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Sacred Scams: Part Two

Faith has inspired some of humanity's most meaningful realizations—but as we witnessed last week, it has also given rise to some of the most audacious deceptions. This week we will unravel more stories that have engrossed and misled the masses and get a greater glimpse into the intersection of faith, power, and the imagination. 

Fables and Fakes

The following examples highlight tales of trickery that have managed to dazzle, arouse controversies, and, in some cases, even influence the course of religious thought.

The Letter of Benen 
Written in the 5th century, the Letter of Benen was a letter written by Benen, better known as Saint Benignus, who was the successor of Saint Patrick as the Bishop of Armagh. Within the lines, Benen provided a first-hand dramatized account of Saint Patrick’s missionary work in Ireland, detailing his teachings, miracles, supernatural events, and interactions with the local pagan chieftains.

Adding to its appeal and value, the letter was initially presented as an ancient and newly discovered artifact. Excitement surged with the discovery of the letter, as it appeared to offer fresh insights about Saint Patrick and early Christianity in Ireland. Nevertheless, experts were skeptical of the letter's validity. Examination of the letter exposed blatant linguistic inconsistencies, confirming their suspicions that the letter was a forgery. 

The Gospel of Barnabas

^{"The Gospel of Barnabas - Frontispiece - Facsimile of Pages 1 and 734 of the Vienna Manuscript" is in the public domain. Available at Wikimedia Commons.}

The Gospel of Barnabas is a controversial and widely discredited text that has been the subject of much debate and speculation since its discovery. Claiming to be a missing gospel written by Paul’s companion, Barnabas, the written work debuts a version of teachings that glaringly deviates from traditional Christian teachings. 

The gospel appeared to draw heavily on Islamic teachings and themes, claiming that Jesus was not the Son of God, but merely a prophet, and that he foretold the coming of Muhammad-the true Messiah. It further states that Christ taught a strict adherence to the Law of Moses, and rejects the idea of Jesus' crucifixion, stating that Judas Iscariot was crucified in Jesus' place after being miraculously transformed to look like him.

The substantial correlation between the gospel and Islamic beliefs immediately raised questions about the gospel’s authenticity. Speculating that the text was created to either serve as a bridge between Christianity and Islam or assert Islamic superiority, experts got to work. Apart from the clashing message, the use of references to things that had not yet been invented during biblical times and the results of linguistic analysis determining that the text was likely written in Italian or Spanish during the late Middle Ages permitted experts to confidently debunk the text as nothing more than something designed to validate Islamic beliefs.

Even so, it has been used to support arguments that Christian Gospels were corrupted over time, and early Christianity was actually more in line with Islamic teachings. Others have used it to promote interfaith dialogue.

The Monkey Christ

^{"Ecce Homo" by Elías García Martínez is in the public domain. Available at Wikimedia Commons.}

In 1930, Spanish artist, Elías García Martínez, adorned the wall of the Sanctuary of Mercy church with a fresco (type of painting) depicting Christ wearing a crown of thorns. Titled Ecce Homo (Behold the Man), the painting was cherished by the local community. 

Unfortunately, time alongside excess moisture in the walls caused the artwork to deteriorate. By 2012, the severity of the damage had become critical. Donors contributed money for the restoration of the mural, including Martínez’s granddaughter. Yet, prior to collecting full funding, the painting had been seemingly defaced. 

The transformation is so drastic that it appears as if someone has intentionally set out to create a parody. The once fine and mournful visage has been replaced by broad, crude strokes. Almost cartoonish in its simplicity, gone are the gentle contours of Christ’s face that once captured the delicate play of light and shadow. Instead, there is a heavy, flat, careless application of a muddled array of gray and brown paint. His delicate mouth was modified to a thick sloping line stretching from cheek to cheek and the once-painted cascade of dark locks now resembles a smudged mass. 

