Erasmus's Dialogue of the Deceased Pope Julius II - 1514

     Even though the church leaders of our day may not be accused of starting wars for conquering new territorial kingdoms, there are those who have certainly added to the church plenty of other worldly trophies.  Many teach that unless one is prosperous in this world's goods, he or she has little faith.  These teachers also flaunt themselves about in "soft raiment" and live in palaces made for kings.  They love the world's games and teach others to do so.  They meet with kings but only to flatter them.  They do not have the fortitude to speak the Truth in righteousness so that those kings will gain a fear of the Lord. They praise whoever the world praises; they exalt others, and allow themselves to be exalted.  They award themselves with honorable titles for the kingdoms they have built - all in the name of Jesus Christ.  They multiply their sheep by telling them what they want to hear; and they do not hesitate to twist the gospel in order to do so.  They rob them of their money and use them to promote their own welfare.  They build "holy" facades and lead millions into a ditch; and they have no shame.

Jesus said, "For many will come to in My name and say, 'Lord... did we not... in your name?'"

For further reading about false shepherds: Matt. 7 and 23; I Corinthians 3, II Peter 2, Jude