A Warning from 2 Timothy 4:3 - The Gospel is not a Cafeteria

[AlexB23]

Hello folks. Today we will be discussing a warning from 2 Timothy 4:3, which relates to the modern world.

Background: Some Christians (not all), especially modern churches, have gone so far from the Bible, that Cafeteria Christianity has become a thing in the past few decades, especially in hyper-partisan (on both sides) Christianity. Cafeteria Christianity is a term used to describe the practice of selecting and choosing only certain beliefs, teachings, or practices from Christianity while rejecting others. It is often used pejoratively to criticize individuals who pick and choose which aspects of Christian doctrine they wish to follow, rather than adhering to the religion's traditional teachings as a whole. The term "cafeteria" suggests that these believers are approaching their faith like they would a buffet line, taking what they want and leaving behind what they don't. This approach can lead to inconsistencies in belief and practice, and it may result in distorted understandings of Christian teachings.

Analysis below.

Date​	May 12, 2024 | Cafeteria Christianity​
Verse​	2 Timothy 4:3 (ESV): "For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions"​
Explanation​	2 Timothy 4:3 is a warning from the Apostle Paul to Timothy about the end days and the attitude of people towards sound teaching. The passage suggests that as the end times approach, people will become increasingly unwilling to hear and accept the truth, instead gravitating towards teachings that cater to their own desires and passions. ​ This verse relates to the concept of Cafeteria Christianity, where people pick and choose which teachings they want to follow based on their personal preferences or desires, rather than submitting themselves to the whole truth of the gospel. The passage suggests that this tendency will become more prevalent as the end times approach. Using the analogy of a buffet, we can understand this concept further. Onions represent the truth, which can be stinging or uncomfortable at times. Firm steak represents the reading and understanding of the gospel, which can be challenging and requires effort. Nutrient-rich vegetables such as spinach represent the growth in faith that comes from embracing the truth and applying it to our lives. On the other hand, avoiding fish represents disregard for Jesus, who is the source of our salvation and the foundation of our faith. Consuming excessive amounts of sweet junk food or desserts such as cake represent the ungodly teachings that cater to humanity's selfish desires, rather than leading us towards a deeper relationship with God.
Societal Relevance​	Cafeteria Christianity can be particularly dangerous during the modern times because of the abundance of information and teaching available through various media channels. With so many voices clamoring for attention, it can be easy to get lost in the noise and end up consuming teachings that do not align with the whole truth of the gospel. Revelation 2 and 3 also warn about the dangers of false teaching and the importance of remaining faithful to the teachings of Jesus. In Revelation 2:14-15, Jesus rebukes the church in Pergamum for holding on to the teaching of Balaam, which encouraged the people to indulge in sexual immorality. In Revelation 3:15-16, Jesus warns the church in Laodicea for being lukewarm in their faith and for not realizing that they are poor, blind, and naked. Therefore, it is important for us to be discerning in what we consume and to prioritize the truth of the gospel above our personal desires and preferences. We must be willing to embrace the challenging aspects of the faith and to grow in our relationship with God through the nutrient-rich teachings of the Bible. Ultimately, our goal should be to remain faithful to Jesus and to follow His teachings, rather than being swayed by the allure of false narratives or the desire for comfort and convenience. Here are 7 of the most common false teachings that we must avoid as Christians: The prosperity gospel: The belief that God will bless us with wealth and health if we have faith, disregarding the suffering and struggles that believers may face in this life. This teaching is not supported by the Bible, which teaches that believers may experience trials and hardships (James 1:2-4, 1 Peter 4:12-13). Salvation by works: The belief that good works or religious rituals can earn us salvation. The Bible teaches that salvation is a gift from God through faith in Jesus Christ (Ephesians 2:8-9, Galatians 2:16). Denial of the Trinity: The belief that there is only one person in the Godhead, rather than the three distinct persons – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit – who make up the one God. The Bible clearly teaches the doctrine of the Trinity (Matthew 28:19, 2 Corinthians 13:14). Rejection of the deity of Christ: The belief that Jesus was not God in human form, but rather a prophet or a good teacher. The Bible affirms the deity of Christ (Daniel 7:13-14, John 1:1, John 3:16-18, Colossians 2:9, Hebrews 1:8). Denial of the resurrection: The belief that there is no bodily resurrection of the dead or that Jesus did not rise from the dead. The Bible teaches that believers will be raised to eternal life and that Jesus rose from the dead (1 Corinthians 15:12-23, Acts 1:3, Luke 24). Doctrine of total individualism: The belief that emphasizes personal self-reliance, total self-sufficiency, and self-indulgence, disregarding the importance of community and the greater good. This teaching is not in line with the teachings of the Bible, which emphasizes the importance of loving our neighbors as ourselves (Mark 12:30-31, Galatians 5:13-14). Anti-environmentalism: The belief that prioritizes human needs and desires above the care and preservation of the natural world. This teaching is not supported by the Bible, which teaches that humans are stewards of God's creation and are called to care for it (Genesis 2:15, Colossians 1:16-17, Isaiah 24:4-6, Jeremiah 2:7). These false teachings can be harmful to our spiritual growth and can lead us away from the truth of the gospel. It is essential that we stay grounded in the teachings of the Bible and remain discerning in what we believe and teach.

