Interesting topic from BeliefNet | Itstrue1Jn51312/14/2006 11:54 PM | 1 out of 2 | |
| Taking the position that Jesus Christ is, in fact, the Son of God who paid the price for our sins, I dont believe our affiliation with any Christian religion "gives a person an 'an edge'" in their approval by God and Christ. I believe that there is a distinction between being a 'religious' person and a 'spiritual' person. The primary goal of all religions that claim to be Christian is self-preservation. Preserving the faith is central to God's plan; preserving particular religious institutions is not. Do not expect those who run the institutions to be sensitive to the difference. God needs no particular person, church, demonination, creed or organization to accomplish HIS purpose. God will make use of those christian religions, in all their diversity, who are ready to be used, but will leave to themselves those who labor for their own needs. Nonetheless, questioning the institutions, for many, is synonymous with attacking God--something not to be tolerated. Supposedly they are protecting God; actually, they are protecting themselves, their view of the world, and especiality--their sense of security. Their religious institution has given them meaning, a sense of purpose, and, in some cases, careers. Anyone perceived as a threat to these things is often met with some "force" by the institution. Religious institutions express their power most clearly by enunciating, interpreting and enforcing the rules, e.g., through 'excommunication','disfellowshippment' or other shunning procedures. The test for each christian to develope a personal relationship with God and Christ and allow God's Holy Spirit guide their thinking and actions. | |||
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