You're not a Saint until the Pope says you're a Saint!

Dear saints, I cannot let yesterday's historical religious event go without a comment. In a ceremony at Vatican City, watched by millions on Satellite TV, Pope Francis canonized John XXIII and John Paul II. In Roman Catholicism, canonization only happens by papal authority after a long process proving the person lived and died in such a holy way that he or she is worthy to be called a saint. 

Can the Roman Catholic tradition be reconciled with biblical teaching? Not at all.

In Roman Catholic theology, the “saints” are in heaven. In the Bible, the “saints” are on earth. In Roman Catholic tradition, a person does not become a “saint” unless he/she is “beatified” by a bishop or “canonized” by the Pope. In the Bible, everyone who has received Jesus Christ by faith is a “saint.” In Roman Catholicism, the “saints” are prayed to. In the Bible, “saints” pray. (Acts 9:32; 2 Cor. 8:4; Eph. 1:1; Col. 1:2; Heb. 6:10)

What Next? Holograms?

In what seems a confirmation of the world’s technological readiness for apocalyptic events, Pope Francis will become the first pontiff to be seen globally in 3D in a Vatican ceremony on April 27 when he will perform an unprecedented double canonization of his predecessors, John Paul II and John XXIII.

The high-profile event, produced by the Vatican TV Center, will be beamed into 3D movie theaters across the planet in what is being touted as the first convergence of HD, 3D and 4K technologies.  What next?  Holographic images? 

Historically, media moguls have exercised amazing social and political influence over the masses. And with today's technologies, world leaders can control what information people receive, and ultimately, what they believe. When the antichrist comes into power, he will deploy the greatest misinformation campaign the world has ever seen, in 3D.

More Nones than Nuns?

The group called “Nones” (Americans without religious identity) is now the 2nd largest after Catholics [Pew Forum]. Officially, then, there are almost as many “nones” as nuns. In fact, Pope Benedict, who is dedicated to combating secularism in Europe, has convened a 3-week assembly of Bishops to strategize how to get Catholics to come back to church. On the Protestant side, Albert Mohler of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, says “this is a wake-up call.” What exactly is it we should wake up to?

In a word: deception. Jesus warned of increased deception before His return—we are all at risk. “Warn each other every day... so that NONES [emphasis added] will be deceived by sin and hardened against God” (Heb. 3:13). (Yes, that is  a play on words.)  Many of these "nones" were once part of us.

At one time in my life, I was one of the “nones.” In my confusion and hurt, I was easy prey for Satan’s schemes. I was (as are today’s “nones”) a casualty of Satan’s war against the Church. Paul says we should be gentle with these “nones”—that they will come to their senses and escape from the devil's trap. For they have been held captive by him to do whatever he wants (2 Tim. 2:26). Significantly, an antonym to the word “none” is SOME.  Let us remember “and such were SOME of you” (1 Cor. 6:11).

The President and the Pill: Declaring War on the Church

Last week, the White House announced that the final rule on the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) mandates coverage of birth control even if the employer happens to be a religious institution that objects to it.  This will be a particular issue for the Roman Catholic Church which employs 1,000's in its 600 hospitals (Catholics and non-Catholics alike), and does not offer such coverage to any of  them.

Ironically, the Catholic Church was one of Obama’s strongest allies in his health care initiatives. But now they are angry.  The Obama administration has no plans to reverse its decision even though the Bishops have signaled their intention to defy the law rather than to violate their conscience.

What is the significance of this for us? Well, beyond the obvious First Amendment issue, it is an example of the secularization of America. Secularization neutralizes religious ideas and institutions until they have lost their social and moral significance, and have no influence on society. (Europe has been secularized.)  Scripture says the true Church will decline in influence at the last days, as apostasy increases.  Who can argue that the Church no longer has the influence it once did. The Obama ruling is a test of that influence; we should pay attention to how this plays out.  Something is going on here between the President and the Church that is more important than the pill.

Should Evangelical Christians Vote for a Mormon?

Is Mormonism a cult or is it just idiosyncratic Christianity? The easiest way to recognize a cult is by its interpretation of the Bible and view of Jesus deity. Mormonism claims that Christianity was incomplete without The Book of Mormon, the Latter Day Saint (LDS) Scripture. With its own teachings and traditions, LDS rejects Christian orthodoxy.  And LDS teaches that Jesus was the brother of Satan.  Knowing this, can a faithful Christian vote for a Mormon candidate?

Well, Martin Luther might have voted for a Mormon! Quoted as saying that he would rather be ruled by a competent Turk (Muslim) than an incompetent Christian, his advice may well serve us in 2012. And we would have to admit that there are non-Christian candidates who share far more of our worldview and policy concerns than some others who identify themselves as Christians.

I still remember the opposition faced by John Kennedy in 1960 from evangelical Christians because he was a Roman Catholic. With increasing diversity in America, Evangelicals are facing unprecedented challenges (what about voting for an atheist?). So in answering today’s question, Evangelicals must think carefully and prayerfully. And it is probably best to do so before you arrive at the voting polls. “If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and He will give it to you” (James 1:5 NLT).