Jesus and the End of Religion

Does Jesus "hate" religion?

2012-01-26T23:23:00.001-08:00

Anyone still following this blog?

It's been a long time since I've posted here, not because I've given up on this important topic, but because I'm investigating some more significant ways to convey this vital message. Nothing is in place yet, but this recent video has prompted me to jump in here for a moment.

In the past month a new video has gone viral (largely because of social media) highlighting the irreligious message of Jesus. Close to 17 million people have viewed it so far, and the response has been mixed. The popularity of "Why I Hate Religion, But Love Jesus" indicates this idea resonates with a large number of people who are increasingly frustrated with organized religion. I have also read many critiques of the video, especially by Christians who either don't see religion as being a problem, or by those who see the message as too harsh.

A few observations. First, the word "religion" often boils down to semantics. There are many views of what it means, and not everyone sees it as negative. Certainly, there are aspects of religion throughout history that have been very positive despite its abuses and excesses. And, as a product of culture, religion is a natural human response which provides meaning and comfort for many. Consequently, anytime we present Jesus bringing the end to religion, we are forced to define our terms and express the radical nature of Jesus' message.

Second, the word "hate" is strong language. While I fully believe that Jesus inaugurated a new approach to relating to God and life apart from and beyond religion, I see no value in condemning those who are living within the parameters of religion. Jesus certainly saw the end of it and attacked those who used it to oppress others, but we can also see where he met people within it as a starting point in their spiritual journey.

Third, my biggest disappointment with the video is that it doesn't fully deliver on presenting the good news of Jesus, but simply regurgitates a simplistic gospel that is focused on individualistic spirituality far removed from the broader Kingdom vision that Jesus was presenting. In other words, we are left with religion deconstructed, but without offering the complete alternative.

If you haven't seen the video, watch it for yourself. And, please provide your feedback.

Why I Hate Religion, But Love Jesus || Spoken Word

Jesus as disequilibrium

2009-07-11T15:52:00.001-07:00

From Shapevine by Alan Hirsch:

"Jesus is always very difficult to deal with, and religious-minded people really do struggle with his form of ‘religion.’ Actually what Jesus taught cannot properly be called religion at all, in fact Ellul rightly calls it ‘anti-religion’ precisely because it undoes all religion. It effectively dissoves any need for a complex mediating institution with all its priestly/churchly paraphrenalia, and opens up the God-relation to all who will repond direclty to its call. That’s why the religious folk hated him. He de-legitimizes everything they stand for (priesthood and institution) and opens it up to the people. they must take him out.

"Here’s what I think: Christianity minus Jesus equalls religion. And this happens in more churches than we are given to believe. We marginalise Jesus all the time and in so many subtle ways. And we do this because dealing directly with Jesus (or God for that matter) is always a disturbing thing to a sin-wracked people who would prefer a stable, more controllable, religion. Like all living systems, churches seek equilibrium. We want to settle down. We want to bolt down the Revelation and make God understandable, accesable, and therefore more controllable–a ‘God-on-tap.’ Sociologists call this ‘the routinization of charisma’ (google that!) and it is written through the structures of all religions including our own.

"But Jesus disturbs our equilbrium. He won’t be controlled. He won’t be handled only by priests and professional religionists. He won’t be domesticated. He is Lord! Yes, Jesus is our disequalibrium. And the way back to an authentic Christianity is simply to put Jesus back into the equation. Christianity plus Jesus equals World Transformation."

Technorati Tags: religion, Jesus, Christianity, Alan+Hirsch, endreligion

Pope acknowledges misuse of religion

2009-05-09T09:51:00.001-07:00

I'm developing a new, expanded website and blog for Jesus and the End of Religion, but in the meantime will occasionally find time for a few new posts:

This week Pope Benedict XVI has been on a goodwill tour through the Middle East, trying to build bridges with Muslims. His trip has generated some controversy, especially in light of some past statements he made.

Interestingly, in Amman Jordan, the Pope said:

"Some assert that religion is necessarily a cause of division in our world and so they argue that the lesser attention given to religion in the public sphere the better."

"Certainly, the contradiction of tensions and divisions between the followers of different religious traditions, sadly, cannot be denied.

"However, is it not also the case that often it is the ideological manipulation of religion, sometimes for political ends, that is the real catalyst for tension and division, and at times even violence in society?"

These statements are certainly no new revelation. But, coming from the leader of the the most venerable religious institution on earth they are significant.

What would have been more profound, however, is a confession over how Christianity has moved away from the radical message of Jesus and repentance leading to the dissolution of the Christian religion. That would really get the attention of those the Pope is trying to reach.

(Source: BBC)

Technorati Tags: religion, pope, Christianity, endreligion

Review: Jesus and the End of Religion

2009-01-23T11:36:00.001-08:00

It has occurred to me that (consistent with my lack of regular blogging here) I failed to post my review of Bruxy Cavey's book Jesus and the End of Religion: Encountering the Subversive Spirituality of Jesus that was published over one year ago.

While this is a relatively new book, it is really an expanded edition of the self-published version that Cavey previously released. Evangelical Christian publisher NavPress asked Cavey (Pastor of The Meeting House in Toronto) to build on his original writing to produce a more comprehensive treatment of the subject. At this time, it is the most significant book on the topic and one that is definitely worth reading.

In this book, Cavey works to demonstrate that Jesus' ministry was centered on a subversive spirituality intended to end our dependence on religion. Probably his most important contribution to this discussion is in his emphasis that this is not a novel idea superimposed onto Scripture by some radical theologians, but is inherent in the New Testament itself.

Cavey covers a complete gamut of topics related to this central theme. At times the discussion drags, especially in places where he expanded the original edition. It's almost as if the publisher wanted him to meet a certain manuscript size. While this newer version provides a fuller discussion of the issues involved, it lacks some of the lucidity and simplicity that were evident in the self-published book. The first edition (although hard to find) then may be a better introduction for those outside of Christianity, whereas this newest version may be more helpful for those currently within the church desiring to grapple with foundational assumptions and beliefs.

As I already stated, Cavey's book is worth reading. Frustrated, religious Christians may especially find this book a breath of fresh air that will enable them to see their faith from a new perspective. Even those outside the church will be impressed that this discussion is even taking place within Christian circles.

Technorati Tags: religion, Bruxy+Cavey, books, Christianity, endreligion

Is Jesus owned by Christianity?

2008-11-21T11:44:00.001-08:00

An interesting article by Tim Timmons on TheOoze challenges the myth that "Jesus is owned by Christianity". Worth reading.

LINK

Technorati Tags: religion, Christianity, endreligion

Post-election reflections

2008-11-06T11:26:00.001-08:00

This week's U.S. elections marked the culmination of an exhausting time of political focus and polarization. Obviously, Americans are desiring change. Status quo is not an option in a time of turmoil, but there have been two major political visions for how things could be different.

Much has been said and written elsewhere about the role of religion within U.S. politics. The Christian right, in particular, has tried hard to influence the political process; but the religious left has had its own political agenda. The close relationship between religion and politics has left many people frustrated and disillusioned. Christians are divided over the election results, with the religious right severely disappointed that their agenda was largely rejected and is slipping in the country's psyche. People outside the church welcome this rejection, and if anything, wish for Christians to return to their private corner and stay out of the public conversation.

This is not really a post about the relationship between religion and politics. And, I do not believe that faith is merely privatistic - the faith of citizens does and should impact their involvement with society. But, I believe this is a time for people who call themselves Christian to seriously reflect on what it means to impact the world.

This is a time to be reminded that Jesus did not promote a political agenda, nor did he teach that we are to be seeking after power as means to better the world. Likewise, Jesus did not promote a religious agenda. Religion has misconstrued the radical message of Jesus, and the world has looked at the church with disdain. We must dismantle these power yearnings and restore spiritually-powerful living and communities that truly transform people through loving relationships.

Technorati Tags: election, religion, politics, endreligion

Institutions

2008-07-18T11:38:00.001-07:00

"it seems to be a general law of social/historical development that institutions tend to distort and destroy the central function that brought them into existence".

- Dallas Willard, The Divine Conspiracy, p. 201

Technorati Tags: religion, institutions, endreligion

Divine scandal

2008-03-24T19:41:00.001-07:00

"What is essential Christianity? From first to last it is scandal, the divine scandal. Every time someone risks scandal of high order there is joy in heaven."

- Soren Kierkegaard

Technorati Tags: religion, Christianity, Kierkegaard, endreligion

Good Friday

2008-03-21T14:13:00.001-07:00

Today Christians around the world remember the death of Jesus.

I wonder, however, how many really grasp the subversive nature of Jesus' crucifixion. Certainly this was a profound event on a number of levels, but unfortunately it has been to easy for Christians to limit its significance to something abstract and metaphysical, focused exclusively on Jesus' sacrifice for the forgiveness of sins.

Good Friday is grounded in a historical context that reveals a much more complex meaning.

First of all Jesus demonstrated through his own action that God's Kingdom was centered on sacrifice, not power. Dying on a Roman execution stake backed by the corrupt religious leaders of Judea seemed, on the surface, to be a complete failure to those watching this carpenter-turned-prophet. Jesus certainly didn't appear to be the heavy-handed, powerful Messiah that the disgruntled people were looking for. Yet, Jesus consistently delivered a message that reminded Israel that they are to be God's servant (e.g. Isaiah), and that the Kingdom was for those at the fringes, far away from the centers of power, affluence and influence.

At a time when Christians seem to be clamoring for political influence, financial prosperity, and social respectability I wonder how many "get" Jesus' death.

The crucifixion of Jesus also sent a strong message about religion itself. The Gospels say that the "curtain of the temple was torn in two" (Matthew 27:51), signifying that the whole religious system was now shattered. People could now be in the presence of God without the mediation of religion, which had become corrupt and misguided.

Good Friday is an appropriate day for us as followers of Jesus to pause and ponder his radical message and life, and its implications for us today.

And, remember, Sunday is coming!

Technorati Tags: religion, Good+Friday, Jesus, crucifixion, endreligion

The state of religion in America

2008-02-29T15:58:00.001-08:00

This week the Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life released their exhaustive study on religion in the U.S. It is significant research worth reading.

Some of the more noteworthy results include:

- nearly half (44%) of American adults are leaving the faith tradition of their upbringing to either switch allegiances or abandon religious affiliation altogether.
- nationwide, one in four adults ages 18-29 claim no affiliation with a religious institution.
- "constant movement characterizes the American religious marketplace, as every major religious group is simultaneously gaining and losing adherents." In other words, it is "a very competitive religious marketplace".

Religion is a fact of life. It is an instinctive impulse that every human has as they strive to discover meaning in life and their place in relation to others.

What is most disturbing to me is that the movement that was to rise above religion as usual has largely fallen back into a religious mode, and as a consequence is just another commodity in the spiritual marketplace of our society.