 

[CoreyD]

Hello folks. Today we will be discussing a warning from 2 Timothy 4:3, which relates to the modern world.

Background: Some Christians (not all), especially modern churches, have gone so far from the Bible, that Cafeteria Christianity has become a thing in the past few decades, especially in hyper-partisan (on both sides) Christianity. Cafeteria Christianity is a term used to describe the practice of selecting and choosing only certain beliefs, teachings, or practices from Christianity while rejecting others. It is often used pejoratively to criticize individuals who pick and choose which aspects of Christian doctrine they wish to follow, rather than adhering to the religion's traditional teachings as a whole. The term "cafeteria" suggests that these believers are approaching their faith like they would a buffet line, taking what they want and leaving behind what they don't. This approach can lead to inconsistencies in belief and practice, and it may result in distorted understandings of Christian teachings.

Analysis below.

Date​	May 12, 2024 | Cafeteria Christianity​
Verse​	2 Timothy 4:3 (ESV): "For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions"​
Explanation​	2 Timothy 4:3 is a warning from the Apostle Paul to Timothy about the end days and the attitude of people towards sound teaching. The passage suggests that as the end times approach, people will become increasingly unwilling to hear and accept the truth, instead gravitating towards teachings that cater to their own desires and passions.​ This verse relates to the concept of Cafeteria Christianity, where people pick and choose which teachings they want to follow based on their personal preferences or desires, rather than submitting themselves to the whole truth of the gospel. The passage suggests that this tendency will become more prevalent as the end times approach. Using the analogy of a buffet, we can understand this concept further. Onions represent the truth, which can be stinging or uncomfortable at times. Firm steak represents the reading and understanding of the gospel, which can be challenging and requires effort. Nutrient-rich vegetables such as spinach represent the growth in faith that comes from embracing the truth and applying it to our lives. On the other hand, avoiding fish represents disregard for Jesus, who is the source of our salvation and the foundation of our faith. Consuming excessive amounts of sweet junk food or desserts such as cake represent the ungodly teachings that cater to humanity's selfish desires, rather than leading us towards a deeper relationship with God.
Societal Relevance​	Cafeteria Christianity can be particularly dangerous during the modern times because of the abundance of information and teaching available through various media channels. With so many voices clamoring for attention, it can be easy to get lost in the noise and end up consuming teachings that do not align with the whole truth of the gospel. Revelation 2 and 3 also warn about the dangers of false teaching and the importance of remaining faithful to the teachings of Jesus. In Revelation 2:14-15, Jesus rebukes the church in Pergamum for holding on to the teaching of Balaam, which encouraged the people to indulge in sexual immorality. In Revelation 3:15-16, Jesus warns the church in Laodicea for being lukewarm in their faith and for not realizing that they are poor, blind, and naked. Therefore, it is important for us to be discerning in what we consume and to prioritize the truth of the gospel above our personal desires and preferences. We must be willing to embrace the challenging aspects of the faith and to grow in our relationship with God through the nutrient-rich teachings of the Bible. Ultimately, our goal should be to remain faithful to Jesus and to follow His teachings, rather than being swayed by the allure of false narratives or the desire for comfort and convenience. Here are 7 of the most common false teachings that we must avoid as Christians: The prosperity gospel: The belief that God