The Christian Church and My Musing on Religion

Part I

If you only go to church on Easter and Christmas, that’s okay. Church shouldn’t be a “have to” for anyone. If it makes you feel good to go, go. If not, then don’t go and more importantly, don’t look down on others for choosing to go.

I think some people don’t go to church because they have found it boring, they feel they won’t fit in, they have preconceived notions about all churches, or it’s not the right time for them. Others may be afraid of finding something good and they don’t want to experience something new along that line. Others simply don’t believe in the Bible.

Some churches can be boring. However, many churches today are changing that. They are playing better music, they are talking about love with passion, and they are doing fun activities in fellowship. I think, if you want to go to church, but find it too boring, then you might want to seek a different church.

“The Church” is not just the Catholic church anymore (or the Orthodox church, or the Coptic church). There are many more churches. Some have strict rules, while others are much more liberal (I don’t use this word politically). But no Christian church that I know of will kick you out. And you don’t have to believe every single little thing the church leaders preach or believe themselves. The congregation (attendees of the church) is made up of humans just like you and me, with faults just like you and me; so, to assume there won’t be disagreements and tensions between people is to expect too much. You could be missing out on finding new friends, or feeling that sense of community (fellowship) and acceptance and love that the right church could bring you. Some churches do a lot for the community and the world. You could discover that charity work is a fulfilling contribution to society that is helpful to others and to yourself. You won’t know unless you seek and ask. If you still do not think going to church is for you, that’s fine. Another thing you could try is a small Bible group. But the important thing is to connect with God, even if you do so by yourself. “The Church” is actually the people, not a building.

Some people are afraid of the word Jesus. It makes them uncomfortable for a variety of reasons. Some are afraid a money-hungry organization will take advantage of them. Some fear that they’ll fall into the wrong religion and end up in a cult. My advice is do your research. Or, ask a trusted friend whom you believe has a good head on his/her shoulders. When you find the right path for you, the word Jesus won't scare you anymore, and His name will bring peace and strength to you instead.

“I don’t believe the Bible because it was written by man.” This is what some people say. It was written by man—many men: some prophets, some teachers, some sinners, some disciples. It was the hand of God that guided these people. True, the Catholic church may have censored some of the original writings—choosing what can stay and what has to go, but that may have been what was meant to be and what was needed for the collective at that time. God can make moves through man. His angels use us, too, to do his works. So to say you don’t believe in the Bible because it was written by man—I understand, but there is an explanation/discussion to be made here. It was something I had questioned once, as well. But I thought, if I’m going to question The Holy Bible, maybe I should read it first. So I did.

The Bible talks about fear of God, being God-fearing, etc. It is not until it is the right time in one’s life that he/she will learn what this truly means. If you are reading this and wonder about the meaning, now might be the time for you. The word fear had a different meaning in biblical times. Even the church got it wrong through the years. The history of the English language proves that word meanings can change through the years. What the Bible is talking about when referring to this fear, is, in actuality—AWE. God is too much for us to comprehend. That’s one reason why he sent his son, Jesus, to earth—a man, (and also the son of God and also the Holy Spirit). This way our minds can understand God in a way our human minds work.

Part II

Martin Luther believed we, not the church, should be able to interpret the Bible ourselves rather than be told what to believe by the church, so he translated it into German. I think that’s wonderful! Thereafter all sorts of other “religions” popped up, breaking down the institution into many more, smaller institutions.

I see, in today’s spiritual movements, some similarities. There are many “spiritualities” popping up all across the internet, claiming they are not religion. A social media group that teaches beliefs involving some sort of “higher power,” be it within ourselves or “the universe” as well as teaching practices such as yoga or meditation in order to connect with such, wouldn’t that group, in a way, be an institution? Hence, a religion? Does not naming or titling your belief system truly mean it’s not a religion just because you don’t label it? If it’s organized, I think it could be considered an unnamed religion.

Semantics aside, I guess my thoughts are more along the lines of where do these “groups” core beliefs come from. The Bible? Psychology? Intuition? A mix of “religions” or beliefs? A secret club? A private mentor who passes down knowledge to his or her acolyte(s). Life coach gone group therapy? Or just a bunch of people with similar thoughts and beliefs? I’m not knocking them down, I’m even a member of some groups. I’m just wondering what’s evolving here. There’s so much information. Some people are spiritually guided to follow the correct path, but others can be misled and end up in worse shape. How do we know which of these “groups” are good? Education doesn’t seem to matter anymore, which is fine. We don’t all need degrees, and we can self-educate. But how can these groups prove they are reliable and do not have a hidden agenda? How many are just looking for money or worse, are cult-like? I’m concerned for the desperate people out there willing to grasp onto anything in this information overload age in which we now live.

