Main news for 5 February 2017

The apostle's words about hard times for preachers of "sound teaching" came true, it must be admitted, very soon after his death. And they continue to this day. Paul defined the reasons for what is happening absolutely precisely, though rather briefly, so precisely that the explanation he gave remains relevant even today. In this case, however, he is essentially only repeating the Savior's words, spoken in answer to the objections of some of His interlocutors, to whom His words seemed either too harsh or out of place. He spoke then of wisdom defended by its supporters. Defended not so much because they are convinced of its truth, but because it is familiar, convenient, and habitual for them. And Paul, in essence, says the same thing: people seek not truth, but convenience and comfort. And this, as is clear, does not depend on whether a person is religious or not: in religion too one can find much that delights the eye, ear, and soul of a religious person, flattering his vanity. It is no surprise that "teachers" appear who are ready to serve as attendants for those seeking religious comfort: demand creates supply, and religion is subject to this law just like every other sphere of public life, for unlike the revelation given by God, religion is only the work of human hands and minds. What is frightening here is not the search for convenience and comfort in itself, for in essence there is nothing bad in that, but the fact that for their sake those who seek them are ready to neglect truth, revelation, and the Kingdom.