There has been a negative tendency the past few decades that must not be overlooked. I am referring to what may be called evangelical Catholicism. This is a trend and must be headed as a warning to not succumb to the trap. Why is this a danger amongst Protestants? Why is there a desire to return to Rome? Why would people who cherish God’s free grace and Christ’s finished work on Calvary prostitute themselves and become one flesh with the Babylonian whore?
We live in a day when political correctness and tolerance is more important and worth fighting for than doctrinal and gospel accuracy. Our day sees Catholics and evangelicals uniting and writing watered down statements of faith. Since when can light and darkness have fellowship? How can Christ and Baal focus on what they have in common instead of the differences that separate them like night and day? What follows are trends. They do not describe the church as a whole. But some are characteristic of mainstream ministries and certain deluded groups. I am also not saying that these churches have all of the negative leanings. I am saying that some churches take on attributes that can be classified as popish.
What are some of the trends within the evangelical church that resemble Rome? First, there is among some groups an extreme want to see the temple rebuilt in Jerusalem. This, we are told, is the fulfillment of prophecy. Temple sacrifice must be reinstated. Doesn’t this resemble the Mass? Catholics sacrifice Christ anew every day. What would temple sacrifice be but a return to a Christless sacrifice? Christ died once for the sins of his people, there remains no other sacrifice for sin. Why then the desire to have animal sacrifices? They say it is a memorial. Where is that found in Scripture? Christians should not be supportive of reverting back to Old Testament ceremonialism. Believers ought not encourage blasphemy, false worship, abominable practices, and idolatry.
Secondly, as was the case throughout much of church history (especially the Catholic church), the average church member is biblically ignorant and therefore, the clergy controls the interpretation of Scripture. Whatever the pastor says is gospel truth. Most people are not equipped or trained to read the Bible for themselves. They are at the mercy of the minister. There are extreme cases where preachers convinced followers to do unbiblical things like: commit mass suicide, murder, fornicate. But, there are also smaller and less obvious departures from Scripture that are encouraged and taught. Things that do not matter but are constantly taught and held as standards of holiness or even salvation. The normal church attender does not know any better, so they submit to the teachings that they hear. These teachings may include: hair length, clothing requirements, conditions on facial hair, prohibiting movies and cards, demands on what to watch and listen to, insisting on what not to watch or listen to, dietary laws, who to support, who to boycott, and so on. These are non-essentials that some pastors make hills to die on. And their flocks blindly resign to follow because they cannot or do not read and study God’s word.
Thirdly, just as the Catholic church places saving emphasis on their sacraments, some Protestants fall into the same snare. Many church goers believe they are saved because they have been baptized and joined a church. Baptismal regeneration (akin to Rome’s baptizing of infants in order to wash away original sin) may be denied but it seems that so many cling to that act as proof of conversion or why they are saved at all. Then, church membership is viewed as the roll that is called up yonder. The church roll is the Book of Life. So many people when asked if they are a Christian answer by saying, “I was baptized” or “I go to so and so church.” This reveals a lot about what they think about salvation and Christianity.
Fourthly, similar to the priest and his office in the Catholic church is the sentiment that some have toward their pastor. Some pastors are elevated to heights that no mere man has any business of being. It appears that some church attenders think that pastors are holy, closer to God, without sin and struggle, and able to intercede on their behalf. They have a special access to God also that enables their prayers to be heard and answered. There is a tendency in some churches and denominations to worship the pastor. Now, they do not see it this way, but there is an unbiblical and idolatrous adoration for some pastors. They are followed, cherished, believed to almost be infallible, unerring, without blemish or weakness. They are held in an iconic status. Sometimes it is through no fault of the preacher. What is often the case is that the preacher has been dead for years.
Today, some pastors and theologians are revered to a degree that nearly resembles Catholics and the veneration of saints. Names like Calvin, Luther, Edwards, Spurgeon, Piper, MacArthur are esteemed. These were and are great men of God, but they are just men. We have to be careful about treasuring idols in our hearts. Anything and anyone may become an idol or stumbling block. Anything can take our eyes off of Christ. Beware!
Fifthly, the sale of indulgences is big business today. I am not talking about the famous swindler Tetzel, but those who pawn salvation to the masses. Christianity is peddled and marketed as if it was just another product in a long line of items sold to consumers. Christian consumerism is colossal. There are movies, music, concerts, events, fashion, entertainment- anything the world has a promoter or an opportunistic business man has taken and slapped a “Christian” label on it. Christianity has its own celebrities and whose who. This is the church competing with the world. Well, it is the church the non-church would have us believe is the true church. The world has been let in the front door. The church has been absorbed by the world. The god entertainment sits on his throne while we slothfully gather around in dazed amusement. What is sad is that the church does not penetrate into the world. Why would we? We have everything the world has to offer, we just christianize it and accept that this somehow legitimizes blasphemy and idolatry.
So called Christians buy these things and think that they are on the way to heaven. They get caught up in what’s new and better. Gathering toys and trinkets is the thing. After all, we are consumers. Whoever has the best stuff at unbeatable prices will get the sale. So, many fall prey to the siren’s call and sell all to gather material objects in order to gain eternal life. I spend money on “Christian” memorabilia and my soul is secure. I can rest assured because I purchased God honoring, conscience easing holy novelties. Isn’t it telling that heaven is described as having streets of gold (Rev. 21:21)? I speculate that this is purposeful. Could it be that the very thing that we hold dearest and nearest on this earth will be trodden in glory? Riches amassed on earth will be under the feet of glorified saints in heaven.
Other leanings toward Rome are legalism, the white-knuckled clenching to traditions, and an unbiblical view of the dead. Legalism has always been a danger. Men think that they must finish what God has started by adding their good works. This may be done unconsciously. Or, many have a notion that they have to pay God back for what he has done. The attitude is wrong. We do not pay God back, we joyfully and willingly do what he has commanded and ordained to glorify him. Good works stem from a rapturous heart soaked in grace, not from an enslaved spirit shackled by guilt.
Traditions are defended more earnestly in some places that the truth. Churches have split over the silliest things. Certain ideas or habits are followed until they become confused with truth. Traditions take on a place in the heart of some that it is seen as sacrilege if discarded. Carpet color, padded pews, types of music, choir robes, annual offerings, pieces of furniture, time of service, and order of service (to name a few) are argued over more than the deity of Christ, the Person of the Holy Spirit, duration of hell, extent of the atonement, and Christ’s return. Traditions are just that, cultural or local heritages. They neither save or make someone more saved. Some are unbiblical it is true, but mostly they are non-essentials that take the focus off Christ.
An unbiblical view of the dead is widespread. Just as Catholics pray to departed saints, some Protestants speak to the dead. They will say things to that person or believe that they are “looking down on them.” Some see in coincidences the deceased speaking. They interpret as signs something that normally goes unnoticed. Some make vows or promises thinking that the departed loved one hears them. Others ask for forgiveness of those from beyond the grave.
These trends and similarities to Catholicism are leanings. They are characteristics only and does not mean that these people are traitors. They may however be confused, deceived, lost, convoluted, and desperate for the truth. False gospels are serious. God only has one way to save sinners and if one makes a mistake here souls perish.
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