So Much Religion!

Richard Hollerman

Just today I was examining a Facebook page on the Internet and noticed something worth noting. It is not something unusual, I suppose, but it struck me as being so far from Christianity as found in the Scriptures, that it is well worth mentioning.

I have before me two of the pictures and ads although more could be cited to make our point. But before we make our observations, we remind our readers of what we have seen again and again in our articles, some of which are found on our website (www.Truediscipleship.com). There we have shown that the early followers of Christ were radically different from the “churchianity,” the “religion,” and the “institutionalism” found in contemporary denominations and sects. They were simply followers of Jesus, met together regularly to edify each other, encourage each other, and live their lives according to the ways of God.

In brief, the early believers gathered in small groups (generally in homes), were led by men (males, no females) known as overseers (KJV, bishops), or elders (presbyters), or shepherds (pastors), and repudiated all structures and institutionalism. They sought to manifest and grow in such virtues as humility (not pride), obedience (not disobedience), trust in God and His word (not elevating themselves to prominence or following false and human doctrines). So much more could be mentioned but this gives the basic overlook on the early believers at the time of the apostles and a little after that time.

The Facebook ad that came to me has a prominent picture of a regally-dressed man who looks like he belongs at the Vatican. Of course, he wears a clerical collar. The second picture of what must be a visiting speaker is dressed in white (this type of cleric enjoys thus sort of display). Back at the original ad, this leader is called “senior pastor.” Of course, a “senior” simply is another term for the elder (presbyteries). The pastor (shepherd) is another term for the same work in the congregation. The ecclesiastical organization is “. . . Church, Int’l” Obviously, “International” need not be found in a name unless we hope to display that this organization is to be found around the world.

The auditorium of the group is called a “sanctuary”—and this conveys the fact that this is a “holy place” like the ancient tabernacle and temple of the Bible. This leader has a list of positions and works that he fills, such as “pulpiteer, theologian, church planter, gospel music artist/composer, marriage life coach, author, and lecturer.” Can anyone imagine Peter, Paul, Titus, or Timothy making such a claim?

The other ad that we mentioned above claims to have an “evangelism movement ministry and Training Center.” Again, the chief officer is called “Bishop so-and-so.” His picture with a clerical collar is again displayed. Beside him is another person called “Pastor so-and-so,” who is the “senior pastor” (that we would translate as the elder shepherd). Is there anything other than this position? One of the pictures at this site has a woman (a wife) who also holds an ecclesiastical position—even though a woman is not to take the position of “pastor” or “teacher” or anything else! Further, women are not to speak a word in the assembly (1 Timothy 2:11-12; 1 Corinthians 14:33-37).

Earlier I was perusing this site and was shocked to see a series of men who absolutely looked like they emanated from the Vatican! The bold colors, the high head gear, the religious garb, and much more, demonstrated that they wanted to be known as the high-ranking officials in this human organization. This made me recall how we read of “the scribes, who like to walk around in long robes” (Luke 20:46-47).

I also had to remember our Lord’s condemnation of the religious leaders of His day: “They do all their deeds to be noticed by men; for they broaden their phylacteries and lengthen the tassels of their garments” (Matthew 23:5-7). He then says, “Whoever exalts himself shall be humbled; and whoever humbles himself shall be exalted” (23:12). The Internet information that we see and I described surely is a modern-day presentation of what our Lord experienced in His day!