The act, which authorities initially attributed to vandalism, was revealed to be the well-meaning restoration attempt of Cecilia Giménez, an 81-year-old parishioner. Saddened by the art’s continued pathetic state, Giménez took it upon herself to fix it. Defending herself, she rationalized that the clergymen and priest were aware of what she had been doing and that the painting had not been completed.

It didn’t take long for the botched restoration to become a viral sensation. Jokes and memes earned the painting the nickname Ecce Mono (Behold the Monkey). 

Despite the initial shock and embarrassment, as visitors across the flocked to see the painting, the “Monkey Christ” became an economic benefit for the small Spanish town.

The Mar Saba Letter/Secret Gospel of Mark

^{"Letter of Clement to Theodore" is in the public domain. Available at Wikimedia Commons.}

In 1958, Columbia University professor Morton Smith announced that during his visit to the library within the Mar Saba monastery (located southeast of Jerusalem) he discovered a letter written in the final pages of a 17th-century book. 

Penned by Clement of Alexandria, an ancient Christian theologian and Greek Philosopher, the contents of the letter address concerns about a provocative written work referred to as the “Secret Gospel of Mark.” Clement explained that this version of Mark was more spiritual and deeper, and intended for advanced Christians. Reportedly used throughout Alexandrian churches, Clement shared direct quotes from the secret gospel to describe additional accounts that offer greater insights into Christ’s teachings and His relationship with His disciples. 

Quickly gaining notoriety, one particular passage became the subject of a heated debate. The passage describes an account where Christ raised a young man from the dead, after which the young man "looked upon him, loved him, and began to beg him that he might be with him." Though widely contested, this, coupled with a separate reference to a "carpenter's son" initiation rite, provoked suggestions that the secret gospel conveys a more intimate relationship between Christ and His disciples. 

Since its reception, experts have remained divided on the letter’s legitimacy. Some believe the letter is a forgery Smith cooked up as some kind of joke, while others accepted the letter as a valuable manuscript that could provide a glimpse into the diversity of Christianity. However, the possibility of an official verdict has come to a standstill. Due to various complications and its subsequent misplacement, the letter never underwent any testing. Later colorized photographs that Smith took of the letter are the only evidence that remains of its existence.

Real or not, the letter has fueled discussions that explore the idea that Christian teachings may have been reserved for a more spiritually mature audience, the existence of beliefs and practices that were later abandoned, and the potential of the deliberate removal and suppression of early Christian texts. 

The Gabriel Stone

^{"Gabriel's Stone" by Talmoryair is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0. Available at Wikimedia Commons.}

The Gabriel Stone is a large stone tablet reportedly discovered near the Dead Sea in the early 2000s. Dating back to the late first century BCE or early first century CE, it features an inscription written in Hebrew that appears to recount a vision delivered by the archangel Gabriel. Within its 87 lines of text, it references “the Prince of Princes” and the command to “arise” after “three days.” 

The Gabriel Stone has generated a range of interpretations, particularly regarding its potential implications for early Judaism and Christianity. Particularly, some consider the cryptic references alluding to a figure who is expected to rise from the dead, drawing parallels to the resurrection of Christ as described in the New Testament.

However, the stone’s poor condition has caused the lettering to become fragmented. The incomplete message renders the text to be too ambiguous and speculative, leaving experts to caution against making any definitive assumptions. Still, unable to draw firm conclusions, the stone's precise significance and meaning are still debated today. 

Wrapping Up

Drawing attention to the ever-present tension between truth and belief, the stories we’ve shared over the last two weeks serve as cautionary tales.  Clearly, the allure of the enigmata surrounding religion makes fertile ground for deception. Inasmuch, they remind us to critically approach extraordinary claims, while simultaneously denoting our responsibility to safeguard God’s truth. 

-Torrance Community Church of Christ

Mentoring the Next Generation: Investing in Youth and Children

What is Mentorship

Mentoring is a relational process in which a more experienced or knowledgeable individual provides guidance, support, and encouragement to a less experienced or knowledgeable individual. It involves sharing wisdom, knowledge, and insights to help the mentee develop specific skills, reach their goals, and navigate personal challenges.
Mentoring requires genuine care, patience, and commitment. The significance lies in the transformative impact it can have on the lives of young people as they grow in their faith and relationship with God.

