You Discriminate! You Hate! ~ “Knowest thou that the Pharisees were offended, after they heard this saying?” (Matt. 15:12)

   What Jesus said that the Pharisees heard in Matt. 15:11 caused them great displeasure, but there was no wrong on Jesus’ part. He exposed the Pharisees’ human tradition by explaining that such does not come from God, but man’s own mind (cf. “but you say” Matt. 15:5). He said their hypocritical worship centered in teaching as doctrine the precepts of mere men (Matt. 15:9). He answered the above question by saying “Every plant, which My Father has not planted, shall be rooted up.” His truthful answer called them “blind leaders of the blind” saying both fall into the pit (Matt. 15:14). His words were the words of the Father; He always did the things that were pleasing to Him (Jo. 6:38, 8:29, 14:10).

   He did not teach that it is wrong to name and describe false religious beliefs. He said concerning their doctrines, “Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees” (Matt. 16:6). Why? Because both really were blind guides of the blind! They invalidated the Word of God by their traditions bound as doctrine (Matt. 15:6). And just as today – their upholding human tradition brought with it money, prestige and power (Jo. 12:43; Lk. 16:13-15).

   Today almost every criticism of another’s religion brings the charge of irrational criticism and hate: “You’re discriminating!” “You hate!” A great weakness in understanding religious freedom of speech lies in thinking that one must not criticize any religion for some might be offended. For current related articles on “religious freedom of speech” go to http://yumavalleychurchofchrist.com/articles/scripturalauthority5.htm .

Valley Church of Christ

2375 W. 8th Street, Yuma, AZ 85364

(928) 782-5058 ~ http://yumavalleychurchofchrist.com

Sunday Services – Classes ~10:00; Assembly 10:50 am; Evening: 6:00 pm

Wednesday evening – 7:00 pm