On Pope John Paul II Kissing An Islamic Koran

          Pope John Paul II (1978-2005) once kissed an Islamic Koran during a meeting with the Patriarch of Chaldean. This action no doubt resulted in controversy, as one has to wonder precisely what he was thinking. After all, Islam rejects the gospel. It denies the crucifixion and bodily resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. It is fairly obvious that Islam and Christianity are incompatible with each other.

          Whatever the case, there is no wisdom in Christians, especially the alleged earthly head of the church, bowing his head and kissing the sacred texts of different religions. There is literally no excuse for such conduct, for it communicates endorsement. Further, Christ made an exclusive truth claim (John 14:6). If other belief systems are acceptable to God, then Christ would be a liar and false messiah. That charge would be blasphemous to the utmost.

           If the pope is truly the Vicar of Christ, then why would he display reverence for a religion that fundamentally contradicts his own? His action so clearly resembles that of an apostate. He also could have mislead those who are unlearned by his irresponsible act. Why then do Roman Catholics try so hard to defend this sort of behavior? The rightful thing to do would be to simply admit that the pope erred. It is not as though we will ever see an imam kissing the Holy Bible.

          It seems that the papacy these days will do anything to gain political influence. That appears to be the motivating factor behind the Vatican associating with Islam. Even today, millions flock to Rome just to behold him as he lectures. Faithful Roman Catholics bow before him and kiss the hand which wields the ring molded for his coronation. All of this is idolatry, pure idolatry.

Analyzing The Spiritual But Not Religious Movement

          There is a trend within Christianity where a distinction is made between religion and spirituality. In other words, adherents of this movement have pitted the two words against each other or treated them like distinct concepts. Organized religion altogether has been condemned by these people as being legalism, which gets in the way of people growing in their relationship with the God. The phrase "spiritual but not religious," albeit of uncertain origin, has been used as a label for this contemporary movement relating to self-identity.

          While it is true that Jesus Christ vehemently denounced the outward ceremonial righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, it is a huge mistake to oppose being religious due to having a facile understanding on the nature of faith. True faith involves obeying God on His own terms. He joyfully communes with members of His church through the sharing of and living out the gospel. Additionally, the offices of elder and deacon are structurally set up for regulating the moral principles and worship habits of God's people.

          Therefore, Christianity is, in a very real sense, religious according to the purpose and design which God has mandated to maintain His church's spiritual vitality. James, the brother of Jesus, firmly acknowledges the contrast between dead religion rooted in hypocrisy and the worship that pleases our Creator (James 1:21-27). How we view religion should be determined by the context in which that word is used. Religion and spirituality are actually synonymous. If God had a problem with "religion" in and of itself, then why did He give the Jews the Mosaic Law?

          Us placing our trust in the sacrificial work of Jesus Christ alone in no way nullifies our calling to serve God in the manner that He expects us to. God does not only enjoy fellowship with us on an individualized basis, but also with us as a collective body. Spirituality cannot be found within ourselves, as is proposed in Eastern religions. We are fallen creatures. We are not deities. God Himself is the ultimate solution to our problems.

How Were Gentiles Saved In The Old Testament?

           The Mosaic Covenant was instituted for the Jewish people to serve as a code to guide behavior and a system of forgiveness. It foreshadowed the greater atonement of Jesus Christ that actually perfects those who believe on Him for salvation. The weakness of the Old Covenant is manifested by it requiring repeated animal sacrifices. While the Old Testament is mainly centered upon Israel, it does speak of the Gentile cultures which surrounded that nation. We are told that God held non-Jewish people accountable for sins such as idolatry and sexual immorality (2 Kings 22:17; Romans 1:18-32), with the reason being that they violated the law written on their hearts by God. This leaves us with an interesting question. How could the Gentiles be reconciled to a holy God before Christ came to die for their sins?

           The Law that was given to Israel by God through the Prophet Moses exemplified its uniqueness as a nation before the pagan cultures (Deuteronomy 4:5-9; Isaiah 42:5-7). The Law even contained clauses regarding the proper treatment of outsiders, thereby demonstrating God's care for those who were not Jewish. He provides equally for both the Jew and Gentile (Deuteronomy 10:16-21). The nations are in view through the seed of Abraham (Genesis 22:18). The Apostle Paul further elaborated on this truth as he was given new revelation from God (Ephesians 3:1-13). Non-Jewish believers were considered as members of His kingdom in the same manner as a believing Jew.

           Paul's revelation was groundbreaking in the context of early Christianity. He emphasized that God's grace extended beyond the boundaries of ethnicity and tradition, uniting Jewish and non-Jewish believers alike under a single divine promise. Through this new understanding, he sought to break down the barriers that had long divided people. Paul fostered a spirit of inclusivity within the early church. This message of unity and equality was revolutionary, affirming that faith in Christ was the sole prerequisite for full membership in God's kingdom. Cultural or religious background was ireelevant.

           Gentiles were saved in the Old Testament by converting to Judaism. They were saved by placing their trust in the God of Israel and identifying themselves with His people. False gods were forsaken for the worship of Yahweh. One noteworthy example of conversion is that of Rahab (Joshua 2). Another example of conversion is Ruth. She exhibited faith in God and entered into His covenant, which consisted of trusting in the promise of a future redeemer as foretold by the Holy Scriptures. The coming of a Messiah was believed by the patriarchs and the Jews in general. Converts partook in the Passover (Exodus 12:46-50). God has never been beyond the reach of individuals who truthfully seek after Him (Acts 17:26-27).