All graphics and images are copyright of A True Church
All graphics and images are copyright of A True Church
All correspondence received becomes the property of A True Church, and may be reprinted, redistributed or posted on our web site. It is our desire to walk in the light and not in darkness and so those contacting us will be subject to this light (Ephesians 5:11, 13).
Last updated 9-2-05
From: Andre Abella [aabella@sbcglobal.net]
To: feedback@atruechurch.info
Sent: Thursday, August 11, 2005 9:19 AM
Subject: You need help. No you are not a "True Church."
Sir,
God bless you. My friend, you have some serious problems with pride. You are talking like you are the Lord himself, with all the hidden knowledge to all things, and the keys to heaven and hell all in your hands. I especially love when you say, "Yet, I do not know, as of this date, any other pastor that is in the truth. Nor have I seen any in history other than those recorded in Scripture." You forgot to add, "Except me, of course." You are acting like Satan himself, accusing the brethren. I have a brother that is exactly like you. He is, of course like yourself, a "True Christian." He will not go to any church, listen to any pastor etc., because all of them are false, all are hypocrites. Sir, I am begging you, humble yourself while you have time, and learn to love these people with all of their faults. They are imperfect brothers and sisters like all the rest of us. Look at all the good these men are doing now and have done already. Have you touched as many lives as the men you condemn? Have you helped as many people as they have? I know the answer already. You don't even come close. Yet here you are, spouting off condemnation to imperfect men who are touching millions of lives for Jesus. BE CAREFUL, WHOEVER YOU ARE. You are putting yourself in a lot of danger. Your prideful heart is lying to "YOU." YOU ARE THE FALSE TEACHER YOU FOOL, AND YOU DON'T EVEN SEE IT!! I say this with great love and care. Please stop this condemning. Stop this self-elevating, "I ALONE HAVE THE TRUTH," mentality. You sound just like Satan. I'm serious. Your manner is not Jesus like at all. It is Satan like. Full of condemnation for people Christ loves.
All you have is a deeply jealous, selfish, condemning, critical and prideful heart. Sir, I am going to pray that God opens your blind eyes to all the lives that have been helped by these so called, "Evil men," you name. Be very careful. You are going to be judged with the same judgment you use to judge others.
Matthew 7:2
2For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.
Do not respond to this letter unless it is in a spirit of repentance and you are willing to confess this sin of judging your brothers (imperfect of course, but still your brothers.) Do not send me any mail espousing your views. You have a critical, judgmental spirit. Read Mathew 7:2 very, very carefully sir. Jesus is talking to "YOU!" God bless you. I still love you despite your pitiful, poison filled rhetoric. May God have mercy on you, and change your prideful heart to accept the good that "OUR BROTHERS IN CHRIST" are bringing to this world. Sir, with a heart like yours, you will never come close to touching lives the way these men do. Stop this madness while you can. Go out and tell these men you love them with all of their faults. Then you will be acting like "My Lord, Jesus Christ." Tell them you think there are things they are doing wrong. If they don't listen, forgive them, and then thank God for all the other things they do that are good. You are never going to find perfect men in this world, "Well, except for yourself, of course." These men have touched millions of lives, and I am one of them. They have truly changed millions from sinful lives to godly lives. What are you going to say to God when he shows you all the broken, horrible lives that were helped by these, so called, "evil men?" You are going to be very sorry for your condemning words. I truly believe you are going to go to hell if you don't stop this. Goodbye sir. "Once again, don't reply unless it is to confess and repent."
Rom 12:3-6
3For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you. 4Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, 5so “in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.”
Rom 12:16
16Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.
1 Cor 13
1If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. 2If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 3If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames,[b] but have not love, I gain nothing. 4Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, “it keeps no record of wrongs.” (You seem to take much pride in your, “RECORDS OF WRONGS,” concerning these men) 6Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 8Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. 9For we know in part and we prophesy in part, 10but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears. 11When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me. 12Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. 13And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.
James 4:6
6But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says:
"God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble."[a]
1 Peter 5:5
5Young men, in the same way be submissive to those who are older. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because,
"God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble."
From: darwin@atruechurch.info
To: Andre Abella
Sent: Thursday, August 11, 2005 3:26 PM
Subject: Re: You need help. No you are not a "True Church."
You asked that we not respond unless it is in repentence, but you gave us nothing to repent from. We will not stop loving Christ (the truth, John 14:6). We will not repent of obeying the word of God (Ephesians 5:11; etc.). We will not stop exposing false teachers who are not helping anyone (2 Peter 2:17), but rather leading people like you to hell.
