Mind Under Renewal

The renewal of the mind, mentioned by Paul in the letter to the Romans, represents much more than a simple change of point of view. When we understand that we have a new faith, our minds must be worked so that we always walk in accordance with Christianity. Renewing our mind does not mean simply saying that we are Christians, but demonstrating this through our way of thinking, of reasoning. The renewal of the mind also reminds us that we should stop following the teachings of men, as religious, and observe, study in the Scriptures if what we are learning is correct, coherent. The habit of accepting everything we have been told must be changed by the habit of analyzing everything they teach us, not to create conflicts and disagreements, but to watch over us and not fall into human concepts.

In the letter of John writes to the church of Pergamum (Revelation, chapter 2 of the book, verses 12 to 17), we can see that his main intention is to give an idea to the faithful not to fall into the leaders that manipulated the people to follow philosophies and ideologies What has nothing to do with Christianity.

Write to the angel of the church in Pergamum: These are the words of him who has the sharp two-edged sword. I know where you live, where is the throne of Satan. However, you remain faithful to my name and have not renounced your faith in me, not even when Antipas, my faithful witness, was murdered in this city where Satan lives. However, I have some things against you: you have people there who adhere to the teachings of Balaam, who taught Balak to set traps against the Israelites, inducing them to eat food sacrificed to idols and to participate in sexual immorality. In the same way, they also have those who cling to the teachings of the Nicolaitans. So, repent! If not, soon I will go to you and fight against them with the sword of my mouth. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the victor I will give him the hidden manna. I will also give you a white stone with a new name inscribed on it, known only to the one who receives it. Revelation 2: 12-17

The passage reveals that the church in Pergamum was walking the wrong way. Although there are several studies on the details, what is clear is that the leaders kept and ate of the offerings of the faithful, in addition to promoting prostitution, and possibly in favor of polygamy. Although they followed Christianity, they did not seek a renewal of mind, they continued with their old practices.

Renewal of the mind and manipulation of the mind.

The purpose of this text is to alert us to possible manipulations of our faith. Therefore, we want to argue that the renewal of the mind involves exercising our mind to avoid manipulative discourses. The best way to do this is by praying and seeking the direction of the Holy Spirit to free us from the bond of all strangers.

We know that many religious leaders use their power of influence and leadership to implant their ideologies in the ruling church, allowing their opinions to be more important than a balanced and impartial study.

The renewal of the mind mentioned by Paul in Romans 2 implies not thinking that we are superior to others. Soon after, the apostle begins his discourse on the comparison of the church of Christ with the human body and its members. There are different theologies, which are natural, but we can not live a religiosity, where religious acts and customs are more important than love of neighbor and mercy, for example.