Dear Victorious,
Is Mormonism really a cult?
Ted R. - Sandusky, OH
Dear Ted,
I don't think Mormonism would meet the common understanding that we have in modern society of a cult. However, if you look up the word "cult" in a dictionary, you'll see that it can be any religion that is false. So in that sense, Mormonism, Unitarianism, Catholicism, Judaism, Islam, and many others would qualify as cults.
God is defined as the Trinity of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Nothing gets added to that or taken away from it. The only Holy Book we have is the Christian Bible - of the Old & New Testaments. Nothing gets added to that or taken away from it. This is the only true religion. Everything else is false (and therefore a cult).
Religions like Mormonism and Islam tend to be demonized by conservative Christians. They're treated as if they're some terrible brain-washing cult that takes hostages or something. That's not a fair representation of who they are. In fact, it exposes the ignorance of the Christians who think that way!
Put Mormonism in the same category as Catholicism. Neither have an accurate view or definition of who God is (so are worshipping a false god).
Monday, November 15, 2010
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Unfaithful Spouse?
Dear Victorious,
Is there a way to know if your spouse is faithful? I don't have any reason to believe my husband is cheating on me. But if he ever did, I just couldn't handle that. What can a Christian woman do to protect herself in a situation like this? I know my husband is human, so there's always a risk that he could fail me.
Diane V. - Colleyville, TX
Dear Diane,
Here's the thing, if you're the Christ-follower that you tell me you are, then you have to trust Jesus for your security. You're right in that your husband and every other person whom you may have a relationship with could fail you. After all, they're only human. But Jesus is not. He is God. And He is sufficient for any pain you might suffer when humans fail you.
You seem to be suffering from something that hasn't happened. (We call that "worry.") Stop it. Embrace the relationship you have with your husband. Invest in it. And don't spend even a second trying to figure out a "Plan B" for when that relationship hits difficult spots. Instead, spend your time drawing close to God. He is your "Plan B" for all your relationships.
Is there a way to know if your spouse is faithful? I don't have any reason to believe my husband is cheating on me. But if he ever did, I just couldn't handle that. What can a Christian woman do to protect herself in a situation like this? I know my husband is human, so there's always a risk that he could fail me.
Diane V. - Colleyville, TX
Dear Diane,
Here's the thing, if you're the Christ-follower that you tell me you are, then you have to trust Jesus for your security. You're right in that your husband and every other person whom you may have a relationship with could fail you. After all, they're only human. But Jesus is not. He is God. And He is sufficient for any pain you might suffer when humans fail you.
You seem to be suffering from something that hasn't happened. (We call that "worry.") Stop it. Embrace the relationship you have with your husband. Invest in it. And don't spend even a second trying to figure out a "Plan B" for when that relationship hits difficult spots. Instead, spend your time drawing close to God. He is your "Plan B" for all your relationships.
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Tipping
Dear Victorious,
I don't like the fact that we are expected to tip the server at the restaurant, the cab driver, the dry cleaner, the barista at the coffee shop, etc. It just seems to be a never-ending siege of people who have their hand out. I think there's somewhere in the Bible where it says employees should be paid a fare wage. I don't think I should have to make up the difference when they're not. Is there some Biblical position I could take on this?
Vernon T. - Taos, NM
Dear Vernon,
Yes, there is a position on tipping that's Biblical --- but you're probably not going to like it. There are several places in Scripture that talk about the fact that people should be paid a living wage for the work that they perform. There is a plentiful supply of general Scripture references, such as those verses dealing with treating people fairly, doing the right thing and so forth.
But several verses specifically speak to employers about paying their workers a living wage ... the true value of their work in the present economy. Luke 10:7 says that "... a worker deserves his wages ..." and Romans 13:7 says, "... give everyone what you owe him." Then 1 Timothy 5:18 tells us that, "... a worker deserves his wages ..." Finally, James 5:4 says, "The wages that you failed to pay the workmen ... are crying out against you."
That all being said, the reality is that many employers don't do this. Some assume that with tips the salary that they pay will add up to a living wage for their workers. They're shifting the burden of proper payment to their customers. In other cases, the employers just don't care and don't make any assumptions about what their people will earn.