We respond in hope that you will not be stupid (Proverbs 12:1 NKJV) but will repent and be delivered from the deception you are caught in. You are headed for hell, and we do not want that for you. Therefore, consider, . . .
You wrote, "'I alone have the truth,' mentality. You sound just like Satan."
This well exemplifies how far you are from God. What you attribute to the Devil, is in truth the way of Christ (please see John 10:8; 14:6). And you have done exactly what 2 Peter 2:2 says would be done because of the false teachers that abound. You have blasphemed the way of truth (2 Peter 2:2). For more on this, you may want to see www.atruechurch.info/marksofacult.html .
Immediately after this you wrote, "I'm serious. Your manner is not Jesus like at all. It is Satan like. Full of condemnation for people Christ loves."
Look at your hypocrisy. Does Jesus not love us as well? Yes he does, yet you are full of condemnation for us! This is hypocritial judgment and God will hold you to account for your words (Matthew 12:36-37).
You wrote, "Be very careful. You are going to be judged with the same judgment you use to judge others."
Amen, and so are you. You have judged us, not according to the word of God (Hebrews 4:12-13), but by your own measure (Matthew 7:1-2). You gave not a single thing we say that is against Scripture. We are not wrong because you say so. We are not wrong because we speak against these "men of God." We are wrong, if we are wrong, because we speak against Christ, which we do not. If you think we do, please quote what we say and show that we do.
From: TAIWO OLOKUN [creatorcame@yahoo.com]
To: darwin@atruechurch.info
Sent: Tuesday, August 30, 2005 12:49 PM
Subject: wrong on masturbation
I TOTALLY AGREE WITH THIS YOUR STATEMENT > No, I do not believe I am the only one on the planet who knows the truth God has his own, however many or few, wherever He may have them Yet, I do not know, as of this date, any other pastor that is in the truth. Nor have I seen any in history other than those recorded in Scripture. Not that they have not and do not exist, but I am not familiar with any. But, wherever they may be, they would be in the same way as I am, believing the same things (i.e. God's Word), because there is only one way (John 14:6). Contrary to the lewd teaching (Jude 4) of false Christianity, we believe that We are of God. He who knows God hears us; he who is not of God does not hear us. By this we know the spirit of truth and the spirit of error. And, He who is of God hears God's words. (end of quote) I met you (Darwin Fish) at the stadium in Anaheim this year after i finished passing out info. to people concerning common errors among MOST Calvary Chapel & Evangelical pastors. I spoke with you & you told me MASTURBATION is not a sin. As you continued justifying your sin (basketball, sports & self-pleasures) i got angry & left. BUT God desires to truly make you holy. He desires that you truly be His own. You have some SERIOUS errors which you need to turn from. Some things which you people must repent of are the following: Masturbation is clearly wicked in God's sight. You & your group need to repent concerning sexual immoralities & your teachings on them. Mark 10:7-8 Jesus said "wife" not "w i V E S" also He said "the two shall become one flesh so then they are no longer two, but one flesh" YET you say polygamy is not a sin. MOST Evangelical churches are hooked on self-pleasures & they cannot it up BUT you & your group are HEAVILY GUILTY of self-pleasures too. You do not want to give up your sports (basketball, etc) 2Tim 2:4 says that God "desires all men to be saved & to come to the knowledge of the truth" BUT you & your group teach that your god already picked some to perish without them being able to access the power of His Mercy. See Hosea 12:4-6 Jacob (Israel) prevailed in His struggle with God by holding on to GOD'S MERCY. You teach that Jerusalem is God BUT Jesus said Jerusalem is the city of the great King. God is the great King; Jerusalem is His city. There is a difference between the house & its Maker. There is a difference between the city & its Maker. Yes God dwells in it, but IT is not HIM. God has chosen the land of Israel & the physical children of Israel FOREVER, not you & your group. This error of yours is similar to one of the serious errors of a group called "The Twelve Tribes" who teach that the church is the same as God the commonwealth of Israel. Darwin Fish, you were once under Mormonism & then later on, John McArthur. TILL TODAY, YOU STILL HAVE NOT BROKEN AWAY FROM SOME ERRORS OF MORMONISM (polygamy, masturbation, sexual immoralites).YOU STILL HAVE NOT BROKEN AWAY FROM SOME ERRORS OF JOHN MCARTHUR (a god who has already picked some people to perish forever without them being able to access the power of His Mercy).
