Now, I'm not a very smart dude, but I did learn how to use a dictionary in college. So please bear with me a little bit here.
The definition of religion:
noun
1.
2.
a specific fundamental set of beliefs and practices generally agreed upon by a number of persons or sects: the Christian religion; the Buddhist religion.
3.
the body of persons adhering to a particular set of beliefs and practices: a world council of religions.
4.
the life or state of a monk, nun, etc.: to enter religion.
5.
After reading that, would you not agree that when you believe that Jesus Christ died for your sins, there are others that believe the exact same thing? Therefore, you are part of a religion. Jesus says in Matthew 18:20 "For where 2 or 3 gather in my name, there am I with them." That would be a body of persons, right? I think I'm making a little bit of sense here. The guy in the video also rails against the church. What's the definition of church?
After reading that, would you not agree that when you believe that Jesus Christ died for your sins, there are others that believe the exact same thing? Therefore, you are part of a religion. Jesus says in Matthew 18:20 "For where 2 or 3 gather in my name, there am I with them." That would be a body of persons, right? I think I'm making a little bit of sense here. The guy in the video also rails against the church. What's the definition of church?
noun
1.
a building for public Christian worship.
2.
public worship of God or a religious service in such a building: to attend church regularly.
3.
( sometimes initial capital letter 
) the whole body of Christian believers; Christendom.
) the whole body of Christian believers; Christendom. 4.
( sometimes initial capital letter ) any division of this body professing the same creed and acknowledging the same ecclesiastical authority; a Christian denomination: the Methodist Church.
) any division of this body professing the same creed and acknowledging the same ecclesiastical authority; a Christian denomination: the Methodist Church. 5.
that part of the whole Christian body, or of a particular denomination, belonging to the same city, country, nation, etc.
The whole body of Christian believers? So... people that believe in this religion we call Christianity are also a part of the Christian church. That makes sense. But church is a man made thing, right? Wrong. In Matthew, Jesus asks the disciples who people say He is. Some say John the Baptist, others say Elijah, others Jeremiah. Then Peter pipes up: “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” 17 Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven. 18 And I tell you that you are Peter,[b] and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades[c] will not overcome it." (Matthew 16:16-18)
Did you see verse 18? Jesus tells Peter he will build his CHURCH on him. This was ordained by Jesus, not man.
It seems to me that this guy had a problem with a church (small c. Big c Church is the Christian Church - the whole body of Christian believers). I'm sorry about that, but dude, where's the forgiveness? And what does being Republican have to do with anything? I'm a Christian, and I vote (mostly) Republican because I am free in God's grace to make that decision.
I'm not blind and think that "religion" and the Church are perfect, but hey, we live in a fallen world. Nobody can be perfect. You will never find a congregation or denomination that is perfect, because they can't exist, because of sin. You will never, ever, ever, as long as you live, get along with everyone in your church. But you gotta love 'em, and you gotta forgive 'em, because Jesus tells us to.
Well, since no one else commented and I always feel kind of strange talking to myself and since I kind of went on a rant about this on my blog I'll comment.
ReplyDeleteThe great thing about the Christian faith is our direct link to God. Because of this you can in fact be a "Christian" without going to church. The point of going to "church" is to form a fellowship of believers. People who support each other and encourage each other. Rules are often set up to give a clear framework of common belief.
Of course we all know what goes wrong with all of this. THis is human nature and this is why we never seem to get along.
The fellow in the video is trying to answer common questions and I applaud him for it. The thing is that people who say clever things like Jesus was a brown skinned socialist or religion (meaning CHritianity) starts wars are just saying this stuff to be clever. They don't want to argue as in, exchange ideas and perhaps get individual enlightenment.
The truth is that any organization is going to have greedy people, will try to gain power, and will be mean to non members. Christianity was supposed to provide a framework to control these problems. There are plenty of scripture that show these things are wrong. AND it is basically up to you and I as individuals to not do this stuff.
I am not so good with my logic and so I'm not sure I'm saying it right so that I can argue will all the people who tell me I am stupid for believing in a myth but I know that doing the "right thing" is up to me.
I think I'm getting what you're saying. I guess I would say it as a certain pastor once told me - "God wrote His law on your heart." Meaning, even though it's all in the Bible, we also know what is right or wrong. I don't think it's a myth. Can I always follow those laws? Heck, no. That's why forgiveness and grace are so important.
DeleteAlso, the point (for me) of going to church is to praise and thank God who has provided for and blessed me so abundantly. As pointed out above, I'm a sinner. And so are all of the other people in Zion Lutheran Church, including that pastor. So, yeah, people hurt one another, but again, that's where forgiveness comes in. I don't always like some of the people in my church, but I love them as brothers and sisters in Christ.
From Ephisians: "And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all." 1:22
ReplyDeleteFrom the study notes: Through Baptism, there is a true, organic unity between all believers and Christ, which is nurtured by receiving His true body in the Lord's Supper. These marks of the Church are the pure doctrine of the Gospel and the administration of the Sacraments in accordance with the Gospel of Christ. This Church alone is called Christ's body, which Christ renews, sanctifies, and governs by His Spirit. As true God, Christ fills and governs the whole universe. Yet in His plan, God has graciously chosen that the Church should make Him complete, and likewise be filled by Him.
My thoughts: The Church is a gift given to us, a place to find communion with Him and with our brothers and sisters in Christ. Let us be glad for the house He has built for us and do our best to let His spirit work in and through it in love and forgiveness.
You know what else is great about Communion? ALL of heaven and earth is included (as explained to me by my pastor). So all the loved ones we've lost? They're right there with us.
DeleteAlso, I like hymns and organs. Get my song on LCMS style.
Honestly, I do not attend church. However, I agree with what you are saying 100%. The good thing is YOU are at peace with God, church and religion. Most of those who rail against the church/religion are not seeking an open dialogue but want to appear intelligent for doing what has become popular--demonizing the church. You can take pride in the fact that you don’t sway with trends. Straight and narrow and all that. :)
ReplyDelete