We sometimes use the term “apostate” as a weapon and the ultimate insult upon our fellow associates who may have different views than the orthodox one. The word has Latin and Greek roots which means defection, desertion or rebellion.
There are two critical questions when evaluating the term and applying it to people as a justification for “casting them out of the synagogue”. Let us reason together a few issues: 1) Can a person be a true apostate if they are following Christ or his light or doing what he has asked them to do? Or in other words if a follower of Christ is rebelling against the commandments of men and is acting under the inspiration of the Holy Ghost, can they truly be apostate? 2) What does that tell you about an institution who would cast out someone who is actually commissioned by or inspired by Christ (or in the case of the Jews someone who was the very Christ)?
If a man or woman be charged with apostasy and what they are doing is inspired of heaven, then might it be possible that the institution that is doing the judging may have shifted, defected or deserted itself away from God, even if only by small degrees at a time? I am bringing up questions for reflection and careful pondering and do not claim to have answers for anybody. You must seek the answers from the Author of truth.
You see we at times are blinded by tradition (especially religious tradition) so that if somebody with greater light and truth comes upon us teaching against our tradition, our first reaction is to not believe them; then we label them, then cast them out (which is akin to spiritually killing them if we believe that the keys of salvation of held exclusively in the institution) and ultimately we may seek their blood by physically killing them. All this is done while thinking we are doing God’s work or preserving the integrity of the “true” religious institution.
Examples of this abound in the scriptures and this was clearly evident at the time of Christ. In fact this sums up the Savior’s experience with the religious leaders of his day. The inspired Christian reformers also experienced their share of persecution and death. There are many examples from the Book of Mormon including Abinadi, a true prophet without any “bonafides” who came up against the corrupted religious institution of his day and was killed for his testimony and Lehi who also experienced similar reactions from his religious leaders.
Would Abinadi, Lehi or Christ end up being outcasts of Israel today if they would ever come among us in disguise and teach the truths of Heaven? I have asked this to people and the overwhelming majority believe that of course we would receive them. I myself have my reasons to doubt that to be the case. There instead could be a church disciplinary action, the handbook of instructions opened and they could be excommunicated for apostasy and teaching unauthorized things without “authority”.
If what I am saying is true then this should be frightening and we are indeed in an awful situation (see Ether 4:13-17, yes this is talking about US not THEM). If Joseph Smith told the twelve apostles of his day that if he told them all he knew that not one of them would stay with him, then what about the truths that Christ could teach or any other servant sent from God? We must carefully consider if we would rather spiritually crucify an innocent man (or woman) than to consider that some of our traditions may be misguided. I am not insinuating anything nor am I criticizing or making any accusation. I could be completely misguided myself so that is why these things are framed as questions for your consideration and prayerful pondering.
So next time you hear of someone who is charged with apostasy, the question you should ask yourself is: Is this a Korihor, Nehor or Cain Apostate? Or is this a John Wycliffe, Martin Luther, or John Calvin apostate? Or is this is a Lehi, Abinadi or Jesus Christ apostate? The importance of this distinction cannot be overstated for there is a terrible price to pay if we get it wrong.
You make a valid point. The only way you can really tell is to seek the answer (and get an answer) from the Holy Spirit. I have gotten that answer in regards to one of those who was excommunicated a few years back and who continues to teach others and is drawing away people to the church he is creating. I tried reading some of his books and came away with a very dark feeling…not something I was looking for but it was unmistakable. I know there are others but I haven’t received a confirmation about them.
In reality, I don’t need to concern myself with their doings…I’m busy enough trying to keep myself on the path God has given me. And since I don’t want to move over to the dark side, I need to avoid accusing others of anything – “Accuser” is one of the names and attributes of the adversary. As Gamaliel said of the apostles when the Sadducees nabbed them – leave them be, for if they are not of God, their works will come to naught. And if they are of God then you can’t stop them, but you will be found fighting against God. We have enough work to do…leave them alone and they will prove who’s side they are on.
Thank you Rusty for reminding us of the principle that is taught in the scriptures by Gamaliel. I do not doubt that many who are labeled as apostates may very well deserve the label however I believe that some may have been given that label unjustly and in error and it very well may happen on the future. The Holy Ghost is so very important in helping us not be deceived. You make another important point about not being an accuser and it’s funny I just read 5 min prior to seeing your reply in The Words of Joseph Smith by Ehat this teaching of the Prophet as recorded by Wilford Woodruff:
“If we did not accuse one another God would not accuse us & if we had no accuser we should enter heaven and he (Jospeh) would take us there as his backload if we would not accuse him he would not accuse us & if we would throw a cloak of charity over his sins he would over ours for charity covereth a multitude of sins . . ” – Ehat & Cook pg. 80.