[After the above, Taiwo gave a copy of a lengthy letter in which he rebukes the Calvary Chapel movement and Evangelical preachers. If you would like a copy of it, please ask us for it and we will send it. He also gave his phone number: (714) 496 2266]
From: darwin@atruechurch.info
To: TAIWO OLOKUN
Sent: Tuesday, August 30, 2005 8:03 PM
Subject: Re: wrong on masturbation
As far as self pleasures are concerned, none of us lives to himself (Romans 14:7-8). God has indeed given us all things to enjoy (1 Timothy 6:17), but we enjoy them to the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31). This, therefore, brings temperance to how we live and what we might choose to enjoy or not enjoy as we endeavor to find out what is acceptable to the Lord (1 Corinthians 9:19-27; Ephesians 5:8-10).
May I ask, do you really want us to agree with your claim that masturbation is sin when you give us absolutely no Scripture that proves that? Do you want us to follow you, or the word of God? So far, all you have given us on this subject are your words, not God's words.
Do you really want us to agree with your claim that polygamy is sin when you give us absolutely no Scripture that proves that? The verses you gave say no such thing. Do you want us to follow you, or the word of God? So far, all you have given us on this subject as well are your words, not God's words. He doesn't say it is sin. You do.
Do you really want us to agree with your claim that playing a sport is sin when you give us absolutely no Scripture that proves that? Do you want us to follow you, or the word of God? So far, all you have given us on this subject also are your words, not God's words.
Do you really want us to reject the words of God in Romans 9:11-23 that reveal God has indeed made vessels of wrath, not of him who wills nor of him who runs (Romans 9:16, 18)? You would rather we believe you instead? By the way, MacArthur does not teach this. You are wrong on that. He, like you, is a senseless fool (Psalm 92:5-7) and rejects these words of God (e.g. MacArthur Study Bible, footnote for Romans 9:22, p. 1711).
Do you really want us to reject Psalm 48:14, which speaks of Jerusalem (verses 12-13) and declares "this is God"? You would rather we believe you, who claims "this is not God"?
We have made it our purpose in life to follow nothing but the word of God (Jesus, Revelation 19:13). Therefore, we are not in any way persuaded by your arguments, because they are not God's words; but instead, the words of a man who presently is in Satan's snare (2 Timothy 2:24-26).
May God have mercy on you and save you before it is too late. Presently, you are headed for eternal torment (Revelation 21:8 "unbelieving"). You need to put your trust in what God says, not what you think is right (Proverbs 3:5-6).
From: TAIWO OLOKUN
To: darwin@atruechurch.info
Sent: Thursday, September 01, 2005 8:00 PM
Subject: I'm a senseless fool
Dear Darwin Fish, AMONG OTHER THINGS, you said to me: "You (Taiwo) are wrong on that. He (John McArthur) like you, is a senseless fool (Psalm 92:5-7) and rejects these words of God" Darwin, i say my next statement IN TRUTH, i am not lying to you. YOU ARE RIGHT, i am a senseless fool & i realize that such is indeed my TRUE situation eventhough i often deceive myself with pride. I realize that i am a senseless fool & even WORSE than that. But i just hope that the One who Created me is merciful.
-Taiwo
From: darwin@atruechurch.info
To: TAIWO OLOKUN
Sent: Thursday, September 01, 2005 9:12 PM
Subject: Re: I'm a senseless fool
All senseless fools go to hell (Proverbs 3:35), because they do not believe God's word (Revelation 21:8). Inparticular, the very words that call both you and Mac a senseless fool - Psalm 92:5-7 - are the words (along with other words) they do not believe. Senselss fools do not realize nor understand (as the Psalm says) that the reason the wicked spring up and flourish, is so that they may be destroyed forever (as it is written, Psalm 92:7). This you reject, along with Proverbs 16:4 (same concept), Romans 9:11-22 (same concept), Isaiah 46:9-10 (same concept); Romans 11:36 (same concept); etc.. They reject the word of God. In rejecting the word of God, they reject Jesus Christ, because He is the word of God (Revelation 19:13). Therefore, in your present condition there is no mercy for you, but rather condemnation, because you do not believe in the Son, the Word (John 1:1, 14; 3:18).
