribulation will experience the wrath of the harlot and her power source, the Antichrist. Those who oppose the worldwide religion will be killed, and those who refuse to worship the Antichrist by accepting his mark will be unable to buy and sell, thereby making survival very difficult (Revelation 13:16–17).

Eventually, the harlot will lose favor with the Antichrist, who will want to receive the world’s worship for himself. He will not share the adoration of the world with the prophets and priests of the false religion, no matter how obsequious or fawning they may be. Once the Antichrist gains the world’s amazed attention by his miraculous return from the dead (Revelation 13:3, 12, 14), he will turn on the false religious system and destroy it, establishing himself as God. The deception, Jesus tells us, will be so great that, if it were possible, even the elect would fall for it (Matthew 24:24

 

[GeorgeJ]

For the record....I am not numbering what I believe are false doctrines. I'm numbering what the posters believe to be false doctrines, along with the quote from them stating what they believe to be the "false" doctrine.

Personally, I don't care what your doctrine is....just don't try and cram it down my throat or I just may throw it back up on you.

 

[Kenny'sID]

how should we respond? Argue, debate, teach,... ? I would like to hear from you.

all three, whatever it takes to prove it wrong.

I don't report anything...I have a serious problem with the "make it go away" way of doing things, at least in general.

So we report it, it goes away, and next time it comes up, it is not in a situation where we or anyone can report it, like being pushed on the street/whatever when no one is there to help.

However, if we take the bull by the horns while the subject is fresh/there, and along with proof, expose it for what it is, then we have truly helped others then and for future reference, not to mention the OP might get something out of it. Strike while the iron is available/hot, and take advantage of the opportunity instead of making it go away.

Educate, don't sweep it under the carpet.

 

[drayanna]

43.7 % of all statistics are made up on the spot.

http://lifewayresearch.com/2014/10/28/americans-believe-in-heaven-hell-and-a-little-bit-of-heresy/
One research that was recently done. My other statistic is based also off lifeway done 10 years ago which is why 75 percent professing christians has changed to less today.
I must be in the 57 percent of non-madeup

 

[GeorgeJ]

I must be in the 57 percent of non-madeup

...that would more accurately be 56.3%...and 45.2% of that is based upon questionable sources.

 

[Daniel Marsh]

Imagine you are reading a post on CF (Not this one, ), and you start reading some strange stuff, stuff that you have never read in the Bible. It may have a nice sound to it, but it just doesn't seem quite right. It might even be "alluring" or looking like an appealing bait, or appetizer. Then you recognize it. You can almost hear the hiss of the serpent in the Garden of Eden. You know now that this is not the voice of the Spirit, or of Jesus (John 10:27). You could easily just stop reading, and move on to another post, or something else, and that might be the appropriate action for some. But these words on this post that is just not quite right, or no where close to right is still there for others to read.
It reminds me of years ago, while working as a security supervisor at a hotel, of occasionally coming across pornographic magazines left in the hallways. Now I could be tempted to look at them, or I could ignore them, or I could just throw them away. But then others might still find them and fall for/to their destructiveness. As a Christian I developed a plan for finding them in the future. "Find it, fold it, and fling it." Find it, and don't look at the cover and be enticed by that, and then want to see more. NO!!! Fold that magazine in half immediately so as not to see the cover. Then don't just throw it away for someone else to find. Take it to the trash compactor and fling it all the way to the back, and push the button to move it to a place where it will become irretrievable (at least by me and others in the hotel.) Now not everyone has access to a trash compactor, but come up with a similar plan for dealing with your own temptations, something that is practical, workable, and effective.
So when we find posts on this website, posts maybe we don't think we necessarily should REPORT, how should we respond? Argue, debate, teach,... ? I would like to hear from you.

If it is out of line with the forums' statement of faith, report it.

While it is still open, ask questions to expose the teaching.

Ask them how they understand contrary verses.

When they quote a verse, check its context. Many will be out of context because they have to read into it. Post the chapter with the part that contradicts them highlighted.

Do some research online to see, what has exposed that teaching before and use it.

If the person, is simply talking past your responses, keep posting the same answer. So, that when people see that the poster is not listening to others they can just move on. I scroll through a thread looking for questions and if they been answered. When I see the same question repeated, then I know it is not worth my time. When a thread goes way off topic the moderators may want to install a pause button to let them know to close the thread.