Certainly a tragedy in light of the radical life and message of Jesus.

Technorati Tags: religion, Pew, Christianity, endreligion

God's revolt

2008-02-08T12:52:00.001-08:00

"Two thousand years ago God started a revolt against the religion He started. So don't ever put it past God to cause a groundswell movement against churches and Christian institutions that bear His name. If He was willing to turn Judaism upside down, don't think for a moment our institutions are safe from a divine revolt.
"I am convinced that even now there are multitudes of followers of Jesus Christ who are sick and tired of the church playing games and playing down the call of God. My travels only confirm that the murmurings of revolution are everywhere. I am convinced that there is an uprising in the works and that no one less than God is behind it."

- Erwin McManus

New edition of The End of Religion

2008-02-04T13:09:00.001-08:00

During my long blogging hiatus one thing that caught my attention was the release of Bruxy Cavey's new book, The End of Religion: Encountering the Subversive Spirituality of Jesus (Colorado Springs, CO: NavPress, 2007).

This is not really a new book, but an expanded re-write of his self-published book of the same titlereleased in 2005. (My review of that edition is here).

This latest edition goes well beyond the original writing, and is getting a much wider audience due to its release by a major Christian publisher.

I am not quite done reading the book, but as soon as I am I will provide a complete review. Nevertheless, it needs to be said that this book is an important contribution to a discussion that needs to occur.

Technorati Tags: religion, Christianity, Bruxy+Cavey, endreligion

Reflections on the end of religion

2008-01-20T17:11:00.001-08:00

Like most bloggers, there are times when the blogging well dries up. And then, after feelings of frustration and guilt, it becomes very easy to throw in the towel and question whether it is an effort worth continuing.

This past year life has been extremely busy, with considerable personal transition and a heavy work load. Taking the time to thoughtfully blog has taken a back seat, and of course, the longer one doesn't write the harder it is to get started again.

Nevertheless, the topic of the irreligious nature of Jesus' message remains a major part of my thinking and spiritual reflection. More and more I am personally liberated by following the radical way of Jesus, and disgusted by the way Christianity has gotten so far off track. I cannot be content to passively watch the message of Jesus twisted and sorrily misapplied.

While I doubt my blog will change this for many people, other than perhaps myself. But, beyond the personal catharsis, if it prompts even just a few others to re-examine their faith in a new way, then it is worth the effort.

So, let the discussion continue...

The growth of atheism

2007-04-12T12:58:00.001-07:00

It has been increasingly obvious that atheism is growing in the U.S. and other countries where there is increasing disillusionment with Christianity. As a recent AP story indicates, some atheists themselves are taking on a militant and fundamentalist tone much like that of the ones they criticize. In other words, replacing one religion with another.

Christians are obviously alarmed at the growing popularity of atheism, especially among those who are convinced that we live in a "Christian nation". But, instead of seeing this as a threat, perhaps we should see this as an opportunity for the irreligious message of Jesus to speak beyond the tired old philosophical debates. Here are some of my reflections on this matter:

1. Let's not be threatened by such developments. While atheism certainly represents a different world view, their skepticism of established religion shares one similarity with the radical, confrontation Jesus had with the religion of his own day. Let's remember that, as I've pointed out before, the earliest Christians were perceived as "atheists" by the world around them.

2. Christians probably have no one else to blame for the rise in atheism other than themselves. The sell-out of both liberal and conservative Christians to the modernist worldview places them in the direct firing line of atheistic musings. The recent alignment of the Christian right with American politics and economics doesn't help the situation either. And, the deepening chasm between Christianity and the teachings and practice of Jesus contributes to the confusion. As Ghandi once said, "I might be a Christian if it wasn't for Christians".

3. The solution for Christ-followers is to stop thinking that the way to counter atheists is through better arguments and debate. Certainly there is a place for apologetics, but the best argument will be through faithful obedience to Jesus' teaching and vision for the God's new reign. In other words we have to start living it. The reality of God's presence showing through in our world will render atheism inert. As Francis of Assisi is to have said, "Preach the gospel. If necessary, use words".

Technorati Tags: atheism, apologetics, endreligion

Worship

2007-03-22T12:53:00.000-07:00

"All this money spent to worship a God who does not live in temples made by human hands."

- Soren Kierkeggard

Technorati Tags: religion, worship, Kierkegaard, endreligion

Isaiah 29:13

2007-02-20T10:40:00.000-08:00

"...these people draw near with their mouths and honor me with their lips, while their hearts are far from me, and their worship of me is a human commandment learned by rote" (NRSV)

Tags: religion, Isaiah, endreligion

Winning the Christmas Battle?

2006-12-24T20:08:00.000-08:00

Now that Christmas is here, it is easy to look back at the preceding weeks and declare Christians as winners in the latest round over Christmas. A year ago things were looking bleak as some major retailers were substituting "Happy Holidays" for "Merry Christmas". Since then these politically-correct sensitive merchants decided that it was bad business. So "Merry Christmas" was eagerly heard at Wal-Mart and other places.

Also this year we saw further evidences of advancements for those who want to see the public recognition of Christianity maintained. For example, at Seattle-Tacoma airport the religiously inert Christmas trees were taken down when someone complained, but were quickly restored when the majority cried foul.

So, does this mean that the battle for Christmas is over?

Hardly. The topic is still one of great debate and there are many places in our society where the trappings of Christianity are not warmly accepted or even tolerated. This certainly bothers many who will not be content until the Christian faith returns to the public square.

But, assuming for a minute that the battle over Christmas was a key victory for Christians, let us ask the question: Is this a good thing?

For the most part, not.

Is it really appropriate to assume that the secular celebration of a Christian celebration really has any spiritual significance? It may put some of the faithful at ease, but in the grand scheme of things it is delusional to think otherwise. Christianity can no longer claim that it is at the center of North American society. Instead, it increasingly operates at the fringes, requiring new ways to express itself meaningfully and to impact our world. It will happen through love and service, not through the establishment of Christian sub-culture.

As I asked last year, "Is it time to take Christ out of Christmas?" Despite the apparent moves this year, I think the answer is still Yes.

Marketers target churches

2006-11-28T21:44:00.000-08:00

Perhaps it is not a new thing, but as an increasing sign of how the Christian church is selling itself out to its surrounding culture, big business is targeting churches (especially large ones) because they see them as captive, homogenous audiences. And, it appears the leaders of these churches and their followers are biting.

The well-regarded Wharton Business School has published an excellent article, "Product Placement in the Pews? Microtargeting Meets Megachurches", which examines this trend. This is a worthy read that anyone concerned about the role of the church in the world should carefully examine. Even renowned business author Jim Collins is quoted in the article confronting churches with the question: "Do they have the discipline to say 'no' to any resources that will drive them away from their fundamental mission?"

Obviously fewer do.

Technorati Tags: church, marketing, endreligion

The anti-religious stance of early Christians

2006-11-20T00:07:00.000-08:00

A noteworthy quote from N.T. Wright, a leading (and refreshing) New Testament scholar:

"...though in many ways early Christianity appears to the post-Enlightenment world as a 'religion', within first-century categories it certainly did not. The early Christians were dubbed 'atheists'. They offered no animal sacrifices. What they did in their communal meetings bore some resemblances to non-Christian religious practices, but it was the differences that stuck out. The main thing that would have struck observers of early Christianity was not its 'religious' side, nor indeed its early doctrinal formulations, but its total way of life."

- N.T. Wright in The New Testament and the People of God, page 120.

Technorati Tags: religion, early+church, N.T.+Wright, endreligion

I'm a Christ-follower

2006-11-09T12:44:00.000-08:00

I've been fairly quiet on this blog lately due to moving, etc. Life has been chaotic, but I am looking forward to continuing the discussion again. There still is much to be discussed regarding Jesus and the End of Religion. What a better way to get the ball rolling than the following four video clips on YouTube (parodying the PC vs. Mac ads) entitled "I'm a Christ Follower":

Christian materialism

2006-09-14T15:22:00.000-07:00

It's one thing to have an abstract or theological discussion concerning the difference between the Christian religion and the way of Jesus. But, when obvious deviations of our faith are expressed we should all stand up, take notice, and refute them.

The latest issue of Time magazine (September 18, 2006) features a cover story entitled, "Does God Want Yout to be Rich?" It's an inside look at the prosperity gospel movement that is increasing among American Christians. According to a Time poll, 17 percent of Christians are part of this movment, and 61 percent believe that God wants people to be prosperous. (Although that last statement could be challenged for being somewhat ambiguous).

True, not all Christians buy into this materialism and self-absorption, but the fact that one-in-six do is alarming enough. And, it provides more negative fodder for those who want to discredit Christianity and everything associated with it.

If we are serious about following the radical faith of Jesus, we cannot simply overlook this growing interest in such a destructive aberration. It's another example of what Christianity as a religion can led to.

Technorati Tags : religion, prosperity+gospel, rich, endreligion

Atheism

2006-09-01T13:01:00.000-07:00

"The number one cause of atheism is Christians. Those who proclaim God with their mouths and deny Him with their lifestyles is what an unbelieving world finds simply unbelievable."

- Karl Rahner

Technorati Tags : atheism, witness, endreligion

Can Christianity be reformed? - part II

2006-08-08T18:12:00.000-07:00

I want to pick up on a post from over two months ago, where I considered whether Christianity as a religion can be reformed? At that time I stated:

"I do not believe that returning to the Way of Jesus will happen institutionally or through an orchestrated reformation movement."

This summer I've had the opportunity to do some reading in the area of church history. Besides discovering that a refresher of history is a valuable exercise that should be repeated regularly, I took time to reflect on previous reformations of Christianity in the last 2000 years. Of course, the Protestant Reformation is the most notable example, but there have actually been many mini-reformations throughout the history of the church. It seems that there were always individuals who were unwilling to accept the deviations that had taken place and who wanted to bring about reforms to correct these problems. They saw a picture of Jesus that was much different than what was being promoted in the church at that time.

What became apparent to me again is the fact that all reformations end up needing to be reformed themselves at some point. The Protestant Reformation of the 16th century confronted the corrupt Catholic church and recovered some important truths that were being overlooked. But, the reformations of Luther and Zwingli soon became corrupt themselves and adopted practices that were not anywhere near the teachings of Jesus. The church quickly became institutionalized and closely aligned with regional politics, and there was considerable bloodshed during the religious wars that followed. One can see this cycle repeat itself throughout history.

It is interesting to note that most reformers never intended to break away from their existing religious bodies. There was usually the hope that the leaders and their followers would see the light, repent of their ways, and everything would get back to the way it was supposed to be. The reality was much different. The powers at be resisted any change, and worked to squelch the trouble-makers.

