White Evangelicals Are ‘The Most Un-Christian’ Segment Of American Society, MSNBC Claims
Here is a report related to evangelical Protestants:
White Evangelicals Are ‘The Most Un-Christian’ Segment Of American Society, MSNBC Claims
MSNBC … spent an entire segment denouncing white evangelical Christians as “the most un-Christian” segment of American society.
“We have … evangelical[s], who are supposedly ‘the most Christian people in the country,’ who practice the most un-Christian ways,” said MSNBC contributor and short-lived candidate for lieutenant governor of Texas Matthew Dowd. He claimed that conservative Christians “don’t believe in common decency, don’t believe in the common good,” and have embraced “the exact opposite of what Jesus preached in the gospels.”
“I actually think we’re in a spiritual-soul crisis in this country,” and evangelical support for President Donald Trump “is the most direct evidence of it,” said Dowd. “We have a fundamental soul problem when we have an entire segment of our society who no longer believes in the fundamental message of Jesus Christ about loving one another and respecting one another, and treating everybody as you want to be treated. They don’t believe that anymore.” Dowd did not use the same standard to evaluate MSNBC personalities who said “there’s an idiot percentage of this population that just needs to be told what to do” and compared Trump voters to Nazis. …
Nichole Wallace …, a former advisor to George W. Bush and John McCain, lamented that evangelical Christians now support Donald Trump when, she claims, they used to support such issues as “climate change,” fighting poverty and malaria, and pushing the U.S. “toward more aggressive action globally.”
“A lot of people who describe themselves as evangelicals have subordinated faith to politics and to partisan passions … and decided that they want to use the Bible to defend things that I think ultimately are indefensible,” said Wehner. White evangelicals’ political sensibilities are driven by an “overblown” sense of “grievances and resentments over decades of being … mocked and ridiculed by the elite [and] the Establishment,” he said without proof. …
Ken Ham, Founder and CEO of Answers In Genesis, responded to the comments made in the MSNBC segment, stating that the media will frivolously say anything to push their “anti-Christian” agenda.
“These MSNBC reporters have no idea about true Christianity & what Jesus teaches,” he insisted. “They just quote something without context & use it for their ongoing anti-Christian agenda.”
“For a start,” Ham continued, “if they really wanted to promote what Jesus explicitly teaches, they would be adamant that there are only two genders of humans, male & female (Mark 10:6), & adamant there’s only one true marriage, that of one man & one woman (Matthew 19: 4-5).” https://harbingersdaily.com/white-evangelical-are-the-most-un-christian-segment-of-american-society-msnbc-claims/
The MSNBC report is correct that evangelical Protestants do not practice the true Christian faith and are overly involved in the politics of this world.
Ken Ham is correct that MSNBC does not want to promote true Christianity either–MSNBC’s motivations are hypocritical, political, and generally anti-biblical.
Furthermore, neither do other Protestants or Greco-Roman Catholics practice or promote the original Christian faith (for details, check out the free online book: Beliefs of the Original Catholic Church).
As far as Protestants go, from their beginning they have supported being involved in the world’s politics as well as being militaristic.
For example, in 1530, the followers of Martin Luther, however, endorsed worldly politics and condemned people for opposing that:
Article XVI: Of Civil Affairs.
1] Of Civil Affairs they teach that lawful civil ordinances are good works of God, and that 2] it is right for Christians to bear civil office, to sit as judges, to judge matters by the Imperial and other existing laws, to award just punishments, to engage in just wars, to serve as soldiers, to make legal contracts, to hold property, to make oath when required by the magistrates, to marry a wife, to be given in marriage. 3] They condemn the Anabaptists who forbid these civil offices to Christians.
In general, Protestants encourage military service, voting, jury duty, and other aspects of worldly politics. Modern Baptists generally agree with Protestants on these points (in the 20th century, Baptist Jimmy Carter also became President of the United States) and not with their claimed Anabaptist ancestors.
