Dr Paul Allen

The reign of Christ represents the ultimate standard of truth, justice, and righteousness. However, throughout history, various ideologies, practices, and worldviews have emerged as counterfeits of His rule. These counterfeits often appear to address societal needs but ultimately deviate from biblical truth, undermining God’s design for humanity and creation. Below are 10 prominent counterfeits of the reign of Christ, structured to highlight their biblical contradictions and societal implications. Socialism vs. Meritocracy Based on Sowing and Reaping The Bible affirms the principle of sowing and reaping, as outlined in Galatians 6:7: “A man reaps what he sows.” This principle underpins a meritocratic system where individuals are rewarded for their labor, diligence, and stewardship. Socialism, by contrast, redistributes resources irrespective of effort, undermining personal responsibility and the biblical work ethic. While Scripture calls for generosity and care for the poor, these are ...

Scripture doesn’t use the phrase “Ten Commandments.” Exodus 20 and Deuteronomy 5 record Yahweh’s “Ten Words” (Exod 34:28; Deut 4:13). These texts contain imperatives, but, like the rest of the Torah, they include declarations, warnings, and promises. That multiplicity of speech acts is better captured by the phrase “Ten Words.” The First of the Ten Words speaks to the question of whom we worship: We are to have no other gods before the face of Yahweh. The Second Word had to do with how we worship: We are to approach God as He commands us to approach Him. The Second Word needs to be more frequently understood. The question isn't whether physical things, man-made things, can become vehicles for God's self-communication, places and moments of communion with God. The question is, which things and moments has God given as vehicles for His self-gift. Nowhere does God promise to be present through pictures or statues. The Second Word has also gotten tangled up in debates about whether...