The Rise of Pseudo-Christianity

When I was a non-believer, I completely understood why most people don’t go to church, read their bibles, or even profess to be Christians. What people have experienced, witnessed, and heard of within the Church community at large makes it difficult even to want to embrace some of the tenets the Christian faith professes to believe in. A common theme amongst those who share these sentiments is hypocrisy. They feel that those who profess Christ as their Lord and Savior live or approve of things contrary to the teachings of scripture. This causes damage, trauma, and confusion, making it nearly impossible for someone to want to seek out the fullness of truth that God offers through scripture. 

The lack of accountability, the loss of reverence, and the disregard for God’s written word are but a few things we Christians will be held accountable for regarding stumbling blocks for others. With our focus being on becoming more appealing to the world, we are partly responsible for the rise of what I’m calling “pseudo-Christianity.” Throughout the New Testament, many verses warn us about this when they mention that there will be false teachings and false doctrines, and people will want to hear things that tickle their ears as the end of days approaches us. [2 Peter 2:1-2, Acts 20:29, 2 Timothy 4:3-4] This is prevalent more now than ever. 

When I was a non-believer, most people who profess not to believe in the fullness of the Bible stayed away from it altogether. There were always those who were seemingly borderline cultish with using the Bible to start a whole new movement; however, for conversational purposes and to their credit, they would only twist the truth versus completely denying it. I am roughly six years into my walk with Christ when I write this article. Though I have been separated from this world, at times, things have made their way to my attention, and that has shown me that the world has become even darker since my departure. I have now noticed that a “new” camp is arising that seems to threaten the faith severely. 

This pseudo-Christianity has people professing to be believers in Christ but also professing not completely to trust the word of God. I am the first to acknowledge and admit that there are some difficult-to-digest scriptures. Scriptures that may not seem right or perhaps unfair to those who haven’t healed or weren’t delivered from traumas and strongholds. However, several issues with such viewpoints simply can’t be ignored. There are rules, expectations, and guidelines within the text that we will be held accountable for. The excuse of ignorance will not cut it with the God of the Bible. There are clear consequences for disobeying what has been written for us through scripture. Though God is loving, He is also just in all He does, regardless of severity. Also, God isn’t limited to our understanding. What kind of boring god would he be if he only moved in ways we are accustomed to? This cherry-picking style of Christianity is becoming the accepted bottom line, and I am here to say that this is not what the Bible says or teaches. 

As believers, we must study the word carefully to the point of pure obedience. It is vital to the mission of God our Father. How can God shine if His people don’t take His word seriously in a vile world? We must be steadfast and unmovable in what He says for Him to be glorified. Though God doesn’t share His glory with anyone, He does allow us to partake in it. However, you can only win by following the rules. There are so many blessings and security in obedience; we cannot lose sight of them. There must be a point in every believer’s life when we mature from seeking understanding to seeking His presence. Our faith isn’t a blind one but one that is anchored in the creator of the universe. So, at some point, we must use reason to suspend it to experience a level of existence that can only happen in the complete surrendering of self.

I cannot explain all of the challenging parts found in scripture, nor will I attempt to. However, through my own experience, by becoming more obedient to the word, every aspect of life improves. For example, scripture will become apparent, opportunities will come your way, and you will never look like what you will go through. Reading scripture is not a fix-all solution to all your problems in life, but it will point you to the one who can fix all the issues in your life. God understands where we are, but we must trust that He will take us where He has prepared us to be. There is nothing in this life more fulfilling than walking in your purpose. So let us be the light that others can admire and confess that our God is Lord and worthy to be praised!