The Role and Significance of a Mentor 

Mentors assume the role of a trusted advisor, offering wisdom, experience, and encouragement. Let’s take a look at some of the specific ways a faith-based mentor can provide counsel for a younger person. 

• Nurturing a Solid Foundation: Young people are at a critical stage of their lives where they are forming their beliefs, values, and worldview. By nurturing their spiritual growth, you equip them with a framework to make wise decisions, face adversity, and find hope and meaning in a world that often offers conflicting messages and values. When you guide them in understanding core beliefs, Biblical principles, and the teachings of Christianity, you play a vital role in helping youth build a solid spiritual foundation that can sustain them throughout their lives. 
• Personal Discipleship: Mentoring offers a unique opportunity for one-on-one discipleship where a mentor walks alongside a young person, helping them deepen their relationship with God and grow in their understanding of His Word. Through intentional conversations, prayer, and shared experiences, mentors can provide guidance and support, helping youth navigate their spiritual journey.
• Modeling Christ-like Behavior: Young people often learn by observing and imitating others. Mentoring allows you to model Christ-like behavior and values in your interactions with the young person. A mentor who exemplifies a vibrant and authentic faith can inspire and influence the youth to live out their own faith with dedication and passion. When the youth is witness to a mentor’s ability to exemplify love, compassion, integrity, and forgiveness, you can help them understand what it means to live out their faith in practical ways and motivate them to integrate their own faith into everyday life. 
• Providing Moral Guidance and Wisdom: The journey of faith can be filled with questions, doubts, and challenges. Mentors can offer guidance, wisdom, and Biblical perspectives to help young people navigate these complexities. They can address theological inquiries, provide moral guidance, and offer practical advice based on their own experiences, helping youth make informed decisions and choices.
• Encourage Resilience and Steadfastness: In a world that often challenges or dismisses faith, mentoring can help young people develop resilience and steadfastness in their beliefs. By providing a listening ear, addressing doubts and questions, and sharing stories of faith, you can help them navigate doubts, strengthen their convictions, and persevere in their spiritual journey.
• Navigating Challenges: Young people face unique challenges in today's world. Mentoring provides an opportunity to address those challenges through the lens of Christian faith. By offering guidance, support, and biblical principles, you can help young people navigate issues such as identity, relationships, ethics, and societal pressures with a solid foundation in Christ.
• Identity and Purpose: Many young people grapple with questions of identity, purpose, and meaning. By mentoring them, you can help them explore how their faith informs their sense of identity and purpose, enabling them to discover their unique gifts and talents in service to God and others.
• Fostering Responsibility and Direction: A mentor can provide a safe space for youth to share their struggles, doubts, and victories. By facilitating an environment of trust and accountability, mentors can support young people in overcoming obstacles, provide encouragement during difficult times, and celebrate their spiritual growth milestones.
• Community and Accountability: Mentoring can connect young people to a supportive community of believers. By fostering relationships within the church or faith-based organizations, you can help them establish connections with peers and mentors who can walk alongside them in their faith journey, providing support, fortitude, and commitment.
• Investing in Future Leaders: Mentoring young people in their Christian faith contributes to the development of future leaders within the church and society. By equipping them with a deep understanding of Christianity and aiding in the discovery of their unique gifts, talents, and passions, mentors can guide young people in identifying areas where they can serve and make a positive impact, carrying forward the teachings of Christ. 
• Passing on the Faith: Christianity has a rich heritage and a body of knowledge that has been passed down through generations. Mentoring allows you to share the teachings, traditions, and values of the Christian faith with young people, ensuring its continuity and passing on the wisdom and insights you have gained.

Ultimately, mentoring youth in their faith is a way to live out the call to love and serve others, and to pass on the life-transforming message of Jesus Christ to the next generation.

