The Pressure of Conformity: The Danger of Pluralism [From Mystery to Revelation]

The Pressure of Conformity: The Danger of Pluralism

[From Mystery to Revelation]

Bible Study for

January 25, 2020

Larry R. Evans

Introduction

There are those who pride themselves on their independence.  They like to think they reason and act independently of the norm. We may think we don’t like conformity, but we all do it to some degree and often without even knowing it. We sometimes conform from a desire for security within a group—typically a group of a similar age, culture, religion, or culture or educational status. We’ve even coined a word for this called “groupthink.” It has been defined as “a pattern of thought characterized by self-deception, forced manufacture of consent, and conformity to group values and ethics.  It ignores realistic appraisal of other courses of actions.” (“Conformity” in Wikipedia)

Are you a conformist? At what point do you conform and for what reasons?  Not all conformity is wrong!  I’m glad that architects conform to building codes and pilots to the pre-checks they do before each flight. I used to fly as a private pilot.  I once depended on the manager of an airport to determine the amount of fuel I would need for a flight. It turned out not to be a good idea. I needed to conform to the necessity of doing my own calculations.

There is another word that is important for this week’s Bible study and that is, “pluralism.”  A general definition is, “Pluralism denotes a diversity of views or stands rather than a single approach or method.” When applied to religion it generally means, “. . . the acceptance of all religious paths as equally valid, promoting coexistence.” Both conformity and pluralism are important terms to keep in mind as we study this week’s study.

Babylon’s Use of Conformity and Pluralism

As we’ve already seen in our study of Daniel, Babylon was the major political force at the time of Daniel and his three Hebrew friends. What we sometimes forget is that the Hebrews were not the only ones who were taken captive by Babylon’s aggressive campaigns. Such imperialism created a challenge for Nebuchadnezzar. The disorder could easily lead to chaos and that could undermine the victories won by the invading armies of Babylon.  Order had to be established but it had to be done “respectively” for the diversity of religions and cultures that now lived under the authority of King Nebuchadnezzar.  To accomplish this, rules had to be made and one of these was the privatization of one’s religion or faith. Pluralism became a necessity. You could keep your faith, but it had to be kept private.  Anything and everything that was done in public had to be uniform.  This is the dilemma the three Hebrews discovered in Daniel 3 and the same dilemma God’s people face just before Jesus returns as described in Revelation 13. Living in a changing world is not easy but how we live is critical.  We are reminded of the frog who is unaware of what is happening when it is put in a kettle of tepid water and then placed on a burner where the heat is gradually increased. The discovery of the danger can come too late. 

The Deceptive Calls to Worship

The word “worship” normally and should sound inviting. Worship and conformity can certainly be oxymorons if approached wrongly—they are strange bedfellows when force is applied.

As the study guide’s author explains, the Plain of Dura in the Akkadian language means “walled place.”  Add to that the huge golden monument placed in the center surrounded by a large orchestra, it is indeed a “stage” set for a kind of worship. Note the “call” to worship:

Then the herald loudly proclaimed, “Nations and peoples of every language, this is what you are commanded to do:

Here we see blended in one verse the needed qualities for “conformity” and “pluralism.” Eleven times the word worship or worshiped is used in Dan. 3.  The diverse assembly composed of many nations is to worship in unison.

As soon as you hear the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipe and all kinds of music, you must fall down and worship the image of gold that King Nebuchadnezzar has set up. Whoever does not fall down and worship will immediately be thrown into a blazing furnace. Daniel 3:5,6

Unconditional Loyalty and Obedience Challenged

We need to keep in mind that Shadrach, Meshack, and Abed-Nego had early home training but later were educated in Babylon and even occupied prominent positions in government.  They were involved in various Babylonian activities, yet when the command came to compromise stared them in the face, they made their stand to obey God rather than the religious dictates of the government.

As Adventists, we have historically pointed out, that the book of Daniel helps unlock many key prophecies found in the book of Revelation.  Let’s pause a moment with Daniel but keep in mind what we’ve just seen facing the three Hebrews. In one verse of Revelation, we find a summary statement that the church will face in the days just prior to the Second Coming. See Rev. 12:17.

"Then the dragon was enraged at the woman and went off to wage war against the rest of her offspring —those who keep God’s commands and hold fast their testimony about Jesus."

We know from Rev. 12:9 that the “dragon” is Satan and we know he has attacked God’s people (referred to as the “woman”) and how does he do that?  That is what Revelation 13 is all about.  Satan directs his anger towards those who like the three Hebrews who remain loyal to God’s commands despite living in a pluralistic society and the “demands” to conform to the popular worship imposed through the agents of Satan just as Nebuchadnezzar was his agent in Babylon.  Note Rev. 13 where a second beast assumes that authority in verses 15-17.

