Church, Religion, or Christianity

Church, Religion, or Christianity

By Crossfire

     Some people say that they do not go to church because they don’t like organized religion. To that statement, they could be asked if it is unorganized religion that they prefer. It is really just an excuse. Actually, they do not like what they preserve as church or religion. Often it is because they feel that it is opposed to their life style and they do not want to change or feel like they should.

  There are many reasons why some people do not like church or religion and many of them are not without merit. It is said that religions are just a tool to control people. Was it Karl Marx that stated, religion is the opiate of the people? In many respects, he was correct. Many religions do exercise a great deal of control over their followers. Fact is that everyone is controlled by something. Total self-control is a myth. It is Christ that gives us free choice. We can follow what His instructions or we can ignore them, the choice is ours.

Another excuse is that churches and religions are all about money, and that their leaders and Pastors wear Rolex watches, and drive Rolls Royce cars. There no doubt are some, but it is far from the normal. Many Pastors today, are fortunate to have a good working watch or a vehicle that is not in need of some repair. It is clear that many do not have good working watches, because they often preach past the time to end the message.

There is always a bad apple that can be pointed to, as if that represented everyone. Pastors and religious leaders are not Gods. They are very human, are not perfect, and are subject to make mistakes just like anyone else. They are in the spot light, so to speak, and any error is very noticeable. This is why, in Christianity, Christians follow Christ and not man. Man will always disappoint you, sooner or later. Should a Pastor set a good example? Of course he should and so should each of us, but he is no more perfect than any of us. If the critics can not point to some error by the Pastor, they will find an imperfect person that goes to that church. Christians are not perfect they are forgiven; there is a lot of difference. The critic does not mind going to work, to a bar, to the store, or to a ball game with imperfect people, why not Church? It is just an excuse!

Some people claim to be atheist and opposed to all religion. Atheism itself is a religion, because an atheist has to believe that there is no God – there is no way for them to prove it. Atheism is a religion, based on the belief that there is no God. While hating religion, they have become one.

Christianity is not church or religion; it is a way of life based on the teachings of Christ. You either believe His teachings or you do not. If a person goes through life believing the teachings of Christ, and in the end, find they were wrong, they have lost nothing. If a person goes through life, rejecting His teaching, and in the end they find out they were wrong, they have lost everything!

Ok, now what is your excuse?