May God have mercy on you, grant you to escape the snare of the Devil (2 Timothy 2:24-26), and bring you to His truth (John 14:6), and save you from your "truth" (Proverbs 3:5-6).
From: Jesusfreak61484@aol.com
To: darwin@atruechurch.info
Sent: Tuesday, August 30, 2005 9:59 PM
Subject: Bible and Freud?
Darwin,
How do we disprove the Oedipus Complex (Freudian) from the Scriptures?
And how do we disprove from Scripture Tom Harris' (author of I'm okay, you're okay) transactional psychology?
From: darwin@atruechurch.info
To: Jesusfreak61484@aol.com
Sent: Wednesday, August 31, 2005 4:02 PM
Subject: Re: Bible and Freud?
Both of these are simply the "wisdom" of this world, which God calls foolishness (1 Corinthians 3:19). The Oedipus Complex is the theory of Freud, and transactional analysis is the theory of Eric Berne. It is not incumbent upon us to disprove them. It is incumbent upon them to prove them, being that they are theories, not facts.
Nevertheless, Freud turns lust and hate into a phallic issue, but Scripture says these things exist because men reject God (Romans 1:18-32); not because God has given them a penis! Men have in them not only the capacity to lust for their mothers and hate their fathers, but to do anything wicked. They are filled with "all unrighteousness" (Romans 1:29).
If you read much of Freud with a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7), you soon come to see the man was obsessed with immoral sex and quite a pervert (Proverbs 14:2). It amazes me anyone gives him any serious thought whatsoever. The fact that many esteem him exemplifies the depth of debased minds (Romans 1:28).
In regards to Tom Harris, I guess a more general approach could be taken, which attacks all psychoanalysis. Jeremiah 17:9 says the human heart is deceitful above all and it asks the rhetorical question, "Who can know it?" In other words, no one. But Psychologists claim they do know and understand the human heart (the psyche, the soul, the heart of man). That's what all these theories are about, attempting to know, and often claiming to know and understand how the human heart works. But only God can know it (Jeremiah 17:10), and He has revealed much about it in His word, which, by the way, reveals no such Parent, Adult, Child foolishness, or "I'm not OK, you're OK" folly. In fact, men in their proud contenance (proud = at the very least "I'm OK"), do not seek God (Psalm 10:4). Sadly, wicked men think their OK (e.g. Psalm 49:11), but they are not (Revelation 21:8). And, it is only those who think they are not OK that will enter the kingdom of God (Matthew 5:3; Isaiah 66:2).
From: Jesusfreak61484@aol.com
To: darwin@atruechurch.info
Sent: Wednesday, August 31, 2005 6:33 PM
Subject: (no subject)
Darwin,
Thank you for your responses to the article on circumcision and Freud. [He also asked about circumcision in a different email]
What does the Bible say about those symptoms he listed? Because we must reject psychology, do we have to deny that some people do feel powerless and insecure?
Is it a sin to feel insecure and helpless and vulnerable?
And, do we have to reject all of psychology? I mean..aren't there good tests that reveal some things about men?
I read once that psychology says that all we do is for pleasure...wouldn't the Bible affirm this?
And I agree that it is lust (not a phallic issue) concerning Freud. But do you, personally, really think a 3-5 year old really lusts after his mother or her father?
What do I say to someone who calls me foolish for rejecting psychology? They will say things like,"But it's scientific, and they'll give me the tests they have done and all...what do I say to those psychological tests?
Are some tests valid?
Like, I feel I have to study psychology, because in order to refute it, I have to know what I'm saying...do you agree?
For example...I'm sure you have studied it because you knew about the Oedipus Complex and Tom Harris......could you further explain....thanks!
From: darwin@atruechurch.info
To: Jesusfreak61484@aol.com
Sent: Thursday, September 01, 2005 3:29 AM
Subject: Re: (no subject)
I have studied some psychology, some in an effort to refute it, some in my wicked past. As far as knowing about these things, I either did not remember or did not know about the specific issues you asked. I did some research on the internet, and most of the concepts I was already familiar with, but I did not know or did not remember (I'm not sure which) the specific terms you asked about.
The symptoms? Typically, symptoms within psychoanalysis are simply symptoms of a wicked heart. For example, see below:
You asked, "Because we must reject psychology, do we have to deny that some people do feel powerless and insecure?"
No. But, why do they feel this way? Typically, because they are wicked. If they are "insecure," it is usually because they don't trust God (Isaiah 26:3). If they feel powerless, it's usually because they don't believe in the power of God (Philippians 4:13).