Jesus recognized this predicament. He was a Jew and wanted to see his people get back to the simple faith God intended for them. But, it became obvious that while the disenfranchised in society were interested in Jesus' revolution, those at the top were determined to end this little uprising. Upon his last trip to Jerusalem Jesus expressed his disappointment that his people would not fully accept him (Matthew 23:37-39), and predicted that ultimately Jerusalem would be destroyed because of the path it had been following and that out of the ashes would emerge his new movement that would sweep the world (Matthew 24). Jesus saw his impending death as a necessary step for this radical reformation to take place.

My point in all of this is to say that true reformation really requires a major break from the past, not just tweaking the messed up system one is in. Jesus' example provides a radical model for change. It's complete change, even to the point of death.

In practical terms, it probably is an indicator of our current situation. Not that they we want to go on some destructive rampage, but is it really productive to try and change the Christian church from within hoping that people will come around? Or, has modern Christianity (at least in the Western world) burned its bridges with society to the point that nothing less than the death and resurrection of the church is required?

I will discuss some practical matters related to all this in another post, but for now I need to restate that a good starting point for us is to acknowledge the anti-religious nature of Jesus's message and begin to live it out where we can.

Technorati Tags : religion, reformation, endreligion

The Da Vinci Code and religion

2006-07-14T17:24:00.000-07:00

Now that the Da Vinci Code movie has bombed, failing to live up the hype preceding it, it might be a good time to reflect on the whole phenomenon initiated by Dan Brown, the author of the runaway best-selling book.

Obviously the Da Vinci Code has attracted much attention in the last few years since the book's initial release. Although fiction, the mere suggestion that history is not what we believe it to be is intriguing for those looking for conspiracy and another reason to discredit Christianity and the Roman Catholic church in particular. Brown's story provides the perfect rationalization for those who want to doubt and turn away from the Christian religion.

Christians, of course, have been somewhat unsettled by the whole thing. In some countries there were protests. Others have become engaged in the discussion, correctly pointing out and refuting many of the plot's historical inaccuracies and speculations.

I personally have not been particularly disturbed by all of this. If anything it reminds me of the growing movement within our society of skepticism toward the Christian religion. Many look at Christianity as archaic, corrupt and oppressive and barely relevant to the issues that our world currently faces. The Da Vinci Code reinforces these opinions.

Yet, interestingly enough, even the Da Vinci Code does not attack Jesus per se. Certainly it provides an alternative explanation of his life and ministry, but the real criticism is reserved for the institutional church that developed out of his initial movement. This correlates with most people's opinions. They have no problem with Jesus; just the misguided organization that represents him.

The criticisms of people are in themselves no reason to disregard all that is associated with Christianity. Some criticisms may not be fair, and others even use them as an excuse. But, it does point out an important point, that people are looking for much more than religion. And, yet what they mainly see and hear from us are the religious aspects and trappings, and rarely Jesus himself and his counter-cultural, anti-religious message.

Technorati Tags : religion, Da+Vinci+Code, Dan+Brown, endreligion

God's revolt

2006-06-22T14:21:00.000-07:00

"Two thousand years ago God started a revolt against the religion he started. So don't ever put it past God to cause a groundswell movement against churches and Christian institutions that bear his name"

- Erwin McManus

Religion versus mystery

2006-06-07T15:22:00.000-07:00

The Leadership Journal blog, Out of Ur, provides an excerpt from a book by Ed Gungor, Religiously Transmitted Diseases in a post entitled: "Is Jesus the Answer or the Question?: rediscovering the role of mystery in our faith". I haven't read the book, but it sounds interesting. Here are some notable quotes:

I think Christianity is supposed to be the unreligion. That’s because the strictness and predictability of religion causes simple, pure faith to become diseased. If not stopped, religion can even kill living faith.

...

But religion does have its attraction. It is so neat, so organized, so repetitive, so habitual, and oh-so-predictable. It makes God look more like a clock than a person – ticking and tocking in a perfectly ordered way. Life isn’t nearly so conventional. It is messy and full of surprises. Repetitious? Yes, but certainly not predictable.

...

Religion may be attractive on one level, but it always strives to remove all the mystery that congests life. It has answers for everything, because questions are way too untidy. “Jesus is the answer.” Right? But what if Jesus isn’t the answer? What if He is the question?

Technorati Tags : religion, mystery, Gungor, endreligion

Can Christianity be reformed?

2006-05-25T12:47:00.000-07:00

It's been awhile since I've posted here. Having recently moved and taken a vacation has impeded my blogging. Nevertheless, the topic of Jesus and the End of Religion is on my mind now as much as ever.

Over the past few weeks I have been contemplating the question as to whether or not Christianity as a religion can be reformed or restored to the intent and form that Jesus initiated. Throughout Christian history there have been numerous reform movements, including monasticism, the Protesant reformation, and some would even argue the current emerging church movement. But, despite the attempts to correct abuses and errors, most of the changes have been more a matter of form and doctrine, with Christianity still being propped up primarily as a religion, albeit now a fractured one.

At first glance it may appear that I am feeling somewhat negative about the current state of Christianity. I am deeply concerned as to what has happened to Jesus' message and followers. I am disturbed that Christianity, at least in much of Western culture, is now perceived as irrelevant and actually a contributor to much that is wrong in our world. Churches are viewed as cold institutions. Christians are perceived as judgemental, seemingly always "against" things and certain people. And, the increasing political role of certain segments of the Christian church has discredited the spiritual message they hope to proclaim.

So, can Christianity be reformed? Is it possible for an individual or movement to arise that will truly lead Christians back to the Way of Jesus? Or, is Christianity as a religion so well established and entrenched that nothing less than a radical rejection of its current state and acceptance of a fresh start (i..e. think "death and resurrection") will be necessary. I am reminded by Bonhoeffer's "world come of age" concept which suggests that Christianity as a religion may have outlived its usefulness and that our world might soon be ready for a new "religionless Christianity".

I do not believe that returning to the Way of Jesus will happen institutionally or through an orchestrated reformation movement. It will ultimately happen as people allow themselves to be confronted with the message of Jesus and begin to live it out from where they are. It will come from individuals and small communities (i.e. from the bottom-up, instead of from the top-down) and permeate society as "leaven", using Jesus' words. While not wanting to sound like a naive idealist, I am nevertheless hopeful. There are a growing number who are tired of the religious games of modern Christianity and are prepared to step outside of the conventional, religious box.

In a future post I will continue this thought, sharing some ideas on what a reformation might look like.

Technorati Tags : religion, reformation, endreligion

Jesus' Struggle with Religion

2006-04-13T13:38:00.000-07:00

Occasionally (although it has been several months since my last installment) I will attempt to tackle some of the foundational philosophical and theological issues concerning Jesus and the End of Religion in a more formal manner. Previously I have posted on "Religion and the division of reality", "The Struggle with religion in the Hebrew Scriptures" and "The Struggle with religion in the Early Church".

The "Good News" is proclaimed in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus.

At the heart of Jesus' teaching was the arrival and dawn of God's reign ("The Kingdom of God") (Mark 1:14-15, Luke 4:18-19; 17:21) which spoke directly to the Jewish hope of his time. The Palestine region was dominated by the religion of Judaism and the political control of the Roman Empire. The religious structures often legitimized oppression, including that which came from the much despised Romans. A clear distinction between the powerful and the powerless was evident. Jesus ministered at the fringes of Jewish life and religion, and proclaimed a new world order where people mattered more than oppressive institutions, traditions, and Law (Luke 18:9-14; 10:25-27; 15:11-32). There was now a new authority and ethics (Matthew 5-7), and the emergence of a time when religion would be irrelevant (John 4:20-21: 5:17; Galatians 3:28). Jesus demonstrated these values in his relationships. Ignoring distinctions and labels he ate with the non-religious (i.e. "sinners") (Matthew 11:19) and himself had the reputation of a sinner. Many times Jesus contravened the religious standards of his days (John 5:2-18; Matthew 12:1-8; Mark 7:1-23; Matthew 8:5-13; Mark 7:24-30; Mark 11:12-19).

Jesus wanted to reform Judaism, but soon realized that this was not possible (Matthew 9:16-17; 23:37-39). Eventually he made the trip to Jerusalem for a showdown with the religious establishment. He went so far as to predict the downfall of Jerusalem and Judaism as it was then structured (Mark 13). The religious leaders were threatened by the disgruntled masses, and now by Jesus in particular. Either Jesus must die, or the Jewish religion and nation will perish (John 11:50; Deuteronomy 13:1-5). In a radical move (certainly not in keeping with what was expected of a Messiah) Jesus himself accepted the wrath of the Romans and the Jewish elite that was typically directly against all the people who were increasingly frustrated at their oppression. Jesus allowed himself to be killed for the sake of the nation and their sins.

The resurrection vindicated Jesus' death. Otherwise the cross appeared to his disciples as a disaster. They were scared and they hid. Nothing less than a bombshell event could get them to carry on the work of Jesus. Suddenly Jesus' death had new meaning - it signified the death of religion (Mark 15:38; Ephesians 2:14-16; Romans 10:4; 1 Corinthians 15:17). This is because the resurrection proved that you could resist the power of religion and oppressive institutions and live to tell about it! Resurrection was the most powerful message possible of new life and freedom apart from the Law (i.e. religion). There were new understandings of God's presence, death, and how God's love and favor are now available to everyone.

In light of Jesus' life, death and resurrection we also need to radically re-examine the Christian religion.

Technorati Tags : religion, Jesus+Christ, endreligion

The Irreligious Faith of Bono

2006-03-30T13:35:00.000-08:00

I am not a big U2 fan, but like many am impressed with the radical faith of Bono. Obviously, Bono is not warmly embraced by all Christians as he steps outside of the religious box, yet consistently works for the purpose of Jesus.

Last month, at the National Prayer Breakfast in Washington, Bono delivered a powerful speech focused on national priorities directed by faith. Believing that "religion often gets in the way of God", Bono reminds his listeners of what the practical implications of their faith should be in the world.

Read it here.

Technorati Tags : religion, bono, endreligion

Commercialism

2006-03-10T14:33:00.000-08:00

One of the more disturbing aspects of Christianity as a religion is the commercialization that has resulted. Just walk into a "Christian" bookstore* and you will be amazed at the kitsch, trinkets, and slick marketing with which you will be confronted. Shrewd companies are recognizing that this is a large demographic that can be tapped, not only within their own subculture, but also in the mainstream. For example, have you noticed the increasing number of movies and TV shows targeted to Christians?

If you enjoy and can handle satire you need to watch The McPassion video available online until April 15th. It's a tremendous depiction of the absurdity of Christian commercialization.

LINK

*NOTE: I've always been amazed how a bookstore or any other non-person can be a "Christian". But the use of "Christian" as an adjetive is another post for another day.

Technorati Tags : religion, Christianity, commercialism, marketing, endreligion

Christianity to be the official religion in Missouri?

