Stranger Danger

In January 1986, a book was published called Benjamin Rabbit and the Stranger Danger, warning children about the threats posed by strangers. Ironically, it has an introduction by Jimmy Savile, the late sex predator. That his face should appear on a book warning young children of the perils of trusting adult men is unreal. He was a far greater threat to 1980s’ children than the average oddball loitering by the swings. How many of us wrote him letters, asking him to make our dreams come true and sit on his knee for a bit? Yet here he is, warning against strangers and perverts. 

In a similar vein, false religion often warns against false religion. The Watchtower Bible and Tract Society cautions against false versions of Christianity. Islam forbids its adherents against worshipping anyone other than the one true God. Or how about this sapient instruction:

Idolatry not only refers to false, pagan worship. It remains a constant temptation to faith. Idolatry consists in divinizing what is not God. Man commits idolatry whenever he honours and reveres a creature in place of God.

Thus teaches the catechism of the Roman Catholic Church, point 2113, warning good Catholics of the dangers of worshipping beings other than God. 

One must not only guard against falsehood (including fake gospels, false prophets, polytheism and idolatry) but must actively embrace truth. Being alert for dead-ends, lies and death is still shy of embracing Him who is the Way, the Truth and the Life.