Roger Meyer

The Bible records the history of the ancient Israelites and their once great nation. This historical account reveals Israel’s religious and moral backsliding as they strayed over time from God’s ways. For generations, God through His prophets urged Israel to return and obey His laws. Is there an important lesson here, which we can apply to New Testament Christians?

We see indeed that Jesus Christ, and the apostles and ministers of His Church, also urge all mankind to turn or return and be reconciled to Him through willing obedience to His teachings.

Mockery has been around throughout mankind’s history, but in recent times it seems to have become increasingly common to mock competitors, public personalities, and authority figures—and even God, Christ, the Bible, and religion in general. The Bible warns that mockers sit “in the seat of the scornful” (Psalm 1:1).

An “ism” is a philosophy, social or political ideology, movement, or religion. The list of philosophies and religions is exhaustive, leaving the distinct impression that mankind is utterly dazed and confused about what life's purpose is, which choices and actions are right and which are wrong, and whether there is a God. What is your “ism?” Whose “ism” is the correct one?

These three words—prejudice, partiality, and partisanship—are related terms that describe a biased and negative mindset and approach towards another person. The usual result is intolerance of and hostility towards that person.

In this context, prejudice is a strong dislike of someone solely based on preconceived notions or assumptions about race, ethnicity, age, sex, religion, or other categories. It can also be a strong preference, favoritism, or showing partiality for someone. Partisanship is one-sided sectarianism or factionalism.