2006-03-04T16:52:00.000-08:00

Scary ...

Missouri legislators are considering a bill that would name Christianity the state's official "majority" religion. (More information at KMOV, St. Louis).

Apart from the obvious legal and political problems with this type of bill, it is completely frustrating (although not unexpected) to see Christians thinking in this manner.

I can't ever begin to imagine Jesus pushing for this type of recognition.

Christianity as a religion has lost its way.

Technorati Tags : religion, Christianity, Missouri, endreligion

The Barbarian Way

2006-03-03T17:35:00.000-08:00

A book that has been getting much attention in recent months is Erwin McManus' The Barbarian Way: Unleash the Untamed Faith Within (Nelson, 2005). Essentially he calls us to escape "civilized" Christianity and to become untamed followers of Jesus. Here are a couple of quotes relevant to the discussion of Christianity as a religion:

"Somewhere along the way the movement of Jesus Christ became civilized as Christianity. We created a religion using the name of Jesus Christ and convinced ourselves that God's optimal desire for our lives was to insulate us in a spiritual bubble where we risk nothing, sacrifice nothing, lose nothing, worry about nothing. I wonder how many of us have lost our barbarian way and have become embittered with God, confused in our faith because God doesn't come through the way we think He should."

"Two thousand years ago God started a revolt against the religion He started. So don't ever put it past God to cause a groundswell movement against churches and Christian institutions that bear His name. If He was willing to turn Judaism upside down, don't think for a moment our institutions are safe from a divine revolt. I am convinced that even now there are multitudes of followers of Jesus Christ who are sick and tired of the church playing games and playing down the call of God. My travels only confirm that the murmurings of revolution are everywhere. I am convinced that there is an uprising in the works and that no one less than God is behind it."

Technorati Tags : religion, Christianity, Erwin+McManus, endreligion

Review: The End of Religion

2006-02-13T16:34:00.000-08:00

As promised in earlier posts (#1, #2), I'm finally getting around to a review of Bruxy Cavey's book, The End of Religion: An introduction to the subversive spirituality of Jesus. Oakville, ON: Agora Imprints, 2005. (Can only be ordered directly from the author at www.theendofreligion.org).

Discussions on the irreligious nature of the Christian faith are not new, but The End of Religion provides a fresh look at the theme in a short book that is accessible to virtually any reader. This is neither an academic treatise or "fluff" writing. Bruxy Cavey's down-to-earth communication style makes it a book that spiritual followers, seekers and skeptics will all find a valuable read.

Making the distinction between religion and the spirituality of Jesus is no abstract construct for Cavey. He begins his case by illustrating that the Bible itself points out that Jesus came to put an end to religion and to lead people to the ideal nature of spirituality intended at creation. Jesus was against religion, and "never commanded his followers to embrace creeds or codes of conduct, and he never instructed his followers to participate in exhaustive religious rituals. In fact, ... his life's work was about undoing the knots that bound people to ritual and empty tradition" (p. 22). According to Cavey we do not have to look far to see the negative effects of religion. History is full of examples which confirm the problems it has created.

A large section of the book is devoted to demonstrating how Jesus' scandalous life took on the religious establishment of his day. Specifically, Jesus challenged five of the most central aspects of Israel's faith: Torah, tradition, tribalism, territory and temple. Aside from the mnemonic alliteration, Cavey provides an insightful discussion that clearly relates Jesus' message to its historical context.

The issue I was waiting to see addressed finally came in Part Three of the book. It's one thing to say that Jesus opposed religion, but what then did Jesus offer in its stead? What are the implications of this subversive spirituality? Cavey reiterated a common argument, distinguishing between religion and relationships, with the latter expressing the nature by which we should be relating to God. He states that "our connection with God should be a lot more like our relationships with other people - intimate, unscripted, authentic." (p. 94). Ultimately this trusting relationship expresses itself "in practical loving action". (p. 116)

Cavey's arguments are sound and insightful, especially for those who see Christianity as nothing more than a religion. I am not convinced, however, that he succeeded in his last section in mapping out in more concrete ways what an irreligious faith looks like. There is some vaguness in the discussion. Certainly, formulazing Jesus' subversive spirituality could be just another religious form, something Cavey is wanting us to avoid. But, but the challenge still remains to help people understand what this looks like.

To be fair, Cavey has just signed a two-book deal with a major publisher. Not only will his writings be easier to obtain, but it sounds like he will be building and expanding upon what he has started here in The End of Religion. Currently, at his church (www.themeetinghouse.ca), he is preaching a series entitled "The Irreligious Life" which probes more deeply into these issues. I look forward to seeing his thoughts develop and the impact that these new books will have on a wider audience.

In the meantime, The End of Religion is worth reading and discussing (discussion questions are included). Bruxy Cavey has made an important contribution that should encourage people to discover anew the message of Jesus.

Technorati Tags : religion, Christianity, books, Bruxy+Cavey, endreligion

Dietrich Bonhoeffer on the end of religion

2006-02-08T17:20:00.000-08:00

A few days ago (February 4th) marked 100 years since the birth of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, one of the most significant theologians and followers of Jesus Christ of the 20th century. As a leader in the Confessing Church which opposed German Nazism, Bonhoeffer not had strong beliefs but lived them. Hopefully, you were able to catch the PBS documentary (see www.bonhoeffer.com) on his life this past weekend (I found out about it after the fact, but I will keep my eyes open for a re-run broadcast).

I have posted on Bonhoeffer before ("VE-Day", "More on Bonhoeffer", and "Otherworldly religion"), but I think it is appropriate in light of the recent attention given him, to quote from some of his profound letters that were written in prison. Unfortunately, he was executed by the Germans before being able to fully develop and flesh out these provocative thoughts. Bonhoeffer's musings have influenced many people (myself included), and even today force us to examine our faith and it's Christian expressions.

Excerpts from Letters and Papers from Prison (ed. Eberhard Bethge), New York: Macmillan, pp. 278-281:

What is bothering me incessantly is the question what Christianity really is, or indeed who Christ really is, for us today. The time when people could be told everything by means of words, whether theological or pious, is over, and so is the time of inwardness and conscience - and that means the time of religion in general. We are moving towards a completely religionless time; people as they are now simply cannot be religious any more. Even those who honestly describe themselves as ‘religious’ do not in the least act up to it, and so they presumably mean something quite different by ‘religious’.

Our whole nineteen-hundred-year-old Christian preaching and theology rest on the ‘religious a priori’ of mankind. ‘Christianity’ has always been a form - perhaps the true form - of ‘religion’. But if one day it becomes clear that this a priori does not exist at all, but was a historically conditioned and transient form of human self-expression, and if therefore man becomes radically religionless - and I think that that is already more or less the case (else how is it, for example, that this war, in contrast to all previous ones, is not calling forth any ‘religious’ reaction?) - what does that mean for ‘Christianity’? It means that the foundation is taken away from the whole of what has up to now been our ‘Christianity’, and that there remain only a few ‘last survivors of the age of chivalry’, or a few intellectually dishonest people, on whom we can descend as ‘religious’. Are they to be the chosen few? Is it on this dubious group of people that we are to pounce in fervour, pique, or indignation, in order to sell them our goods? Are we to fall upon a few unfortunate people in their hour of need and exercise a sort of religious compulsion on them? If we don't want to do all that, if our final judgment must be that the western form of Christianity, too, was only a preliminary stage to a complete absence of religion, what kind of situation emerges for us, for the church? How can Christ become the Lord of the religionless as well? Are there religionless Christians? If religion is only a garment of Christianity - and even this garment has looked very different at different times - then what is a religionless Christianity?

...

The questions to be answered would surely be: What do a church a community, a sermon, a liturgy, a Christian life mean in a religionless world? How do we speak of God - without religion, i.e. without the temporally conditioned presuppositions of metaphysics, inwardness, and so on? How do we speak (or perhaps we cannot now even speak as we used to) in a ‘secular’ way about ‘God’? In what way are we ‘religionless-secular’ Christians, in what way are the ‘ekklesia’, those who are called forth, not regarding ourselves from a religious point of view as specially favoured, but rather as belonging wholly to the world? In that case Christ is no longer an object of religion, but something quite different, really the Lord of the world. But what does that mean? What is the place of worship and prayer in a religionless situation? Does the secret discipline, or alternatively the difference (which I have suggested to you before) between penultimate and ultimate, take on a new importance here?

...

The Pauline question whether [circumcision] is a condition of justification seems to me in present-day terms to be whether religion is a condition of salvation. Freedom from [circumcision] is also freedom from religion. I often ask myself why a 'Christian instinct' often draws me more to the religionless people than to the religious, by which I don't in the least mean with any evangelizing intention, but, I might almost say, 'in brotherhood'. While I'm often reluctant to mention God by name to religious people - because that name somehow seems to me here not to ring true, and I feel myself to be slightly dishonest (it's particularly bad when others start to talk in religious jargon; I then dry up almost completely and feel awkward and uncomfortable) - to people with no religion I can on occasion mention him by name quite calmly and as a matter of course. Religious people speak of God when human knowledge (perhaps simply because they are too lazy to think) has come to an end, or when human resources fail - in fact it is always the deus ex machina that they bring on to the scene, either for the apparent solution of insoluble problems, or as strength in human failure - always, that is to say, exploiting human weakness or human boundaries. Of necessity, that can go on only till people can by their own strength push these boundaries somewhat further out, so that God becomes superfluous as a deus ex machina. I've come to be doubtful of talking about any human boundaries (is even death, which people now hardly fear, and is sin, which they now hardly understand, still a genuine boundary today?). It always seems to me that we are trying anxiously in this way to reserve some space for God; I should like to speak of God not on the boundaries but at the center, not in weaknesses but in strength; and therefore not in death and guilt but in man's life and goodness. As to the boundaries, it seems to me better to be silent and leave the insoluble unsolved. Belief in the resurrection is not the 'solution' of the problem of death. God's 'beyond' is not the beyond of our cognitive faculties. The transcendence of epistemological theory has nothing to do with the transcendence of God. God is beyond in the midst of our life. The church stands, not at the boundaries where human powers give out, but in the middle of the village. That is how it is in the Old Testament, and in this sense we still read the New Testament far too little in the light of the Old. How this religionless Christianity looks, what form it takes, is something that I'm thinking about a great deal, and I shall be writing to you again about it soon.

Technorati Tags : religion, Christianity, Dietrich+Bonhoeffer, endreligion

Christianity as a "Sunday religion"

2006-01-30T13:45:00.000-08:00

I'd also like to argue that the mainstream of Christianity throughout the last 1,500 years, and particularly evident in the last 200 years, has been for the majority of practitioners, not a practice-oriented religion, but a Sunday religion, a religion of "do what you want as long as you subscribe to the right things and you show up on Sunday to keep the institution going." It has fostered an extraordinarily limited view of human capacity. It has, in a sense, been co-opted by its own attitude and approach, by materialism. I know this is not necessarily a nice thing to say, and as I said in the beginning, I'm not asking you to agree with it. I'm just asking you to consider it."