You asked, "Is it a sin to feel insecure and helpless and vulnerable?"
For believers, we should feel "insecure" about ourselves (Psalm 16:2; Matthew 5:3; Romans 7:18), but secure in God's Word (Romans 8:29-31; Hebrews 4:11; 11:6). We should know we are helpless (Romans 5:6), but God has given us help (Hebrews 2:16). We should know we are "vulnerable" (1 Corinthians 10:12; Romans 11:20-22), and so live accordingly (1 Peter 5:8-9).
You asked, "And, do we have to reject all of psychology? I mean..aren't there good tests that reveal some things about men?"
Do they really reveal things about men that the Bible does not? If the Bible reveals it, then we can know it's true, and need no test. If it is found in "tests," where is the foundation for truth? Nowhere. There is no foundation, except in the mind of man, which is no place to find truth (Jeremiah 17:9; Proverbs 3:5-6). Psychology is wicked men trying to understand wicked men, the most deceitful thing that exists, the heart of man (Jeremiah 17:9). They will never understand it, for they themselves are caught in it's deceit (Revelation 12:9). When it comes to understanding human behavior, Psychology is the wisdom of this world, which God calls foolishness (1 Corinthians 3:19), and warns about such things in Colossians 2:8. We have all we need in God's word to properly understand man (2 Timothy 3:16-17). You look elsewhere, and you deny 2 Timothy 3:16-17 and turn to deception (Colossians 2:8-10).
You asked, "I read once that psychology says that all we do is for pleasure...wouldn't the Bible affirm this?"
If the Bible affirmed it, then we wouldn't need psychology to tell us it. Scripture does not affirm this, that I have found, even for the wicked. No doubt, pleasure may play a big part (e.g. 2 Timothy 3:4), and be A root of it all (1 Timothy 6:10), but Scripture does not teach the concept that ALL the wicked do is for pleasure. Actually, all the wicked do is for rebellion (Proverbs 17:11).
You asked, "do you, personally, really think a 3-5 year old really lusts after his mother or her father?"
The wicked are estranged from the womb (Psalm 58:3). They come out of the womb evil. Sadly, the potential is there, who or who doesn't do this, I've got no clue.
You asked, "What do I say to someone who calls me foolish for rejecting psychology? They will say things like,'But it's scientific, and they'll give me the tests they have done and all...what do I say to those psychological tests."
If they are open to Scripture, show them 1 Timothy 6:20 that warns of things that are falsely called knowledge (KJV - "science falsely so called"). Also, if you can show from the Word the foolishness of some of the things, that might help. For example, all the phobias they classify and list off and say people really have these phobias. Well, indeed they do, but Scripture reveals the reason people have such things is because they are wicked (Proverbs 28:1; Revelation 21:8 "cowards"). Those who trust in God have no such things (Isaiah 26:3; Proverbs 28:1). It takes knowing God's word to refute these matters (Psalm 119:97-100).
From: Jesusfreak61484@aol.com
To: darwin@atruechurch.info
Sent: Thursday, September 01, 2005 9:30 AM
Subject: (no subject)
I appreciate your answers.
You said that Christians shouldn't have phobias...but do you personally think Christians may struggle with this sin?
The psychological tests I was referring to are like...tests with animals. Classically conditioning dogs...with the ringing of bells...that sort of thing. So, is that kind of psychological test okay? And does it reveal something about us?
I know that the Bible is sufficient for life, but would you agree that the Bible doesn't tell us everything we need to know? For example, it doesn't tell us how to do open-heart surgery. It doesn't tell us the rules for Greek and Hebrew Grammar...etc. Do you think Psychology could reveal something the Bible does not reveal?
Is there a general principle to use when Scripture neither condemns nor condones something? Like, for example, the Bible never refutes the Oedipus Complex..like things like this....?
I took a Philosophy class once and we were studying ethics and the word "egoism" (not to be confused with "egotism." "Egoism" is the belief that we do everything for our own benefit. Even selfless acts we do because it will somehow benefit us in some way. The professor even gave an example of someone trying to rescue others in a drowning experience. The "hero" died, but, the professor said, he sill could have done that failed heroic act by egoism, because after he died, his name would have been famous.
Then some quote that passage in Hebrews that says that Jesus went to the Cross, knowing the Glory that awaited HIm. Is this a proof text that Jesus was an "egoist.." that He did everyting (even the Cross) for his own benefit?
