FROM THE SERVANT GENERAL
MODERNISM
(Part 46)
WHO IS YOUR FATHER?
April 6, 2022
Today’s gospel:
John 8:31-42
Once again, Jesus’ words two millennia ago have relevance for us in recognizing modernism in our Church today. Jesus said to the Jews, “I know that you are descendants of Abraham. But you are trying to kill me, because my word has no room among you.” (v.37).
Modernists today emphasize the international brotherhood of all men, since all are descended from Adam. And for those who are Jews, Muslims and Christians, they are all descended from Abraham. As such, modernists call for a new world order where all recognize each other as brothers and sisters. Looks very noble. Wouldn’t the world be at peace if all recognized their being brethren? Well, no. Cain murdered Abel. Jacob cheated his twin brother Esau of his birthright. Joseph’s siblings thought of killing him but instead sold him into slavery.
Muslims and Jews today persecute Christians. Fundamentalist Muslims obey the Koran that mandates the killing of infidels (read: Christians and all non-Muslims). Jews do not recognize Jesus as the Messiah, and so look to those Jews who have become Christians as apostates. Orthodox Jews would never worship with Christians, who to them violate the very first Commandment given through Moses.
So from historical witness, from the very start of creation until now, such modernist thrust of international brotherhood does not work. But more so, the modernist thrust is ill-fated because it focuses on man rather than God, on the human rather than the divine. Jesus says, “my word has no room among you.” Modernists teach what is human and look to the well-being of man, while neglecting and even violating the righteousness of God. Modernists either outright reject the word of God, or twist its meaning to suit their secular and humanistic ends.
In doing so, modernists have become heretical. Many of them are no longer authentic believers. As we read, “Jesus then said to those Jews who believed in him, ‘If you remain in my word, you will truly be my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (v.31-32).
- Modernists no longer remain in the word of God. They teach a false gospel.
- Modernists are no longer authentic disciples of Jesus. They follow a Jesus adjusted to their own image and likeness, in accord with the culture of the age.
- Modernists have perverted the truth as revealed by the scriptures and the Holy Spirit.
- Modernists remain blind and teach false doctrines, the blind leading the blind, all getting deeper into bondage and dominion by the evil one.
Here is a most fundamental truth: “everyone who commits sin is a slave of sin.” (v.34). The stand of modernists is pro-sin. What is the truth?
- Active homosexuality is a sin.
- Transgenderism is a diabolical perversion.
- Abortion is not healthcare nor a human right.
- Divorce is not permitted by God.
- Sexual liberation is not liberation but bondage.
- True brotherhood is only in Christ.
- All religions do not lead to the divine.
- Social justice cannot be at the expense of morality and righteousness.
- Same-sex unions are sinful and cannot be blessed.
- Proselytism (that is, making converts) is not wrong and is actually the very marching orders of Jesus.
So the Jews claimed that God was their Father (v.41c). But Jesus told them, “You are doing the works of your father!” (v.41a), referring to Satan.
Modernists, who is your father? Who is the Jesus you profess to follow? By what spirit are you led?