EXPOSING PAGANISM'S POISON PILL WITHIN CULTURAL CHRISTIANITY

Richard Dawkins, the renowned atheist, throws a curveball by calling himself a "cultural Christian." He appreciates Christian traditions like carols and a supposed ethical framework, yet rejects core Christian beliefs. This begs the question: can societies be culturally influenced by religions they no longer fully believe in? Let's explore this through the lens of 1st-century Judaism and the teachings of Jesus (Yeshua), Hillel, and Shammai.

Dawkins' Cultural Christianity: A Cherry-Picked Legacy?

Dawkins highlights the non-religious aspects of Christianity that have seeped into Western culture. He enjoys traditions but disregards the theological foundation. This raises a fascinating point:  societies can be shaped by religious ideas even if those ideas are no longer universally accepted.  For example, the concept of charity may have Judeo-Christian roots, yet many non-religious people value it. This works in all directions though. While most people in the US would not consider themselves pagan, many of the traditions celebrated as traditional by Christianity in the United States are of pagan origin including some of the traditions mentioned by Dawkins as favorable such as caroling. The overarching truth of this cultural concept is that Christianity without God is a syncretic monstrosity worshiping the art of man.

Judaism's Echoes: Yeshua, Hillel, and Shammai

Turning to 1st-century Judaism long before Christianity was institutionalized by Rome, we see a rich tapestry of thought. Jesus (Yeshua) emphasized love, forgiveness, social justice and a direct familial relationship with Elohim. Hillel championed compassion and the Golden Rule ("Do not do to others what you would not want them to do to you"). Shammai, on the other hand, advocated for stricter adherence to religious law.

These contrasting views within Judaism illustrate the ongoing conversation about faith and its application.  They remind us that within ancient Israel, there was a spectrum of belief. Central to all of the major streams we inherited from that time period is a firm commitment to the one true god, YHWH.

The Power of Culture: Can Faith Survive?

Dawkins' position underscores the undeniable impact of culture on our beliefs. But does a cultural context guarantee individual faith? No! Ancient Israel had a culture established by YHWH himself, and ultimately most of the leadership did not believe when Yeshua came. 

If Dawkins’ philosophy takes widespread cultural hold, it represents another front in the broader cultural war and Christianity again will find itself in the crosshairs of angry denizens of the woke mob. It's not the traditions from pre-Christian Europe being rejected. It's the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.

The remaining pagan influences within Christendom, represent a poison pill. If Christianity defends pagan culture ensconced within it, it will be open to mockery from those who neither worship YHWH or any other deity. Tragically, the unaware operate under a different definition of worship from how it is defined by YHWH in the Bible. Scripture says that obedience is worship. Those who follow pagan practices whether they believe in the deities behind them or not, are worshiping something or someone, by Biblical definition.

Therefore, the decision is this:

Christianity will either purge itself of pagan traditions and survive or fight to defend Christian traditions (including the pagan ones) and die a very corrosive death. 

Here's where believers can find strength:

• Personal Connection: A strong personal connection to the core tenets of the foundations of their faith can help believers navigate a secular culture that tries to mirror what they have, without YHWH.

• Community: Engaging with a faith community provides support, shared experiences, and strengthens belief. We are not meant to live in isolation. 

• Critical Engagement: Studying their religion's history and philosophies allows believers to understand the "why" behind traditions and refine them closer and closer to what YHWH established, Yeshua reinforced and the Apostles promoted.
  

Conclusion

Dawkins' "cultural Christianity" is a reminder that societies carry the imprint of past religions from all directions.  However, for individuals, faith is a personal journey nurtured by connection, community, and critical engagement.  Even amidst cultural shifts, strong personal belief in YHWH can thrive.