In some of your articles, you seem to think God created evil....in your articles do you mean to sound like God is the source of evil?
I was confused on your position and wanted to clarify it with you.
In James 1:13-14 it says that because of our lusts we are tempted...does this mean that it is a sin to be tempted. These two verses seem to say that we are tempted because we are drawn away by lusts (this is sin) So, we sin when we are tempted?
From: darwin@atruechurch.info
To: Jesusfreak61484@aol.com
Sent: Thursday, September 01, 2005 7:38 PM
Subject: Re: (no subject)
You asked, "You said that Christians shouldn't have phobias...but do you personally think Christians may struggle with this sin?"
It depends on what you mean by struggle. Phobias are a result of a debased mind (Romans 1:28), since they are not based on reality, like the Scripture says, "The wicked flee when no one pursues" (Proverbs 28:1). Then it says, describing those who know God, "but the righteous are bold as a lion."
Whether believers struggle with sin is a totally different subject. For this question, please see www.atruechurch.info/notbyworks.html under point IV. The Flesh Stays Sinful.
Test with animals may reveal something about animals (at least the ones tested), but we are not animals. That's the folly in that (at least in part). In fact, the foundation of that kind of thinking is evolution.
You asked, "I know that the Bible is sufficient for life, but would you agree that the Bible doesn't tell us everything we need to know? For example, it doesn't tell us how to do open-heart surgery. It doesn't tell us the rules for Greek and Hebrew Grammar...etc. Do you think Psychology could reveal something the Bible does not reveal?"
Biblical Greek and Hebrew grammar is actually known via the Bible itself. The grammarians (for Biblical Greek and Hebrew) get their grammar (for the most part) from the Bible, and even Modern Hebrew is largely based in Biblical Hebrew. But this is not to say, we don't learn things (like auto mechanics) that are not found in Scripture.
The Bible does tell us everything we need to know in how to live as God would have us live (2 Timothy 3:16-17). But, of course, it does not deal with open-heart surgery or things of that nature, but this has nothing to do with godly living or understanding human behavior. Psychology is dealing with human behavior, and getting into the issues of the human heart (Jeremiah 17:9). Think about the word itself, Psychology - study of the soul. Psychology is the atheistic approach to understanding issues of the soul, the very subject matter that the Bible addresses, the heart of man, that only God can know. Remove Psychology from the planet, and you have removed atheistic philosophy concerning man, no loss, much gain (removal of evil).
If you questioned that psychology is atheistic philosophy concerning man, do some research on the founding fathers, and even the main proponents of it today. They are fools (Psalm 14:1) giving their philosophy about man from an atheistic or sometimes deistic view (Deism is practical atheism and a rejection of God as well). Sigmond Freud (as I mentioned) was a godless pervert (just read his stuff, the Oedipus Complex is a good example). Carl Jung was into the occult (e.g. see An Introduction to Jung's Psychology, by Frieda Fordham, or go to http://72.14.207.104/search?q=cache:_4Xh6Igd4dMJ:www.cgjungpage.org/index2.php%3Foption%3Dcontent%26do_pdf%3D1%26id%3D432+%22Jung%27s+interest+in+the+occult%22&hl=en, see page 4). Carl Rogers wrote, "Experience is, for me, the highest authority." and, "Neither the Bible nor the prophets -- neither Freud nor research -- neither the revelations of God nor man -- can take precedence over my own direct experience" (On Becoming a Person, by Carl Rogers, p. 23-24, or see www.unolotiene.com/article.php?id_article=144). That's a fool talking (Proverbs1:22).
You might say, "They say things that are true sometimes." Of course, "The folly of fools is deceit" (Proverbs 14:8). Deceit mixes truth with error (Matthew 12:34), or gives the appearance of being right (e.g. Matthew 23:27-28). But it is all to deceive (Revelation 12:9).
Moreover, not only is the human heart deceitful above all else and unknowable apart from the revelation of God (Jeremiah 17:9-10; Proverbs 15:11), but God fashions their hearts individually (Psalm 33:15), and a man cannot even understand his own way (Proverbs 20:24), without the revelation of God, let alone the ways of others.
You asked, "Is there a general principle to use when Scripture neither condemns nor condones something? Like, for example, the Bible never refutes the Oedipus Complex..like things like this....?"
