We have followed this theme of remnants and apostates throughout the Bible. We have seen how throughout the Old Testament, the people of God were a small minority that was persecuted and rejected by both those who rejected YHWH and many who professed to belong to YHWH but lived in wickedness. In the days of Noah, a single family was spared. In the days of Abraham, a single family was called out. In the days of Elijah, only 7000 Jews remained faithful to YHWH. This theme also holds true in the New Covenant.
Tag: Worldliness
The Bondage of Manmade Holy Days
Today I walked down to the local Walmart to buy some groceries. I was surprised by how packed the parking lot was and as I entered the store, it was bustling with activity. After a few perplexing seconds I remembered that tomorrow is Valentine's day. I saw men and women rushing to grab flowers, stuffed toys and candy. The candy section was crowded and its stocks were almost empty. It was an interesting sight to say the least! As I walked back home after picking up my groceries I reflected on the craze surrounding manmade holy days.
A Biblical Rejection of Christmas
The celebration of Christmas is a widespread practice in the Western world. It is so widespread and socially acceptable that should one state that they do not keep the custom they are likely to be deemed as odd and strange. In Reformed circles in which I tend to run, there is some degree of controversy in the practice. Historically, the Reformed tradition has generally rejected Christmas and the celebration of other holy days. However, in our times the practice has become more prevalent even in Reformed churches. As Christians, it is important for us to consider what the Scriptures have to say about this topic. Given that I have been asked by many why I do not join in the tradition and celebration that is so common across the Western world and is also celebrated to a degree outside the West, I have decided to gather my thoughts on what I believe the Bible teaches and what I have learnt from my studies of the history.
Revelation 21 and Continuity of Cultural Works: A Refutation and Historic Survey
The theology of Abraham Kuyper and other Dutch theologians has made significant inroads into the English-Speaking world in the last century. Kuyperian thought is popular across a wide range of views in the Dominionist spectrum, from Theonomists to Soft-Dominionists because of the popularity gained by Neo-Calvinism. The theology is primarily appealing in the affluent West because of its emphasis on cultural advancement, vocation and politics. Unsurprisingly, Kuyperianism doesn't have much of a foothold outside the region popularly called "Christendom". Many have accepted Kuyperian theological terminology like "Common-Grace" (a misnomer for Providence) without second thought, not considering that these views and terms don't predate the Dispensational innovation. It is in light of this that it is pertinent to confront a popular doctrine that has become popular in the Churches that flows out of Dutch Calvinism, the doctrine of continuity of culture and its achievements into the age to come.
Worldliness and Dominionism in Christian Homeschooling Movements
There's a popular quote by Voddie Baucham that circulates in Reformed homeschooling circles - "We cannot continue to send our children to Caesar for their education and be surprised when they come home as Romans." Taken in and of itself, the quote is spot on and rightly calls out the folly of sending off children to state sponsored schools where they are indoctrinated to become "good" citizens according to the requirement of each nation. However, a general observation of homeschooled children shows that they are just as worldly and likely to apostatize when they leave the nest. There must be something beyond what meets the eye that explains this phenomenon. Ideally, homeschooled children should show a marked difference from their State schooled peers, however, this seldom is the case.
Natural Revelation and the Sufficiency of Scripture – Part 2
In my previous essay, I wrote about Natural Revelation and how it relates to the Special Revelation we receive through Scripture. Recently, while surveying various Reformed forums on social media, I came across some men who were claiming that General (Natural) Revelation is just as authoritative as Scripture and decrying those who reject their Natural Revelation claims as Nominalists. The basis for their claim was the Scriptural teaching that "all things hold together in Him" (Col 1:17). Since, they claim, all things hold together in Christ, what is revealed to us in Nature is just as authoritative as what is revealed to us in Holy Scripture. Prima Facie, this principle seems reasonable and in line with what the Text claims. However, a simple examination of the context of that very Text and its place in the whole of Scriptures would show why that is not just an error but a serious one.
Natural Revelation and the Sufficiency of Scripture
Recently there's been a surge of interest in Reformed circles on topics pertaining to Natural Law and Natural Revelation. Western Cultures in the 21st Century have seen a rapid erosion of traditional values leading to the formation of several reactionary political movements, like the Alt-Right and several other ethnically conscious movements that claim that the salvation of the West lies in returning to traditional European mores and practices. Reformed tradition is not exempt from the influence of these movements - both progressive and reactionary. Since the Magisterial Reformation didn't abandon the Dominionism of the Middle Ages, this tradition has continued in some form or the other within Protestantism leading to a long history of seeking power, influence and engaging in social activism. While all of these misguided attempts have consistently failed, from Geneva to Apartheid South Africa, the fascination with the notion of taking Dominion for Christ hasn't died.
Deo Vicit Mundum 