Myth, Supersition, or The Real Thing?
Dec 8th, 2008 by spaceagesage
There are no gods, no devils, no angels, no heaven or hell. There is only our natural world. Religion is but myth and superstition that hardens hearts and enslaves minds.
These are the words in an atheist display allowed next to a Nativity scene at an Olympia, Washington government building.
- Is Christianity really just an anachronistic and intolerant worldview?
- Are Christians just mindless types who often cling to their guns and religion?
- Does the Bible really need a revision to make it less offensive to some?
My answers to all these are a resounding NO.
And yet, as I noted in my last post, I agree with Mahatma Gandhi who said, “I like your Christ; I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ.”
Why are Christians “so unlike your Christ?”
Because it is easier to hold on to external motivations, rule keeping, and judgmental thoughts than to be truly internally motivated and in tune with a loving, relationship-oriented, and interactive God. Those who despise or are intolerant of Christianity or Christians have probably been exposed to those Christians who come from the former group and not the latter.
Christ did not brow-beat, belittle, or berate people into a relationship with him. He may have challenged a few folks who needed a more abrupt reality check, but for those truly hurting, seeking, and respectful, he offered loving kindness, healing, and hope. He spent a great deal of time explaining that a relationship with him and his Father transcended and fulfilled the religious laws of old:
Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?
Jesus replied: ” ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.” All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments. Matthew 22:36
Nowhere in these words do I see intolerance, irritating arrogance, self-satisfied ego stroking, heavy handed rule-keeping, or the OK to judge others.
Instead, I see that all of God’s words boil down to one word: Relationship.
But we humans know how crazy relationships can be, so many religious authorities try to legislate it for us when it comes to our relationship with God.
Bad move.
Relationship doesn’t flourish well behind the prison bars of control.
More in my next post.
Photo by: Paul Englefield
There is a difference between being religious and spiritual. My sense is that those who espouses on following rules strictly are religious but without truly knowing God. I’ve observed also that those who choose not to go to Church tend to be judged very harshly.
Could you please let me know what was offensive in my yesterday’s comments that you have not posted them? Thanks.
Hi Evelyn,
I think it is unfortunate that religion has come to mean following a set of rules instead of living a truly spiritual life, but I also see it as a part of human history: some level of spiritual enlightenment followed by those trying to codify it, followed by insane regimentation.
Hi rummuser,
Your previous comment was on the post entitled “Rising,” and it is there at the bottom of that post’s page, and I’ve put it here as well:
“That Gandhi quote is fantastic. Osho, aka Rajneesh was another one who kept this as his theme. All the founders of the various religions were lovable but alas, the moment their messages got converted into religions, they became perverse!
“I am writing about a landmark in my blog tonight. Do feel free to visit and comment.”
If there is some other comment, I don’t seem to have it.
Interesting how as soon as you ‘organize’ or ‘institutionalize’ a belief system, personal agendas come into play. I find that with any religion. Not just Christianity. I am wiccan, but I will not join a coven. Wicca is about the importance of the balance of male/female energy. MALE and female energy. In other words, relationships. And yet, most of the female wiccans I know completely trash men. Some other religions use the texts in their holy scripts as proof that women are inferior. Or children can be beaten.
I won’t be able to comment directly on your scriptures, Lori. But if you are open to ‘comparing’ different belief systems, I will be thrilled to participate.
Hi Urban Panther,
Please do participate. I’m not into debating points or religion, but any added wisdom, insights, or perceptions into this thing called life from you is always welcome.