This entry is (someone elses summary) of key points in a book1 called Toxic Faith. Below is an interesting list extracted from the summary. The premise of the book is to critique what the author calls "Toxic" faith...ie. spiritual habits and perceptions that are positively lethal to the healthy soul.
We may not agree with every insight, but there is a little challenge for us to think about during the holiday season!!
B. 21 erroneous beliefs that can fuel toxic faith (various forms and degrees of unhealthy Christianity)
1. Security and significance with God depend on my behaviour
2. When tragedy strikes, true believers should have a real peace about it
3. If you had real faith, God would heal you or the one you are praying for
4. All ministers are men and women of God and can be trusted
5. Material blessings are a sign of spiritual strength
6. The more money you give to God, the more money he will give to you
7. I can work my way to heaven
8. Problems in your life result from some particular sin
9. I must not stop meetings other's needs
10. I must always submit to authority
11. God only uses spiritual giants
12. Having true faith means waiting for God to help me and doing nothing until he does
13. If it's not in the Bible, it isn't relevant (all truth is in the Bible)
14. God will find me a perfect mate
15. Everything that happens to me is good
16. A strong faith will protect me from problems and pain
17. God hates sinners, is angry with me, and wants to punish me
18. Christ was merely a great teacher
19. God is too big to care about me
20. More than anything else, God wants me to be happy (free from pain)
21. You can become God
1. Toxic Faith. Arterburn, S. & Felton J. (Oliver-Nelson, 1991)
2. Toxic Faith: A Summary, Jackson, B. (http://www.philosophy-religion.org/criticism/toxicfaith.htm accessed 21.12.2005)
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