There was NO religion even close to modern evangelical Protestantism in the first several centuries since Jesus was resurrected.
Here is some information in my book Hope of Salvation: How the Continuing Church of God Differs from Protestantism:
Protestants do not hold to many of the beliefs of early Christians as the following shows:
Doctrine Original Christian Belief and/or Change Baptism Early Christians taught that baptism was by immersion for those who repented and accepted Jesus. In time, Greco-Romans implemented sprinkling, even for those without repentance. Some Protestants accepted this change. Beatific Vision Early Christians did not teach what is called the Beatific Vision. In time, the Greco-Romans adopted it and many Protestants hold to that teaching. Early Christians believed that they would, instead, be part of God’s kingdom making eternity better. Biblical Holy
DaysEarly Christians kept biblical Holy Days, sometimes now called Jewish Holy Days. Greco-Romans formally condemned them in the 4th century, and Protestants generally do not keep them. Church Services Church services in the Continuing Church of God are consistent with the scripture and Psalm focus of the early Christians. Protestant services vary, but generally are not consistent with those of early Christians. Christmas Early Christians did not celebrate Christmas or use lighted trees. In the 4th century, Greco-Romans adopted the 25th of December as Christ’s birthday, as it was long celebrated as the birthday of the sun god Mithras, who was worshiped by Emperor Constantine. Crosses & Icons Early Christians did not have crosses or icons. This started to change by some of the Greeks in the 3rd century and was adopted by the Greco-Romans in the 4th century after being influenced by Emperor Constantine and his mother Helena. Death Early Christians, and even Martin Luther, taught that death is like sleep. Most Protestants do not teach that. Deification Early Christians taught deification of the saved. While the Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic churches officially teach this, most Evangelical Protestants do not. Instead, many consider the original belief a cultic idea. Ecumenism Early Christians were not ecumenical. In the 21st century, many Protestants are. Eternal torment Jesus taught that the incorrigible would be destroyed, whereas the Protestant position is eternal torturing. History We do not see evidence of modern Protestantism in the first centuries of the Christian era, and the closest claimed original Protestant was the apostate Marcion. Protestant groups who claim apostolic succession through Antioch, Smyrna, and/or Jerusalem do not have the teachings that early leaders in those areas held to. Godhead The trinitarian view of the Godhead, that was formally adopted in 381 A.D., was not the original Christian teaching, but it is accepted by most Protestants. Gospel of the Kingdom of God Early Christians believed that Jesus’ message of the Kingdom of God was a major theme, which included salvation through Him. Many Protestants do not understand the importance of the literal kingdom teachings or how it should affect their lives, but instead focus on their views of certain aspects of the person of Jesus more than the kingdom message or how the real Jesus lived. Heaven Early Christians did not teach that heaven was the reward of the saved. They taught that the reward of the saved was to be part of the Kingdom of God on earth. Holy Spirit Early Christians believed that the Holy Spirit was the power of God given to baptized Christians who obeyed God. The personhood of the Holy Spirit was declared by Greco-Roman councils in the mid-late 4th century and this change was accepted by the Protestants. Infant Baptism Early Christians did not baptize infants, though they probably blessed little children like Jesus did. In time, Greco-Romans did baptize infants. Protestant Reformers like Martin Luther and John Calvin endorsed that change. Immortality Early Christians did not teach that souls were immortal. Most Protestants teach souls are immortal. Jesus Early Christians accepted Jesus as the divine Savior and strove to imitate Him. Many Protestants believe that He lived a perfect life in their stead, hence they do not really believe that they need to imitate Him. Jews Initially, most Christians were Jews. Protestant reformers including Martin Luther held anti-Semitic views and took horrible actions against Jews. Antisemitism still exists within Protestantism and is at least a latent factor for those not keeping the Sabbath or biblical Holy Days. Lost Tribes? While early Christians realized that not all the tribes of Israel lived in the area of the Roman province of Judea, most Protestants do not understand what nations best represent the “lost tribes” of Israel. Marcion Marcion was an apostate denounced by Polycarp of Smyrna, Melito of Sardis, Theophilus of Antioch, and Serapion of Antioch, but was tolerated by the Church of Rome for decades. He denied Jesus. Some scholars have referred to Marcion as the first Protestant. Matthew 24:14 Some Protestants believe that the gospel of the kingdom has been sufficiently preached to the world as a witness. 