I received a thoughtful comment from Mr. Mosteller, who writes for Pressing In blog. Ever the curious soul, I thought to peek in on his site. Two of his recent articles deal specifically with a concept known as Christian Agrarianism but I want to share them here because the points he makes can apply to any form of externally focused attempts at being "different" from the world.
Of course, we should display external evidence of a changed heart. If one continues to live exactly the same as before meeting Jesus, it would be wise to question whether the heart was truly converted. And, I know that some people certainly are called by the Lord to live in a much more "earthy" fashion than are others. But it is possible to take the focus on "separation" to an extreme--to the point that Scripture gets twisted and misquoted in order to support a specific lifestyle that is supposed to be the earthly manifestation of "holiness" for ALL true believers.
This is the first post in his series and this is the second. Definitely worth the time for those who have come in contact with (and come away confused by) any of the more rigid variants within the "Christian Lifestyle" movement.
9 comments:
I believe your concerns are appropriate. The reason I linked to Bobby's posts is that he has actually "been there" and come out of such a lifestyle.
Sometimes people who have had the experience can help shed a little more light on a subject for those who are looking from the outside. I can "feel" in my heart and read Scripture that refutes an idea, but being able to interact with someone who has experienced it can help give a better understanding of the potential problems.
I especially appreciate how he is taking the key "be an agrarian" verses back to the Bible and examining them in light of overall context. My husband does this, too when he studies. It is a good practice regardless of the subject.
Even though the "christian agrarian" movement is more extreme, there are many more subtle varieties of "live like THIS if you are a real Christian" teachings that are floating around. Sometimes it helps me spot the sneakier variations when I have a very exaggerated example with which to compare.
Even if a person was not worried specifically about becoming a Christian farmer, I think the Pressing In articles are worth a look because they make a point of emphasizing exactly what you said...A specific lifestyle does not automatically equal "holiness".
Outward behavior is not what earns me God's favor. While I am called to repent of my sin and obey Him, nothing *I* do can make me acceptable in God's sight. Jesus alone makes it possible for me to be able to approach the Throne of God without terror of eternal punishment.
Heather
Mary,
I've noticed this, too. It is alarming to see how many mainstream churches are openly accepting of teaching that is unbiblical.
I think often of
Luke 18:7-8 And shall not God avenge His own elect who cry day and night to Him, though He has been long-suffering over them?
I say to you that He will avenge them speedily. Yet when the Son of Man comes, shall He find faith on the earth?
That last question really stabs at me. Apparently, we aren't quite to the "end" yet, because it looks as though we are going to see some severe persecution and a major apostasy before then. I think we are getting close, though.
Heather
Interesting that you would mention this. Quite frankly, I've been increasingly aware of the blatant paganistic undertones of Roman Catholicism (specifically speaking of the religion--NOT individuals). And, while I believe there are true Christians within that belief system, I cannot understand how they could discount the dangers of all the "added" spiritual teachings and what appears to be a desire for worldwide domination. I guess it is hard to break with beloved traditions that give a sense of unity and purpose.
I recently ran across a November '08 article that stated the Catholic Church was even trying to find common ground with Islam!
http://christianpost.com/Intl/Ecumenical/2008/11/islamic-scholars-arrive-in-rome-for-landmark-muslim-catholic-talks-03/index.html
Wow. Just...Wow.
Anyway, I believe we are certainly seeing an upswing in frequency and severity of end-times "signs". Perhaps that should be the focus of my next set of posts? ;P
Truly, I agree with the concept of "separation", done in a Biblical manner, and guided by God's Holy Spirit. I absolutely do not envy the undiscerning who get swept along into spiritual "Babylon".
Heather
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