Playlist: Fanaticism (topic)
Casuistry and Fanaticism
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Jesus sharply criticized the religious extremists of His day, the Pharisees and the Sadducees. The Pharisees, labeled as casuists, were drawn to extremes to justify themselves and make points in arguments. They focused intensely on minor issues, often ignoring larger, more significant matters. This tendency to make much ado …
Zeal
Sermonette byJesus warns that our zeal must exceed that of the Pharisees. Zeal involves earnestness in advancing a cause, diligence, and plowing ahead with great fervor.
The Foolishness of Bias
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsZeal is a good servant but a bad master, just as fire is. Zeal and sincerity are wonderful, but they are never meant to be in control, and when they are, failure follows. Zeal that is not governed by wisdom and understanding leads to fanaticism, cruelty, and persecution, and it has been one of the most devastating influences in …
Christian Zeal
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughFanaticism is often viewed with suspicion in our culture. A person who displays too much enthusiasm for a cause is considered suspect, possibly trying to sell something or having an ulterior motive. Such individuals are labeled as true believers or fanatics, seen as unreasonable or a bit off. This perception stems from numerous …
Keep Yourself From Idols
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsFanaticism appears as a form of idolatry, in which the passion and devotion that belong to God alone are misdirected onto something else. John's closing warning, "keep yourselves from idols," is aimed not at carved images but at false ideas, obsessions, fanaticisms, and misdirected passions. An idol is anything that holds a …
Idolatrous Suppressors of the Truth
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsWhen John talks about idols, he is going far beyond things like statues, icons, and crucifixes, but instead anything people focus on first.
Letters to Seven Churches (Part Four): Pergamos
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughCultural compromise, such as found in Pergamos, brings judgment from Jesus. To those who refuse to compromise their convictions, Christ promises eternal life.
Overcoming Satan's Competitive Spirit
Sermonette by Bill OnisickThe competitive spirit to dominate a competitor, not confined to athletic contests, militates against God's mandate that we esteem others over ourselves.
Christian Reaction to Terror
Sermonette by Richard T. RitenbaughAsaph's godly and humane reaction to the attack on Judah contrasts greatly with America's more self-righteous and vindictive approach.