 

[Ken Rank]

Imagine you are reading a post on CF (Not this one, ), and you start reading some strange stuff, stuff that you have never read in the Bible. It may have a nice sound to it, but it just doesn't seem quite right. It might even be "alluring" or looking like an appealing bait, or appetizer. Then you recognize it. You can almost hear the hiss of the serpent in the Garden of Eden. You know now that this is not the voice of the Spirit, or of Jesus (John 10:27). You could easily just stop reading, and move on to another post, or something else, and that might be the appropriate action for some. But these words on this post that is just not quite right, or no where close to right is still there for others to read.
It reminds me of years ago, while working as a security supervisor at a hotel, of occasionally coming across pornographic magazines left in the hallways. Now I could be tempted to look at them, or I could ignore them, or I could just throw them away. But then others might still find them and fall for/to their destructiveness. As a Christian I developed a plan for finding them in the future. "Find it, fold it, and fling it." Find it, and don't look at the cover and be enticed by that, and then want to see more. NO!!! Fold that magazine in half immediately so as not to see the cover. Then don't just throw it away for someone else to find. Take it to the trash compactor and fling it all the way to the back, and push the button to move it to a place where it will become irretrievable (at least by me and others in the hotel.) Now not everyone has access to a trash compactor, but come up with a similar plan for dealing with your own temptations, something that is practical, workable, and effective.
So when we find posts on this website, posts maybe we don't think we necessarily should REPORT, how should we respond? Argue, debate, teach,... ? I would like to hear from you.

The problem Greg is that sometimes something that might seem false to us today might not be as we grow in understanding and discernment. Core issues tend to remain in tact... there is a God, Yeshua (God's son) came without sin, died and rose in 3 days, etc..... but in many other areas what we believed 5 years ago might be different or carry less weight today and in 5 more years we might find out that what we believe today has more depth than we understand now... or might not even be correct at all.

So what do I do? I tend not to speak harshly against doctrine I am opposed to but instead make sure that another view is made available so that those who are actually searching for answers on that topic, have something else to weigh in and pray about as they work through it. After that, I just trust that God will lead them in truth, as He promised. We have to let Him do His job. Beyond that, unless somebody is headed into a rebellious state or is teaching something that is leading people AWAY FROM the God of Israel, I find it best to just let them learn through their mistakes. God does expect that by the way...mistakes AND us learning from them.

Blessings.
Ken

 

[Tangible]

Kick the dog, comfort the child.

A teacher of false doctrine should be vigorously confronted and condemned in no uncertain terms publicly.

A Christian who has been taught false doctrine should be comforted with the Gospel of Jesus Christ and gently corrected from error.

 

[Greg Merrill]

If it is out of line with the forums' statement of faith, report it.

While it is still open, ask questions to expose the teaching.

Ask them how they understand contrary verses.

When they quote a verse, check its context. Many will be out of context because they have to read into it. Post the chapter with the part that contradicts them highlighted.

Do some research online to see, what has exposed that teaching before and use it.
I like and thank you for your comments.
Is there a way for me to close my own thread?

If the person, is simply talking past your responses, keep posting the same answer. So, that when people see that the poster is not listening to others they can just move on. I scroll through a thread looking for questions and if they been answered. When I see the same question repeated, then I know it is not worth my time. When a thread goes way off topic the moderators may want to install a pause button to let them know to close the thread.

 

[drayanna]

...that would more accurately be 56.3%...and 45.2% of that is based upon questionable sources.

I round up to the nearest denominator. It was how I was taught in school. You know that doctrine you speak of?
Lol
I really am getting a kick out of you. I picture you as my father in law. He is 80+ years and likes to say things like "cleanliness is next to godliness" knowing it gets me going.
I know though he loves Jesus with all his heart but is lonely. So if I am seeing you wrong I feel really bad for you and will say a prayer but then I will probably say a prayer for you when I pray for my father in law.

 

[rockytopva]

I believe in the seven churches as seven congregations that were birthed down through the ages...

Ephesus - Messianic - Beginning with the Apostle to the Circumcision, Peter
Smyrna - Martyr - Beginning with the Apostle to the Un-Circumcision, Paul
Pergamos - Orthodoxy formed in this time... Pergos is a tower... Needed in the dark ages
Thyatira - Catholicism formed in this time - The spirit of Jezebel is to control and to dominate.
Sardis - Protestantism formed in this time- A sardius is a gem - elegant yet hard and rigid
Philadelphia - Wesleyism formed in this time - To be sanctioned is to acquire it with love.
Laodicea - Charismatic movement formed in this time - Beginning with DL Moody, the first to make money off of ministry

The Messianic's hold true to some doctrines others may regard as false
The Orthodox hold true to some doctrines others may regard as false
The Catholic's hold true to some doctrines others may regard as false
The Protestants hold true to some doctrines others may regard as false
Those of the great awakening hold true to some doctrines others may regard as false
Charismatics hold true to some doctrines others may regard as false

We may hold on to doctrine we believe is true... But someone in another congregation may not go along with us. There are beliefs that other congregations hold true that we do not find in he bible... The worship of Mary and the Saints for example.

