To Shun or Not to Shun???
(Please note that the names mentioned in this article are not an endorsement of the individuals referred to here)
Tyndale Bible, Romans 16:17
“I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause division and give occasions of evil, contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned: and avoid them.
For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own bellies; and with sweet speeches and flattering words deceive the hearts of the innocent.”
2017 was a year that brought with it many struggles and conflicts. I believe it marked a call from God for reflection on our own lives and a constant willingness to practice daily repentance, as the Bible teaches us. In challenging situations, we must always bear in mind that none of us is without sin. We seek the Lord daily for renewal, with constant, strong conviction, without compromise.
It is vital for the spiritual health and wellbeing of anyone who is truly born again to stay clear of the contemporary and egalitarian view that Christian churches should be so liberal that they see female roles as equal to their male counterparts in authoritative spiritual matters. This view encourages many Christians to think outside the box, embracing a more progressive and liberal approach. In doing so, feelings and the religious aspects of Christian practice and worship have morphed into anarchy. There is now a complete rejection of objective moral character, replaced by subjective morality and a modernist interpretation of scriptural principles. In other words, the Bible is no longer regarded as authoritative. Those holding to this view are now often labelled as extremists.
As much as I dislike the rhetoric and the manner in which scripture is twisted to push people into line with the rest of the “goats” who will fall over the proverbial cliff, these so-called post-modern progressive Christians have become liabilities when it comes to persecution for those who stand for what is right. Core biblical, fundamental, and orthodox beliefs are being aggressively stamped out in favour of promoting apostate and neo-evangelical Christian teachers. These teachers are seen as beneficial and attractive, focusing on individual circumstances rather than upholding sound doctrine.
They prey on the biblically ignorant, the weak, and those who are immature in the faith. My mother’s family is no exception to this, as I witness my cousins being duped into falsehoods to accommodate interfaith relations. They unwittingly hold to the idea that Catholics—who fundamentally adhere to dogmas, sacraments, and doctrines—are “saved,” without considering what the RCC actually teaches. Likewise, Muslims, Buddhists, and those who leave the Jehovah’s Witnesses, with no spiritual fruit, believe it is acceptable to be foul-mouthed, all the while calling themselves “born again” Christians. This is nothing more than the product of pseudo-Christianity that is propagated in today’s post-modern church.
It would be wise to heed the warnings that I learned from Richard Wurmbrand, who, while in captivity, showed us that the worst of all enemies are those who claim to be Christians. When the time of great persecution comes, these are the very people who are most likely to inform the authorities of you. He emphasised forgiveness, mercy, and love, but he also said we should not hold it against them, as this is simply human nature.
While reflecting on my own sins and living in daily repentance, I am reminded that none of us is without fault. However, this does not excuse us from tolerating what the Bible warns us about concerning false teachers, nor does it excuse false teaching at the cost of rejecting sound doctrine. Peer pressure makes it easy to give in. While we are encouraged to look at the example of Christ, we know we cannot expect anything from those who claim to be “believers.” The church age is finished, and we have entered a new stage of spiritual degradation. Spirituality has become the common denominator for men like Francis Chan, Rick Warren, John Piper, and others who strongly influence many families within churches. However, what they offer is not a blessing but rather a judgment from God Himself, as He allows them to see lies because they desire it so. These people are a liability, not a solution.
Therefore, I believe it is right to make a public statement that there are, at times, biblical mandates for shunning—even family members—who claim to be believers, as the Bible teaches that we should judge them. I will clarify that we are not judging a person’s salvation, which is for God alone to determine. We are not referring to interpretations of non-essential doctrine, but to the doctrine of the Gospel that pertains to our common salvation. It is evident that many scriptures are ignored because the Bible is no longer seen as the authority, and relationships with family members are prioritised. Nothing could be further from the truth for those who uphold biblical authority as taught in the scriptures.
Jesus gave us the heart of the law: to love God above all things. This means the principle and application of scripture must always take precedence over any relationship. This is not always easy, and it often comes at a cost. Historically, the Bible has been at the heart of many conflicts, wars, divisions, and sufferings. This is not often God’s doing, but our own, as we are often stubborn and unwilling to submit to His will. In other words, we cannot “chew the meat and spit out the bones,” as there are more bones to spit out than meat to chew. Many within the evangelical church, including my mother’s side of the family, are no exception. As for my mother’s family, this is me publicly closing that chapter of my life, and I wish them well for the future. My prayer is that the Lord opens their eyes to the spirit of the age we live in, as we are in an age of Laodicea.
