Religion's Sad Legacy and Ultimate Recovery

The institutionalization of Christianity has brought many positive outcomes. The directive to "not forsake the gathering together" provides opportunity to share experiences and grow in a knowledge of God. The "strength in numbers" has built organizations that can accomplish more for humanity than individuals alone.

But in large part I see organized religion as having failed God's request to be His witnesses - to show what God is really like. Jesus's mission was to do just that and show us the Father so we could do that also.

The Church very early on lost sight of that mission and instead spent their energies establishing their organizations and differentiating themselves from others who did not see things their way. This was seen in the early Christian church with it's searches for heretics, in its interactions (read that "Crusades") with those who did not believe in Yahweh but in some other version such as Islam, and later in their intolerance of dissenting ideas as seen during the reformation (Catholic and Protestant) and continuing until the present. This intolerance has led not only to wars and death but to cruelty all in the name of God. The actions of the past continue the divisions of today. While they may not be as physically barbaric today, they continue the cruelty. Lives and reputations are crushed. The very people who need to come closer to God find themselves marginalized and pushed out of the circle.

I'm having trouble reading Jesus's words into so much of what I see being said and done in the name of religion. Would He speak such hateful things against the disadvantaged and displaced as I hear coming from the mouths of His nominal leaders today?

"Neither do I condemn you. Go and sin no more" accomplishes both rebuke of the act which was demeaning and affirmation of the individual. Prodigal sons are always welcome and bitter older brothers are allowed their gripes. Lost sheep are sought. The banquets are open to those with no place to go. The only harsh attitude was against those who said they were doing God's will but were not - the hypocrites and doubleminded - those who hid God's character from people.

For my life, I have to find a better guide. The church will support my growth rather than me support it's growth. The need isn't for better defense of the "pillars of truth." It is for those who see God's desire to be understood and accept their responsibility to share His character. People who will be thought of by others as poor in spirit, who mourn, who are meek, who hunger and thirst for righeousness, who are merciful, who are pure in heart, who are peacemakers, and who are perceived as persecuted because they are righteous. Paul shares more fruits of the Spirit that expand on these.

My belief is that Jesus's purpose was to be my example as He showed me God's character. His life lived out these values he shared. I need to 1. understand them right, 2. incorporate them into my life, and 3. make them habits - done without thinking. Will one person make a difference? If nothing else, the meditation on these values will make a difference in this one person.

This will be my journey to spiritual contentment.