September 26: Johnny Appleseed Day

 

September 26:  Johnny Appleseed Day 

Johnny Appleseed was an American pioneer-nurseryman who ensured that large parts of the United States were introduced to apple trees. His generous and kind ways resulted in him being an American legend. He became a symbol of the importance of apples, as well as being a key leader in conservation.  

What many people don’t know is that Johnny Appleseed was no mere legend, but was, in fact, a missionary named John Chapman. He was born in Leominster, Massachusetts in 1774. Chapman belonged to the Church of the New Jerusalem, or Swedenborgianism, based on the teachings of Swedish clergyman Emanuel Swedenborg 

Chapman was a man before his time.  He was a pioneer, an environmentalist, and a vegetarian, who committed much of his time and energy to caring for the poor. The teachings of the Church of the New Jerusalem could best be described as Unitarian.  Today, he would be heralded as a Social Gospel warrior. 

He rejected the Biblical teaching of a Trinity, the divinity of Christ, and the atoning work of Christ on the cross.  He believed that all religions, if sincerely practiced by their adherents, would ultimately lead to the same God.

Chapman did much good.  He cared for others and was a good steward of the creation.  But ultimately, he led many astray, and like the Pharisees of Jesus’ day he would “travel across sea and land to make a single proselyte, and when he becomes a proselyte, you make him twice as much a child of hell as yourselves.”  (Matthew 13:15). 

Here is my encouragement for you today.  All truth is God’s truth.  But just because someone does some good in the name of God, don’t be easily taken in.  Do your homework.  Carefully vet those who claim to be sharing the Truth.  Take to heart the charge of Jesus’ half-brother Jude when he wrote:  (I) appeal(ing) to you to contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints. 4 For certain people have crept in unnoticed who long ago were designated for this condemnation, ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God into sensuality and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.”  (Jude 3 and 4).  Man cannot live by bread alone – or apples – but by every word that comes from God’s mouth.