2nd century Christians did not believe this had been fulfilled. Since the end (meaning the Great Tribulation per Matthew 24:21) has not come, Matthew 24:14 has not yet been fulfilled—and we in the CCOG are working towards its fulfilment. Military Service Early Christians did not voluntarily participate in military service nor watch intentionally violent sports. The Greco-Romans changed in the 4th century after being highly influenced by Emperor Constantine. Most Protestants accept the change. Millennium Early Christians taught a literal millennial reign. During the 381 Council of Constantinople, the Greco-Romans condemned this biblical doctrine. Though some Protestants accept the millennium, Martin Luther and his followers did not as they officially condemned it in 1531. Ministers Early Christians ministers were all biological males and were not called “Reverend.” Nor did they wear special collars or other clothing distinctive from their congregants. Protestants have often changed/compromised on those matters. New Testament Canon Early Christians believed that the Apostle John did, in essence, canonize the New Testament—the CCOG holds that view. Many modern Protestant scholars do not believe the New Testament was canonized until centuries later. Passover Early Christians kept Passover after sunset on the 14th of Nisan. Greco-Romans began to change that to Sunday in the 2nd century and also implement a more frequent ‘eucharist’ ceremony. The Sunday Passover change was formally accepted at the Council of Nicea. In time, the Greco-Romans, also, basically dropped the vestiges of Passover from their observance and changed it to a resurrection holiday, called Easter in English. Most Protestants accepted those changes. Persecution Early Christians were often persecuted, but were never the persecutors. Starting in the 4th century, Greco-Romans began official persecutions. Protestants adopted aspects of this in the 16th century. Rapture Early Christians understood that they were to flee in the end times. Certain Protestants promoted the rapture theory in the 19th and later centuries. Sabbath Early Christians kept the Sabbath on Saturday. The Greco-Roman churches formally accepted Sunday at the Council of Nicea, 325 A.D. Most Protestants accept the change. Salvation Early Christians believed that God had a plan to offer salvation to all and most would ultimately accept that offer. Apostates, like Marcion, taught most people would be lost. Most Protestants share Marcion’s view of this. Signs &Wonders While the Bible tells of proper last days’ signs of God’s Spirit (e.g. Acts 2:17-18), it also warns that people with insufficient love of the truth would be deceived by signs and lying wonders. ‘Pentecostal’ Protestants accept leaders and signs that the CCOG consider to be either faked, delusional, or demonic. Swearing Oaths Consistent with Jesus’ command (Matthew 5:33-37), early Christians did not swear oaths. Martin Luther and most Protestant faiths have not followed that command. Ten Commandments Early Christians taught that the Ten Commandments were enjoined on Christians. It was originally only apostates like Simon Magus, Marcion, and their followers that taught against them. Many modern Protestants have followed the example of Simon Magus and Marcion. Three Days and Three Nights Early Christians believe that Jesus was in the grave for a full three days and three nights. In the early 5th century, Augustine of Hippo tried to claim a lesser time to justify a Good Friday to Easter Sunday tradition. Protestants have generally accepted that change, plus believe Jesus was resurrected on a Sunday. The CCOG did not accept that change and teaches that Jesus was resurrected on a Saturday. Three Resurrections Early Christians taught three resurrections. Protestants tend to believe that the Bible teaches two, but that they are of little importance as they claim immortality of the soul. Tithing Early Christians gave tithes and offerings. Some Protestants believe in tithing, but few believe in multiple tithes. Tradition While tradition that is not in conflict with the word of God can have a place, Protestants have accepted traditions derived from Mithraism and other sources that are in conflict with scripture that the CCOG has not. Unclean Meat Consumption Early Christians avoided biblically unclean meats. Greco-Romans, however, changed in the 2nd century. Most Protestants accept the change. Valentine’s Day Early Christians did not celebrate the pagan Lupercalia, which later was renamed Valentine’s Day. Many Protestants endorse it. White Throne
JudgmentEarly Christian believed God would provide an opportunity to the uncalled during an age to come with the white throne judgment, whereas Protestants consider the white throne judgment essentially a time of condemnation and doom. Worldly Politics Early Christians generally stayed separate from worldly politics unless legally required to do so. Followers of Martin Luther condemned those who chose not to be voluntarily involved in worldly politics. Most Protestants endorse being involved in worldly politics. That there was no early church that had a substantial amount of modern ‘traditional’ Protestant beliefs is truly a fact of history. A fact that Roman and Eastern Orthodox Catholic scholars are well aware of.