While most today shy away from venturing into the streets with the gospel because it is seen as anti-social, preferring instead to engage with modernist ideas, we are entering a period where Christians now favour Christian philosophy over the application of doctrine. Many are now more focused on debates about prophecy and the end times than reaching the lost in the streets with the message. When they do go out, it is often about social works rather than confronting sin as intolerable before the sight of God. The message in John 3:16, “For God so loved the world,” often emphasises God’s need for man because He sees something good and special in all of us. However, the reality is that man needs God for salvation because of the condemnation addressed in John 3:36. It is far more important for man to centre himself around God than to have a humanist view of God that teaches man is more important.
I am convinced, based on the Bible’s truth, that these people who claim to be Christians do not have a love for the truth, as outlined in 2 Thessalonians 2:10. Many churches today are oriented around meeting individual needs, trying to attract those with “good hearts.” They believe that if a Catholic, Muslim, Buddhist, Pentecostal, or people of other faiths and none have good hearts, then we are all seeking to serve the same God—even if they do not know Jesus as their Saviour. This is what is known as Broad Christianity, which teaches that God’s plan of salvation is wide. This is in direct contradiction to Jesus’ words in Matthew 7:13-15:
“Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the way that leads to life, and only a few find it. Beware of false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves.”
If the gate is narrow and the way is small, how can family members like my cousins or other evangelicals claim that their views align with the words of Jesus? I am learning from their beliefs that God forbid we should ever think the same way. The Bible is very clear on the human heart; it is deceitful, as Jeremiah 17:9 says, and desperately wicked. When they claim people have good hearts, it does not negate the fact that the Bible is true to its word. We should never trust our hearts when people tell us otherwise. The Bible has already judged the human heart, and if the scriptures teach us not to trust it, who am I to disagree with God’s word?
I do not hold it against them because they have been taught this view by a multitude of teachers from various Bible colleges or seminaries. Many would regard these teachers as more qualified to give scriptural instruction and would accept their words without testing them. The attitude is no different from that of traditional Catholics who hold priests in high regard. The church of Rome argues that authority comes from their doctors in the RCC, and that you need the priests. Evangelicals, too, often take a similar approach with their pastors. It is no surprise that the RCC is attractive to many evangelicals who, at this moment, would not cross over into full membership. However, that time is near when they will have to choose where they place their faith: in the Church or the Bible.
The cultural and social programmes in many churches are dangerous because they no longer focus on confronting unbelievers. Instead, they are used to rid the churches of any “undesirables”—those who do not conform to the church’s programme or doctrine are considered outside of “Christianity.”
Those who accuse faithful believers of being self-righteous are often guilty of the same thing. They speak with guile, while we are called to continue living in obedience to scripture, humbly and without self-righteousness. In my years as a Bible-believing Christian, I have witnessed iniquity from politics to churches. I am not referring to personal sins, but to government officials and churches acting in rebellion and defiance of God’s word, adapting Catholic mysticism and pagan practices into Christian worship and meditation, setting aside doctrinal differences and seeking unity at any cost. I have seen how Satan uses events to bring all religions together under the guise of peace. Yet, the Bible calls this a false peace and false unity—one that many Christians, including my mother’s evangelical family, are naively accepting.
1 John 4:1-6 warns us about the spirits we should test, for many false prophets have gone out into the world. It is clear that Islam, rabbinical Judaism, Buddhism, Hinduism, Mormonism, and the Jehovah’s Witnesses cannot distinguish between biblical separation and the counterfeit unity of today. They follow patterns from the Old Testament, where even Israel was in rebellion against God. The churches today are no different. They cannot claim ignorance regarding the teachings of Christ.
It is crucial that we take note of the book of Jude, which speaks of wilful rebellion and the consequences of ignoring God’s word. The Bible calls believers to live in a state of constant daily repentance, meaning a change of mind, not going after things that seem right in our own eyes. We must reflect on doctrine and not simply live by Christian experience in an increasingly fast-changing, modern world.
As Christians, we should not take for granted the liberties we have. Modern political issues, such as the growing influence of communism within state-run schools, government, political parties, and the freedoms of home education, are slowly stripping away our rights. These changes are being instigated by members of the Labour Party.
Communism has been shown to be oppressive and incompatible with Judeo-Christian beliefs, as history has demonstrated its dangers. It is a reminder that we must remain vigilant about the influences shaping our world today.
