Marcion for Modern Times
If one thing is true, history will repeat itself. Maybe it will repackage the idea into new practices and applications, but the same concept will be what drives it. In an article from LifeNews.com we read about some United Methodists and Episcopalians joining together to "bless" abortion clinics. In the article we read this statement:
Marcion was the leader of a heretical sect that ultimately taught that the "god" of the Old Testament (Jehovah) was nothing more than a hateful or ignorant demiurge. As the "god" of this evil world he created, he essentially created arbitrary rules that he demanded obedience to and would inflict punishment upon anyone who broke his law. The Supreme Father, the Father of Jesus and Christians, is not judgmental and vindictive God, but one solely of compassion and love, and in love and compassion he essentially saves everybody. The Father is merciful to us because of Jehovah's oppressive wickedness. Marcion contrasted the two as the "gospel of love" vs the "gospel of law."
In modern times, like in this news article, we read of today's "pastors" contrasting yet again the "gospel of love" vs the "gospel of law." Instead of seeing the holiness of God, these wolves call holiness evil and bless sin. Paul spoke against people like this in his day, for after listing off a long list of ungodliness he concludes,
Of an interesting note is that it was due to the rise of Marcion and his deceptions, the church recognized the need for the canon of Scripture to be solidified. The other thing that is of note, is it also was through this heresy was the creation of the Apostles' Creed. Two things that have been waning in the church today has been it's recognition of the sole authority of Scripture and the use of creeds and confessions. The church used these two things to guard herself and keep herself pure for her Lord and Savior. It is of uttermost importance that we, as the church today, recognize the wisdom of our forefathers in the faith, turning back to the Scriptures as our authority, and safeguarding our doctrine through the use of creeds and confessions.
Bibliography
Young explained her acceptance of abortion like this: “Christianity, like most faiths, is founded on love. Watching protesters shouting judgment and hate based on what they call religion is horrible. Is that loving God? Is that loving your neighbor as yourself?”This "pastor" is supposedly claiming the message of the Gospel is to love and bless, therefore those who preach against the horror of abortion are nothing but people full of hate, proclaiming a religion of hate. This idea is not new. This heresy actually is one of the oldest in the church.
Marcion was the leader of a heretical sect that ultimately taught that the "god" of the Old Testament (Jehovah) was nothing more than a hateful or ignorant demiurge. As the "god" of this evil world he created, he essentially created arbitrary rules that he demanded obedience to and would inflict punishment upon anyone who broke his law. The Supreme Father, the Father of Jesus and Christians, is not judgmental and vindictive God, but one solely of compassion and love, and in love and compassion he essentially saves everybody. The Father is merciful to us because of Jehovah's oppressive wickedness. Marcion contrasted the two as the "gospel of love" vs the "gospel of law."
In modern times, like in this news article, we read of today's "pastors" contrasting yet again the "gospel of love" vs the "gospel of law." Instead of seeing the holiness of God, these wolves call holiness evil and bless sin. Paul spoke against people like this in his day, for after listing off a long list of ungodliness he concludes,
"Although they know the ordinance of God, that those who practice such things are worthy of death, they not only do the same, but also give hearty approval to those who practice them."Abortion is murder. These so-called pastors are not only supporting "pro-choice" but seeking to "bless" this wretched alter to Molech (cf. Jer. 32:35).
Of an interesting note is that it was due to the rise of Marcion and his deceptions, the church recognized the need for the canon of Scripture to be solidified. The other thing that is of note, is it also was through this heresy was the creation of the Apostles' Creed. Two things that have been waning in the church today has been it's recognition of the sole authority of Scripture and the use of creeds and confessions. The church used these two things to guard herself and keep herself pure for her Lord and Savior. It is of uttermost importance that we, as the church today, recognize the wisdom of our forefathers in the faith, turning back to the Scriptures as our authority, and safeguarding our doctrine through the use of creeds and confessions.
Bibliography
- http://www.lifenews.com/2015/10/12/united-methodist-and-episcopalian-church-clergy-lead-prayer-rally-to-bless-abortion-clinic/
- Nichols, Stephen J. For Us And For Our Salvation. Crossway Publishing. Wheaton, IL. 2007
- Gonzalez, Justo L. The Story of Christianity. Vol 1. Prince Press. Peabody, MA. 1984
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