- Peter Senge, management expert and author of the Fifth Discipline.

Technorati Tags : religion, Christian, Peter+Senge, breakfastbowl

Quotes from the End of the Religion

2006-01-23T14:31:00.000-08:00

It's been a few weeks since I've posted. Life has been busy, and blogging has taken a back seat.

A few months ago I posted on a book that I was anxious to read: The End of Religion: An Introduction to the Subversive Spirituality of Jesus, by Bruxy Cavey. Because the book is not available through normal channels, I had to order through Cavey's church in Canada. That delay coupled with a full-reading agenda already, kept me from completing the book until just recently.

In a few days I will post a complete review of the book, but for now let me pass along a few noteworthy quotes:

"... the actions of Jesus reveal the irreligious heart of God" (p. 43)

"The Jesus of the Bible lived by a simple philosophy: if love guides our hearts, rules become redundant. Love, embraced as a principles of other-centeredness, will always lead us to do the right thing." (p. 48)

"Jesus' message of God's love was radically inclusive in a world where religions were anything but. ... Jesus invited his own people to give up their claims of exclusivity and to join him in ushering in the universal sisterhood and brotherhood that faith can bring." (pp. 56f)

"When any system of salvation or organization of belief becomes our conduit to God, it is not a large step for that system to become our God." (p. 90)

"For too long, people have assumed that religion is how we connect with God and relationship is how we connect with people. The original lesson of the Bible is that our connection with God should be a lot more like our relationships with other people - intimate, unscripted, authentic." (p. 94)

"Jesus did not come to offer an alternative religion but an alternative to religion. He did not call people to leave one lifeless shell for another but to live life beyond the borders of religious rules, regulations, rituals, and routines." (pp. 100f)

"... the enemy is not tradition itself but the complete dependence upon tradition and routine to the point where we disengage from thoughtful, purposeful, intentional intimacy." (p. 107)

"The only 'religion' that God accepts is faith (a trusting relationship with the Person of God) expressing itself in practical loving action" (p. 116)

Technorati Tags : religion, Christianity, books, Bruxy+Cavey, endreligion

Churches as businesses

2005-12-30T12:12:00.000-08:00

In recent weeks I have focused some attention on the tragic alliance between religion and politics, and how this relationship provides further evidence of the problems inherent in religion. Jesus offered a different approach, but even among Christians this seems to have been lost.

Another growing area of uneasy relationship is between Christianity and business. I have posted before on this topic (See "The Church Makes Business Week's Front Page" and "Mega-Christianity"). Now The Economist, the highly regarded international business magazine, has published an article, "Jesus, CEO" (December 3, 2005 issue), which examines how "America's most successful churches are modelling themselves on businesses". It's conclusion: "The merger between business and religion has been fabulously successful in America".

The problem with the mixture between the church and business is not merely a matter of technique or business processes themselves. The problem is that Christianity has become "big business" and in order to sustain itself it depends heavily on business skills and approaches. In these cases, the church is no longer seen as a radical, alternative to the values and systems of the world, but appears to have aligned itself out to these prevailing forces.

Jesus came to turn the existing structures of the world upside down, in favor of a new world order, "The Kingdom of God". Has Christianity sold itself out?

Technorati Tags : religion, business, endreligion

On "intelligent design"

2005-12-21T14:08:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, a U.S. federal judge ruled that a Pennsylvannia public school district cannot teach "intelligent design" in its curriculum concerning biology and earth origins. This has become a major battle ground in recent months as many conservative Christians have been working hard to have their faith perspective included in public school teachings on the matter.

The real issue is not creation versus evolution. It goes back to asking what the role of the Christian religion is within our society.

I can't see Jesus fighting these futile battles if he were walking the earth today, especially when there are so many more important issues to combat in our world.

Another indication how Christianity as religion has losts its grasp of the "Good News" and its ability to meaningfully convey it.

Technorati Tags : religion, creation, evolution, intelligent+design, endreligion

Religious Coalitions in American Politics

2005-12-13T15:15:00.000-08:00

One of the most obvious ways that religious Christianity demonstrates itself to be misguided is in its blind allegiances within U.S. politics. I have commented on this before ("Religion, Politics, and Power"), but it is a topic that cuts to the heart of what it really means to follow Jesus apart from religion.

Unfortunately, Christians today have trouble separating their religious allegiances from their political ones. The two are deeply intertwined, and form the underlying fabric of our society, both for good and for bad.

There is an excellent article in Christianity Today's Books and Culture journal (November/December 2005 issue): "Religious Coalitions in American Politics". The article probes into the findings of the Fourth National Survey of Religion and Politics conducted at the University of Akron. While the conclusions are really not that surprising, the discussion raises many important issues. For one, even among Christians there is considerable variance of political convictions, based primarily on religious affiliation and background.

Certainly we must acknowledge that religion continues to play an important role in American public life. But, it's not a matter of people simply allowing their faith to shape their convictions. I am convinced that the marriage between religion and politics is much more a matter of sociological and historical factors, and seems to be far removed from the radical approach that Jesus proposed in his proclamation of the Kingdom of God. Jesus recognized these dangers of religion in his own time, and it's time we see the relevancy of this in our own age.

But are we willing to challenge our warped political systems with the same fervor and sacrifice as Jesus and his earliest followers? Are we willing to give up our aspirations to "save" America through the Christian-izing of politics? What would it really mean to our country and world if we were to follow the way of Jesus radically?

Related topic: See "God's Politics".

Technorati Tags : religion, politics, endreligion

Is it time to take Christ out of Christmas?

2005-12-07T14:29:00.000-08:00

In recent weeks there has been considerable discussion and controversy surrounding the movement towards political correctness concerning seasonal greetings. A number of businesses have instructed their employees to say "Happy Holidays" instead of "Merry Christmas". While this is not a new development, some Christians feel that they have had enough and are reacting. Jerry Fallwell has been one of the more vocal leaders in the protest in the hope that the meaning of Christmas is retained.

Certainly, Christmas is an important event for Christians. And, one can understand the frustration to see their loss of influence within society.

But, let's get honest for a minute. Much of what takes place at Christmas (even among Christians) is more a reflection of a secular celebration than a spiritual one. Most of the traditions that are so integral to our culture's activities at this time of year come from non-Christian sources, and have been adopted and mixed into religious traditions. They are so deeply ingrained into our psyche and understanding of Christmas that it is hard to separate the two. Sure, if religious Christians find meaning in the current arrangement and want to celebrate Christmas in this manner they should have every right to do so. I'm just not convinced that it's consistent with the radical message of Jesus.

As a follower of Jesus and his rejection of religion, I am concerned that Christians are expending far too much energy to defend their religious and cultural practices of Christmas. Confused themselves as to the true meaning of Christmas within all the cultural trappings, the message to those outside of Christianity must be even more confusing.

I think it's time to take Christ out of "Christmas", at least as it is understood and celebrated in our society. It could be a way to send a more consistent message of Jesus and what he stood for.

I am not saying that Jesus' birth should be ignored. But let's separate the tight association of our reflections and celebrations on the incarnation from the winter holiday that we so enjoy. This is a great time of the year for connecting with family and friends, and for bringing warmth and light in the midst of the dreary days leading to the winter solstice.

As followers of Jesus it would be better for us live out the meaning of Jesus' coming through our simple actions of love within the world. And, while we may participate in the wonder of the Holiday season, let's resist confusing our faith with the secular celebration around us. The commercialization of Christmas should remind us that many of the values espoused at this time of year are contrary to Jesus' message.

Happy Holidays everyone!

But more importantly, may you also become part of God's mission to enter and impact the world.

Technorati Tags : religion, Christmas, Christianity, holidays, endreligion

Can Christianity be reformed?

2005-11-30T15:49:00.000-08:00

Blogging has been sparse over the past few weeks, but the quest for the end of religion continues...

A question that I regularly ponder is whether Christianity can actually be reformed to better reflect the radical message of Jesus?

Sometimes when observing the current state of Christianity it can be frustrating that the religion that emerged out of the original Jesus movement has got so far off track. Philosophically, theologically, sociologically, and institutionally the Christian religion has become entrenched within our culture so that it is difficult for its adherents to see Jesus outside of these trappings.

Having said this, we still must be charitable to and accepting of those who differ from us. Most Christians are on a spiritual journey and it would be presumptious for me or anyone else to discredit their sincere religious practices and beliefs.

But, we must address the inconsistency between the current religious expressions of Christianity and the subversive spirituality of Jesus. Is it time for another Reformation?

I am encouraged by the "emerging church" movement, which is honestly confronting the current state of Christianity and exploring authentic ways to express and live out faith. Of course, like any reformation movement, the danger is that even this breath of fresh air can quickly become cold and stale through its own formalization.

It is apparent that Jesus, as a Jew, was not trying to break from his heritage even though he doggedly confronted its hypocrisies and corruption. Ultimately, he realized, however, that the religious institutions themselves will reject this radical spirituality and force the separation. The result was the execution of Jesus as a way to silence his deviancy.

Inevitably, those who follow the irreligious teachings of Jesus will face rejection by the mainstream Christian religion. Perhaps over time a degree of reformation will occur. Nevertheless, we should actively engage with all Christians, and enter into constructive dialogue that examines the message of Jesus. But, without taking on a martyr syndrome, we should recognize the challenges and obstacles that we will face from those who cannot accept the end of religion.

Technorati Tags : Christianity, religion, reformation, endreligion

The Opiate of the People

2005-11-02T12:50:00.000-08:00

Karl Marx said that "religion is the opiate of the people". In an article in TheOoze, MC Wright builds on this thought, examining the current state of religion and Christianity in particular. An excerpt:

"It seems that many modern day churches are really modern day opium dens, lulling people into a predictable pattern of passionless living, centered more on what God can give you rather than what God created me for. Churches should be hot beds of cosmic activity as the divine drama is played out in millions of one act human stories that radically effect the people they come in contact with along the journey."

Technorati Tags : religion, Karl+Marx, endreligion

Religion, Politics and Power

2005-10-28T13:19:00.000-07:00

It's been frustrating to watch the confused combination of religion and politics, particularly surrounding the events of the U.S. Supreme Court nominations this week. Harriet Miers withdrew herself in the midst of growing controversy, especially as conservative groups placed enormous pressure on President Bush for a nominee with clear conservative views.

My frustration centers on the fact that it is predominately Christians who are leading this campaign. Certainly every person, including the religiously conservative, has a right to express their opinions within a democracy. That is granted. The disturbing part is the underlying framework behind these conservative Christians. They operate under the assumption that by securing power in Washington (and every other political center) their Christian values will be lived out in the public square. Just elect a Christian (i.e. read: "Republican") President, stack the Supreme Court with conservatives, etc. and we will return to the mythical Judeo-Christian values on which the U.S. was founded.