Aside from the spiritual revolution(s) and/or evolution(s), there are little things I wonder about, too. When the Catholic church was charging people money to purchase freedom from God’s punishment for our sins, Martin Luther disagreed. Though not the same, I was reminded of this because some of the leaders of these social media groups charge money for psychic readings and psychic healings. Wouldn’t that be similar to charging money for prayer? Shouldn’t prayer be free? Do they consider themselves more like doctors? Wise men and wise women? Gurus? If they take “donations” of whatever or nothing, that would be different, I think.

I understand people want to earn their livings by living the life of their dreams and sometimes that means you’re a self-taught lightworker or life coach. But, if you’re doing good for humanity at a reasonable price of one hundred dollars per session with a minimum of ten sessions required, are you truly doing good? My question is how do we know? Do they have testimonials? Look at the controversy with Teal Swan, for instance. She has testimonials, but she also has had followers who committed suicide.

My advice for people wondering things like this is that following your gut is not enough. Do some research, and most importantly ask a trusted loved one. You don’t want to get sucked into a cult or pay some unworthy someone your month’s salary.

Part III

A couple hours after I wrote these musings, the answer came to me. A piece of scripture popped into my head. So, I looked up the amplified version: Matthew 7:15-20 Beware of the false prophets, [teachers] who come to you dressed as sheep [appearing gentle and innocent], but inwardly are ravenous wolves. By their fruit you will recognize them [that is, by their contrived doctrine and self-focus]. Do people pick grapes from thorn bushes or figs from thistles? Even so, every healthy tree bares good fruit, but the unhealthy tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Therefore, by their fruit you will recognize them [as false prophets].

The results of their teaching, their students, their kids, and the activities that follow, will reveal the truth. I like this. It reminds me of a plaque I have that says, simply: Harm None.

There was a time when I didn’t believe in any organized religion (but still recognized others needed it). For me it was too patriarchal and there were too many rules (such as you shouldn’t cross your legs in church or wear red to a funeral, or love someone of the same sex, etc.). There were wars caused by organized religion, and corruption within it. I started to do my research. I read about Buddhism, Sacred Feminine, Wicca, Hinduism, and more, including occult readings and astrology. Part of my research was reading the entire Bible. I’m not a professional, and I am always learning more. So, I continue to educate myself.

I have turned away from some readings because they do not resonate with me, or I don’t want them in my system. But, some books, including The Celestine Prophecy, have helped my spiritual development tremendously. Also, my grandmother’s urging to watch Joel Osteen, and my father’s invite to his new church where I discovered the saved by grace through faith particulars were educational and quite helpful to me. Some of this brought me closer to Christianity. Jesus has always been with me, even during my research years. Through His teachings (those which they allowed in The New Testament), more research, and intuition, I’ve come up with my own beliefs and truths I have learned through God. For instance, God is love. For the record, I don’t push my beliefs on others. And I don’t accept that from others either. Each person’s relationship with God is personal.

When I went to my dad’s church I witnessed what they called fellowship. I had to ask what that word meant. It’s a coming together of people with similar beliefs. They might just hang out and talk, they might pray together, they might worship together. The church also did charity work for the local community and abroad. I changed my mind about any organized religion not being for me, and I started going to church again. I don’t go very often anymore, but I do watch a service on television sometimes, or enjoy Joyce Meyer sermons, and I read a bible app with others.

We are blessed to live in a country where we have this freedom of religion and the separation of church and state. The freedom of religion our forefathers spoke of was the freedom to practice Christianity. Religious rivaling within Christianity itself and the inability to worship in some settlers’ former homeland led to this need for freedom of religion. We also have the freedom to educate ourselves and to voice our opinions.

Many thoughts swim through my head every morning. I am comfortable with my beliefs, strong in my faith and remain interested in learning and discussing more. I may even change my mind about a few things through the years, though one will remain the same: Jesus is my savior.

He is Risen!

Have a wonderful Easter!

Blessings,

Tracy

#Easter #Spirituality #Religion #Freedom #Church #Christianity