A successful study of the book of Colossians requires an awareness of what commentators call the Colossian heresy. It describes the false teaching that was making its way through the Colossian church leading many astray. Just exactly what it was is unknown but the general contours of it can be discerned from Paul's comments in the letter itself.
Paul called it a "hollow and deceptive philosophy," 2:8 possibly indicating it involved a somewhat coherent system. It was a system that "depends on human tradition" 2:8 (compare verse 22) - what kinds of tradition we don't know. It also depended on what Paul called stoichia, translated by the NIV, NAS, and NKJ as "the basic/elementary principles of this world" or as the ESV and NRS render it "the elemental spirits of the world." At any rate the false teaching did not depend "on Christ" 2:8.
The false teachers were also advocating the observance of food restrictions and of certain Jewish "holy days" 2:16, as well as ascetic practices 2:18 and the "harsh treatment of the body...," v.23. There was a fixation on angels and visions, 2:18, and was heavy on rules, vv.20-23. It looked to be an amalgamation of Greek philosophical ideas and Jewish mysticism; and, as one commentator put it, "[while] it did not deny Christ, ...it did dethrone Him" C. Vaughn, Colossians, Expositors Bible Commentary, vol. 11, 168.
But this got me thinking what Paul might have written to the Church in America (if he would have even attempted such a general summary). I'd guess he would address at least the following four things:
Our This-worldly Perspective -
By this I mean the outlook that Christianity is for making this life better. Besides liberalism, the most hideous example of this in the Church is the so-called prosperity gospel. The idea that it is God's will for His children to be wealthy and healthy - not in spiritual terms mind you - but in cold, hard cash, possessions and physical fitness.
Although most Christians can identify this false teaching as easily as finding Liberace at an Amish barn raising, there is a species of this same teaching that presents itself in much less garish dress and for that reason has gained a broader (almost universal) acceptance among evangelicals. I have identified it as the theology of relevance and have described it here and here.
While it claims to be Bible based, rather than preaching Christ, it actually gleans the scriptures for principles for successful living: better money management; healthier marriages; savvy parenting - in short, maximized human potential. While Jesus may be named and the scriptures cited, in the end the medium (relevant preaching) has become the message (it's all about ME!).
To this attitude Paul would recommend the same counsel he made to the Colossians in their day: "Since then you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God." Col.3:1-3.
Next time: Our Materialist Perspective -