Before you criticize this as a rant against conservatives, be assured that the political and Christian left are often guilty of the same approaches, but of course, cloaked differently and based on differing priorities. Liberals are also preoccupied with the quest for power.

I can't help but contrast the attitudes of today's politically vocal Christians with Jesus who proclaimed a "Kingdom of God" that superseded political structures, and taught that servanthood was the ultimate way to effect change and influence the world. Interestingly, in Jesus' time the religious people of Palestine were looking for their own ways to reinstate God's rule and values in place of the pagan Romans who held power. People were looking for a political Messiah that would lead this revolt and seize power in Jerusalem. Jesus, however, would have none of it, and ultimately the populace turned their back on him despite the fact that his revolution of the spirit was having a greater impact on the political system than any of them could ever imagine.

It's time for followers of Jesus to truly the follow the way of Jesus when dealing with the political structures around them.

Technorati Tags : religion, politics, power, endreligion

Disgruntled Christians

2005-10-21T14:11:00.000-07:00

Over the past six months I have maintained this blog (although sporadically at times!) because of my deep conviction that Christianity as a religion has got way off track from the spiritually-radical, anti-religious message of Jesus. (For review of my perspective, be sure to check out one of my initial posts: "So, what's wrong with religion?").

As I alluded in another essential post, "Why so negative?", my intent is not to be purely negative, or disrespectful of those for whom the Christian religion provides meaning. While my blog may come across as negative at times, my ultimate intent is to see Jesus' very positive message expressed. But, the reality is that before we recover his radical new way of approaching God and others, we must be honest about the state of Christianity today. And, it may mean rejecting those elements that are contrary to the very spirit of the one whom we call "Lord". This "deconstruction" process is in keeping with our understanding that death is a prerequisite for resurrection.

It is evident to me that there are more and more disgruntled followers of Jesus out there who are seeing through the facade of Christian religion, and are yearning for more something congruent. Most people have not given up on God, or their Christian beliefs, but increasingly you hear people reject "organized religion".

But, all is not negative. Out of the ashes is rising a new band of Christ-followers committed to the ideals of Jesus. Are they reactionary, idealistic, and even naive? Probably in some cases. But, I am encouraged to see, for example, the rapid growth of the "emerging church movement" which tends to be comprised of positive, informally-networked groups of individuals willing to step outside the box of conventional Christianity. Of course, mainstream Christians (especially the conservative side of the spectrum) are taking notice and are feeling threatened by their rejection of philosophical and political foundation that has shaped modern Christianity. It's begin to take the shape of a major battle, and could end up to be one of the major turning points within Christian history.

Having said all of this, I want to go back to the growing number of disgruntled Christians that I see around me. And, when I journey through the blogosphere and podosphere (new word!) there are many out there who are sorting through their own faith struggles, having given up on the Christian church as an institution and religion. Here's a small list of some blogs and podcasts that I've come across recently (in no particular order). This is not necessarily to recommend them or to even agree with their positions, but these are worth investigating, even if just to hear the voices of those who want to follow Jesus but feel alienated and even angry by the religious system that bears his name:

Technorati Tags : religion, Christianity, endreligion

The struggle with religion in the Early Church

2005-10-13T14:03:00.000-07:00

Occasionally I will attempt to tackle some of the foundational philosophical and theological issues concerning Jesus and the End of Religion in a more formal manner. Previously I have posted on "Religion and the division of reality" and "The Struggle with religion in the Hebrew Scriptures".

The first century church interpreted religion and spirituality in the light of Jesus, and from their roots in Hebrew Scripture.

It was their conviction in the resurrection that gave them the freedom and boldness to live as followers of Jesus. In tandem with this was the realization that God was now present with them in the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:32-33). From this foundation they began to express this new world order in very practical ways (Acts 2:42-46).

Rejecting their religion (i.e. Judaism), while liberating for them, was not viewed favorably by the religious establishment that wanted to maintain status quo. The early Jesus-followers began to experience persecution (Acts 6:8-8:1), which led to them fleeing their home base in Jerusalem. As they came in contact with people outside of their religious comfort-zone (i.e. Gentiles) they experienced the tension between the new reality that Jesus brought them and the constraints of their former religion. They had difficulty living out the full implication of Jesus' "Good News", as they had trouble giving up their Jewish practices and accepting Gentiles into the new movement without imposing Jewish religious practices on them (Galatians, Acts 15:1-21).

It was Paul, a former Jew who persecuted Christians, that helped propel the message of Jesus to the Greek, Gentile world. Paul also focused on the resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:14, 17), but articulated the anti-religious message of Jesus: Christ is the end of the Law (i.e. religion) (Romans 10:4) and now brings us freedom to live our lives apart from religion (Galatians 5), and the presence of God (i.e. the Holy Spirit) (Galatians 5:18, 2 Corinthians 3:12-18). The Law was considered as having been a temporary necessity leading up to Christ (Galatians 3:19, 23-25). We now live by faith (Romans 1:17), apart from the Law (Romans 3:28, Colossians 2:8-23), in a new way of living before God (i.e. justification). In fact, God is on the side of the ungodly (Romans 5:6-8).

Despite the challenges of incorporating non-Jews into this Jesus movement, the Good News was translated from a Jewish worldview to a Greek worldview (e.g. Acts 17:16-34, Colossians, John, etc.) in order to deal with pertinent philosophical and theological questions (e.g. gnosticism). It was demonstrated that Jesus' message is universal.

Gradually, a new "Christian religion" developed and became entrenched as the expected physical return of Jesus did not occur and persecutions increased (i.e. Timothy, Titus, 2 Peter). The conversion of the Emperor Constantine, and the Edict of Milan completed the evolution from movement to religion. For now the struggle with religion was mostly over. Religion had once again won.

Technorati Tags : religion, Christianity, New+Testament, Paul, endreligion

If God were to die tonight ...

2005-10-05T12:42:00.000-07:00

Here's a provocative post (going back to August) at Grace Unzipped that challenges the religious nature of Christianity. Here's an excerpt:

If God were to die tonight, do you think most Christians would even notice? Or do you think the church world would be business as usual? Would there be any obvious difference in their gatherings, or would they continue with their rituals without noticing? Would their worship change, or will the entertainment that churches offer disguise God’s absence? Would people notice God's silence in their prayers, or would they keep on ‘hearing’ God because they make up much this dialogue themselves?

Would their wealth and “benevolence” find new outlets, or will preachers keep extorting money with false doctrines? Would they reconsider their hostility towards homosexuals, or would they simply find alternative rhetoric to defend their homophobia? Would they rethink their dogmatic political allegiances, or would they remain pawns of the same ideological con artists? Would anybody know if nobody told them? Or would the whole machine grind on, with the people in the pew, the preacher in the pulpit, and the special offering for the building fund?

I question, because I think Christianity mostly have faith in their credenda's, and not in the reality and faith of Christ. Strip away the theology and doctrines, and the whole contraption implode like a cheap Lego set. Take away their bibles and the letter, and they would have no idea how to express the reality of Christ to others. I look at Christianity, and it makes as much (or little) difference in the world as any other religion. They promote the same separation theology than most other religions.

Technorati Tags : religion, Christianity, endreligion

The End of Religion book

2005-10-04T14:45:00.000-07:00

I was interested to learn that Bruxy Cavey of The Meeting House church in the Toronto area has written a book by the title, The End of Religion: An Introduction to the Subversive Spirituality of Jesus.

Cavey and The Meeting House have long been a proponent of the conviction that the message of Jesus is not about religion. But, this is more than just words. As a guiding principle, they truly work to practice this in all that they do. Back in June I posted a brief report on my personal visit to the church.

The End of Religion book (great title, eh?) is, unfortunately, available only from The Meeting House through a special web-site: www.theendofreligion.org. I'm placing my order today!

Technorati Tags : religion, Christianity, Bruxy+Cavey, endreligion

Evil

2005-10-03T12:51:00.000-07:00

"Men never do evil so completely and cheerfully as when they do it from a religious conviction."

- Blaise Pascal

Technorati Tags : religion, evil, endreligion

Societies worse off 'when they have God on their side'?

2005-09-29T12:43:00.000-07:00

One of the most popular articles making its rounds in the blogosphere this week has been the article, "Societies worse off 'when they have God on their side'", by Ruth Gledhill, Religion Correspondent at the (London) Times.

Gledhill references research published in the Journal of Religion and Society that contrary to common assumption, religious belief actually contributes towards higher rates of murder, abortion, sexual promiscuity, and suicide. Religion, therefore, is not necessary for a healthy society.

I haven't read the actual study, so I am limited in my critique. But, some reflections can be made.

First, if these research observations are accurate, it certainly confirms the suspicion that a growing number of people have concerning the demise of organized religion in our society. It certainly also confirms the view of the irreligious teachings of Jesus. Even in Jesus' time and the first century religion was proving itself to be corrupt and in tandem with the oppressive structures of society.

Again not having read the study, I can't judge the perspective of the authors. But from the Times reporting it sounds like a targeted attack on conservative Christians in the U.S. Certainly this group is deserving of appropriate criticism, as their lust after political and social power has been anything but healthy. Having said that, however, the credibility of this research could be called in question if the authors approached this study with an "axe to grind".

Nevertheless, first century followers of Jesus would have been strongly critical of the role of religion in their society. Their strange, new spirituality was perceived as atheist and counter-cultural. Is it time we place modern religion under the same light?

It's time to stop wanting God on our side. Let's be on God's side!

Technorati Tags : religion, social+problems, endreligion

An Important Lesson from Albert Ellis

2005-09-16T16:32:00.000-07:00

Albert Ellis was well-known pscyhologist (and atheist) who made several scathing comments regarding Christianity:

"Religion (Christianity), by positing absolute, god-given standards of conduct, tends to make you feel self-deprecating and dehumanized when you err; and also encourages you to despise and dehumanize others when they act unethically. Since self-deprecation is the main cause of anxiety, overweening guilt, and depression, and since damning others is probably the chief source of hostility, rage and violence, religious moralism patently produces or abets enormous amounts of severe emotional disturbance"

In a short, but valuable article in TheOoze, Mark Karris responds to this quote by honestly examining the path Christianity has taken:

It seems that modernity has molded Christianity into everything that it was not meant to be: An individualistic, consumeristic, hedonistic, moralistic, mechanistic, humanistic and other harmful “istics” which are contrary to love, community, relationships and “others-centric” instead of “me-centric” living.

Modernity’s focus on the exterior of the well oiled machines and it’s products unfortunately brain washed the church (not the church as a whole but enough of it) into thinking if we can use our hegemonic language to persuade people to not sin and keep the outside of the cup clean then we have accomplished the means of Christianity.

