These heresies are the same ones we read about in the New Testament. The whole Jew-Gentile thing is a perfect example of the heresy of cultural provincialism. The constant battle Jesus had with the Pharisees is the same battle we fight today against moral legalism. The problem that the early church faced with idolatry is the same problem we face with Bibliolatry today.
These heresies threaten to destroy the organized church from within and its influence on society without. At one time, the organized church took its place with governments and the schools as one of the major social institutions. It was generally agreed that a strong role for the church was necessary to assure a stable society. But, unless Christians of good conscience fight against these false ideas whenever they rear their heads, the church will continue its path to becoming an insignificant factor in society.
Copyright © 1996 Steve Falkenberg