I would say that it is sinful for employers not to pay their workers a living wage (as defined by the market value of the work they perform). So what are good Christians to do for those who are being sinned against? Matthew 7:12 and Luke 6:31 tell us to treat others as we would like to be treated.
So, putting all this together, what's the best Biblical position for a Christ-follower to take? I'd say acknowledge that their employers are sinning against them and commit yourself to being the most generous tipper that you can afford to be.
I don't like the fact that we are expected to tip the server at the restaurant, the cab driver, the dry cleaner, the barista at the coffee shop, etc. It just seems to be a never-ending siege of people who have their hand out. I think there's somewhere in the Bible where it says employees should be paid a fare wage. I don't think I should have to make up the difference when they're not. Is there some Biblical position I could take on this?
Vernon T. - Taos, NM
Dear Vernon,
Yes, there is a position on tipping that's Biblical --- but you're probably not going to like it. There are several places in Scripture that talk about the fact that people should be paid a living wage for the work that they perform. There is a plentiful supply of general Scripture references, such as those verses dealing with treating people fairly, doing the right thing and so forth.
But several verses specifically speak to employers about paying their workers a living wage ... the true value of their work in the present economy. Luke 10:7 says that "... a worker deserves his wages ..." and Romans 13:7 says, "... give everyone what you owe him." Then 1 Timothy 5:18 tells us that, "... a worker deserves his wages ..." Finally, James 5:4 says, "The wages that you failed to pay the workmen ... are crying out against you."
That all being said, the reality is that many employers don't do this. Some assume that with tips the salary that they pay will add up to a living wage for their workers. They're shifting the burden of proper payment to their customers. In other cases, the employers just don't care and don't make any assumptions about what their people will earn.
I would say that it is sinful for employers not to pay their workers a living wage (as defined by the market value of the work they perform). So what are good Christians to do for those who are being sinned against? Matthew 7:12 and Luke 6:31 tell us to treat others as we would like to be treated.
So, putting all this together, what's the best Biblical position for a Christ-follower to take? I'd say acknowledge that their employers are sinning against them and commit yourself to being the most generous tipper that you can afford to be.
Friday, November 12, 2010
Christian Character
Dear Victorious,
Is there one characteristic of Christians that you think stands out among the rest? I mean is there one thing about Christians that is so different from non-Christians as to be unmistakable?
Kalen N. - Duncanville, TX
Dear Kalen,
Yes, I think there is. In fact, I think there are several. They're such remarkable features or personality traits because they're so uncommon in our society as a whole.
First and foremost would be the ability to hold your tonuge. Proverbs 10:19 tells us not to speak too much. Ironically it is a human trait to want to be heard, to want to share our thoughts. But the supernatural contols its tongue and spends way more time listening than it does talking.
The second one that comes to mind is forgiveness. Matthew 18:21-35 describes an inexhaustible level of forgiveness. Turn the other cheek and forgive seventy times seven would be the hardest level of forgiveness to offer. Jesus was in effect saying that we may have to keep forgiving and forgiving the same offensive behavior in others. But never are we to get to a place where we say, "That's enough. I'm not forgiving you any more." This isn't possible on a human level. The pain can run too deep and the desire for justice too strong. But the supernatural never stops forgiving. It doesn't matter what the offense.
Is there one characteristic of Christians that you think stands out among the rest? I mean is there one thing about Christians that is so different from non-Christians as to be unmistakable?
Kalen N. - Duncanville, TX
Dear Kalen,
Yes, I think there is. In fact, I think there are several. They're such remarkable features or personality traits because they're so uncommon in our society as a whole.
First and foremost would be the ability to hold your tonuge. Proverbs 10:19 tells us not to speak too much. Ironically it is a human trait to want to be heard, to want to share our thoughts. But the supernatural contols its tongue and spends way more time listening than it does talking.