will bless us with wealth and health if we have faith, disregarding the suffering and struggles that believers may face in this life. This teaching is not supported by the Bible, which teaches that believers may experience trials and hardships (James 1:2-4, 1 Peter 4:12-13). Salvation by works: The belief that good works or religious rituals can earn us salvation. The Bible teaches that salvation is a gift from God through faith in Jesus Christ (Ephesians 2:8-9, Galatians 2:16). Denial of the Trinity: The belief that there is only one person in the Godhead, rather than the three distinct persons – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit – who make up the one God. The Bible clearly teaches the doctrine of the Trinity (Matthew 28:19, 2 Corinthians 13:14). Rejection of the deity of Christ: The belief that Jesus was not God in human form, but rather a prophet or a good teacher. The Bible affirms the deity of Christ (Daniel 7:13-14, John 1:1, John 3:16-18, Colossians 2:9, Hebrews 1:8). Denial of the resurrection: The belief that there is no bodily resurrection of the dead or that Jesus did not rise from the dead. The Bible teaches that believers will be raised to eternal life and that Jesus rose from the dead (1 Corinthians 15:12-23, Acts 1:3, Luke 24). Doctrine of total individualism: The belief that emphasizes personal self-reliance, total self-sufficiency, and self-indulgence, disregarding the importance of community and the greater good. This teaching is not in line with the teachings of the Bible, which emphasizes the importance of loving our neighbors as ourselves (Mark 12:30-31, Galatians 5:13-14). Anti-environmentalism: The belief that prioritizes human needs and desires above the care and preservation of the natural world. This teaching is not supported by the Bible, which teaches that humans are stewards of God's creation and are called to care for it (Genesis 2:15, Colossians 1:16-17, Isaiah 24:4-6, Jeremiah 2:7). These false teachings can be harmful to our spiritual growth and can lead us away from the truth of the gospel. It is essential that we stay grounded in the teachings of the Bible and remain discerning in what we believe and teach.

Hi Alex.
You seem to be concerned about the importance sticking to religious teachings.
This is only a good thing, if those teachings are the ones laid down by Jesus Christ and his early first century followers, because religious teachings from the later period have deviated from those teachings.
How do we know this?

2 Timothy 4:1-5 was written by a first century follower of Christ, to the early first century congregation, and was referring not to the 19th century, and beyond, but much much earlier.
Please see this post, for more on that.

So this "Cafeteria Christianity" actually opened ever since. Please see here, for an explanation.
Yes. These false teachings are harmful to spiritual growth and has led billions away from the truth of the gospel.
This is the cause of the spiritual famine we see in what is identified as Christianity in our modern times.

 

[AlexB23]

Hi Alex.
You seem to be concerned about the importance sticking to religious teachings.
This is only a good thing, if those teachings are the ones laid down by Jesus Christ and his early first century followers, because religious teachings from the later period have deviated from those teachings.
How do we know this?

2 Timothy 4:1-5 was written by a first century follower of Christ, to the early first century congregation, and was referring no to the 19th century, and beyond, but much much earlier.
Please see this post, for more on that.

So this "Cafeteria Christianity" actually opened ever since. Please see here, for an explanation.
Yes. These false teachings are harmful to spiritual growth and has led billions away from the truth of the gospel.
This is the cause of the spiritual famine we see in what is identified as Christianity in our modern times.

Edited by AlexB23 to follow SOP.

 

[CoreyD]

UMC by any chance? (not saying anything about UMC churches).

