Junk Yard of Idols Dealing with false theories about religion May 23 - AM

Background Title of sermon – Acts 17:16 - The longer Paul waited in Athens for Silas and Timothy, the angrier he got--all those idols! The city was a junkyard of idols. (Message Bible) Paul discusses faith and religion with some who hold false views We must confront these same views in our world

Background Our world is confused – –Does not know what to believe –And it does not care Woman wanted to buy a necklace with a gold cross –Jeweler asked, “Do you want a plain one, or one with a little man on it?” Some have no beliefs Some are seeking for deeper meaning

Background Ancient Athens, Greece was the intellectual center of the world –Every new idea was taught there –They would debate, think, write Paul was confronting two contrasting philosophies

Epicureans Epicurus is the founder of this philosophy God is not denied God has no interest in what people do The basic idea of this philosophy is to seek a life of tranquility.

Epicureans SummarySummary: “Eat, drink, and be merry.” Pleasure is in the mind and soul of man “If it feels good, do it.” The purpose of man is to have pleasure Free from pain, fear, anxiety, death

Stoics Zeno taught this philosophy of life He taught as he walked along the pillars of a porch (Greek – “stoa” - porch) He would preach to all who would listen Pantheistic – everything is god

Stoics SummarySummary – Fate is in control FatalistsFatalists – the gods have written your destiny and there is little you can do about it TodayToday – predestination teaches this same view

Stoics Purpose in life – deny pleasure If it brings pleasure – it is of the world and should be avoided Clash of the two – –Epicureans – purpose is pleasure –Stoics – purpose is to deny pleasure

Seed-Picker Paul is called a “seed – picker”; “babbler” Word refers to a scavenger bird just picking at garbage –Vile, scourge of society –Beggar, bum, parasite –Of no value to society TodayToday – many pick up ideas without considering and grasping them

Then / Now How the ancients coped with life – –Seek pleasure –Deny pleasure –Pick up scraps TodayToday – –“Ride hard. Die hard” –Cults have strict rules –Let’s find a new explanation

Then / Now What should Christians do? Challenge our society -Challenge our society - 1.We need to know what the world is thinking 2.We need to show the weakness and dangers 3.We must offer something better 4.Don’t compromise the gospel 5.Don’t separate God from life