The second one that comes to mind is forgiveness. Matthew 18:21-35 describes an inexhaustible level of forgiveness. Turn the other cheek and forgive seventy times seven would be the hardest level of forgiveness to offer. Jesus was in effect saying that we may have to keep forgiving and forgiving the same offensive behavior in others. But never are we to get to a place where we say, "That's enough. I'm not forgiving you any more." This isn't possible on a human level. The pain can run too deep and the desire for justice too strong. But the supernatural never stops forgiving. It doesn't matter what the offense.
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Driving Out Fear
Dear Victorious,
I know the Bible says that perfect love drives out fear. Does that mean if fear is still present that perfect love is not present? Isn't the level of fear in someone really then a measure of their relationship with God?
Carl V. - Fort Worth, TX
Dear Carl,
No, I don't think that's what it means. 1 John 4:18 says, "There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear ... The one who fears is not made perfect in love." On the surface, this would seem to suggest that the presence of fear equals the absence of Christ. That is not the case. Perfect love is the love of Jesus Christ that dwells within His followers. When someone commits their life to Christ, submits to and obeys Him, they are filled with His perfect love.
Now the perfect love of Jesus Christ overwhelms the fear that tries to occupy us. It doesn't say that the fear will disappear. Rather it will be driven out, overcome, put in its place. No longer will fear be legitimate decision criteria. No longer will fear have any power over us. Mind you, fear will still be present and still try to persuade us that it is in charge. Fear will lie to you and tell you that it is strongest and that you must obey your fears. But perfect love recognizes those lies for what they are. Perfect love says, "Do it afraid!"
Frankly, a total absence of fear might sooner equal the absence of common sense or a level of ignorance about the real, practical risks. But those who are truly in Christ Jesus can see the risks and not be intimidated by them. They know that their faith --- and His grace, will be sufficient to mitigate the risks that they know are very tangible.
Perfect love drives out fear. To be sure, fear will always want to drive out Christ's perfect love. But it never will. (It just doesn't seem to know that!)
I know the Bible says that perfect love drives out fear. Does that mean if fear is still present that perfect love is not present? Isn't the level of fear in someone really then a measure of their relationship with God?
Carl V. - Fort Worth, TX
Dear Carl,
No, I don't think that's what it means. 1 John 4:18 says, "There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear ... The one who fears is not made perfect in love." On the surface, this would seem to suggest that the presence of fear equals the absence of Christ. That is not the case. Perfect love is the love of Jesus Christ that dwells within His followers. When someone commits their life to Christ, submits to and obeys Him, they are filled with His perfect love.
Now the perfect love of Jesus Christ overwhelms the fear that tries to occupy us. It doesn't say that the fear will disappear. Rather it will be driven out, overcome, put in its place. No longer will fear be legitimate decision criteria. No longer will fear have any power over us. Mind you, fear will still be present and still try to persuade us that it is in charge. Fear will lie to you and tell you that it is strongest and that you must obey your fears. But perfect love recognizes those lies for what they are. Perfect love says, "Do it afraid!"
Frankly, a total absence of fear might sooner equal the absence of common sense or a level of ignorance about the real, practical risks. But those who are truly in Christ Jesus can see the risks and not be intimidated by them. They know that their faith --- and His grace, will be sufficient to mitigate the risks that they know are very tangible.
Perfect love drives out fear. To be sure, fear will always want to drive out Christ's perfect love. But it never will. (It just doesn't seem to know that!)
Hearing God
Dear Victorious,
Recently our pastor preached a sermon on hearing God. He basically said that if you never hear God speaking to you, then maybe you don't really have a relationship with Him. That seems like a pretty nasty way of putting it. I've been a Christian for a very long time, and God simply doesn't speak to me like He does to other people. But that doesn't mean I'm not a Christian!
Shayla V. - McKinney, TX
Dear Shayla,
I think I might know the church you're going to. My pastor preached a similar sermon recently! In all candor, look at what the preacher said here. He wasn't saying you're not saved. He wasn't saying you're not a Christian. He was saying that if you don't hear God speaking to you, then perhaps you aren't listening as well as you think you are.
God has plenty to say to His children. He is our God and we are His people. He has guidance and direction for us every single day of our lives. If someone isn't getting that from Him, then the most logical place to look is at how effective their relationship with God really is.