Don't forget... we are advised to address the post. Not the poster.
When we put people in a category and dismiss them - ship them off as unworthy of consideration, people no longer matter. What they say is unimportant, and we do not see any need to communicate reasonably, because now, we are sitting in a position that's too high for them.
I'd like to hear if you have anything to say against the truth just presented? Is it false? Can you show it to be?

 

[AlexB23]

Don't forget... we are advised to address the post. Not the poster.
When we put people in a category and dismiss them - ship them off as unworthy of consideration, people no longer matter. What they say is unimportant, and we do not see any need to communicate reasonably, because now, we are sitting in a position that's too high for them.
I'd like to hear if you have anything to say against the truth just presented? Is it false? Can you show it to be?

Hey, my brother, I like you as a friend, but this devotional is meant to be a warning about the future of churches.

 

[CoreyD]

Hey, my brother, I like you as a friend, but this devotional is meant to be a warning about the future of churches.

I love you, Alex. I see you as a human being with a spiritual need.
Like you, I want to help my fellowman. You want to talk to me don't you?
Perhaps you made a mistake and posted in the wrong forum?
The Christian Scriptures forum is for discussing various Biblical scriptures.

Can I ask... did you intend to post in a sub-forum, where you do not need to support what you said?
If so, it might be best to ask a moderator to move the thread, so that I don't think it's open for discussion. Just a suggestion.

 

[AlexB23]

I love you, Alex. I see you as a human being with a spiritual need.
Like you, I want to help my fellowman. You want to talk to me don't you?
Perhaps you made a mistake and posted in the wrong forum?
The Christian Scriptures forum is for discussing various Biblical scriptures.

Can I ask... did you intend to post in a sub-forum, where you do not need to support what you said?
If so, it might be best to ask a moderator to move the thread, so that I don't think it's open for discussion. Just a suggestion.

This is a devotional which covers a Christian scripture, and how it applies to real life. The Bible can not be treated as a hermetically sealed holy document that only applied to those living in Biblical times 2000 years ago, and instead can be applied to our daily lives. This devotional is a companion study to Rebuke The Worldly Churches: Rebuke The Worldly Churches (1 Timothy 5:20)

 

[AlexB23]

Hmm, maybe this thread belongs in the Daily Devotional sub-forum, but I am not sure.

@FreeinChrist , is my OP a Daily Devotional material, or Christian Scriptures material? I feel that it connects more to theological discussions, compared to prayer and encouragement. But, it is your decision to move my OP or not.

Prayer & Encouragement: Daily Devotionals
Theology: Christian Scriptures

 

[CoreyD]

Hmm, maybe this thread belongs in the Daily Devotional sub-forum, but I am not sure.

@FreeinChrist , is my OP a Daily Devotional material, or Christian Scriptures material? I feel that it connects more to theological discussions, compared to prayer and encouragement. But, it is your decision to move my OP or not.

Prayer & Encouragement: Daily Devotionals
Theology: Christian Scriptures

I feel that it connects more to theological discussions, compared to prayer and encouragement.

Are you sure Alex?
I was reading this article - What Are Theological Discussions Really About?
The author said...

I had some issues. My issues had to do with the types of theological discussions people wanted to have, our reasons for having them, and the qualities these conversations tended to carry.​

​

Discussion or Lecture?​

More than once, during a class break, I would try to spark a two-way discussion with a (usually male) classmate by asking what he thought of the lecture material we just heard—only to have this classmate spend the entire break telling me his opinions, never once pausing for feedback or asking me what I thought.​

​

Suffice it to say, I generally did not see these one-way lecturing classmates as true friends. I’m looking for friendships that are mutual. I’m looking for friendships where both parties feel—and are—respected and heard.​

What is your idea of theological discussions? Are you usually open to dialog - listening, and responding?
How would you describe it?

 

[AlexB23]

Are you sure Alex?
I was reading this article - What Are Theological Discussions Really About?
The author said...

