This will likely be one of the most controversial blogs I’ve ever written. I’ve prayed (and fretted a bit) about it. Not only because I may be labeled as a religious shrewd, or intolerant, legalistic, and judgmental or an up-tight Christian, but mostly because I don’t want to come across as someone who’s superior or “more spiritual”. Because that’s not my heart. And I’m just as prone to stumble into sin as anyone.

I’m certainly no better than any other person, and I don’t think all Christians need to look and act just as we do—and the same should be true for you. Our family has worshipped together with many Christians who don’t have the same convictions we have. I may be more conservative—or more liberal—than you, but that doesn’t necessarily mean I am legalistic, judgmental or shallow.

No matter where you find yourself on the sliding scale, we all tend to judge those more conservative than us as being legalistic, while thinking someone more liberal than us is worldly and less spiritual. And this is wrong! So wrong. My friends and fellow Christians, it’s time to stop attacking each other. We are on the same side.

Truth. At times it can feel like it’s become a word of the past. In our world today, the idea of truth is deemed irrelevant and out-of-date. There is no such thing as right or wrong, of truth and lies…or is there?

I am here today to present the truth side-by-side of these popular concepts, books/movies, and symbols, and let you decide if they match up. Because it seems like it’s getting harder and harder for us as Christians to discern the truth from the lies. I believe, in many ways, the world is looking at us and laughing. They know we are professing Christians, yet we’re deceived. Many of them can see the evil influences that Christians are embracing. Like these examples:

The Peace Symbol
The upside down peace symbol is displayed on many consumer items. Backpacks, notebooks, clothes—everywhere. But this symbol is not as innocent and peace-filled as it appears. These are quotes regarding the upside down peace symbol from non-Christians, “The symbol’s origin in history proves it to be the visual mystic character for ‘Aum’ (the split ‘Y’). This is the sacred word to the Hindu. Chanting ‘Aum’ is supposed to help awaken ‘the serpent power of Brahma’ at the base of the human spine. Occultist Albert Pike also identifies this symbol as mystical in his book on Freemasonry Morals and Dogma.”

“The peace symbol (also called the “broken cross,” “crow’s foot,” “witch’s foot,” “Nero Cross,” “sign of the ‘broken Jew,’” and the “symbol of the ‘anti-Christ’) is actually a cross with the arms broken. It also signifies the “gesture of despair,” and the “death of man.” 

Disney Movies

What’s wrong with “innocent” Disney children’s movies? But think a little farther. Should we really be entertaining our children with movies that feature witches and spells?
These movies make light of things God clearly states as being sin. Not to mention, if you look closely, you will find numerous satanic symbols throughout these movies. We need to be careful and very discerning. There again, you may accuse us of being legalistic, but we’ve personally seen some of the evil messages subtly portrayed in many of these movies.
The Harry Potter Series

The writer of Harry Potter portrays witchcraft, magic, and casting spells as a “cool thing”. My friend, there are only two sources of supernatural power. If a power is not from God, the only other place it could come from is Satan! What are books like these doing in Christian homes?

Minions

What about those cute, ever-popular, animated minions? The dictionary or google definition of a minion is: “a follower or underling of a powerful person, a yes-man, a nameless, faceless servant.” These little guys and those movies are created to make evil feel good. They are the little heroes of the movies, and a quote in the movie is: “Doesn’t it feel so good to be bad?!” The minion movies were created by Illuminati Entertainment which is truly satanic. Please do your research on every movie you allow into your home.

“The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons. Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;” (1 Tim. 4:1-2)

Are we, the church, becoming deceived and ensnared? My friend, Satan is out to destroy each of us. We need to have our guards up regarding his tactics and deceptive ways. In addition to secular entertainment, there are many twisted theologies being taught in “Christian” literature that are very dangerous. Since they are just a slight counterfeit to truth, they’re typically more dangerous to Christians than obvious fallacy because they are far more subtle.

“The Shack” 
“The Shack” book and recently-released movie is, in my opinion, another such example of subtle, twisted theology. If you have not read this book or watched the movie, below are a few examples: (Now before you get upset at me, please hear me out…If the book and movie has drawn you closer to God, I’m thankful. However, the caution I’m trying to give is that every movie we watch, every book we read, every event we do is either drawing us closer to the God of the Bible or pulling us away. The books from this author are more than just fictional stories. They are addressing important theological views. I’ve read enough to see it.) “And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.” (Col. 3:17)

This is a quote from “God” regarding the trinity, “Submission is not about authority and it is not obedience; it is all about relationships of love and respect. In fact, we (the trinity) are submitted to you (Mack – the main character) in the same way.” The subtle message of mutual submission without authority and obedience is taught.

Another fallacy is when “Jesus” tells Mack that He is: “the best way any human can relate to Papa (God) or Sarayu (the Holy Spirit).” My friend, Jesus is not the best way, He is the only way.

Another place in the book, “Papa” (God) tells Mack that He is now reconciled to the whole world. Mack asks, “The whole world? You mean those who believe in you, right?”“Papa” responds, “The whole world, Mack.” God’s word never teaches that God is reconciled to those who don’t believe in Him and obey His commands. God clearly gives a different picture. “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.” (Matt. 7:21) No, our “works” won’t get us into heaven. However, our lack of “works” or obedience to Him will keep us out.

This clearly demonstrates the twisted theology in believing that many roads lead to God, and you can be reconciled to God apart from Jesus Christ. This is a Unitarian Universalist belief. The author himself has said that his book is readily accepted within the New Age and atheist groups. His second book is even more blatantly filled with deceptions and lies.

My friend, we need to be “as wise as serpents” in discerning what is good and what is evil. Hebrews 5:14 tells us that,“…strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.” 

A Misconception of God

There’s a big problem in our society regarding who God really is. This popular view is that God is love, merciful, long-suffering, and filled with compassion and grace. And this is completely true! But, my friend, if you stop there, you are not describing the God of the Bible.

God is also just, holy, and a God who will punish sin. He allows us to choose our destiny, yet allows our sinful choices to have consequences. Just as in the law of gravity, God has established other laws. I’m sorry, but you cannot continue living in sin, going your own way, and expect God’s grace to cover you. God’s grace does not extend to the proud and obstinate.

Twisted theologies and ideas come directly from Satan himself. And remember, Satan always comes in a deceptive way and as an “angel of light.” What he brings will look like something innocent, good and even loving. Satan is more effective in deceiving Christians with something close to truth than something that is blatantly evil.

But there IS a solution. It’s called God’s word. You know that old-fashioned book covered with dust on our shelves? That book that is usually not read half the time as our Facebook news feed. Yeah, that one. This Book is the answer, my friend. Anything that doesn’t line up with God’s word is simply not truth. No matter how popular it is.

In fact, God’s word says, “Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:”(Matt. 7:13) Since the majority are on the road to destruction, most of the time truth is, quite honestly, the opposite of the popular view.

The Bible clearly states,“Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;” (destruction-2 Thess. 2:3)

I believe this falling away has already begun. And I’m concerned about where our discernment is. What has went wrong that we no longer see evil as being evil? Many of us are so blinded that we can no longer discern what is right and what is wrong.

If I am drawn into believing a twisted view of God, a wrong philosophy or expose myself to satanic influences, its likely a discernment problem on my part. And the problem usually stems back to me not being in God’s word and thus not recognizing what is truth from what is error. God’s word is our lifeline. Without it, we will certainly lose our way.

~Cindy (For The Mullett Family)