Benefits of Mentorship

Faith-based mentoring is primarily focused on the growth and development of the mentee, it also offers personal benefits to the mentor. The mutual exchange of wisdom, support, and encouragement fosters a reciprocal relationship where both parties can experience personal growth and enhanced faith.

• Mentorship Deepens Faith: Faith-based mentoring allows both the mentor and mentee to explore and deepen their own faith. Through discussions, study, prayer, and shared experiences, both parties can gain a deeper understanding of their beliefs, strengthen their spiritual practices, and grow in their relationship with God.
• Mentorship Promotes a Sense of Purpose: Mentoring others in their faith can provide a strong sense of purpose and fulfillment. It allows individuals to use their knowledge, experiences, and gifts to make a positive impact in someone else's life, contributing to God's work.
• Mentorship Ignites Growth and Learning: Both the mentor and mentee have opportunities for personal growth and learning through the mentoring relationship. The mentor can grow their faith by gaining new insights from the mentee's perspectives, and learn from the mentee's experiences. The mentee, in turn, can learn from the mentor's wisdom, experiences, and guidance.
• Mentorship Imparts Accountability and Spiritual Growth: Engaging in a mentorship relationship fosters accountability and encourages personal spiritual growth. The mentor’s accountability in providing guidance and support, and accountability to the mentee, helps them both stay on track with their spiritual goals and encourages them in their faith journey, and holds them liable to live according to their beliefs.
• Mentorship Delivers an Increase in Self-Awareness: As mentors guide and support others, they often gain a deeper understanding of themselves and their own faith. The process of mentoring can prompt self-reflection, introspection, and the recognition of areas for personal growth and development.
• Mentorship Builds Meaningful Relationships: Faith-based mentoring creates an opportunity to build meaningful relationships based on shared values and beliefs. Mentors and mentees can form deep connections, develop lifelong friendships, and support one another on their spiritual journeys.
• Mentorship Brings a Sense of Joy and Fulfillment: Witnessing the growth, transformation, and flourishing of the mentee can bring immense joy and fulfillment to the mentor. Seeing the mentee develop in their faith, overcome challenges, and live out their purpose can be a source of great joy and encouragement.
• Mentorship Produces Personal Transformation: Mentoring is a two-way process that can lead to personal growth and transformation for both the mentor and the mentee. As you guide and support young people in their faith journey, you deepen your own understanding, strengthen your convictions, and grow in your relationship with God.
• The Impact of Mentorship is Widespread: Mentoring youth in Christianity has a ripple effect. By investing in their spiritual development, you have the potential to positively impact their families, communities, and future generations. The lessons they learn and the values they embrace can shape their lives and the lives of those around them, creating a better and more Christ-like world. 

Tips for Mentorship

Let’s go over some tips to establish a smooth mentor and mentee relationship. 

• Build Trust and Rapport: Establish a trusting relationship with the young person by actively listening, showing empathy, and demonstrating genuine care and respect for their thoughts, feelings, and experiences.
• Be a Positive Role Model: Lead by example and strive to embody the values and behaviors you want to instill in the young person. Model integrity, kindness, humility, and perseverance in your own life.
• Create a Safe Space for Communication: Foster an environment where the young person feels comfortable expressing themselves without fear of judgment. Encourage open and honest dialogue, and be attentive to their needs, concerns, and aspirations.
• Set Clear Goals and Expectations: Work collaboratively with the young person to establish achievable goals and expectations for their personal and spiritual growth. Regularly review progress and provide constructive feedback to help them stay on track.
• Provide Guidance and Encouragement: Offer guidance and practical advice based on your own experiences, while also empowering the young person to make their own decisions and learn from their mistakes. Embolden their strengths, acknowledge their efforts, and celebrate their achievements.
• Foster a Sense of Belonging: Help the young person find a sense of belonging within their community, whether it's through involvement in church or youth group, or other activities that align with their interests and values. Encourage them to develop healthy friendships and relationships.
• Help Develop Life Skills: Support the young person in developing essential life skills, such as communication, problem-solving, decision-making, time management, and resilience. Offer guidance and opportunities for them to practice and apply these skills in real-life situations.
• Pray and Share Spiritual Insights: Pray with the young person and share spiritual insights or guidance from a Christian perspective. Help them deepen their faith and discover how it can guide their decisions and actions.