I had some issues. My issues had to do with the types of theological discussions people wanted to have, our reasons for having them, and the qualities these conversations tended to carry.​

​

Discussion or Lecture?​

More than once, during a class break, I would try to spark a two-way discussion with a (usually male) classmate by asking what he thought of the lecture material we just heard—only to have this classmate spend the entire break telling me his opinions, never once pausing for feedback or asking me what I thought.​

​

Suffice it to say, I generally did not see these one-way lecturing classmates as true friends. I’m looking for friendships that are mutual. I’m looking for friendships where both parties feel—and are—respected and heard.​

What is your idea of theological discussions? Are you usually open to dialog - listening, and responding?
How would you describe it?

I am open to dialog, and trying to get better at this, but, I am tired of the propaganda pushed by the extremes of both sides. Churches have broken up because of propaganda.

 

[Diamond7]

Salvation by works:

Works do not save us, works are evidence that we are saved. Every good tree produces good fruit. Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control. We are to have all of these in an abundance.

24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Galatian's 5

 

[CoreyD]

I am open to dialog, and trying to get better at this,

Some things take time.
With continuous effort, much can be achieved.

I wasn't always very good at communicating, but what helped me was love for people.
Realizing that people have feelings they want to express, made me a good listener, and realizing that people have needs - the most important being a spiritual need, made me all the more eager to share the truth I discovered.

So I listen, and share. Communication is very important to humans... at least those who honestly love truth. Not many today do. They love the darkness, as Jesus said, and they don't want their comfort zone disturbed.

but, I am tired of the propaganda pushed by the extremes of both sides.

Propaganda? Can you explain what you mean, please?

Churches have broken up because of propaganda.

What does that tell you about the Church Alex?
It never belonged to Christ.

Christ's Church cannot break up. It cannot splinter, or divide. It cannot be broken, or destroyed.
What did Jesus say? Please read John 15:1-10

1 “I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. 2 Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit, He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit, He [a]prunes it so that it may bear more fruit. 3 You are already [b]clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. 4 Remain in Me, [c]and I in you. Just as the branch cannot bear fruit [d]of itself [e]but must remain in the vine, so neither can you unless you remain in Me. 5 I am the vine, you are the branches; the one who remains in Me, and I in him [f]bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing. 6 If anyone does not remain in Me, he is thrown away like a branch and dries up; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned. 7 If you remain in Me, and My words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit, and so [g]prove to be My disciples. 9 Just as the Father has loved Me, I also have loved you; remain in My love. 10 If you keep My commandments, you will remain in My love; just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and remain in His love.​

We could not want it any clearer than that.

Anytime you see 'Churches' breaking up, and it disturbs you, that's a signal for you to ask some serious questions. One of these questions could be... "Am I fooling myself?"
The warning at Revelation 18:4 is not to be take lightly, and understanding the implications of that scripture, is vitally important.

 

[CoreyD]

Works do not save us, works are evidence that we are saved. Every good tree produces good fruit. Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control. We are to have all of these in an abundance.

24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Galatian's 5

I like how you expressed that. Works do not save us, works are evidence that we are saved.
James put it nicely...
James 2:14-18, 24, 26

14 What use is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone says he has faith, but he has no works? Can [j]that faith save him? 15 If a brother or sister is without clothing and in need of daily food, 16 and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, [k]be warmed and be filled,” yet you do not give them what is necessary for their body, what use is that? 17 In the same way, faith also, if it has no works, is [l]dead, being by itself.​

18 But someone [m]may well say, “You have faith and I have works; show me your faith without the works, and I will show you my faith by my works.”​

24 You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone.​

26 For just as the body without the spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead.​

Galatians 5 is also an excellent scripture.

 

[AlexB23]

Works do not save us, works are evidence that we are saved. Every good tree produces good fruit. Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control. We are to have all of these in an abundance.

24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Galatian's 5

Did you read this part?: The Bible teaches that salvation is a gift from God through faith in Jesus Christ (Ephesians 2:8-9, Galatians 2:16).

Salvation by works is a false doctrine. Faith alone is the true doctrine.

 

[CoreyD]

Did you read this part?: The Bible teaches that salvation is a gift from God through faith in Jesus Christ (Ephesians 2:8-9, Galatians 2:16).

That is true.
How is faith demonstrated?

Salvation by works is a false doctrine.