Many beliefs and practices associated with modern Protestantism were either:
- not views of the original Christians,
- not the views of the Reformation Protestants, and/or
- were adopted from non-biblical sources (such as demonic “traditions” from places like Mithraism).
Can you handle the truth?
False religion and false worship is not what Jesus wants:
23 But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. 24 God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth. (John 4:23-24)
Protestantism is not the biblically true faith. The Apostle Paul admonished Christians to:
21 Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. (1 Thessalonians 5:21, KJV)
This book has provided scriptures as well as historical references to assist you in doing so.
All people have done wrong (Roman 3:23). And God knew that would happen before the foundation of the world (1 Peter 1:20; Revelation 13:8).
Is the true Christian church too ‘Jewish’ for you? Notice the following:
2 … Tertullus presented the charges against Paul in the following address to the governor: “Your Excellency … 5 We have found this man to be a troublemaker who is constantly stirring up riots among the Jews all over the world. He is a ringleader of the cult known as the Nazarenes …
10 …Paul said, 14 “… I admit that I follow the Way, which they call a cult. I worship the God of our ancestors, and I firmly believe the Jewish law and everything written in the prophets. (Acts 24:2,5,10,14, NLT)
The Bible shows that not only did Paul hold to practices considered Jewish, he praised Gentile Christians for imitating such practices (1 Thessalonians 2:14). History shows that Christians with “Nazarene” practices have long been accused of being part of a cult (or “sect,” Acts 24:14, NKJV/NJB) by persecutors of various types.
Jesus warned that the faithful would be persecuted and insulted:
10 Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 “Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. 12 Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you. (Matthew 5:10-12)
Paul also stated that “all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecutions” (2 Timothy 3:21). So, of course, keeping the same practices that Jesus of Nazareth, the Nazarene ringleader called the Apostle Paul and others throughout history does not make one part of an inappropriate “cult.”
Can you stand for the truth (cf. Ephesians 6:14), despite name calling? If you are a true Christian, you must (cf. Matthew 10:33).
Do not be one who claims Jesus, yet will be thrust out of His Kingdom:
25 When once the Master of the house has risen up and shut the door, and you begin to stand outside and knock at the door, saying, ‘Lord, Lord, open for us,’ and He will answer and say to you, ‘I do not know you, where you are from,’ 26 then you will begin to say, ‘We ate and drank in Your presence, and You taught in our streets.’ 27 But He will say, ‘I tell you I do not know you, where you are from. Depart from Me, all you workers of iniquity.’ 28 There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when you see Abraham and Isaac and Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom of God, and yourselves thrust out. (Luke 13:25-28)
Protestantism is not truly from the Bible nor part of the original church. The Apostle Paul warned people who thought they were Christians:
33 Do not be deceived: “Evil company corrupts good habits.” 34 Awake to righteousness, and do not sin; for some do not have the knowledge of God. I speak this to your shame. (1 Corinthians 15:33-34)
Although many hope that they are in God’s church, consider the following:
Yet none is truly the Church OF GOD, unless it is GOD’S CHURCH, continuing doctrine, practice, organization, in all ways on the original biblical pattern, headed by Jesus Christ, yet belonging to God the Father, empowered by the Holy Spirit, having GOD’S TRUTH, fulfilling Christ’s commission of proclaiming his GOOD NEWS of the KINGDOM OF GOD to the world as a whole. (Armstrong HW. Mystery of the Ages. Dodd, Meade, 1985)
We in the Continuing Church of God have been continuing in the original doctrines and practices while we proclaim the gospel of the kingdom to the world as a witness (Matthew 24:14).
