The Exponential Expansion of Confusion

The Exponential Expansion of Confusion

It is interesting that in our society today where man professes to have greater knowledge than any time in history we have more confusion regarding God and what His Word says. (Some may point to the Dark Ages, but there the people were ignorant of the Word of God and led by only a few leaders of which many were corrupt.) This confusion in my opinion has increased over time as we are hit with one new wave after another.

Let us look at few. In the late 1800s liberalism came on the scene and all of a sudden the Bible was under a new type of attack. Now it was being questioned as to whether it was God’s Word or simply a book written by men that includes some history and moral teachings. This concept birthed in Germany and quickly spread throughout Europe and eventually made its way to North America and around the world. Fundamentalism (not a bad word originally and should not be today, if not but for those who have hijacked the term and perverted it) was born in order to refute liberalism and to uphold the truth of God’s Word.

We enter into the 1900s and the development of various Bible translations. Though many say the same thing regarding salvation they do not all approach the translating process the same way. You have a literal translation such as the New American Standard Bible, you have one employing heavy use of allegory in the Revised Standard Version. We have multiple books called Bibles created by cults or additional writings to go along side God’s Word. We have versions that are trying to be friendly to our culture. This does not even include the paraphrases that are out there. Then we have what I call conspiracy theorist. These are people who have formulated a teaching proclaiming certain things to be true regarding our times and the future including the causes behind it.

In the early 1900s we see radio come on the scene and good intending people start broadcasting the Word of God. Then, as always, wolves come in and society is faced with false teaching invading their home through their new technological gizmos that sits in their living room. Teachers begin to challenge the sound doctrine of the faith and confusion expands as these people sound sincere and present well thought out arguments.

Now buckle your seat belt as we are about to warp to light speed as the flood of confusion is about to go global. The invention of satellites allow the broadcast to expand beyond being localized and the gateway to the world has been flung open.

Next on the scene is television. We not only hear these various teachers, good and bad, we now can see them and all of their body language and the use of various visuals in an attempt to validate their teaching in our living rooms. On any given day you can be told how to get to heaven, have all you want, learn how to speak in tongues, heal others or buy a cloth that supposedly will bring healing. Let us not forget also the call to help support each of those ministries. People will watch 5 preachers in a day who have 5 different backgrounds and 5 different takes on Scripture. The individual will attempt to square these teachings with each other and only become more confused because in many cases they cannot be squared.

Lastly, at least to this point, we have the internet. Millions of people have access to the internet and bring their personal understanding to the table. It amazes me as to how many people comment that the Lord told them such-and-such and yet their version of what God supposedly told them is contradictory to what several others have said who also proclaim God told them. Is God confused or could it be some are not really hearing from God as they suppose? The variations in teaching are not just mild differences, but complete opposites. We are not talking about two people walking in the same direction needing minor adjustments. We are talking about polarizing differences.

How many times we see debate over whether there is a Trinity or not. Many challenge the deity of Jesus. Some proclaim that Jesus did not exist before His human birth. Is hell a real place and could a loving God send people there? What will heaven be like? If you do a Google search, you can find people proclaiming they have been there and will seek to tell you what it is like. Let us not forget to challenge whether Satan is real being or simply a tool of God. Then we are challenged that God is not God, but only YHWY is God, the one we call God is somebody else. We are also challenged in regards to the church. Are we called out of the world into the church or is Jesus calling people out of the church? Some proclaim when you die your soul goes to sleep while others proclaim we go straight into the presence of the Lord, while yet others say the wicked simply cease to exist. Don't forget to be careful regarding what you say lest someone charge you with judging them.

Hang with me a little longer. What about the rapture, the tribulation, and the new earth and new heaven? Did God create the current universe in 6 days or over billions of years? The list goes on and on and on. A new believer would have no hope of survival in Christiandom if not but for the Holy Spirit. Praise God for His Holy Spirit, but which spirit will they listen too?

Note that all of the above believe with sincerity that they are right and in alignment with God.

When I used to teach martial arts there was a saying that seems applicable here today. If you were to go to a dojo (training center) you would find the newest student working on the last thing they learned and the high ranking teacher working on the first thing he ever learned. Fundamentals are the foundation. As I have studied the Scripture and debated many people on various topics over the years, my mind drifts back and longs for the simpler time…..

“Jesus loves me this I know.
For the Bible tells me so.
Little ones to Him belong.
They are week, but He is strong.

Yes, Jesus love me.
Yes, Jesus loves me
Yes, Jesus loves me
The Bible tells me so.”

At this point I simply say, “Come Lord Jesus, Come.” Oh, wait … there are those who proclaim Jesus is not Jesus but is Yahshua and I am worshiping the wrong one.

Lord God, help us, Your children.

Lord Bless,
Rev. Leonard Traina