Thursday, March 31, 2005
So, what's wrong with religion?
Probably the best starting point in this discussion concerns the nature of religion itself.
Religion is a common, human phenomenon that tries to explain life and meaning, and provides a framework for personal and societal life. Religion typically arises from the human recognition of greater forces (i.e. divinity) in the universe, and creates beliefs and practices based on these convictions. As with any human effort, these normal impulses tend to be hijacked by those who want to use them for the purposes of power and control.
To answer the question posed in this posting, there really is nothing wrong with religion in its simplest form. It is a natural and universal quest to know God. The problems arise, however, when religion begins to exert its forces on people and society. Preying on people's fears, the powerful establish institutions in the name of religion to bring order on the people.
The movements toward individuality and freedom within human history have begun to shatter the foundations of religion. Certainly, religion plays an important role within many human societies, but there has always been a tension with those who dare challenge the presuppositions and authority of religion. And this trend continues to grow.
Am I against religion? Not really, except that religion by itself is empty and often leads to abuse.
This leads again to the root of my major convictions, which we will continue to explore:
Religion is a common, human phenomenon that tries to explain life and meaning, and provides a framework for personal and societal life. Religion typically arises from the human recognition of greater forces (i.e. divinity) in the universe, and creates beliefs and practices based on these convictions. As with any human effort, these normal impulses tend to be hijacked by those who want to use them for the purposes of power and control.
To answer the question posed in this posting, there really is nothing wrong with religion in its simplest form. It is a natural and universal quest to know God. The problems arise, however, when religion begins to exert its forces on people and society. Preying on people's fears, the powerful establish institutions in the name of religion to bring order on the people.
The movements toward individuality and freedom within human history have begun to shatter the foundations of religion. Certainly, religion plays an important role within many human societies, but there has always been a tension with those who dare challenge the presuppositions and authority of religion. And this trend continues to grow.
Am I against religion? Not really, except that religion by itself is empty and often leads to abuse.
This leads again to the root of my major convictions, which we will continue to explore:
- Christianity is a religion, not unlike most others in the world.
- Jesus did not intend to establish Christianity; but rather came to abolish and move beyond religion.
- We need to re-discover the Way of Jesus, as it provides the answer to the religious struggles we face today.
Sunday, March 27, 2005
Resurrection Sunday 2005
This is an appropriate day to begin this blog.
Today has been a time to reflect on and celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus. I cannot help but be reminded that the religious and political systems of his day were the ones who nailed Jesus to the cross. The religious order of Jesus' day could not handle this radical who presented a new way for people to serve God apart from the traditions, rituals, and hierarchies that they were subjected to. Jesus was a threat.
But, this effort to silence this One failed. The Resurrection demonstrated that God's Way ultimately prevails. Religion is not all-powerful. We now have a new way to experience God's blessings.
For me, today, the Resurrection renews a commitment to spread the ancient message of Jesus to a world not much unlike that 2000 years ago.
It's time to move beyond religion.
Today has been a time to reflect on and celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus. I cannot help but be reminded that the religious and political systems of his day were the ones who nailed Jesus to the cross. The religious order of Jesus' day could not handle this radical who presented a new way for people to serve God apart from the traditions, rituals, and hierarchies that they were subjected to. Jesus was a threat.
But, this effort to silence this One failed. The Resurrection demonstrated that God's Way ultimately prevails. Religion is not all-powerful. We now have a new way to experience God's blessings.
For me, today, the Resurrection renews a commitment to spread the ancient message of Jesus to a world not much unlike that 2000 years ago.
It's time to move beyond religion.
