ABCs of Cultural-Isms

Picture an ancient arena. With javelin in hand, the contestant faces his antagonist—a beast poised to maim and kill. Throngs cheer as the sixty-five-foot run ensues. Almost as if in slow motion, the spear-thrower balances rhythm of his legs with back-and-forth motion of the javelin. A split-second distraction; then, suddenly, the release—a mere snap of the wrist executed with explosive effort. The mark is missed with grave consequences following. Taunting onlookers roar, "HAMARTIA!"

In today’s spiritual arena, defined by what Christian author Dave Hunt calls a "religiously pluralistic international community," believers face an analogous beast. As able gladiators of old, they, too, can be distracted from Bible focus, resulting in HAMARTIA by means of these:

* Liberalism and Compassionless Conservatism

* Cultism and Occultism

* Progressivism and Postmodernism

* Syncretism and New Age Mysticism

* Extreme Fundamentalism and Jingoism

* Egalitarianism and Globalism

By characterizing the opposing beast and honing Bible focus, "ABCs of Cultural-Isms" equips Christians "to act as athletes in concert" for the faith of the Gospel. (Philippians 1:27)