IDOLATRY
by Jim Brodi

We are created in the image and likeness of God, so why do we continually try to form God into our image and likeness?  As we have passed through Lent, we have had the opportunity to turn from some of the distractions we have in our lives that cause us to possibly forget just Who is the Creator and who is the created.  Idolatry can be very subtle and can creep into our lives without our recognizing it.  When this happens, we begin to be attached to or adore things or people, and allow that attachment or adoration to detract from our commitment to Jesus Christ as our true Lord and Savior.  Idols can be in the form of people (self, celebrities, sports figures), objects (money, stock market, houses, cars), or philosophy (New Age, Gnosticism, Monism, Pantheism, Occultism, Neo-Paganism, Human Potential Movement).

“Happy those whose trust is the LORD, who turn not to idolatry or to those who stray after falsehood.” (Psalm 40:5)  When we turn to these types of things, our hearts are hardened toward God and we begin to value other things as more important than God.  “For where your treasure is, there also will your heart be.” (Luke 12:34)

In our very modern day world, we are exposed to many things that are enticing to us.  One of the current forms of idolatry is being broadcast daily (began January 1, 2008) on an XM Satellite Radio program hosted by Oprah Winfrey.  She is teaching from the book, A Course in Miracles, which is filled with New Age philosophy.   She is teaching this class with one of today’s prominent New Age leaders, Marianne Williamson, co-founder of the ‘Peace Alliance.’   The Peace Alliance is founded on the principles of a New Age/New Spirituality that is referred to as a “civil rights’ movement for the soul.”  The co-founders agree that the principles of this New Age/New Spirituality are spelled out in A Course in Miracles.

 A Course in Miracles was supposed to have been dictated through “channeled teachings” in 1965 to Helen Schucman, a Columbia University Professor of Medical Psychology.  The channeled message came from a voice that described himself as “Jesus” who allegedly gave “new revelation” to help humankind through difficult times.  Some of the quotes from the text are:

·         There is no sin.

·         A ‘slain Christ has no meaning.’

·         The journey to the cross should be the last ‘useless’ journey.

·         Do not make the pathetic error of ‘clinging to the old rugged cross.’

·          The Name of Jesus Christ as such is but a symbol…It is a symbol that is safely used as a replacement for the many names of all the gods to which we pray.

·         God is in everything.

·         The recognition of God is the recognition of yourself.

·         The oneness of the Creator and the creation is your wholeness, your sanity and your limitless power.

·          The Atonement is the final lesson he (man) need learn, for it teaches him that, never having sinned, he has no need of salvation.

As is very evident, this is not the Triune God that we have come to know through Sacred Scripture.  Yet because of the prominence of Oprah, many people are being deceived and will turn from their Christian beliefs to follow the New Age philosophy that is being perpetrated as truth.  There is only one truth; we must pray daily for proper discernment to see, understand and share it. 

Bishop Sheen once said: “Truth is always the truth even if no one accepts it or believes it, and error is always error even if everyone believes it.”

“Jesus then said to those Jews who believed in him, ‘If you remain in my word, you will truly be my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.’” (John 8:32) 

(I share this information from a web site, http://www.crossroad.to/articles2/007/smith-oprah.htm). 

(I have prepared a presentation, “New Age Movement – The Forbidden Fruit Revisited,” to share the elements of New Age and to help people understand some of the lies against God’s truths and the potential difficulties that we can experience when we get involved in the various elements of the New Age.  Please contact the DCCR office or Jim Brodi to schedule a presentation.) 

(Jim Brodi is a member of the “Little Flock” Prayer Group at St. Lawrence Church in Utica, Michigan, and serves on the DCCR Assembly.)

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NOW WORD SERIES
“As you tell My people of My Love for them, they will respond to you.”
by Frank Potter

 I know you’ve heard the analogy before, but if we won the lottery we’d probably be all tingly inside; we could not wait to tell people of our great good fortune, to the point of bursting, even if that would not be such a good idea.  They say, however, that folks who win the lottery usually are broke within five years. 

 Here we are, having won the biggest lottery of all - a lottery that lasts for all eternity - and we just take it for granted; we keep it to ourselves.  Isn’t that the “pearl of great price” and the “treasure” that is spoken of in the Gospels?  God does not ask us to be fabulous speakers who can bring multitudes to Christ, (but with a little practice, who knows?); all the Lord asks us to do is try - He will do the rest.  When was the last time we invited someone to come to prayer group with us?  Or to Mass?  These are two opportunities per week to tell others of God’s love for them.     

 When we eat a meal in a restaurant, do we stop beforehand and make the sign of the cross and say grace.  That’s an easy, quiet way to say to those around us that God is important in my life, I know that God loves me, and I want to thank Him for this meal.  Some people may stare at us, but that’s OK.  Others will actually quiet their conversations until we finish.  It’s very rare, but others may ask us about what we just did, or even challenge us  - or give us support.  A little reading and study and prayer will go a long way to help us give an answer.  Others may see us and receive the inspiration to pray grace themselves the next time. 

 Always be prepared to give an account to others for the love and joy you’ve received from the Lord.  (See 1 Peter 3:15.)

You’d be surprised how many folks have never heard of God’s love for them.  I recall an event several years ago, when I walked into a McDonald’s for a fish combo.  “Wow, we’re selling an awful lot of fish today,” said the girl behind the counter.  “Yeah, it’s Good Friday,” I replied.  She asked, “Good Friday, what’s that?”  Now I don’t know if the less than 30 seconds I had to tell her about Christ dying on the cross for her, did any good - but that’s not my job; the Lord will take care of that.  My job is to speak the words - no matter how feebly.  Remember, He loves the person we are talking to, and He loves us for trying.        

As you tell My people of My Love for them, they will respond to you. 

(Frank Potter serves as an Assembly member for the DCCR, is the DCCR’s representative on the Michigan Service Committee for the AMCCC, and is also a member of the pastoral team for the People of Joy Prayer Group at Holy Spirit Church in Highland, Michigan.)