While many focus on outward differences such as the Sabbath, Holy Days, and unclean meats, a major difference between Protestants and the Continuing Church of God is the hope of salvation and why we live differently.
Regarding salvation, if you are Protestant (or Baptist) and cannot yet accept the view of the Continuing Church of God that the God of love’s plan will result in most people being saved, we certainly can understand your reluctance to accept what you may at first consider to be such a radical view.
But it is both a biblical and historical view. It is also a very logical view.
Whether or not you are Protestant, God has a plan for you involving Jesus.
Jesus taught for those who would be faithful:
32 And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. (John 8:31)
This book contains scriptural truths and verifiable facts about doctrine and church history. Can you properly handle and act on the truth?
The full truth is not found in Protestantism.
All should properly do what the Apostle James wrote:
21 Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.
22 But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. 23 For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; 24 for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. 25 But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does.
26 If anyone among you thinks he is religious, and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this one’s religion is useless. (James 1:21-26)
Many Protestants tend to be hearers more than doers. That is part of why they do not truly understand the hope of salvation we really have in Jesus.
Do you feel that God has a plan that is intended to save nearly all who ever lived or condemn most that ever lived?
Protestants, like the apostate Marcion, doom most human beings to eternal torment.
We in the CCOG realize that God is wise, all knowing, loving, and all powerful. We have faith that He has a plan of salvation that will result in the salvation of the vast majority of people who ever lived.
Consider that since the CCOG believes that Christians will be rewarded for their works (Matthew 16:7; Revelation 22:12), deified after being resurrected (1 Corinthians 15:53), and will have dominion over the universe (Hebrews 2:5-10), we live our lives with all of that in mind (cf. Hebrews 11:13-16).
Do you really believe the Bible? Do you have enough of “the love of the truth” (2 Thessalonians 2:10) to change from teachings of men to accept the true and original Christian faith?
Can you be like the Bereans of old, who when they heard teachings that they had not expected, they “received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so” (Acts 17:11)?
Hopefully, you are willing to believe the word of God and facts of history over unbiblical traditions.
Not that MSNBC really cares, but no early Christians practiced a faith close to that of modern Protestants or Greco-Roman Catholics.
But, YOU can, if you love the truth will heed God’s call.
Some items of possibly related interest may include:
Hope of Salvation: How the Continuing Church of God Differs from Protestantism The CCOG is NOT Protestant. This free online book explains how the real Church of God differs from mainstream/traditional Protestants. Several sermons related to the free book are also available: Protestant, Baptist, and CCOG History; The First Protestant, God’s Command, Grace, & Character; The New Testament, Martin Luther, and the Canon; Eucharist, Passover, and Easter; Views of Jews, Lost Tribes, Warfare, & Baptism; Scripture vs. Tradition, Sabbath vs. Sunday; Church Services, Sunday, Heaven, and God’s Plan; Seventh Day Baptists/Adventists/Messianics: Protestant or COG?; Millennial Kingdom of God and God’s Plan of Salvation; Crosses, Trees, Tithes, and Unclean Meats; The Godhead and the Trinity; Fleeing or Rapture?; and Ecumenism, Rome, and CCOG Differences.