Again, Christianity as a religion has often moved very far from the way of Jesus, but is sadly unaware of how it has sold its soul.

Otherwordly religion

2005-08-31T13:24:00.000-07:00

Chris Erdman in the blog Odyssey quotes from Dietrich Bonhoeffer on the appeal and dangers associated with "otherworldly" (i.e. focus on afterlife, heaven, etc.) religion, and offers some of his own valuable reflections:

"... there are many for whom Jesus is only a cypher for a ticket out of this world at some later date while they going on living in this world the same old way and by the same old rules that govern a dying world. Shame on this masquerade of religion that betrays the essence of the message of Jesus that meant to birth a whole new earth. The Jesus of Suburbia is escapist, otherworldly, and fails to take seriously the Jesus who makes us children of this earth with a mission for good in it."

LINK

Technorati Tags : Bonhoeffer, religion, endreligion

The Problem with Religion

2005-08-22T16:55:00.000-07:00

While not of great depth, MC Wright has an article, "The Problem with Religion" at THEOOZE.

Jesus' entire ministry evolved around bashing the established religion, breaking its taboos, and offering people an invitation to something far beyond religion, an encounter with divinity.

The result of Jesus' life was an escape from religion where people were required to earn God's favor by becoming something God said they really could never become: holy, other, like Him.

Technorati Tags: religion, Jesus, EndReligion

Brian McLaren on religion

2005-08-19T13:01:00.000-07:00

A must read book promoting a positive shift occuring among some followers of Jesus is A Generous Or+hodoxy by Brian McLaren, leader in the Emergent movement.

Here are some significant quotes pertaining to religion:

"In the previous chapter, I suggested that Jesus didn't come to start another religion, which would include the Christian religion. I wasn't kidding. I do, in fact, believe that. That the Christian religion formed as it has is not surprising. It was no doubt necessary and in many ways good, and I know God is in it, and I am in it, too. But "the Christian religion" is neither the ultimate goal of Jesus nor the ultimate goal of God, in my view. Rather, the goal of Jesus is the kingdom of God, which is the dream of God, the wish and hope and desire of God for creation-like a parent's hopes and dreams for a beloved child." (p. 267)

...

"... I believe a person can affiliate with Jesus in the kingdom-of-God dimension without affiliating with him in the religious kingdom of Christianity. In other words, I believe that Christianity is not the kingdom of God. The ultimate reality is the kingdom of God, and Christianity at its best is here to proclaim and lead people into that kingdom, calling them out of smaller rings, smaller kingdoms. Christianity at its worst, using the definition in this paragraph, can become a sin when it holds people within its ring and won't let them enter the kingdom of God. Jesus diagnosed the religious leaders of his day as doing this very thing." (p. 282 note)

Technorati Tags: McLaren, Brian McLaren, religion, Christianity, Kingdom of God, EndReligion

Cultural Christianity

2005-08-10T12:28:00.000-07:00

Some excellent thoughts from Chris Erdman, a Pastor who writes on "Preaching Jesus Up Against the Jesus of Surburbia":

"What often passes for Christianity may be religious but is not Christianity--not yet at least (and one wonders if it ever will be given such a start). Culture Christians are not terribly interested in Jesus of the Bible . . . So much of this non-Christian Christianity is really about creating a safe world where I'll never have to love my enemy, deny myself my create comforts, or die as a witness to Jesus Christ. This is a gospel but it is not the Gospel."

Read the entire post here.

The Religion-Relationship Farce

2005-08-05T12:39:00.000-07:00

Obviously, not everyone agrees with our anti-religious understanding of Jesus' message. There is value in hearing other perspectives.

In the August 2005 edition of Next-Wave Ezine is an article entitled "The Religion-Relationship Farce" by Chris Munroe. Munroe views religion is much broader sense than I would, so to start with we share some semantic differences. He states that:

"Neither Jesus nor the New Testament rejects religion, [all emphases are original] but rather religious hypocrisy. Jesus did not come to do away with the law of religion, but rather to fulfill it (i.e. releasing its inherent potential and purpose). Therefore the work of Christianity is not to abolish religion, but rather to lift and refocus it."

Beyond this, the real point of interest in Munroe's article is his attack on those who use the abuses within religion as an excuse to reject it in favor of a individualistic and privatistic faith, commonly expressed as "I don't have a religion, I have a relationship." He argues that this is not a good exchange.

"Now for the record: there are just as many hypocritical or misled "relationship-Christians" as there are hypocritical or misled "religious-Christians" (distinctions which are absurd). Claiming to have a relationship instead of a religion in no way guarantees a person is a faithful or effective follower of Jesus Christ. Conversely, a religious person is not spiritually or automatically disqualified as a genuine disciple. "

I don't think Munroe and I are too far apart, despite his reluctance to give up the religious nature of Christianity. I agree that a "relationship" orientation of Christianity (as is often promulgated by Evangelicals) is dangerous, and does not accurately reflect the Good News of Jesus.

Rejecting religion does not mean we retreat into our isolated cocoons, a tendency far too common in North America. Certainly we must reject the rigid and sterile forms that develops out of religion. But, following the Way of Jesus does require more than just seeking internal peace through some spiritual relationship with God. It's much more. It requires that we live out our faith in our lives and in community with others who follow this Way. These are tangible expressions which I am unwilling to call "religion", and which are far more involved than settling for a simple "relationship".

The Way of Jesus

2005-07-26T15:51:00.000-07:00

Interesting quote from Jonathan and Jennifer Campbell in an interview at Leadership Network regarding their new book, The Way of Jesus:

"Hope lies in going deeper than what most religions offer. We have seen the gospel embodied in a variety of ways. The more we experience the power of God at work in Western and non-Western contexts, the more we appreciate the power and simplicity of the gospel to take root in any culture or among any people.

The gospel of Jesus answers the spiritual and relational longings of all cultures (specifically the needs for identity, love, community, truth, and power). Only as the church dies to itself and lays down the image it thought it was to be or has become will it have the opportunity to be organically reborn as the Body of Christ in new and different cultural realities."

"Christendom is humanity hijacking Jesus"

2005-07-25T17:53:00.000-07:00

Interesting quotes (including: "passionately love the Church, passionately hate Christendom") from as.it.is, a blog posting discussing "emergent", a growing movement that certainly recognizes the need for a shift from religious Christianity to faith and mission centered in Jesus.

The struggle with religion in the Hebrew Scriptures

2005-07-21T13:21:00.000-07:00

A while back I posted some thoughts concerning "Religion and the division of reality". I don't intend for this blog to become a highly technical writing, but occasionally I will attempt to tackle some of the foundational philosophical and theological issues concerning Jesus and the End of Religion. Here's some more:

While Jesus and his early followers certainly confronted religion as no one else, it would be misguided to assume that this struggle was new to them. In fact, it can be demonstrated that the Hebrew faith had its roots in the rejection of religious systems, towards a radical new understanding of God.

The Hebrew faith, and its early leaders Abraham and Moses, came out of the religions of the great centers of the ancient world: Mesopotamia and Egypt. Both of these cultures had highly elaborate religions which held that natural things mediated the presence and power of gods. On the other hand, this new people was monotheistic, believing in One transcendent God (i.e. Yahweh) and a simple practice of faith. God was not to be confused with creation (Deuteronomy 4:15-19).

To their neighbors, the Hebrews appeared as irreligious since they lacked the idols and concrete expressions of God, although Abraham and Moses still had a simple, austere religion. They lived in the presence of God (Deuteronomy 4:7) by faith (Genesis 15:6, Romans 4:13).

The ultimate sign of rejection of the religions around them, can be found in two exoduses that the Hebrew people made from these religions. Abraham left Mesopotamia. Moses led Israel from Egypt.

These children of Israel (i.e. Jacob - another early patriarch) were distinct, anticipating God's kingdom on earth; but tried to sacralize space and time in order to bring God nearer to them. They were constantly attracted to religions around them since these systems offered stability, order and continuity. The Law, cultic system, and the provision of a king (1 Samuel 8:5-22) were established as concessions to their immaturity.

After years of religious failures the prophets tried to rescue the faith of Abraham and Moses, opposing the temple cult, sacrifices, and festivals which had taken the place of justice (Isaiah 1:10-17, Hosea 6:6, Micah 6:6-8). They anticipated a new world order!

Mega-Christianity

2005-07-18T15:30:00.000-07:00

Much talk today about yesterday's "Grand Opening" of the new digs for Lakewood Church in Houston, Texas. Having moved into the former Compaq Center, Lakewood is now considerded to have the largest church attendance in the United States.

Size isn't the real issue here.

Beyond the media coverage of this mega-church is the concern of what lies beneath the growth of Lakewood: Prosperity Gospel. Pastor Joel Osteen proclaims a message that is focused on achieving success in life. The grandness of their new building confirms this image of prosperity and success. Unabashedly, Osteen wants people to hear a message that feels good.

It's working.

Despite their success, it is difficult to reconcile the "fluffy" message of Lakewood with the life and teachings of Jesus Christ.

Another example of how the Christian religion has lost touch with Jesus.

Link on the story: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/8565629/

Some related links (even if dated), both from business magazines:

An article from a Forbes special on "Christian Capitalism"
And, "Meet the Prosperity Preacher" from Business Week.

Religion and the confusion with politics

2005-07-09T15:01:00.000-07:00

from Christianity today . . .

George W. Bush is not Lord. The Declaration of Independence is not an infallible guide to Christian faith and practice. Nor is the U.S. Constitution, nor the U.N. Universal Declaration on Human Rights. "Original intent" of America's founders is not the hermeneutical key that will guarantee national righteousness. The American flag is not the Cross. The Pledge of Allegiance is not the Creed. "God Bless America" is not the Doxology. Sometimes one needs to state the obvious—especially at times when it's less and less obvious.
LINK

Death of the Church

2005-07-08T14:32:00.000-07:00

Sounds really negative, but actually isn't. It's the provocative title of an exceptional book that I just read by Mark Regele.

The subtitle of Death of the Church is: "The Church has a choice: to die as a result of its resistance to change or to die in order to live." Regele is not anti-Christian, but points out how the institutional church is dying in North America. He provides valuable historical, sociological and theological analysis to demonstrate this fact, and challenges the church to find a new role in society.

The analysis is brilliant and is a must read for church leaders. The only weaknesses in the book are that it is 10 years old, and is limited on mapping out new directions (although a basic framework is provided).

