22.16 The Who, What, and Why of Scripture - Christology (Part 4)

Indigenous Faith

In this, the final episode that focuses on the doctrine of Christology, the Smiths wrap up their biblical response to the syncretists and their array of misapplied theological concepts that shape their teaching. After reviewing again the important role of Christ as creator, which is a crucial part of the doctrine of Christology, Craig and LaDonna turn their attention to several other misapplied theological concepts that the Redeeming of Culture promoters embrace in their journey into false teaching. The issue of smudging, or the tribal practice of burning sacred medicinal plants, herbs, etc., and utilizing the smoke that arises become the mediatory device to carry their prayers to the spirit world, has been embraced by the promoters of this teaching as something we as Christians can do as well. How does that affect the doctrine of Christology? Scripture clearly teaches in I Timothy 2:5 that there is One mediator between God and man, the man Christ Jesus! Who needs to go through Christ, the syncretists seem to suggest, when we can carry our prayers to God through the more culturally acceptable practice of smudging? From there, the Smiths venture into the falsehood of the gospel's impact, according to 2 Corinthians 5:17, being not on the life of the individual, but on our old traditional cultural ways. The Scripture says, If any man is in Christ, he is a new creature. The old has gone, the new has come. Craig hits this misapplied Scripture hard as he reminds us all that the real root meaning of that verse is the change the gospel makes on the life of the individual, not on our cultural practices. Plenty of contrasting views to consider in all four episodes of this series on the doctrine of Christology. What will guide you, dear friend, in who you will listen to? The Smiths pray you choose the timeless truths of God's Word, rightfully applied and interpreted. That's the only way to build a solid, lasting, Indigenous Faith!