By Briana Bass, Christian Romance Author, Devotional Writer & Certified Professional Coach

I despise the term “false teacher.” I agree with the Apostle Peter that some people do spread incorrect information regarding salvation and the Gospel. Peter himself coined the term “false teachers” in 2 Peter 2:1. He cautioned the church against people who knowingly and greedily taught an inaccurate version of Christianity. He wasn’t wrong. There are still people today who see religion as a money-maker, a way to line their own pockets.

Where I disagree with the term “false teachers” is that we (twenty-first century Christians) throw it around too easily. We are quick to call anyone with a different interpretation of scripture a “false teacher.” In many cases, we’ve adjusted the definition so that it includes anyone we disagree with or don’t like.

Not everyone on YouTube or social media who is labeled a “false teacher” is in fact a “false teacher.” Cancel culture is real. Keyboard warriors are ready to pounce. When did we forget to pause and listen? When did we forget to offer grace? It’s more important than ever, in our technologically connected culture where truth and lies are right at our fingertips, that we understand the true definition of “false teachers” and how to apply it.

True or False

An actual “false teacher” is someone who intentionally misleads Christians for their own personal gain. Peter compares the “false teachers” of the early Christian church with the false prophets of Israel, saying, “And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not” (2 Peter 2:3 KJV).

Remember, the false prophets followed the money. They told people what they wanted to hear, often overshadowing real prophets. An example would be Zedekiah prophesying that King Ahab would be victorious over the Arameans because that is what the king wanted to be told. But Micaiah, a true prophet of the Lord, refused to parrot what King Ahab wanted and would only speak what the Lord revealed to him (1 Kings 22:10-28). “False teachers” do the same, telling us what we want to hear instead of preaching the true Gospel.

This is not to say that “true” teachers get everything right. All Christians are constantly learning and growing in faith. New revelations are presented to us every time we open the Bible. The Holy Spirit convicts us, softening and changing our hearts throughout our lives. It’s entirely possible for someone to cling fast to a particular belief for many years and then alter it after their eyes are opened. This does not make them a “false teacher.” It makes them human, a child of God.

What Did You Learn Today?

I believe we can learn from anyone. Sometimes the lesson we learn is what to do, and sometimes the lesson is what not to do, but either way, it’s a learning experience. In my own faith journey, I read the Bible in a year. Twice. In the first year, I listened to a Catholic podcast. In the second year, I listened to an Evangelical podcast. As a mainline Protestant, there were interpretations shared in both podcasts that didn’t resonate with me, yet I still learned something from both views. I don’t consider either to be a “false teacher.”

No one on earth can claim that they know everything about the Bible or God. There is much for all of to learn. I encourage you to step outside of your denomination or comfort zone and listen to what other Christian teachers and leaders are saying. If you lean more conservative, listen to a progressive theologian. If you lean more progressive, listen to a conversative preacher. If you’re Protestant, listen to a Catholic priest. And if you’re Catholic, listen to a Protestant minister. Let’s learn from one another instead of condemning one another.

Open Hearts and Open Minds

Are there actual “false teachers” in the world? Absolutely. They’ve been in the headlines. They fit the definition perfectly, telling people what they want to hear and taking their money. But be careful to not follow the masses and believe that every “false teacher” is in fact a “false teacher,” and don’t automatically label someone a “false teacher” simply because you disagree with their interpretation of scripture.

My prayer for you is that you never stop learning about Jesus and that you listen to all Christian teachers with an open mind. You should still rely on the Holy Spirit to help you understand what is being taught and rely on discernment to parse through what is a solid interpretation and what is not. Keep in mind that not everything someone teaches is applicable to you, but it could be exactly what someone else needed to hear.