Jeremy Corbyn, the left-wing leader of the UK’s opposition Labour Party, has openly expressed his admiration for Karl Marx, stating, “We all owe something” to the socialist revolutionary. This statement reveals not only Corbyn’s ideological alignment with Marxist thought but also his stance on the economic and political systems that have shaped much of his political career. For Corbyn, Marxism represents a guiding framework for challenging the status quo and promoting the redistribution of power and wealth. However, his explicit endorsement of Marx raises serious concerns for those who believe that Marxist principles, which often clash with Judeo-Christian values, cannot offer the solution to the deepening issues within society.
Source: Huffington Post
In light of Corbyn’s position, it is worth noting that his influence has extended far beyond political discourse. RT reports that British bookstores have witnessed a significant increase in sales of Marxist and left-wing literature, a trend that appears to coincide with Corbyn’s rise to prominence. As the Labour leader’s popularity grows, more individuals seem to be turning to Marxist ideologies in search of answers to the challenges posed by economic inequality, climate change, and social justice.
This surge in interest in Marxism cannot be ignored, especially when considering the ideological shift that has taken place within certain sectors of the UK’s political and religious landscapes. Corbyn’s brand of left-wing politics champions a redistribution of wealth and power in a way that is aligned with the tenets of socialism and communism. However, for those who uphold biblical truth, the embrace of such ideologies raises questions about their compatibility with Christian principles, particularly those concerning the sanctity of personal responsibility, the role of government, and the importance of spiritual liberty.
The rise of Marxist thought, particularly in the form of Corbyn’s political platform, underscores a broader shift within society towards a collective vision of progress. Yet, this shift risks undermining the Christian worldview, which places individual moral responsibility and freedom of conscience at the core of its teachings. While Corbyn’s socialist rhetoric may appeal to many as a solution to societal inequities, it is essential to consider the dangers of an ideology that rejects the personal autonomy that the Bible upholds and undermines the truth that true justice comes only through a right relationship with God.
As Marxism makes a resurgence under Corbyn’s leadership, it also poses a challenge to the values upheld by those who reject the idea of state-driven collectivism. The explosion in the sale of left-wing literature is a stark reminder that as political leaders, such as Corbyn, continue to promote Marxist ideals, those who adhere to biblical principles must remain vigilant, ensuring that the core message of the gospel—salvation through Jesus Christ—is never overshadowed by ideologies that seek to substitute God’s sovereignty for human-led social structures. The stakes are high, not just for politics, but for the very spiritual health of the church and its role in standing firm on biblical authority amidst a rapidly changing world.
Back in 2015, Jeremy Corbyn’s Labour representative, John McDonnell, made headlines when he threw a copy of Mao Zedong’s Communist Little Red Book at then-Chancellor George Osborne during a parliamentary debate. While McDonnell attempted to downplay the gesture as a lighthearted joke, it can easily be seen as an affront to the deeply troubling ideology that Mao’s China propagated. Mao Zedong’s regime, responsible for widespread repression, human rights abuses, and millions of deaths, symbolises a form of authoritarian communism that disregards individual freedoms and imposes a collective will through state power.
What can we expect, however, when Corbyn’s inner circle is so heavily influenced by figures like Karl Marx and Mao Zedong, along with other communist thinkers? The embrace of Marxist theory within the Labour Party, especially under Corbyn’s leadership, has brought these ideas into mainstream political discourse. McDonnell’s symbolic act of tossing a Maoist book was not just a trivial stunt; it reflected a deeper ideological alignment with the very political and economic systems that have caused untold suffering in history. The endorsement of such figures cannot be ignored, especially given that Corbyn has expressed admiration for Marx’s teachings and the broader communist agenda.
Source: The Independent
Since Corbyn ascended to the leadership of the Labour Party, it is no coincidence that we’ve witnessed a surge in the sales of works such as the Communist Manifesto. RT has reported a boom in the sale of Marxist and communist literature, which aligns with the growing influence of Corbyn and his supporters. This surge in interest points to a revival of communist ideals in a time when political discontent and economic uncertainty are on the rise. What is troubling, however, is not only the resurgence of Marxist thought but the moral implications of these ideologies.