What are your thoughts on Philippians 2:12. How would you explain it?

Faith alone is the true doctrine.

How would you explain that, against James 2:24 You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone.

 

[AlexB23]

That is true.
How is faith demonstrated?


What are your thoughts on Philippians 2:12. How would you explain it?


How would you explain that, against James 2:24 You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone.

I am not at the point yet to understanding the intricacies of the Bible yet. Faith is demonstrated through trust in Jesus, that he will save. We must believe in the death and Resurrection of Christ on the cross. Works maintains our faith. If we do not have works, our faith could falter.

 

[CoreyD]

I am not at the point yet to understanding the intricacies of the Bible yet.

Thanks for sharing that.
Do you find Philippians 2L12 complex?
Can I share with you, how you can make what appears to you to be complex, as simple as it really is?

Faith is demonstrated through trust in Jesus, that he will save.

How does one demonstrate that they trust Jesus?

We must believe in the death and Resurrection of Christ on the cross. Works maintains our faith.

Yes, true. The more we work, the stronger our faith.
It's like a muscle, or your bones. You make both of those stronger, the more you exercise them.
Exercising faith involves - putting into practice what you learn through the scriptures - works.

If we do not have works, our faith could falter.

The Bible says, if we do not have works, our faith is dead.
In other words, we have no faith, if we have no works.
Do you agree with this?

 

[Diamond7]

How does one demonstrate that they trust Jesus?

It would be a lot easier to demonstrate the people that do not trust Jesus. WE know that all things work together for Good for those who love God and are called according to His purpose. He gives us the desires of our heart. Abundantly above and beyond all we would ever ask or think. So we do ourselves a favor if we purify our heart to line up with what He wants to give us.

 

[CoreyD]

It would be a lot easier to demonstrate the people that do not trust Jesus. WE know that all things work together for Good for those who love God and are called according to His purpose. He gives us the desires of our heart. Abundantly above and beyond all we would ever ask or think. So we do ourselves a favor if we purify our heart to line up with what He wants to give us.

It's easy to identify people that do not trust Jesus, because of being able to identify people that trust Jesus.
You cannot identify counterfeit money, unless you know how to identify genuine money.
By looking at the genuine, and knowing the marks of trueness, and the feel of it, when you see counterfeit, you know it's counterfeit, because it does not bear the marks and feel of the genuine.

John 15:8
This is to My Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, proving yourselves to be My disciples.

John 13:35
By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”

 

[Ted-01]

Hello folks. Today we will be discussing a warning from 2 Timothy 4:3, which relates to the modern world.

Background: Some Christians (not all), especially modern churches, have gone so far from the Bible, that Cafeteria Christianity has become a thing in the past few decades, especially in hyper-partisan (on both sides) Christianity. Cafeteria Christianity is a term used to describe the practice of selecting and choosing only certain beliefs, teachings, or practices from Christianity while rejecting others. It is often used pejoratively to criticize individuals who pick and choose which aspects of Christian doctrine they wish to follow, rather than adhering to the religion's traditional teachings as a whole. The term "cafeteria" suggests that these believers are approaching their faith like they would a buffet line, taking what they want and leaving behind what they don't. This approach can lead to inconsistencies in belief and practice, and it may result in distorted understandings of Christian teachings.

Analysis below.