 

[Ken Rank]

A teacher of false doctrine should be vigorously confronted and condemned in no uncertain terms publicly.

A Christian who has been taught false doctrine should be comforted with the Gospel of Jesus Christ and gently corrected from error.

Can you always tell them apart? Isn't it possible that the teacher you want "vigorously confronted" may simply be parroting something they heard or were taught that is wrong? I have found that often the teacher who is teaching something false is not doing it with malice, they have just made a bad conclusion or, like I said, it simply repeating bad information. Shouldn't they be gently corrected first, shown a little mercy like God showed us when we stood in error, before being rebuked for something they don't even know is wrong?

If we KNOW they know it is wrong, that is rebellion on their part and that is different. But somebody teaching something in ignorance by definition doesn't know what he is teaching is wrong. That isn't rebellion, it is simply wrong.

 

[Ken Rank]

I believe in the seven churches as seven congregations that were birthed down through the ages...

Ephesus - Messianic - Beginning with the Apostle to the Circumcision, Peter
Smyrna - Martyr - Beginning with the Apostle to the Un-Circumcision, Paul
Pergamos - Orthodoxy formed in this time... Pergos is a tower... Needed in the dark ages
Thyatira - Catholicism formed in this time - The spirit of Jezebel is to control and to dominate.
Sardis - Protestantism formed in this time- A sardius is a gem - elegant yet hard and rigid
Philadelphia - Wesleyism formed in this time - To be sanctioned is to acquire it with love.
Laodicea - Charismatic movement formed in this time - Beginning with DL Moody, the first to make money off of ministry

The Messianic's hold true to some doctrines others may regard as false
The Orthodox hold true to some doctrines others may regard as false
The Catholic's hold true to some doctrines others may regard as false
The Protestants hold true to some doctrines others may regard as false
Those of the great awakening hold true to some doctrines others may regard as false
Charismatics hold true to some doctrines others may regard as false

We may hold on to doctrine we believe is true... But someone in another congregation may not go along with us. There are beliefs that other congregations hold true that we do not find in he bible... The worship of Mary and the Saints for example.

We won't always come to the same conclusions. We are in a fallen state, imperfect... and though we strive toward perfection, until we are perfected, we by definition will remain imperfect. Understanding that, and that with teachers and students we have people on different levels of understandings... then seeing how a Hebrew understands "one mind and one accord" makes more sense. They don't see it as "every agrees on everything," they see it as, "despite our disagreements, we work as one for the good of the whole." That doesn't condone bad doctrine or sin... it simply means we need to get over the idea that we are not always going to see eye to eye on everything.

 

[GeorgeJ]

I know though he loves Jesus with all his heart but is lonely.

I'm definitely not lonely....and I got about 22.5 (rounding up to the nearest tenth) more years until I hit 80...

 

[Greg Merrill]

I believe in the seven churches as seven congregations that were birthed down through the ages...

Ephesus - Messianic - Beginning with the Apostle to the Circumcision, Peter
Smyrna - Martyr - Beginning with the Apostle to the Un-Circumcision, Paul
Pergamos - Orthodoxy formed in this time... Pergos is a tower... Needed in the dark ages
Thyatira - Catholicism formed in this time - The spirit of Jezebel is to control and to dominate.
Sardis - Protestantism formed in this time- A sardius is a gem - elegant yet hard and rigid
Philadelphia - Wesleyism formed in this time - To be sanctioned is to acquire it with love.
Laodicea - Charismatic movement formed in this time - Beginning with DL Moody, the first to make money off of ministry

The Messianic's hold true to some doctrines others may regard as false
The Orthodox hold true to some doctrines others may regard as false
The Catholic's hold true to some doctrines others may regard as false
The Protestants hold true to some doctrines others may regard as false
Those of the great awakening hold true to some doctrines others may regard as false
Charismatics hold true to some doctrines others may regard as false

We may hold on to doctrine we believe is true... But someone in another congregation may not go along with us. There are beliefs that other congregations hold true that we do not find in he bible... The worship of Mary and the Saints for example.

The "Age" interpretation/application for the seven churches has been around for a long time, but I have never heard it taught like this. The traditional way of teaching it is interesting though probably more application than intended indoctrination by the apostle John and God. Your comments are interesting though, and appreciated.