Marx himself, though celebrated by many left-wing thinkers for his critique of capitalism, held deeply troubling beliefs. His view of religion as the “opium of the people” led him to denounce Christianity and other religious practices as mere distractions from the supposed realities of class struggle. But what is often overlooked is the satanic undertones in Marx’s rejection of God and his promotion of a materialistic worldview. Marx sought to replace spiritual and moral authority with state-driven ideology, paving the way for regimes that sought to extinguish any competing sources of authority, including religion.
As Marx’s influence continues to pervade modern political movements, it’s crucial to acknowledge the dark roots of this philosophy. While Corbyn and his supporters may argue that they are merely advocating for social justice and economic equality, the history of communism shows a different narrative—one of oppressive regimes that used violence, manipulation, and ideological conformity to control populations. The embrace of such figures and ideologies may well be a reflection of an increasing rejection of traditional values, including the foundational biblical truths that many Christians hold dear.
For those who view Marxism through a biblical lens, the revival of communist thought, particularly in the form of Corbyn’s political ideology, raises serious concerns. Marxism, as a belief system, directly contradicts the message of Christianity, which emphasises personal responsibility, freedom of conscience, and the pursuit of justice through God’s authority rather than through a collective human effort. The rise of this ideology, coupled with Corbyn’s prominence on the political stage, is a reminder that Christians must remain vigilant, ensuring that any attempt to bring Marxist thought into the fold of modern political discourse does not overshadow the truth of the gospel.
As history has shown, ideologies that dismiss the need for divine guidance in favour of human-centered systems often lead to destruction. This is evident in the violent and repressive regimes that have followed in the wake of Marxist revolutions. As the Labour Party, under Corbyn’s leadership, continues to shift further left, it’s important to consider the potential consequences of such ideologies not only on the political landscape but also on the moral and spiritual health of the nation.
One of the most notable individuals who endured the oppressive weight of communism and its Marxist foundations was Richard Wurmbrand. His experiences under the brutal regime of communist Romania are chronicled in his powerful book, Marx and Satan (https://www.amazon.co.uk/Marx-Satan-Richard-Wurmbrand/dp/0891073795). Wurmbrand, a former pastor who was imprisoned and tortured for his Christian faith, offers invaluable insight into the dark undercurrents of Marxism—particularly its connection to Satanism.
In 1948, mere months after the establishment of the Communist ‘People’s Republic of Romania,’ Wurmbrand was arrested. Initially labelled ‘Prisoner Number 1,’ he was subjected to horrific torture in a solitary confinement cell. For over eight years, he endured physical and mental torment at the hands of the communist secret police. His miraculous survival was discovered only when a doctor—masquerading as a member of the Communist Party—found him alive. Despite this, he was re-arrested in 1959, after a conspiracy involving an associate, and sentenced to an additional 25 years for ‘preaching ideas contrary to Communist doctrine.’ In 1967, Wurmbrand, alongside his wife Sabrina, founded a ministry to support the persecuted church, later known as Voice of the Martyrs. By the mid-1980s, the ministry had expanded globally, reaching 80 nations and operating in 30 countries. His book, Tortured for Christ, became a significant source of encouragement for Christians living under persecution throughout the Soviet system.
In his Marx and Satan, Wurmbrand delves into the dark beliefs of Karl Marx and the ideological forces behind the communist movement. In Chapter Two, titled “Against All Gods,” he writes:
“Marx was an avowed enemy of all gods, a man who had bought his sword from the prince of darkness at the price of his soul. He had declared it his aim to draw all mankind into the abyss and to follow them laughing.” (pg 23)
Wurmbrand argues that Marx’s rejection of all forms of godliness extended to a deeper, more sinister rejection of God Himself, and he even draws parallels to Satanic influences within Marx’s life. His commentary reveals a Marx who actively sought to incite a spiritual revolution—a rebellion not just against earthly rulers, but against the very notion of divine authority.
In Chapter Four, “Too Late,” Wurmbrand reflects on letters written by Marx’s family members, which he suggests reveal troubling signs of a deeper, darker spiritual influence. For example, a letter from Marx’s son Edgar in 1854 begins with the unsettling phrase, “My dear devil.” Wurmbrand remarks, “Who has ever known of a son addressing his father like this? But that is how a Satanist writes to his beloved one.” Furthermore, Marx’s wife, Jenny, addressed him as “high priest and bishop of souls” in a letter from 1844, referring to him in ways that suggest a position of spiritual authority. Wurmbrand wonders, “What pastoral letters did he, a man believed to have been an atheist, write? Where are they?” He posits that these references point to a spiritual reality that has yet to be fully explored or understood.
