The Danger of a Different Gospel

This is the time of year, along with just before Pascha, that many Christians are led astray from the Gospel of Christ, in favor of a ‘new’ gospel, one that focuses on man rather than God. Although, many are not willing to admit it, the modern Protestant movement now totaling more than 43,000 denominations, creates more confusion among Christians than comfort.

The modern Protestant movement is built upon, as the name suggests, protesting the teachings of one Church in favor of one’s own interpretation of the Truth. I have heard expressions just as, “That is your truth; this is my truth.” Truth cannot change, by definition, or it is false. In one of my favor ‘conversion story’ books is Thirsting for God in a Land of Shallow Wells, by Matthew Gallatin. In this book, which I recommend even cradle Orthodox Christians to read, he shares the humble realization that it is impossible for every denomination to be correct in their teaching about God. Someone must be wrong, and the beauty of this book is his willingness to accept that maybe he is the wrong who is wrong. He searches, thirsting for God, and discovers the Orthodox Church.

The very idea that a church could be wrong is a conundrum in modern society. The very act of protest suggests others are wrong, while insisting the new denomination finally got is right about God. That is the beauty of Gallatin’s book. His humility in accepting the very possibility he was the incorrect one, is an inspiration. Then we stumble across today’s reading from Saint Paul.

Brethren, grace to you and peace from God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ, who gave himself for our sins to deliver us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father; to whom be the glory for ever and ever. Amen. I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ and turning to a different gospel – not that there is another gospel, but there are some who trouble you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ. But even if we, or an angel of heaven, should preach to you a gospel contrary to that which we preached to you, let him be accursed. As we have said before, so now I say again, If any one is preaching to you a gospel contrary to that which you received, let him be accursed. Am I now seeking the favor of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still pleasing men, I should not be a servant of Christ. – Galatians 1.3-10

There are other warnings even from Christ about the coming of false teachers, yet here we are with more than 43,000 denominations. (Ref Matthew 7.15) What makes this season difficult, from my perspective, is our desire to always play nice with others. We are called by God to live at peace with others, but we are also called to protect the Truth. In our contemporary setting in which ‘The Christmas Season’ is more about shopping, decorations, and holiday parties, than it is about Christ, makes the conversation about Truth even more stressful. So, in the name of keeping the peace, we sit quietly.

The problem is, our children and other vulnerable faithful hear the message of the wolves rather than the Church. Fasting for Christmas has all but disappeared, and the Christmas Liturgy is often an afterthought as families gather for banquets opening presents. What used to be a day when every Christian would come to Church, is more and more a day to sleep in and enjoy family time around the Christmas Tree.

Don’t misunderstand me. I’m not suggesting we should spend family time during Christmas. I use this an example of why focusing on the Truth can be so difficult. In the context of modern Christmas, the Church’s teachings rank second or even third place in priority. Tomorrow, the Nativity Fasts increases in intensity. I invite you to embrace the final two weeks of your Christmas preparation focusing on learning the teachings of the Church rather than the teachings of the other 42,999 denominations. Spend time learning about the real story of Joseph as an elderly man betrothed to the Virgin Mary to protect her and her Son, our God. Something as simple as realizing the idea of a ‘young Joseph and Mary’ starting out their family together is not the true story, can go a long way to realizing the world has it wrong.

We shouldn’t be surprised the world has gone astray. We were warned by God and the ancient Church to be on the lookout for such dangers. The time has come to look at the Church for guidance rather than secular marketing agencies about what to believe and how to live. Christ promised the Holy Spirit would lead the Church into all truth. We can trust the Church. He also promised many would come to lead us astray. They will never stop trying, but we will stand up against them at every opportunity, because they preach a different Gospel than what we received from Christ and His Disciples.