Date​	May 12, 2024 | Cafeteria Christianity​
Verse​	2 Timothy 4:3 (ESV): "For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions"​
Explanation​	2 Timothy 4:3 is a warning from the Apostle Paul to Timothy about the end days and the attitude of people towards sound teaching. The passage suggests that as the end times approach, people will become increasingly unwilling to hear and accept the truth, instead gravitating towards teachings that cater to their own desires and passions.​ This verse relates to the concept of Cafeteria Christianity, where people pick and choose which teachings they want to follow based on their personal preferences or desires, rather than submitting themselves to the whole truth of the gospel. The passage suggests that this tendency will become more prevalent as the end times approach. Using the analogy of a buffet, we can understand this concept further. Onions represent the truth, which can be stinging or uncomfortable at times. Firm steak represents the reading and understanding of the gospel, which can be challenging and requires effort. Nutrient-rich vegetables such as spinach represent the growth in faith that comes from embracing the truth and applying it to our lives. On the other hand, avoiding fish represents disregard for Jesus, who is the source of our salvation and the foundation of our faith. Consuming excessive amounts of sweet junk food or desserts such as cake represent the ungodly teachings that cater to humanity's selfish desires, rather than leading us towards a deeper relationship with God.
Societal Relevance​	Cafeteria Christianity can be particularly dangerous during the modern times because of the abundance of information and teaching available through various media channels. With so many voices clamoring for attention, it can be easy to get lost in the noise and end up consuming teachings that do not align with the whole truth of the gospel. Revelation 2 and 3 also warn about the dangers of false teaching and the importance of remaining faithful to the teachings of Jesus. In Revelation 2:14-15, Jesus rebukes the church in Pergamum for holding on to the teaching of Balaam, which encouraged the people to indulge in sexual immorality. In Revelation 3:15-16, Jesus warns the church in Laodicea for being lukewarm in their faith and for not realizing that they are poor, blind, and naked. Therefore, it is important for us to be discerning in what we consume and to prioritize the truth of the gospel above our personal desires and preferences. We must be willing to embrace the challenging aspects of the faith and to grow in our relationship with God through the nutrient-rich teachings of the Bible. Ultimately, our goal should be to remain faithful to Jesus and to follow His teachings, rather than being swayed by the allure of false narratives or the desire for comfort and convenience. Here are 7 of the most common false teachings that we must avoid as Christians: The prosperity gospel: The belief that God will bless us with wealth and health if we have faith, disregarding the suffering and struggles that believers may face in this life. This teaching is not supported by the Bible, which teaches that believers may experience trials and hardships (James 1:2-4, 1 Peter 4:12-13). Salvation by works: The belief that good works or religious rituals can earn us salvation. The Bible teaches that salvation is a gift from God through faith in Jesus Christ (Ephesians 2:8-9, Galatians 2:16). Denial of the Trinity: The belief that there is only one person in the Godhead, rather than the three distinct persons – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit – who make up the one God. The Bible clearly teaches the doctrine of the Trinity (Matthew 28:19, 2 Corinthians 13:14). Rejection of the deity of Christ: The belief that Jesus was not God in human form, but rather a prophet or a good teacher. The Bible affirms the deity of Christ (Daniel 7:13-14, John 1:1, John 3:16-18, Colossians 2:9, Hebrews 1:8). Denial of the resurrection: The belief that there is no bodily resurrection of the dead or that Jesus did not rise from the dead. The Bible teaches that believers will be raised to eternal life and that Jesus rose from the dead (1 Corinthians 15:12-23, Acts 1:3, Luke 24). Doctrine of total individualism: The belief that emphasizes personal self-reliance, total self-sufficiency, and self-indulgence, disregarding the importance of community and the greater good. This teaching is not in line with the teachings of the Bible, which emphasizes the importance of loving our neighbors as ourselves (Mark 12:30-31, Galatians 5:13-14). Anti-environmentalism: The belief that prioritizes human needs and desires above the care and preservation of the natural world. This teaching is not supported by the Bible, which teaches that humans are stewards of God's creation and are called to care for it (Genesis 2:15, Colossians 1:16-17, Isaiah 24:4-6, Jeremiah 2:7). These false teachings can be harmful to our spiritual growth and can lead us away from the truth of the gospel. It is essential that we stay grounded in the teachings of the Bible and remain discerning in what we believe and teach.

Thank you, Alex, for this thread!
Whether it is in the proper forum is irrelevant to me as you have put forth Scripture and sound meditation on it... works well for me.

A question that I often wonder about is when these Cafeteria Christians actually have moved beyond being Christians at all? When does it go from being misinformed, weak of faith, stylized, (or whatever) Christianity to being a cult or (dare I say) heretical?
(Also, add to the list all the folks that talk about one person's interpretation of Scripture is as good as anyone else's).