In Chapter Five, “A Cruel Counterfeit,” Wurmbrand examines the satanic leanings of Marxist leaders, such as Nikolai Bukharin, Joseph Stalin, and Mao Zedong. He provides evidence that even within the ranks of communism, Satanist practices and symbols were not uncommon. For instance, Troitskaia, the daughter of Soviet marshal Tuhatchevsky, writes that her father kept a picture of Satan in the eastern corner of his bedroom—a place where Orthodox Christians traditionally place their icons. Similarly, in Czechoslovakia, a Communist leader named “Hruza” took the name meaning “horror,” a term also associated with the devil. Wurmbrand even discusses how Communist sympathisers, such as Anatole France, were connected to Satanist rituals, further solidifying the link between Marxism and satanic influences. One piece of demoniac art displayed in Paris even included the chair used by France for presiding over Satanic rites.
In the UK, Marx’s influence is still felt today, even within the ranks of political leaders. In 2017, Jeremy Corbyn, Leader of the Labour Party, defended his Shadow Chancellor, John McDonnell, when McDonnell praised Marx’s Das Kapital. As reported by The Telegraph, McDonnell stated that “there is a lot to learn from Marx’s communist tract,” sparking concerns within the party. Corbyn, in turn, defended McDonnell, claiming that “all great economists influence all of our thinking.” Corbyn admitted that he had read both Marx and free-market economist Adam Smith, reassuring voters that his Labour government would not raise taxes for low and middle earners. While Corbyn may not explicitly identify with Satanism, his admission of being influenced by Marx raises alarm bells. As a Christian, one must be concerned about the ideological forces that shape our leaders. Marx was fundamentally anti-Christian, and Corbyn’s praise for him could suggest a dangerous alignment with ideologies that have caused immense harm in the past.
It’s important to note that I am not suggesting that Corbyn is a Satanist, but rather that his views are shaped by the ideologies that Marx espoused—ideologies that are inherently opposed to Christianity. Marx sought to overthrow not just earthly political systems but to erase the very concept of divine authority, which stands in direct opposition to the biblical worldview. As Christians, we must be cautious about the influences we allow into our lives, whether political, social, or intellectual. When we reject God’s truth, we inevitably become vulnerable to the deceptive forces of this world.
In the context of modern political struggles, we must recognise the consequences of rejecting biblical truth. This failure to fear God results in a world increasingly hostile to Christianity, with governments and institutions growing more anti-Israel and secular movements gaining traction. The rise of ecumenicalism within the church only adds to the confusion, as many evangelical leaders seek to form alliances with the Roman Catholic Church, despite its false teachings on salvation, authority, and doctrine. As Rome pushes for a ‘counterfeit peace,’ many evangelicals are being lured into compromising their faith.
In the book of Revelation, we are warned that the Antichrist will bring about a false peace (Revelation 6:2). We must be cautious not to fall into the same trap, as Rome and other false ideologies attempt to distort the message of the gospel. True Christian unity is not found in compromising doctrine, but in standing firm in the faith, rejecting falsehoods, and upholding the authority of Scripture above all else.
We are called to be vigilant, discerning the spirits and testing everything against the truth of God’s Word. As the apostle Paul urges in 2 Timothy 4:3, “For the time will come when men will not tolerate sound doctrine, but with itching ears they will gather around themselves teachers to suit their own desires.” We are in that time now. As Christians, we must reject the false teachers who distort the gospel for personal or political gain. Our faith should not be swayed by worldly wisdom, and we must be prepared to stand alone, if necessary, in defence of biblical truth.
As we move further into the 21st century, we must recognise that biblical and orthodox beliefs will increasingly be rejected. Churches that once stood as bastions of truth will become places of confusion and compromise. But we are called to remain steadfast, as 1 Thessalonians 5:12–21 reminds us to “prove all things; hold fast that which is good” and “abstain from all appearance of evil.” We must rely on the Scriptures as our sole authority and avoid the influence of modern evangelical thinkers who promote postmodernist beliefs. Our faith must be rooted in the unchanging Word of God, not in the shifting sands of worldly philosophies.
The time is ripe for another Reformation, not one that seeks unity with Rome but one that separates us from those who have compromised the gospel for the sake of ecumenism. We must call for a return to the biblical gospel, which calls us to stand apart from the world and its falsehoods, to uphold the authority of Scripture, and to remain faithful to the redemptive work of Christ alone.
In Christ,
Miguel Hayworth – Director, UK Apologetics Library