TRUTH

Error, indeed, is never set forth in its naked deformity, lest, being thus exposed, it should at once be detected. But it is craftily decked out in an attractive dress, so as, by its outward form, to make it appear to the inexperienced (ridiculous as the expression may seem) more true than the truth itself. - Irenaeus



Friday, December 4, 2015

Using the Devil's Sword

I went out to meet the Philistines, and he cursed me by his idols.  But I drew his own sword; I beheaded him, and took away disgrace from the people of Israel.  (Psalm 151:6-7)

A common method of debate in Christian apologetics is to use a cultists own literature against them. It is akin to David taking Goliath's own sword and slaying him with it.  But the average Christian is limited to quoting the Bible because to learn the cultists material requires an extra step of study and discipline.

Apostle Paul, trained in the traditions of the Pharisees knew his tradition well, and when he became a follower of Christ his mind was illuminated beyond that tradition.  In Athens we see a further understanding revealed that would have taken study of a different kind, when he referred to some of the poets known to the locals, "For we also are His offspring" he was quoting Cleanthese, the "Hymn to Zeus" (Acts 17:28).  This would not have been literature read in Rabbic school or among Christians but Paul used his understanding of secular tradition to bridge a communication barrier.

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