"The second beast was given power to give breath to the image of the first beast, so that the image could speak and cause all who refused to worship the image to be killed. It also forced all people, great and small, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on their right hands or on their foreheads, so that they could not buy or sell unless they had the mark, which is the name of the beast or the number of its name."

But unlike Nebuchadnezzar, this beast power dazzles the imagination of the people before the enforcement.  Note the deceptions leading up to the enforcement:

"And it performed great signs, even causing fire to come down from heaven to the earth in full view of the people. Because of the signs it was given power to perform on behalf of the first beast, it deceived the inhabitants of the earth. It ordered them to set up an image in honor of the beast who was wounded by the sword and yet lived.   Rev. 13:13,14

There is no “coincidental” similarity between Daniel 3 and Revelation 14. It is very intentional! We need to be alert or as John writes in Revelation, “This calls for wisdom.” (13:18)

Faithful Regardless

What was the wisdom of the three Hebrews?  They saw the danger of pluralism and the attempted conformity. They remembered what true worship is all about. Twice they were tested but their reply bears serious reflection by all of us:

"Nebuchadnezzar said to them, “Is it true, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, that you do not serve my gods or worship the image of gold I have set up?" Dan. 3:14

There were a number of options before them:

(1) We will fall down but not actually worship the idol.

(2) We won’t become idol worshipers but will worship it this one time, and then ask God for forgiveness.

(3) The king has absolute power, and we must obey him. God will understand.

(4) The king appointed us—we owe this to him.

(5) This is a foreign land, so God will excuse us for following the customs of the land.

(6) Our ancestors set up idols in God’s Temple! This isn’t half as bad!

(7) We’re not hurting anybody.

(8) If we get ourselves killed and some pagans take our high positions, they won’t help our people in exile!

But instead, they replied to the angry king a principle that would be well for us to remember,

“King Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from Your Majesty’s hand. But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.” Daniel 3:16-18

The three Hebrews had to make a decision. Would they serve God regardless of what they could see or understand at the moment?  The principle is clear.  They made it clear that “We love and serve God for Himself—and not for what we get out of Him!!  In other words, we trust God Himself—not just for what He gives us!

It is common today to hear disillusioned Christians say, “I trusted God. I prayed to God. But He didn’t come through for me. Doesn’t He hear my prayers!”  But did they, do we, really trust God?  Is it God plus their agenda!  Maybe what really mattered was “their” agenda not their trust in God.

Will it be any different as the history of this world comes to a close?

"The second beast was given power to give breath to the image of the first beast, so that the image could speak and cause all who refused to worship the image to be killed." Rev. 13:15

The decisions we make now are shaping us for the decisions we will make then.  Consider the following true story.  How fearful we are of the future might just have to do with the choices we are making now.

“A true story [was printed] several years ago about a man and a woman who stopped at a Kentucky Fried Chicken place to pick up some supper. They bought two chicken dinners and took them to a picnic area. But when they opened the bag, they found a lot more than chicken. There were bundles of money inside the bag! Honest guy that he was, the man drove back to KFC and returned the money.

The manager was ecstatic as he explained what had happened. He had been working in the back and had put all of the day’s proceeds in one of the chicken take-out bags and set it aside, ready to go to the bank. When the woman working the counter had reached over to get their order, she accidentally grabbed the wrong bag.

The manager was so impressed with this man’s honesty that he said, “I’m going call the local newspaper and have them come over and get a photo of you two. Folks need to know there are still honest people around.” “No, don’t do that,” said the guy. He pulled the manager aside and whispered in his ear, “I’m married . . . and the woman I’m with is not my wife.””   “Joseph” by Charles R. Swindoll

The Ultimate Assurance

What idols have control over us – are there any? What substitutes in our lives do we put before God?  Does the goodness we do or have cover the idols inside?

When our prayers seemingly are not answered, can we say also say:

But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.”

Can the apparent silence of God still call forth faith in God’s word?

When you pass through the waters,

I will be with you;

and when you pass through the rivers,

they will not sweep over you.

When you walk through the fire,

you will not be burned;

the flames will not set you ablaze.

For I am the Lord your God,

the Holy One of Israel, your Savior; (Isa. 43:2,3)

Does the faith chapter of Hebrews 11 challenge your faith when you read?

There were others who were tortured, refusing to be released so that they might gain an even better resurrection. Some faced jeers and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment. They were put to death by stoning; they were sawed in two; they were killed by the sword. They went about in sheepskins and goatskins, destitute, persecuted and mistreated. (Heb. 11:35-37).

The Triumph of Faith

"Then King Nebuchadnezzar leaped to his feet in amazement and asked his advisers, “Weren’t there three men that we tied up and threw into the fire?”

They replied, “Certainly, Your Majesty.”

He said, “Look! I see four men walking around in the fire, unbound and unharmed, and the fourth looks like a son of the gods.” Dan. 3:24,25

And we are also assured by,

"Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth,” for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” Rev. 21:1-4)

Amen! Maranatha!