The Colossian Heresy: What can we learn from it?

          I have been reading through and will be beginning an in depth analysis of the letter to the Colossians. One of the issues which good theologians discuss is the nature of false teaching among the Colossians. This discussion is a result of the attempt to find an actual religious movement that fits into the description deduced from Paul's warnings and commandments to the church at Colossae. This discussion is fascinating from an academic perspective and has resulted in a deeper understanding of some of the cultural and religious influences existing during the first decades of Christianity. However, on a practical level, there are universal principles that apply to us today.

        God inspired Paul to write this letter to the Colossians and Laodiceans for the benefit of all people throughout all generations. True Christianity influences culture. Unfortunately, today we see that some are allowing culture to influence their practice of Christianity. This reverse influence is a result of spiritual immaturity resulting from a lack of knowledge and appreciation of Jesus Christ. I would like for you to comment on one of the two principal issues Paul warned would result in spiritual immaturity and disunity among God's people. That is accepting apparently reasonable ideology derived purely by human reason and religious experience.  It is easy to say that materialism influences Christians or that a religious tradition is not really biblical. It is not as easy to drill down and see what specific principle of  materialism influences us or how a religious tradition has crept in to the church. 

        A good example of what I am concerned with is the current views on ownership. Wayne Grudem makes the observation that "Sometimes people think of all ownership of property as a kind of 'greed' that is morally tainted, and they imagine that in a perfect world people would not even own personal possessions." (p.19 Business for the Glory of God) He goes on to say that the commandment "You shall not steal" (Exodus 10:15) would not make sense if this were true. Please consider sharing how your personal growth in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ has changed your thinking about something practical in your life.

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