Being a Christian

Over the last several posts I have gone over various issues that are central to the Christian life. I have a bad habit of just assuming that people know me, and what I believe in. So I have dove in head long without really giving much of an explanation of the basics of my belief, or what I mean by the traditions, or law of man.

Being a Christian has very little to do with the music you listen to, the sticker you put on your car, how much money you give to the Church, or if you make it to Church every Sunday. Oh don't get me wrong, I know of many people that will tell you in no uncertain terms that all of the above are a vital part of being a Christian. Sorry, but I emphatically disagree. As a matter of fact I would go as far as to say the people that would tell you that have missed the point behind Christianity.

As I have said before, man has twisted religion so that it fits their needs; you have to look no further than all of the different sects of Christianity to see that. Most of the differences have nothing to do with the teachings of Christ, or the belief in God. For the most part all of the different factions cannot agree on what man wants religion to be. Some might tell you that you can't dance, or drink, or use birth control. Maybe they do not agree on the status of the Virgin Mary, or the recognition of saints. Whatever the case none of that has anything to do with your relationship with Christ.

The Lord gave us very simple guidelines to follow. Christ teachings centered on the love of God, and the love of our fellow man. (Mark 12:30-31) 30Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.' 31The second is this: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these."

As you read the bible, you start to see that most of these chains that bind us down with religion, are not laws given by the Lord. They are laws set by man to control the masses.
When Jesus was questioned by the Pharisees about traditions he replied,
(Mark 7: 8-9) 8You have let go of the commands of God and are holding on to the traditions of men." 9And he said to them: "You have a fine way of setting aside the commands of God in order to observe your own traditions!

I think Jesus would say the same thing to many pastors, and scholars today.

We are given free will. Without choosing to follow Christ, our faith would not mean much. We have to choose to do the right thing. We have to choose what path to go down. Yes we have the two handfuls of law set down by God, then reinforced, and even expanded on by Christ. They are straight forward, and easy to follow. Remember that Christ did not come to the Pharisees, he did not call the ones who were thought of as "wise in the law" he called people like you and me. His teachings are pure, and were not meant to be twisted and shaped for the benefit of man. They were put forth for our salvation.

As a result, what needs to be professed, and talked about is the teachings of Christ. Not what one man, or a group of men has decided would be best for their congregation. I can promise you this, if you Love God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength, then love your neighbor as you love yourself, you will find that all of the other laws will fall in to place. That is why those two were listed as the most important.

I hope this gives a general idea of where I am coming from.

Peace,

Rev. T