Three False Narratives Challenging the Church

From its earliest days, the church has had to contend with false teachers and false teaching. By the mercy of the Lord Jesus, his church has weathered every storm. That does not mean the dangers have disappeared. They simply take on new forms in every generation.

Among the many false narratives challenging the church today, three stand out.

1. The glorification of autonomy and emotion

One of the most prominent false narratives within the church today is the elevation of personal autonomy and emotion above every other authority—including God himself.

"I am in charge. My feelings are my guide."

This mindset has helped shape a broken sexual ethic that now influences not only the broader culture but the church as well.

In part, it rejects the exclusivity and sanctity of the marriage covenant established by God between one man and one woman. It also denies the biblical reality that, by God's design, there have always been—and always will be—two sexes: male and female. Further, it tolerates the objectification of other human beings, with pornography and misogyny serving as obvious examples.

At its core, this ethic is rooted in the belief that I am my own authority, and that my desires and feelings ultimately define who I am.

2. The elevation of secular justice theories

A second false narrative gaining influence within the church is the elevation of secular justice theories rooted largely in class consciousness and social location.

These theories often assume that those who possess power are inherently oppressive simply because they possess it, while those without power are inherently virtuous. The implied solution is that the powerless must remove those in power and assume those positions themselves.

The logic quickly collapses. If power itself makes a person inherently corrupt, then those who gain power become equally corrupt the moment they possess it. The argument becomes circular and ultimately incoherent.

More importantly, it is incompatible with the gospel of King Jesus.

To be clear, these theories often ask important questions. Christians should be intellectually honest enough to acknowledge that. Scripture itself is deeply concerned with justice, oppression, and the dignity of every human being. The problem lies in the proposed solutions. They are not gospel solutions.

It is the shed blood of Jesus that reconciles sinners to God and to one another. It is Jesus who tears down the dividing walls of hostility. The church must never substitute secular frameworks for the reconciling work of Christ.

3. The idolization of power and security

A third false narrative making significant inroads into the church is the idolization of power and security.

This reveals itself in an unhealthy fascination with earthly kingdoms, political movements, and media personalities. Political identity increasingly eclipses Christian identity. Loyalty to personalities often rivals loyalty to Christ.

When that happens, politics becomes a golden calf.

It is a sobering indication that we treasure earthly power more than the eternal kingdom of Jesus, and influence more than the cruciform values of sacrificial love, humility, and daily self-denial.

Christ Remains Preeminent

These are only three of the false narratives confronting the church today. Others could certainly be added.

Yet beneath each of them lies the same impulse: the exaltation of self.

Against every false narrative stands Jesus Christ. He alone is the standard by which every competing claim is measured—and found wanting.

May we never forget:

"He is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent." (Colossians 1:18)

The church has endured every false teaching because Christ has never ceased to shepherd his people. He remains the Head of his church, and he alone is worthy of our ultimate allegiance.