After my recent post about Islam, there was extensive discussion in the comment section. I realized that I should state my position on Islam more clearly, and I'm currently working on an article that does that, as well as comparing Islam to Christianity. Unfortunately, this week has been insanely busy, and I haven't yet had the time to finish it.

In the meantime, I'd like to say a couple of quick things about religion in general. Basically, people need to read the book. I don't think we can say "I'm ok, you're okay" and still assert that there is objective truth. But, I must say that if no one isn't even holding to the fundamentals of their faith, what is the point? This applies to modern, "moderate" Muslims who continue to argue that Islam is a "religion of peace." The fact of the matter is (as I will put forth in my upcoming article), Mohammed was interested in establishing and maintaining an earthly empire. Thus, violence was - and is - necessary to fulfill the commission of Mohammed: expanding and maintaining theological and political power. Those who claim to be Islamic pacifists are plainly contradicting the goals and purpose of their founder. Like Christians who do the same, Muslims who claim to be "OK with other world religions" are compromising their own faith. If other faiths are "just as good" as yours, then what can yours possibly be worth? I'll deal with this concept more soon.

Shifting the focus to Christianity, there are many "progressive theologians" that are creating an entirely new religion but continuing to masquerade as Christians. True followers see this for what it is: apostasy, dishonesty and damnable heresy. But sadly, many are enticed by the concept of "open minded", "non-judgmental" spirituality. It's a free country, and people are entitled to believe what they want to believe. However, it must be said and understood that this is not Christianity. It is not what Jesus taught; it is not what his apostles taught, and it is not what primitive Christians believed and practiced. Sure, "times change", but truth doesn't.

Of course, this is nothing new. Spiritual "leaders" have been adulterating the truth for centuries in one way or another, often with dangerous subtlety. I suppose subtlety is passé, because many so-called "Christian leaders" are now blatantly forsaking articles of faith in order to pursue their own desires. Today on CNN.com I see this headline:

Booze lands gay bishop in rehab

Are you kidding me? That sounds like the start of a bad joke, does it not?

Like Muslims who are willfully ignorant of their own leader's purpose and writings, so-called Christians knowingly forsake theirs. Groups like the Episcopalians, the Unitarians, and the United Church of Christ (to name a very select few) have completely abandoned the Bible and are promoting a product of their own imagination. It is simply not Christianity.

Without fail, I will be called narrow-minded, judgmental, etc.; yet, I am not making judgments according to my own ideas and desires. I am simply pointing to these groups' departure from the book they claim as their guide. Jesus said, "...the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day" (John 12:48).

These apostate groups would try to justify or explain their behavior. I am sure that they would argue that they are somehow still in accordance with God's will. It just doesn't fly. Here's an example:

A "Homosexual Bishop"

Homosexuality is a hot-button issue in and out of the church, and there are several practical, secular cases against it. However, for the sake of time and space I'd like to deal with it according to the Scriptures solely.

One of the favorite comebacks from so-called Christians who want to justify homosexuality is this: "Jesus never said anything about homosexuality!" This is fallacious to the core, as there are many things Jesus did not directly condemn that we know to be wrong. For example, Jesus did not condemn bestiality or child molestation. Does that mean Christians should be free to pursue those desires? Obviously not. Ultimately, Jesus was not silent on the matter. His specificity concerning what is an acceptable human relationship logically excludes any alternative. Note his words in Matthew 19:4-6:

Have you not read that he who created them from the beginning made them male and female, therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh? So they are no longer two but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.

People are willing to use logic every day, but when it comes to honestly reading scripture it seems they abandon all rationality. Jesus details God's design for a human sexual relationship. This description is specific, and logic tells us that Jesus did not need to spend the next hour detailing what "Male and Female" does NOT include. It's common sense. He also didn't need to call out homosexuality in particular because it had always been wrong and his audience was well aware of this (Leviticus 18:22; 20:13). The apostle Paul reiterated this idea in Romans 1:26-17 where he calls homosexuality "shameful" and "against nature."

There is no rational case for Homosexuality. The Bible plainly teaches that it is sexual sin; that is that. Yet, CNN tells us that a Homosexual Episcopalian bishop is now in rehab. Is it clear how loony that is?

I originally intended to deal with the concept of "priests" and "laity" as well, but this has become quite long. Briefly, there is absolutely no New Testament authority for a "clergy" of any kind. This concept was an innovation of the Catholic church, who have traditionally held Peter in the highest esteem of all the apostles. It's interesting to note that Peter wrote that all Christians make up the priesthood, with Jesus Christ as High Priest (Hebrews 2:17; 3:1; 4:14, etc.).

Much more can be said on these matters, but for the sake of space I'll stop here. The point is, if you desire to be a Christian, you are subject to the tenets of Christianity, namely the New Testament of Christ. If you practice something else, you are something else. Makes sense, doesn't it?