Don't take offense to what has been said. But understand that God wants to speak to each and every single one of His children. If you're not hearing Him, then just accepting that and living with a status quo is not the right response. Instead, you should be examining your ways to see how you can become a better listener.
Recently our pastor preached a sermon on hearing God. He basically said that if you never hear God speaking to you, then maybe you don't really have a relationship with Him. That seems like a pretty nasty way of putting it. I've been a Christian for a very long time, and God simply doesn't speak to me like He does to other people. But that doesn't mean I'm not a Christian!
Shayla V. - McKinney, TX
Dear Shayla,
I think I might know the church you're going to. My pastor preached a similar sermon recently! In all candor, look at what the preacher said here. He wasn't saying you're not saved. He wasn't saying you're not a Christian. He was saying that if you don't hear God speaking to you, then perhaps you aren't listening as well as you think you are.
God has plenty to say to His children. He is our God and we are His people. He has guidance and direction for us every single day of our lives. If someone isn't getting that from Him, then the most logical place to look is at how effective their relationship with God really is.
Don't take offense to what has been said. But understand that God wants to speak to each and every single one of His children. If you're not hearing Him, then just accepting that and living with a status quo is not the right response. Instead, you should be examining your ways to see how you can become a better listener.
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Celebrity Watch
Dear Victorious,
I know you've blogged about Susan Boyle and other rich and famous people. Is there anyone that is on your radar screen right now? What celebrities are you paying attention to these days?
Gene O. - Billings. MT
Dear Gene,
There are a few of them on my radar right now. I don't usually watch celebrities (defined as rich and/or famous people) because they have influence on our society that is powerful. Americans particularly like to follow rich, famous celebrities. As such, we often copy their behaviors, adopt their values, etc. So while I may think, as a Christian, that someone is despicable as a human being - I nevertheless recognize their influence in our society. So who's on my "watch list" these days?
Lady Gaga - Meteoric rise to fame, seemingly an overnight sensation. Doesn't seem to have as much musical talent as she does a shrewd head for business and a laser-sharp focus on executing against a well-thought plan.
Donald Trump - Continues to expand his influence to more areas of our lives.
Miley Cyrus - Stands behind the innocent girl-next-door image that she claims for herself ... while gyrating in sexy music videos with skimpy clothing that suggest anything but wholesomeness.
Hillary Clinton - Lost a national election and yet became one of the most powerful women in the world, overnight, working for a man she claimed was incompetent and unfit for the job he has.
These are just a few that come to mind. Basically I watch rich and famous people and their interaction with society. Said differently, I pay attention what they do with their massive level of influence. Will they use it for good of all ... or for the good of themselves? Are their motives selfish, or genuine and sincere? And of course, if they're professing to be righteous - do they walk the talk?
I know you've blogged about Susan Boyle and other rich and famous people. Is there anyone that is on your radar screen right now? What celebrities are you paying attention to these days?
Gene O. - Billings. MT
Dear Gene,
There are a few of them on my radar right now. I don't usually watch celebrities (defined as rich and/or famous people) because they have influence on our society that is powerful. Americans particularly like to follow rich, famous celebrities. As such, we often copy their behaviors, adopt their values, etc. So while I may think, as a Christian, that someone is despicable as a human being - I nevertheless recognize their influence in our society. So who's on my "watch list" these days?
Lady Gaga - Meteoric rise to fame, seemingly an overnight sensation. Doesn't seem to have as much musical talent as she does a shrewd head for business and a laser-sharp focus on executing against a well-thought plan.
Donald Trump - Continues to expand his influence to more areas of our lives.
Miley Cyrus - Stands behind the innocent girl-next-door image that she claims for herself ... while gyrating in sexy music videos with skimpy clothing that suggest anything but wholesomeness.
Hillary Clinton - Lost a national election and yet became one of the most powerful women in the world, overnight, working for a man she claimed was incompetent and unfit for the job he has.
These are just a few that come to mind. Basically I watch rich and famous people and their interaction with society. Said differently, I pay attention what they do with their massive level of influence. Will they use it for good of all ... or for the good of themselves? Are their motives selfish, or genuine and sincere? And of course, if they're professing to be righteous - do they walk the talk?
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