A session of the Basel Council, which took place between 1431 and 1449,
during the Western schism, engraving, 1730.
This year has been a difficult one for many, with a multitude of significant events unfolding. From the rise of the Millennial and Snowflake Generations to the ongoing challenges posed by Brexit, the looming crash of the stock market, and rumours of World War 3, the world seems increasingly chaotic. The tensions across the European Union have intensified, and governments are legislating against the use of certain words. Anti-feminist propaganda has risen, coinciding with political efforts to further remove Judeo-Christian values from mainstream education. These efforts coincide with a broader rejection of centuries-old conservative beliefs, replaced by a growing political sympathy for socialist and communist ideas. This is creating widening divisions in society, contributing to civil unrest. There is widespread corruption within European and UK governments, and, to sum up the current climate, we could aptly say that the fall of Babylon the Great is upon us.
The Fall of Babylon
The term Babylon the Great is often used symbolically in biblical literature, particularly in the Book of Revelation, to describe a time of confusion and chaos. The concept is a metaphor for political, religious, and social disintegration. In this context, the phrase Babylon the Great aptly describes the current state of affairs, where truth is obscured, and many are left in confusion regarding the moral, political, and spiritual direction of society.
Whilst the Roman Catholic Church (RCC) is seen by some as winning its counter-reformation agenda, there are still significant struggles within the Christian world, particularly in relation to doctrines and practices. One of the most contentious issues is the celebration of Christmas, which some see as undermining the gospel message. The question arises: are we at the end of an era for apologetics and polemics, with doctrinal purity being disregarded in favour of divisive arguments?
Doctrinal Struggles in Christianity
The eschatological divide—the divide concerning teachings about the end times—has led to schisms and arguments within churches. Predictions about the building of a third temple in Jerusalem, for example, have led to the rise of false prophecies and an overemphasis on end-time speculation. This focus on the future has diverted attention from the core of the Christian message: salvation through Christ.
The rise of false doctrines, especially concerning the timing of Christ’s return, has sparked heated debates. However, regardless of one’s political or theological views, it is undeniable that we are living in a period of great confusion, often exacerbated by the phenomenon of fake news and media manipulation.
In these times of uncertainty, the Church must be cautious in remaining faithful to the gospel. The purity of doctrine, once regarded as paramount, seems to be increasingly compromised by distractions and unbiblical teachings.
The Crisis of Moral Integrity
A significant concern this year has been the failure of Christian ministries, such as Moriel Ministries, to publicly condemn abuses within certain Christian institutions. While Moriel has spoken out against sexual abuse within the RCC, it has remained silent on similar abuses within evangelical circles, such as those in Calvary Chapel and New Tribes Mission (NTM).
These institutions have been exposed in the media for their role in enabling child abuse, and yet Moriel has not issued any public statements condemning these actions. This silence is concerning, as it signals a reluctance to hold evangelical leaders accountable for their actions. While NTM and Calvary Chapel have taken steps to address these issues, the initial failures to prevent abuse cannot be overlooked.
It is essential for Moriel, as a Christian ministry, to take a stand against abuse wherever it occurs, not just within the RCC but also within evangelical circles. The Church has a responsibility to speak out against injustice and uphold the dignity of all people, particularly the most vulnerable—children.
The Need for Accountability
One of the major issues with Moriel Ministries is its lack of transparency and accountability. As a public ministry, it is unclear who Moriel is ultimately accountable to. This lack of clarity makes it difficult for concerned individuals to approach the ministry with their concerns, leading to a sense of frustration and helplessness.
Jacob Prasch and Moriel Ministries must acknowledge their responsibility to speak out on public platforms with humility and integrity. While they may not be directly responsible for the actions of others, they do bear a responsibility to confront issues of injustice and wrongdoing within the Church. Silence in the face of such issues is not an option, and it is my hope that Moriel will take this call for accountability seriously.
The Christmas Debate
The debate surrounding the celebration of Christmas continues to be a source of division within the Church. Some argue that the origins of Christmas are rooted in pagan traditions, while others defend its Christian significance. Daniel Lattier, in his 2017 article The Myth of the Pagan Origins of Christmas, attempts to refute the idea that Christmas has pagan roots, but his argument is flawed.
Lattier contends that the celebration of Christmas does not fundamentally undermine the gospel. However, the Christmas narrative, rooted in Catholic dogma, presents a distorted view of Christ’s redemptive sacrifice. The Christmas story, when viewed through the lens of Catholic tradition, becomes a celebration of the Eucharist rather than a pure focus on Christ’s work of salvation on the cross.
It is important to understand that the date of December 25th, chosen by Pope Julius I, was not co-opted from pagan traditions but was deliberately established to draw pagans into the Catholic fold. This ecumenical exercise was part of a broader effort to unite all peoples under the authority of the RCC, and to reject the gospel’s purity in favour of a more syncretic, watered-down version of Christianity.
The Gospel vs. Catholic Dogma
The core issue with Christmas as it is traditionally celebrated is not its pagan origins but its grounding in Catholic dogma. By observing Christmas in the traditional sense, many Christians inadvertently lend legitimacy to the RCC’s teachings, which undermine the gospel. The Christmas feast, as a celebration of Christ’s birth, often fails to centre on Christ’s redemptive work. Instead, it reinforces the RCC’s teachings on the Eucharist, the Mass, and the sacraments.
Michael Voris, a staunch defender of the RCC, accurately describes the celebrations surrounding Christmas as being deeply Catholic in nature, with all the associated rituals and festivities. This is a key point: Christmas, as celebrated by many Christians, has become a tool of Catholic ecumenism, promoting unity with Rome at the cost of doctrinal purity.
The Impact of Secularism and Extreme Ideologies
In recent years, we have witnessed the rise of extremist ideologies, including militant veganism and a further push to dismantle traditional institutions like marriage. These developments are signs of a growing cultural shift that prioritises political correctness and social activism over traditional moral values.
Despite these troubling trends, we can take comfort in the fact that God is sovereign and His plan will unfold according to His will. The events of each year serve a greater purpose in fulfilling God’s eternal plan. As Christians, we can face the future with hope, knowing that Christ’s return is imminent, even as we wait patiently for His arrival.
Conclusion: Keeping Our Focus on Christ
In the midst of these challenges, it is crucial that we, as Christians, do not lose sight of our hope in Christ. The events of the last days, as described in passages like Matthew 24:6, can be frightening, but they remind us that our strength comes from God. Our hope is not rooted in speculation about the timing of Christ’s return—whether pre, mid, or post-tribulation—but in the gospel itself.
The true message of Christmas, and of the entire Christian faith, is the redemptive work of Christ on the cross. Let us not be distracted by secondary issues or speculative doctrines but remain steadfast in the hope of the gospel. As we navigate the confusion of these times, let us hold fast to the truths of Scripture and keep our eyes fixed on Christ.
God bless you
Miguel Hayworth 30/12/2019