Lots of fascinating statements in this meme, eh? Let me throw you one more: I follow Jesus of Nazareth (who many people believe is the Son of God) and I most certain AM anti-religion.
In fact, judging by the statements in the meme, many other Jesus followers are anti-religion. Let’s go through the list:
- I most certain am anti-sexism.
- Any thinking Jesus follower is anti-racism because we know that all people have equal value in the eyes of God. There are NO exceptions to this truth.
- The same truth applies to LGBTQ people. God LOVES them and offers them the same gift He offered me: a new, transformed and eternal life, starting RIGHT NOW, through faith in His Son.
How do I know these things? One of the four original-source biographies of Jesus’s physical life on earth says: God expressed His love for the world in this way: He gave His only Son so that whoever believes in Him will not face everlasting destruction, but will have everlasting life.
That’s an all-encompassing statement; there are no footnotes indicating any exceptions. So no matter what you believe or what anyone has told you, ALL people have equal value in the eyes of God.
- I oppose abuse of any kind and so do all Jesus followers I’ve ever encountered. That doesn’t mean any of us are within shouting distance of perfection. Just like atheist/agnostic people or folks from other faith groups, we can make mistakes in the heat of emotion or through insecurity or self-centredness. No one is above temptation.
- Anti-war? Like many people, I take a more nuanced position. Consider this: what would the world be like if Nazism hadn’t been defeated through war? I don’t like the answer and I suspect you don’t either.
- As for the last statement in the meme, after reading this far, do YOU believe that religion is anti-you? If you’re with me, then skip religion and follow Jesus instead.
Before you ask, let me answer: NO, following Jesus doesn’t mean you obsess on observing petty rules, feeling superior to others and judging people based on their behaviour, their clothes/jewelry or how “good” you think they might be.
The thing I try to remember, the thing I NEED to keep me humble, is the FACT that no matter how good I think I am, it’s not good enough. Did you know this — Jesus told anyone willing to listen that “you are called to something higher: Be perfect, as your Father in heaven is perfect.”
Really? Yes, really. That’s why I call myself a Jesus follower. By claiming Him as Lord, Saviour and best friend, I benefit from Jesus’ death on a Roman cross. That death wipes the slate clean for ALL His followers. This means all the wrong things I’ve done, and all the right things I’ve failed to do, are GONE. God sees me like He sees Jesus: perfect in every way.
Just as important, when I became a Jesus follower, I opened the door to Him coming into my life RIGHT NOW and making me the person God designed me to be. That process won’t end until this life is finished and I go to be with my creator in Heaven.
Sound interesting? Yes or no, post your thoughts below and let’s have a conversation.
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