Mentoring is a journey that requires patience, flexibility, and adaptability. Each young person is unique, so tailor your approach to their specific needs and personality. Your presence, support, and guidance can have a lasting impact on their lives.

How to Build Trust with a Mentee

Trust is foundational to a mentoring relationship, and it requires ongoing effort to maintain. Building trust takes time, so be patient, consistent, and intentional in your interactions with the young person you're mentoring.

• Act with Integrity: Maintain honesty, transparency, and ethical behavior in all aspects of the mentorship. Admit mistakes and take responsibility for them. Uphold your word and avoid any actions that may compromise trust.
• Be Genuine and Authentic: Show genuine care and interest in the young person. Be open and honest about yourself, sharing your own experiences, struggles, and growth in your faith journey. This authenticity helps the young person see you as a real and relatable mentor, fostering trust and connection.
• Practice Active Listening: Demonstrate genuine interest and attentiveness when the young person shares their thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Show empathy, ask follow-up questions, and validate their emotions. This shows that you value their perspective and are willing to listen without judgment.
• Maintain Confidentiality: Respect the privacy and confidentiality of the young person. Assure them that what they share with you will be kept confidential unless there is a safety concern. This creates a safe space for them to feel comfortable to open up and share their challenges, doubts, thoughts, concerns, and personal experiences.
• Be Consistent and Reliable: Be consistent in your interactions and follow through on your commitments. Show up on time for meetings or activities, and be reliable in keeping your promises. This reliability helps build trust and demonstrates your dedication to the mentoring relationship.
• Provide Constructive Feedback: Offer feedback that is constructive, specific, and focused on growth. Balance praise with areas for improvement, and deliver feedback in a respectful and supportive manner.
• Mutual Goals and Expectations: Establish clear goals and expectations together, ensuring that both you and your mentee are aligned. Regularly revisit these goals to monitor progress and make adjustments as needed.
• Respect Boundaries and Autonomy: Recognize and respect the boundaries and values set by the young person and their family. Avoid imposing your own beliefs or decisions on them. Encourage their independent thinking and decision-making. Be mindful of their comfort levels and personal preferences. Avoid prying into sensitive areas unless they willingly share or seek guidance on those topics.
• Maintain a Non-Judgmental Attitude: Foster an environment where the young person feels safe expressing themselves without fear of judgment. Avoid criticizing or imposing your own beliefs or values. Instead, offer love, understanding, and guidance while respecting their individuality.
• Demonstrate Support: Show unwavering support for the young person, especially during challenging times. Encourage their strengths, affirm their efforts, and celebrate their achievements. Let them know that you are there to provide guidance, encouragement, and a listening ear whenever needed.
• Harbor Patience and Understanding: Building trust takes time, especially with young people who may have experienced past disappointments or trust issues. Be patient, understanding, and empathetic toward their journey. Trust is built gradually through consistent actions and a genuine concern for their well-being.

Where to Find Someone to Mentor

Finding someone to mentor involves a thoughtful approach that focuses on identifying individuals who could benefit from your knowledge and guidance. Below are some ideas to start your search for a mentee. 