This is why I said it takes knowing the word of God. Then, when concepts are propagated, they can be cast down (2 Corinthians 10:3-5). Psychology is very deceptive. It comes from the Satanic spring of atheism, and is falsely called knowledge (1 Timothy 6:20), and sad to say many are cheated away from the truth (Colossians 2:8) and lead away with the error of the wicked via Psychology (2 Peter 3:17).
You gave a good example of this in your email. You wrote, "I took a Philosophy class once and we were studying ethics and the word "egoism" (not to be confused with "egotism." "Egoism" is the belief that we do everything for our own benefit. Even selfless acts we do because it will somehow benefit us in some way. The professor even gave an example of someone trying to rescue others in a drowning experience. The "hero" died, but, the professor said, he sill could have done that failed heroic act by egoism, because after he died, his name would have been famous.
Then some quote that passage in Hebrews that says that Jesus went to the Cross, knowing the Glory that awaited HIm. Is this a proof text that Jesus was an "egoist.." that He did everyting (even the Cross) for his own benefit?"
I know you were simply asking, but in asking you gave credence to a concept, dealing with the nature of man, not because it is found in Scripture, but because some man made a good sounding argument, and someone threw a Scripture in there to make it even more deceptive, and so it provoked in you a question about Christ. Of course, neither the "Egoism" nor the Hebrews passage substantiates any such thing. Jesus was without sin (2 Corinthians 5:21), and He always did His Father's will, not His own (John 5:19; 6:38).
You asked, "In some of your articles, you seem to think God created evil....in your articles do you mean to sound like God is the source of evil?"
Nothing exists apart from God making it exist, and this includes evil (Romans 11:36; see KJV Isaiah 45:7; Amos 3:6; Lamentations 3:37-38; see also Isaiah 63:17; 2 Chronicles 18:18-22; 2 Samuel 24:1; Psalm 141:4). So, in that sense, yes. Yet, at the same time, God is totally righteous, pure, holy, just, and perfect in all His ways (Deuteronomy 32:4).
You asked, "In James 1:13-14 it says that because of our lusts we are tempted...does this mean that it is a sin to be tempted. These two verses seem to say that we are tempted because we are drawn away by lusts (this is sin) So, we sin when we are tempted?"
In the flow of James, no. It is only after desire is conceived, then it gives birth to sin. But, these things can happen very quickly. Also, in being tempted about one thing, you can be tempted about another and sin in the process. For example, temptation towards immoral sex can lead to going by the door of her house (Proverbs 5:8), but not actually succumbing to the actual act. Well, simply giving in to going by the door of her house was sin, not heeding the commandment of God (Proverbs 5:8).
From: Jesusfreak61484@aol.com
To: darwin@atruechurch.info
Sent: Thursday, September 01, 2005 9:47 PM
Subject:
I agree that we must reject self-esteem, but does this mean we need to go around thinking we're stupid and dumb and ugly and can't do anyting for the Kingdom?
If a child who has been repeatedly abused verbally by a parent, does rejection of self-esteem mean we have to agree with the child that all thsoe terrible things his dad said to him were true.....so we won't build his esteem?
From: darwin@atruechurch.info
To: Jesusfreak61484@aol.com
Sent: Friday, September 02, 2005 12:37 AM
Subject: Re:
You asked, "I agree that we must reject self-esteem, but does this mean we need to go around thinking we're stupid and dumb and ugly and can't do anyting for the Kingdom?"
It strongly appears you are not reading my emails very carefully. Did you not note the reference to Philippians 4:13? I suggest you read it.
If a person hates correction, then they should admit they are stupid (Proverbs 12:1). That would be one good step in the right direction (truth, John 14:6). If a person is dumb (not exactly sure what you mean by dumb, it can mean different things), then they should admit it, as David admitted his own foolishness (Psalm 38:5; 69:5) and also recognized he had no goodness of his own (Psalm 16:2). If a person is ugly, they ought to admit that too and be thankful (Ephesians 4:25; 5:20). Only people who think, speak, and live truth go to heaven (Psalm 15:2; John 14:6), and the truth is, "O wretched man that I am!" (Romans 7:24; see also Matthew 5:3; Isaiah 66:2)
You asked, "If a child who has been repeatedly abused verbally by a parent, does rejection of self-esteem mean we have to agree with the child that all thsoe terrible things his dad said to him were true.....so we won't build his esteem?"
Those that were true, should be affirmed that they are true. Those that were false should be rejected as false (Ephesians 4:25).