"We know, that we belong to GOD, while the whole world lies in evil.
We know, that the Son of GOD has come and has given us power to know the truth. We are in HIM who is true, HIS Son JESUS CHRIST. HE is the true GOD, and eternal life.
My dear children, keep yourselves from idols." - 1 John 5:19-21
(The whole world lies in evil. As has already been mentioned, this world belongs to GOD who made it good. Nevertheless, this world is not simply a building site wherein we work. It is first the place where the evil one competes with GOD. The evil one does not side with any group, atheist or materialist or whatever else, but everywhere transforms the best things into destroying idols--even among those looking for a more perfect life: keep yourselves from idols. This warning of John at the end of this letter has special importance; it invites us to remain in the truth of the Word-of-GOD-made-man without allowing anything contrary to it, to enter. For the Church this is a permanent temptation--as well as for every Christian community--to make itself the center of everything, so that what matters is to recruit and to last. Then when institutions believe that unity is assured by increasing authority, political and financial support are sought and mission is replaced with buildings. There are a thousand ways of eluding what is provisional while the Spirit always feels more at ease with what is provisional. In so doing the Christian community, the whole Church becomes a thick wall between GOD and humans, all the more becoming an "idol" in wishing to be holy, obeyed and infallible in all its decisions. The Word became flesh, and the Church can only be the sacrament of GOD if she remains weak and vulnerable.)
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