Why did I save this graphic after first seeing it in an atheist community? Because I can do better.
Yes, “religion” offers false hope for the poor. Yes, “religion” offers pretend wisdom for the stupid.
But it also offers opportunities to be judgemental. Hard-hearted. Unforgiving. Obsessed with keeping irrelevant rules. Unloving of anyone outside the “religious” group.
Had enough? I certainly have. That’s why I’ll always stand up, with any member of the atheist world, and declare that “religion” is downright horrible.
Before I go any further, let me clarify: the “religion” I’m referring to is what most of our culture generally thinks of when they hear the word. Not the dictionary definition.
Let me move you on to something far more life-affirming, soul-enhancing and character-building: faith. In this case, faith in Jesus of Nazaareth, whom many people believe is the divine Son of God.
Jesus had as much interest in “religion” as you, me and the creator of the meme that inspired this blog. In other words, ZERO.
During His physical time on earth, Jesus spent much of his time opposing the dominant religious authorities in ancient Israel. In ‘Matthew’, one of the four Bible accounts of Jesus’ physical life, he notes “They crush people with unbearable religious demands and never lift a finger to ease the burden”.
Yep. Nailed it.
So what about faith – in this case, faith in Jesus? Now we’re talking about something entirely different. We’re talking about:
- Understanding who God is – the perfect and mysterious creator of time, space and the universe.
- Understanding who we are – imperfect people who can’t live up to God’s standard of perfection.
- Understanding who Jesus is – God’s absolutely perfect love GIFT to everyone who is willing to believe in Jesus and follow Him above everyone and everything else.
When you understand this and accept the gift of Jesus, you also understand that you no longer have to live up to God’s standard of perfection because Jesus paid the penalty for everything wrong you’ve ever done and everything right you’ve ever failed to do.
Finally, when you understand all this, you’ll want to become more like Jesus. You’ll want to be more generous and less selfish, more compassionate and less judgemental, more concerned about others and less preoccupied with yourself.
This is all part of the miracle that happens when you cast aside the priorities of our culture and make Jesus your priority. It’s a life-long process of change and growth that doesn’t end until you’re finished with this life and start your next life – eternity in the transforming, glorious presence of your Creator.
Interested? Yes or no, post your thoughts below and let’s have a conversation.
That’s a smart answer to a tricky question.