For the purposes of this blog, it is noteworthy that Regele does address the confusion of Gospel and Religion. He admits that "we shape the Gospel around our own culture. This is not necessarily wrong." The problem, however, is that this "becomes dangerous when two things occur. First, we forget that we have done it. And second, we believe that our rendition of the story, with all of the traditional and cultural trappings we have added, is the Gospel. When this happens, we have turned the Gospel into our own religion." (p. 209)

The Meeting House

2005-06-25T20:24:00.000-07:00

I'm currently on vacation, but this past Sunday (June 19th) I had the opportunity to visit "The Meeting House", an innovative church in Oakville (near Toronto), Ontario. While at times I may sound critical of the Christian "religion", I want to highlight those who are addressing the "religion" issue head-on and working to seriously address faith and the church from a non-religious stance. "The Meeting House" is an example worth noting. Check out their website at www.themeetinghouse.ca and especially go through their initial flash presentation entitled "Some Thoughts on the Value of Religion". This church states its core purpose as: "To honour God by proclaiming the irreligious message of Jesus and fostering loving communities of fully-committed Christ followers". From my brief personal encounter I am impressed.

Religious No More

2005-06-13T15:04:00.000-07:00

I know that I haven't posted much lately, as life has been busy. Despite not writing much, my conviction regarding this project is as strong as ever, and I look forward to keeping the topic alive even with upcoming vacations, etc.
It's time for another book recommendation. Religious No More: Buidling Communities of Grace and Freedom (by Mark D. Baker, InterVarsity Press, 1999) is an important contribution to the topic in that it not only attacks religion, but offers a solid alternative rooted within the New Testament, using Paul's radical, anti-religious teaching in Galatians.
Here are some noteworthy quotes:
"Although they claim to accept people and treat them equally, on both an internal and external level, the priority given to rules of behavior leads evangelicals to make distinctions and draw boundary lines between people and groups. Once the lines are drawn, some inevitably feel inferior and even rejected." (p. 29)
"Religion's perceived link with God gives it great power in people's lives. In some sense, religion has a force of its own. Religion is a power that transforms our human religious drive and human religious system into a force that is greater than the sum of those two things. It is a force that humanly we cannot resist or control." (p. 38)
"Religion produces individualistic-spiritualized Christianity." (p. 56)
"Religion provides fig leaves, or masks, ways to cover up our finiteness. Masks stand in the way of authentic community." (p. 115)
"Freedom from religion is a characteristic that serves as a boundary marker of authentic Christian community. It is much harder to define how a person stands in relation to that boundary, however, than to determine on which side of a religious boundary line a person stands" (p. 123)
"freedom from religion is freedom for an increased level of Christian commitment; it is freedom for community." (p. 159)

2005-06-05T15:43:00.000-07:00

Haloscan commenting and trackback have been added to this blog.

The Church Makes Business Week's Front Page

2005-05-23T13:41:00.000-07:00

The church has become big business, or at least socially respectable? Check out this blog posting from Chris Erdman: http://odyssey.blogs.com/odyssey/2005/05/the_church_make.html

Is Renewal Enough?

2005-05-23T12:26:00.000-07:00

(I've been on vacation for awhile, and unable to post. It's good to be back).

Throughout Christian history there have been reform and renewal movements that have attempted to restore faith and practice as intended by Jesus. Currently, the "emerging church" movement is one excellent example. Here's a posting by one of its most prominent spokespersons, Brian McLaren, in relation to the question: "Is Renewal Enough?" It's relevant to our discussion of Jesus and the End of Religion, because we are forced to ask how radical we have to be to see the way of Jesus express itself. The question asked to McLaren and his response contribute to the discussion.

http://www.anewkindofchristian.com/archives/000346.html

More on Bonhoeffer

2005-05-11T15:32:00.000-07:00

Ever since Sunday (VE Day) I have been thinking a lot about Bonhoeffer and his contribution to (and perhaps initiation of) this discussion. It's probably not fair for me to try to summarize his ideas in a few sentences, but let me highlight a few of his ideas worth pondering. (If you are not familiar with Dietrich Bonhoeffer, get ahold of some of his writings, watch the movie about him ["Agent of Grace"], or even visit the International Bonhoeffer Society).
In his Letters and Papers from Prison Bonhoeffer questioned the relevancy of the Christian religion in a "world come of age", that is, no longer dependent on religion. While still deeply committed to the centrality of Christ, Bonhoeffer saw how religion had moved to the boundaries of life, resulting in an empahsis on individualism and/or metaphysics, all the time creating a distinction between sacred and secular. He believed that the church needs to separate itself from its religious trappings, and emphasize that God "must be recognized at the centre of life" and grounded in Jesus Christ. In other words, faith has to transcend mere tradition and ritual, and is to be expressed in action through our entire lives.

VE-Day

2005-05-08T13:40:00.000-07:00

Sixty years ago today was "Victory in Europe" Day, the declared end to the European theatre of World War II. As with any day of remembrance, this is a somber occasion to reflect on the horrors of history. I cannot help but also consider the place of Christianity within that terrible conflict. In Europe the Church was almost entirely impotent in its spiritual role leading up to and during the war. In some cases, as in Nazi Germany, the Church had even succumb to the prevailing evil around it. It is no wonder then that the Christian religion has taken a big hit in Europe over the past 50 years. One can understand the cynicism towards Christianity, believing it to be irrelevant.
VE-Day also reminds me of one of the shining stars during that period. Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a Lutheran pastor, took his faith seriously and devoutly lived it despite the many pressures around him. He was viewed as a such a threat that he was imprisoned by Hitler, and died just days before the allies reached his prison near the end of the war. Bonhoeffer was a profound theologian, not only by what he believed and wrote, but by how he lived. Interestingly, in his prison writings he envisioned a time of "religionless Christianity" to address the challenges of the new age the world was entering. He recognized the ineptness of the institutionalized religion that had developed around Jesus Christ, and looked forward to a much more engaging faith. Unfortunately, he wasn't able to complete his thoughts on this matter. But, his life and example during this dark time are beacons of hope for us as we strive to follow Jesus in a world that has largely given up on religion.

Why so negative?

2005-05-05T11:17:00.000-07:00

The common question I am asked regarding Jesus and the End of Religion is: "Why are you so negative?" Also, "Shouldn't we be overlooking our differences and get along, instead of trying to tear each other down?"
Legitimate questions. My intent is definitely not to tear people down, especially if I disagree with them. There is much to be said for the need of the church to be a united body. Respect and toleration are always required. We must always recognize that there will always be differences of opinion, perspective, belief and practice. And, we are all at different points along the spiritual journey.
Having said this, however, does not change the radical message of anti-religious spirituality initiated by Jesus. While he was always very quick to love people, he resisted those who were using religion to dehumanize others and present a faulty view of God. It is apparent from Jesus' own actions culminating in his crucifixion that he was calling for a radical transformation, not a slow and gradual change.
Religion, and Christianity in particular, has lost much of its redeeming character within our world. What is needed is major surgery, not just some patches and self-medication. Certainly, those for whom religion provides either power or comfort this approach will feel threatening. Yet, it's our only hope to experience life as God intended for us.

An Attempt to Hijack Christianity

2005-04-29T12:37:00.000-07:00

Since I just posted a recommendation on Jim Wallis' God's Politics, here's an editorial on the topic as it relates to the current controversy over judicial nominees in the U.S.

God's Politics

2005-04-29T11:52:00.000-07:00

An obvious example of the perils of religion can be seen in its relationship to politics. This is evident with every religion, but especially noticeable at present within the United States. The Christian right is perceived as holding sway over George W. Bush and the Republican party. Democrats typically disregard the role of faith in public life but conveniently latch onto the religious left and African American churches when convenient. An excellent book that examines these tensions is by Jim Wallis (founder of Sojourners) is God's Politics: Why the Right Get's it Wrong and the Left Doesn't Get It. While I don't completely support Wallis' understanding of religion, he makes some exceptional insights that should remind us that faith and life in Jesus Christ is so different than its current religious expressions.

Religion and the division of reality

2005-04-27T14:21:00.000-07:00

Religion is common to humanity because of the universal recognition that there is more to life than is perceived through the senses. That is, a supra-natural dimension of reality. The typical result of this belief is the division of reality into two sectors: the sacred and the secular. Religion maintains this distinction because of the belief that humanity cannot endure or desire immediate contact with God. This was a common theme in the Hebrew scriptures (e.g. Exodus 20:19, 34:33-34) and among the Gnostics during the early years of Christianity. Religion, through its sacred symbols and rituals from the created order, mediates contact with the transcendent world. The message of Jesus radically broke this distinction, claiming "God is with us" (Matthew 1:24), and that "the Word became flesh and made his dwelling [lit. pitched his tent] among us" (John 1:14a). This new view was earth-shattering, and threatened the very nature of religion. It's interesting to see how quickly even Christians turned from this new understanding of God's relation with humanity, and returned to the familiar confines of religion.

Focus on Rome

2005-04-20T15:49:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was the election of Joseph Ratzinger as the next Pope, Benedict XVI, of the Roman Catholic Church. While we cannot only single out the Roman Catholic Church as an example of Christian religiosity (Protestants, Eastern Orthodox, etc. are equally as guilty), the focus of the last few weeks on Rome has been illuminating. First, despite growing internal division, and challenges in the Western world, one cannot help but notice the influence that the Catholic Church has on hundreds of millions of people. Second, even many nominal Catholics have come out of the woodwork, identifying with their heritage during this time. Third, the rigid tradition, hierarchical structure and dogmatism of Catholicism does provide security and meaning for many of its adherents. Responding to Jesus' call to end religion seems strange and unheard in the midst of this context. The reality is that almost all Christians (and non-Christians) see Christianity as religion, because that is the form that it predominantly takes around the world. Jesus' revolutionary words and deeds are lost in the aberration of the religion that was wrongly formed in his name. In fact, Jesus is only seen through the lenses of this religion, and in the process his true image is blurred.

The End of Religion

2005-04-07T09:56:00.000-07:00

From time to time I will post links to blogs, articles or even books that contribute to this discussion. I won't necessarily agree with everything contained within, but still want to encourage you to examine these materials as they are thought-provoking.
In this article, The End of Religion: Announcing the Gospel of the Kingdom, Robert Lynn provides a thorough and practical biblical-theological examination of Jesus' message transcending religion.

Death of the Pope

2005-04-04T15:21:00.000-07:00

This past weekend the major global story concerns the death of Pope John-Paul II. By all accounts he was a dedicated man who truly impacted millions of people. One cannot help but be impressed with the deep admiration of this leader from those both inside and outside his Church. It is also noteworthy to see how Roman Catholicism continues as the largest Christian denomination, and remains an influential and venerable institution. Despite the apparent success of the Catholic Church over the centuries, we still must ask the question: Is this what Jesus intended? Can we reconcile the simple teachings of the Galilean peasant with the grandiose Christian religion that has emerged in its place?

So, what's wrong with religion?

2005-03-31T08:41:00.000-08:00

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:

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.

Resurrection Sunday 2005

2005-03-27T22:37:00.000-08:00

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.