Paganism operating in the Modern Christian Church
how it got here, and why we do it
Dr. John Harbaugh
(September, 2007)
(Matthew 15:6-9 KJV) " ..... Thus have ye made the commandment of God of none effect by your tradition. {7} Ye hypocrites, well did Esaias prophesy of you, saying, {8} This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. {9} But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men."
Now is about the time that students begin to drop out. The reason for this is the same reason that gives us continued paganism in the Modern Christian Church. People do not want to hear the truth.
It is either too disturbing, or it may cause them to give up a traditional religious practice that they either enjoy -or one from which separation may cause friction in their church, or in their family.
We know how paganism got into the Roman Catholic Church (see When & How Paganism mixed with Christianity).
As Protestant denominations left the Roman Catholic Church, with few exceptions much of its dogmata (traditions), went with them.
Over the Centuries, these practices became traditions that affected most Christian denominations through previous membership in the Roman Catholic Church, family members' and friends' membership in the Roman Catholic Church, and/or the cultural influence of the Roman Catholic Church upon society.
Like the Catholics, other denominations began explaining these practices as "traditions without reason", then the word "dogma" began to be used. Dogma, in its simple form can be defined as a "tradition", for argument sake. But in a formal definition, it grew to means:
"Dogma (the plural is either dogmata or dogmas) is the established belief or doctrine held by a religion, ideology or any kind of organization, thought to be authoritative and not to be disputed or doubted. While in the context of religion the term is largely descriptive, outside of religion its current usage tends to carry a pejorative connotation — referring to concepts as being "established" only according to a particular point of view, and thus one of doubtful foundation. This pejorative connotation is even stronger with the term dogmatic, used to describe a person of rigid beliefs who is not open to rational argument." (Wikipedia)
Merriam Webster stressed the point:
"a point of view or tenet put forth as authoritative without adequate grounds" (Webster)
A few specific examples of Roman Catholic dogma that did not filter into the Protestant Churches are the:
1. The unmarried priesthood;
2. The orders of monks and nuns;
3. The authority of popes and cardinals;
4. The worship of -and prayer to Mary as the "Mother of God".
Some denominations (for example) maintained a belief in the literal Body and Blood of Christ, in the elements of the Lord's Supper. Others rejected them. The rationale was normally determined by the specific doctrinal reasons that each denomination protested against, causing their separation and departure.
Others, strongly oppose particular forms of paganism, yet ignorantly practice other forms of paganism -some even practice the same paganism that they oppose, in an altered form. This will become clear as we continue.
So, in my opinion, the reasons that paganism has survived and flourished in the "Church of God", are either:
1. Ignorance;
2. Indifference;
3. Personal preference;
4. Conflict avoidance;
5. Dogmatic respect for tradition;
5. A downright disregard for the commandments of God.
References
1. Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia, "dogma" (2007)
2. Merriam Webster, a Modest Revision Dictionary; G. & C. Merriam Co.; (1859)
3. King James 1611 AV Bible