Beliefs of the Original Catholic Church. Did the original “catholic church” have doctrines held by the Continuing Church of God? Did Church of God leaders uses the term “catholic church” to ever describe the church they were part of? Here are links to related sermons: Original Catholic Church of God?, Original Catholic Doctrine: Creed, Liturgy, Baptism, Passover, and What Type of Catholic was Polycarp of Smyrna?, Tradition, Holy Days, Salvation, Dress, & Celibacy, and Early Heresies and Heretics, and Doctrines: 3 Days, Abortion, Ecumenism, Meats, Tithes, Crosses, Destiny, and more, and Saturday or Sunday?, The Godhead, Apostolic Laying on of Hands Succession, and Church in the Wilderness Apostolic Succession List.
The Christian Sabbath. This is a series of articles from the Catholic Mirror essentially proving that the biblical Sabbath was Saturday, that the Lord’s day in Revelation 1 is not a reference to Sunday, that the Church of Rome implemented Sunday, and that nearly all Protestants followed Rome. Here is a link to a related sermon: Catholic teachings on the Sabbath, Sunday, and Protestantism.
Should You Keep God’s Holy Days or Demonic Holidays? This is a free pdf booklet explaining what the Bible and history shows about God’s Holy Days and popular holidays. Two related sermons would be Which Spring Days should Christians observe? and Fall Holy Days for Christians.
Some Similarities and Differences Between the Eastern Orthodox Church and the Continuing Church of God Both groups claim to be the original church, but both groups have differing ways to claim it. Both groups have some amazing similarities and some major differences. Do you know what they are? Here is a link to a related sermon: Eastern Orthodox 40+ Similar Beliefs to the CCOG.
Christians: Ambassadors for the Kingdom of God, Biblical instructions on living as a Christian This is a scripture-filled booklet for those wishing to live as a real Christian. A related sermon is also available: Christians are Ambassadors for the Kingdom of God.
The Ten Commandments: The Decalogue, Christianity, and the Beast This is a free pdf book explaining the what the Ten Commandments are, where they came from, how early professors of Christ viewed them, and how various ones, including the Beast of Revelation, will oppose them. A related sermon is titled: The Ten Commandments and the Beast of Revelation.
The Gospel of the Kingdom of God This free online pdf booklet has answers many questions people have about the Gospel of the Kingdom of God and explains why it is the solution to the issues the world is facing. Here are links to three related sermons: The World’s False Gospel, The Gospel of the Kingdom: From the New and Old Testaments, and The Kingdom of God is the Solution.
Where is the True Christian Church Today? This free online pdf booklet answers that question and includes 18 proofs, clues, and signs to identify the true vs. false Christian church. Plus 7 proofs, clues, and signs to help identify Laodicean churches. A related sermon is also available: Where is the True Christian Church? Here is a link to the booklet in the Spanish language: ¿Dónde está la verdadera Iglesia cristiana de hoy? Here is a link in the German language: WO IST DIE WAHRE CHRISTLICHE KIRCHE HEUTE? Here is a link in the French language: Où est la vraie Église Chrétienne aujourd’hui?
Continuing History of the Church of God This pdf booklet is a historical overview of the true Church of God and some of its main opponents from Acts 2 to the 21st century. Related sermon links include Continuing History of the Church of God: c. 31 to c. 300 A.D. and Continuing History of the Church of God: 4th-16th Centuries and Continuing History of the Church of God: 17th-20th Centuries. The booklet is available in Spanish: Continuación de la Historia de la Iglesia de Dios, German: Kontinuierliche Geschichte der Kirche Gottes, and Ekegusii Omogano Bw’ekanisa Ya Nyasae Egendererete.
Is God Calling You? This booklet discusses topics including calling, election, and selection. If God is calling you, how will you respond? Here is are links to related sermons: Christian Election: Is God Calling YOU? and Predestination and Your Selection. A short animation is also available: Is God Calling You?
Christian Repentance Do you know what repentance is? Is it really necessary for salvation? Two related sermons about this are also available: Real Repentance and Real Christian Repentance.
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