• Church or Faith-Based Organizations: Connect with your local church or faith-based organizations that have youth programs or ministries. Volunteer to get involved and express your interest in mentoring young people. Church leaders and youth pastors can often help identify potential mentees who are seeking guidance and support in their faith.
• Community Outreach: Engage in community outreach activities targeted at youth. This could include volunteering at after-school programs, mentoring organizations, or community centers. Reach out to these organizations and express your desire to mentor young individuals in their faith journey.
• Personal Connections: Utilize your personal network to find a young person who may benefit from mentoring. Talk to friends, family members, or acquaintances who have children or know of young people seeking spiritual guidance. They might be able to connect you with someone who would appreciate a mentor.
• Online Platforms: Explore online platforms and forums that cater to Christian youth. Some websites or social media groups are specifically designed for connecting mentors with young people seeking spiritual guidance. Take part in discussions, offer your support, and express your willingness to mentor.
• School or College Campuses: Contact local schools, colleges, or Christian student organizations to inquire about opportunities to mentor Christian students. Some educational institutions have mentorship programs or student clubs where you can get involved and offer guidance in matters of faith.

Examples of Mentorship in the Bible

Now, let’s take a look at some exemplary mentors in the Bible.

• Moses and Joshua: Moses served as a mentor to Joshua, preparing him to lead the Israelites after Moses' death. Moses invested in Joshua, providing guidance, encouragement, and teaching him about God's laws and ways. Joshua learned from Moses' leadership and eventually became a great leader himself, leading the Israelites into the Promised Land.
• Paul and Timothy: The Apostle Paul mentored Timothy, providing guidance in matters of faith, leadership, and ministry. Paul wrote letters to Timothy, encouraging and instructing him in his role as a young pastor.
• Elijah and Elisha: Elijah served as a mentor to Elisha, anointing him as his successor and training him to be a prophet. Elisha followed Elijah closely, learning from his example and seeking his guidance. Elijah imparted his knowledge, wisdom, and spiritual mantle to Elisha, who carried on Elijah's prophetic ministry after his ascension.
• Naomi and Ruth: Although not explicitly identified as a mentorship relationship, Naomi played a pivotal role in guiding and mentoring her daughter-in-law Ruth. Naomi provided counsel, encouraged Ruth's faithfulness, and guided her in making significant decisions that impacted her life. 
• Jesus and His disciples: Jesus served as a mentor to His disciples, teaching them about faith, love, and how to spread His message. He guided them in their spiritual growth and empowered them to continue His work.

These examples illustrate the importance of mentorship in empowering individuals to fulfill their God-given purposes, pass on wisdom, and contribute to the growth and development of others.

Conclusion

Mentorship goes beyond simply offering advice or information. It is a purposeful and ongoing relationship based on trust, respect, and mutual learning. The mentor acts as a role model, providing guidance, feedback, and encouragement to the mentee. They offer insights based on their own experiences, helping the mentee gain new perspectives, develop self-confidence, and make informed decisions.
The goal of mentoring others is to facilitate their growth, learning, and development in their faith. It is a dynamic and collaborative process that often involves regular meetings, open communication, and a commitment from both the mentor and mentee to invest time and effort in the relationship.
Ultimately, mentorship aims to empower the mentee to reach their full potential, overcome challenges, and achieve personal success, while also fostering a supportive and nurturing environment for their growth.
Remember, mentoring is a journey that requires patience, commitment, and a genuine desire to commit to the life of another person. It is an opportunity to participate in God's work of transformation and discipleship.

- Torrance Church of Christ

20 Daily Affirmations for Christians

What are Daily Affirmations?

Daily Affirmations are statements that you can repeat to yourself. They are positive and uplifting declarations that you can repeat out loud or silently in your head. 

What is the Purpose of Daily Affirmations?

Affirmations are used to negate the effects of negative thoughts. When you use affirmations, you are essentially replacing a negative thought with a positive one. You can create neural pathways to retrain your brain with a new pattern of thinking. Examples of more commonly used affirmations are:

I am successful.

I am loved.

I am worthy. 

As you can see, affirmations are commonly used to raise self-esteem, empower, and motivate. When you repeat these statements, you plant the seed in your brain and with continued use, that seed will flourish and you’ll be able to see outward changes. 

Why Should Christians use Daily Affirmations?

You don’t have to use Daily Affirmations. It is a purely personal choice. The affirmations we have compiled below are meant to be looked at as helpful reminders of your faith in God. These affirmations will help you to stay true to your values. 

- Torrance Church of Christ