Paris Reidhead, pointed out humanism in his day....but

I thought Paris Reidhead was very insightful, abit direct and to the point, just the way I like the Man of God to preach! He spoke on humanism of his day, from the message "Ten shekels and a shirt" out of the book of Judges. What is it called today? What form has it taken on, in our church doctrines and teachings? How far off are we in our thinking, our ministry?? There are many questions I came away with, after listening, I'm searching for straight-on answers from the Truth, not head theology. Blessings

Josh,I am sure that revival will not fit into modern theology when God begins to move in a tremendous way. Just as revival will definately not fit into humanism. Sometimes theology can be as big of an enemy as humanism, because so much theology has been affected by it.I don't think humanism has any bearing on the movement of God, though. I think revival is the only way to clean all the humanism up.

I'm searching for straight-on answers from the Truth, not head theology. I don't know which you will regard this as but I think Paris Reidhead is as relevant today as when he first gave these messages. I'm sure he would have something to say about 'post modernism' if he were still among us but in some ways that is just a continuation of humanism with its consumerism and relativism.Paris Reidhead is clearly well read in philosophy. Otherwise he would not have been able to target it as he did; the prevailing philosophy of his day was humanism. Today, increasingly it is post-modernism. Someone who is targetting Post-Modernism is Ravi Zacharias. He is well worth listening to on this.Is this what you wanted to discuss or were you looking for specific contemporary church issues which indicate that the prevailing philosophies are infiltrating the church?

Is this what you wanted to discuss or were you looking for specific contemporary church issues which indicate that the prevailing philosophies are infiltrating the church?Yes, I also wanted to have labeled some of the movements happening today, such as would the prosperity message be considered post-humanism?

Yes, I also wanted to have labeled some of the movements happening today, such as would the prosperity message be considered post-humanism?I think prosperity teaching is a little older than 'post-modernism'.2Pet. 2:15 Which have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness; Jude 11 Woe unto them! for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the gainsaying of Core. Rev. 2:14 But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication. ;-)

I think prosperity teaching is a little older than 'post-modernism'.I read John Bunyan's "Pilgrim's Progress", and I was blown away to see Mr. Byends, Mr. Moneylove, and Mr. Saveall made the same "points" that these prosperity preachers today make. That was 350 years ago! You can read the whole chapter here:http://bible.christiansunite.com/bun/pilgrim20.shtml

I may have been a little obscure again! in my cryptic quotations. I was drawing attention to the mercenary side of some modern 'ministries'. Tozer and Reidhead were attacking this 50 years ago, but the situation has not improved rather it has become institutionalised. There is an interesting progession in the letters to the Churches in the Revelation; the 'deeds of the Nicolaitines' are later followed by the 'doctrine of the Nicolaitines'. In some ways the 'deeds' are the less dangerous; they may be a passing aberation. However, when it settles into 'the teaching of..' things are becoming much more difficult to dislodge. What was the personal life-style of a few performers in 'prosperity teaching' is now well established in many churches as a 'truth' and forms part of the identity of local churches and whole movements.Balaam was the first mercenary recorded in the scripture. And, according to the verses I quoted, he not only practised 'gifts for sale' but taught others how to compromise God's saints to weaken and destroy them.

Yes...I must agree that the great men we celebrate here at sermonindex were great philosophers. Hmm..this might get me in trouble....but I'd venture to say that they were much more well read, well educated, and well equipped than many men of today (minus Ravi Zachariahs...I admire him too!!!...his book Jesus Among Other gods....READ it ;) ). I think too many Christians today are all about methods...there's a complicated methodology to everything nowadays...don't get me wrong..strategy is good..these men had it...but it was intelligent, biblically based strategy that was exectuted alongside much fervent prayer and a humble, willing heart.

Thank you Philologos, for your input. I have been searching while I was waiting for your response back. It seems to me, we are in a very very dangerous position, in these last days. The way of Balaam is so much apart of the Christian life in all our churches, it’s frightening! Earlier this week, I was watching a movie, where the main character was so loved and cherished by a small boy, that the bond between the two was precious. Powers that be, saw an opportunity to make money and have fame, they tried to use the boy's innocence and friendship for their gain. To the boy's shock, what he had earlier, with his new friend was now attempting to be "put on show" for all to see. Here is where the Lord spoke to me, He said, "This is the condition of my Church, they want my power, for miracles and signs and wonders. They want my anointing, to demonstrate that they can preach a great message, thereby gaining recognition with the people. They want to use me, and put me on display before Flesh!!"He also said this is why He isn't moving in a greater out pouring of His Spirit in the Church! The result of His Glory being revealed will have dire consequences.I have felt the Lord grieving over His Church, but not like this. 4 days later, you bring out "the way of Balaam" which now adds the needed Light from scripture. At times, I just sit here dazed and shell shocked with the bitter reality as it unfolds before me. Praise the Lord Jesus Christ!! For He is Mighty and well able to handle all matters pertaining to His Church. That is where I stand and In Him, I shall place my Hope and remain steadfast in Faith in the true and Living God. amen

I came across this old quotation from Tozer in one of my old note-books....the evangelical movement will continue to drift farther and farther from the New Testament position unless its leadership passes from the modern religious star to the self-effacing saint who asks for no praise and seeks no place, happy only when the glory is attributed to God and himself forgotten.Quoted in A W Tozer, 20th Century Prophet by D. J, Fant. What is sobering is that this judgement of Tozer was given 50 years ago. We might ask, generally speaking, has 'leadership passed from the modern religious star' yet?And this one that comes from an A J Gordon bookthere is not a more dangerous creature than a parasitical prophet