See to it that there is no one who takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception in accordance with human tradition, in accordance with the elementary principles of the world, rather than in accordance with Christ. — Colossians 2:8 NASB
Living in a Post-Everything World
These words from Paul are pregnant with meaning in this post-everything moment.
We’ve just lived through arguably one of the greatest events in all human civilization. Sure, there have been plagues and pandemics before. But the COVID pandemic occurred during a time in human history of global travel, ubiquitous digital interconnectivity, and an integrated world-wide economic system. We’ve just lived through a presidential term and election cycle like none other, one that has changed the Republican party forever and the landscape of all-things related to running for office. We’ve lived through unprecedented rallies and demonstrations for the inherent value of Black persons and for justice. In the wake of all these things, we find ourselves living in what I call a ‘post-everything’ world—a world of scattered experiences and information where people are trying desperately to make sense of it all—to see a bigger picture amidst the chaos.
Paul’s words to the Colossians are full of meaning for us because in the wake of these world-changing events, philosophies and tradition-based deceptions are how many of us are trying to make sense of it all.
Philosophy and Tradition
Paul refers to two things that threaten to take us captive—philosophy and tradition-based deception. Now, to be sure, there is nothing at all inherently wrong with either philosophy or traditions. I treasure my degree in philosophy from the University of Michigan. I openly celebrate with great joy a number of traditions—flying the flag on flag day, enjoying fireworks on the fourth of July, and watching the Lions lose on Thanksgiving Day.
Philosophy and traditions have to do with interpretation of reality, expression of beliefs and values—they provide a systemic way of making sense of the world and living into our core convictions about reality. Paul tells us, however, to BEWARE, that there is a danger in becoming ‘captive’, of being carried off. There is a real danger that philosophies and traditions can capture us and take us away and in this post-everything world, I believe that is exactly what is happening to millions of Christians.
Read the social posts of Christians, listen to YouTubers who, in the name of Christ, are spinning a philosophy of Christian nationalism, secularized social justice, and various CONSPIRACY THEORIES! Once our friends and families fall prey to these empty philosophies and deception-based traditions, they become generally unpleasant people, but that’s not the worst of it. Paul warns us to see to it that they are not carried away because once they are, it is very difficult to get them back.
While I’m a proud American-Christian, nationalism is the counterfeit to the good traditions and core beliefs of embracing my national identity. I’m a proud advocate for social justice, having spent 18 years as an abolitionist. Secularized social justice, however, works outside the spiritual principles of Christ to establish a justice that can never last and actually causes more damage to peoples and communities. Conspiracy theories for many Christians have been syncretized with their faith in Christ, corrupting their faith and distracting them from God’s love and His love of the world.
Elementary Principles
Paul says see to it that we are not being led captive by philosophies and traditions that are based on the elementary principles of this world. This phrase, ‘elementary principles’ refers to first things, foundational things, assumptions about us and the world. This is how deceptive philosophies and traditions take so many captive—because they provide the assumptions we begin with, and we rarely question our assumptions.
Assumptions are the very building blocks of our belief systems. Perhaps you are old enough to remember the fad of posters made from stereograms. In the 1980’s, you could buy posters of these scattered-dot images and after looking long enough at what seemed to be random dots, an image would appear. Once your eyes relaxed enough to see the image appear in the stereogram, your eyes could not ‘un-see’ it. This is exactly how conspiracy theories take Christians captive—they purport a picture in the chaos of the world and once you see that image, you cannot un-see it. Paul tells us our philosophies and traditions must not be based on the ‘elemental things’ of this world but on Christ.
We are to be led astray by Christ, abandoned to Him, interpreting the chaos of this post-everything world based on Him, His teaching and His character. For those of us who are struggling to make sense of our world, turn your eyes away from the noise and chaos of our post-everything world and look on Christ. Political upheaval, social unrest, pandemics, economic turmoil—these are the scattered dots of our human existence and they will come and go but Christ remains our faithful and true treasure.
Simple Assessment Questions
Finally, ask yourself these five simple assessment questions to see if you are already being taken captive by empty philosophies or deceptive traditions from your online reading, videos, and podcasts:
- Do the things you read and listen to online produce the fruit of the Spirit (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, gentleness, and self-control) (Galatians 5:22-23) or the deeds of the flesh (hostility, division, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition…) (Galatians 5:19-21)?
- Would you say that you are becoming more and more a person of peace (Matthew 5:9) or has worry and fear become a struggle (Luke 12:22-26)?
- Are you evaluating the things you see and hear online by the Bible and the teachings of Christ (Acts 17:11) or simply your own reason?
- Do you pray for the salvation of others (Romans 10:1) and are you seeking to share your faith in Christ with those around you (Mark 16:15)?
- Do the things you read and listen to online increase your love of neighbor and your concern for their well-being (1 John 4:21)?
Perhaps you find yourself unhappy with the results of your reflection. Consider unplugging for a few days, getting alone with God and praying through areas that are coming to light. You may consider a social media fast, a food fast, a prayer walk, or simply discussing your struggles with a trusted friend or pastor. Regardless of what you decide, when God brings things to light in us, it is an invitation for a new and deeper journey. Don’t miss out on the growth God might have for you!
For more from R. York Moore check out his book Do Something Beautiful
Do you find yourself chasing “something more”?
We are people seized by longings we can’t seem to satisfy. It’s built into us—in our very bones. We were created with an innate desire to be a part of a world and a story bigger than ours. Sadly, however, most of us spend our lives blind to the fact that this story and this world are right in front of us, beckoning to us to come and play our part. We keep on with our focused, relentless pursuit of everything else and find ourselves dissatisfied.
Don’t give up on your “something more.” Chase it better.
