The Apostle Paul did not care what people thought. He didn’t care that by calling other religious teachings demonic he would undoubtedly stir up anger, frustration and most certainly make enemies. Despite this opposition, Paul remained unequivocally clear on this subject.

So as Paul leads us to be through his writings to young Timothy, we will echo his teachings and will remain strong against the temptation to accept other religious teachings and “other perspectives” or “alternative views”. However, caution must be issued. Though we do not affirm in any way teachings that are contrary to the gospel of Jesus Christ as outlined in the 66 books of the Bible, we will never engage these other religions as enemies.

“Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and demons, through the insincerity of liars whose consciences are seared, who forbid marriage and require abstinence from foods that God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth. For everything created by God is good and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, for it is made holy by the word of God and prayer. If you put these things before the brothers, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, being trained in the words of the faith and of the good doctrine you have followed. Have nothing to do with silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness” (1 Timothy 4:1-7).

False Teaching at it’s Roots:

Paul is clear: false teaching at it’s roots is a demonic lie purported by demons. Anything that is contrary to the true gospel of Jesus Christ is a demonic lie. It is not a different perspective or an alternative view.

We believe Paul’s words when he says that people will follow the teachings of demons. We do not believe that the Angel of Moroni is an angel from God. We do not believe that the teachings of Mormonism to be a different perspective, but to be lies.

Marks of False Teaching:

1. Flat-out lies (vv2).
2. Unjustifiable abstinence from certain foods (vv 3). Abstinence from certain foods is not a bad thing, especially when living with a digestive disorder or disease. However, false teachings and religions will often unjustifiably tell you to abstain from certain foods (for example, the Mormons to not allow their followers to consume caffeine).
3. Forbid (or mess with) Marraige (vv 3). This is true in our day. Examples include, polygamy, denying the covenant aspect of marriage, redefining Christian heterosexual marriage, not allowing certain sexual pleasures within marriage.
4. Irreverent (vv 7). Teachings that are disrespectful to God. Generally, this is anything that is contrary to what is taught in Scripture. Specifically, this can manifest in many ways. Most commonly, it is shown by teachings that hold man can earn or merit his own salvation. This is absolute disrespect to the authority of God and the salvation that is provided in Christ alone.
5. Silly Myths (vv 7). Scientology, which was founded by L. Ron Hubbard, purports that Xenu (an alien, sometimes also Xemu) was the dictator of the “Galactic Confederacy” and brought “billions” of his people to earth in a spacecraft. After which he proceeded to stack them or gather them around volcanoes and destroy them by way of Hydrogen bombs. Scientology teaches that the “essence” of Xenu’s people have remained and spiritually torment and attack humans now. Scientology offers to solve the problems these spiritual remnants of aliens cause to humans. Silly myth.
6. Contrary to the words of the Holy Spirit (vv 2,6). The words that the Holy Spirit spoke to those who wrote the Scriptures are from God and are our highest court of authority. Anything contrary to Scriptures is false.

Two Ways to React:

First, you can either gather canned foods and wait for the rapture to take you out of this sinful, dirty and scary world. Or second, you can engage this world in order to make Jesus known so He can lovingly rescue His people out of religions that will ultimately hurt and destroy.

Wait, You Should be More Tolerant:

In Seattle, tolerance is one of the most celebrated values. Tolerance and openness is something that is valued extremely highly in our great city. What is funny about tolerance is that tolerant people are only tolerant as long as you agree with their tolerance. They say they are open and tolerant of other religions, unless said religion believes it’s the only way, then they are surprisingly intolerant. I’ve found that there is no such thing as tolerance, only the guise of tolerance that is extremely intolerant of those who don’t agree with their tolerance.

A Call to Get Back to Your Bible:

How many hours do you spend a day taking in other forms of communication and teaching through channels such as books, TV, internet, phones and more? If you were to do the math in your own life and context I’m sure it would be staggering.

Try something. Try equaling what you read via books or online and how much TV or other media you take in with how much time you spend reading and  studying your Bible. That’s my challenge to you.

So read your Bible. Study your Bible. Buy some commentaries to help you study the Bible deeper and further. Buy a book about Theology and work your way through it. Godliness doesn’t happen by accident. It takes work. It takes study. So get to work.

John Glynn’s Commentary & Reference Survey is an excellent resource to help you research and buy commentaries, dictionaries and other helpful Bible study resources.