Well said, but I think most people in and outside the church have a tendency to prefer a comfortable lie to an uncomfortable truth. Of course it looks different in Christians and is contrary to the character of our Savior.
An important distinction, maybe 2. The truth is a person, so far the only person ever to obtain everlasting life. The second is that Christianity is as you say a religion, but Jesus did not come into the world to give us a religion. Nope. He came to give us life, and that more abundantly. So while Christians are running around trying to be saved, they never ask “from what?” Eternal death, which we all partake of until we are born again of the Spirit. And to be sure, many religious people will be resurrected to life. But why wait when eternal, everlasting life is waiting.
This is what saddens me most about the church, that this is almost never taught, talked about, or even mentioned. It is the purpose of God sending His Son into the world in His love.
I’ve come to understand that this earthly life is death, because it is separated from God. There are many places in Scripture where this distinction is made. But once we receive the Spirit through Christ we are then in fellowship with God and thus alive. I tend to separate religious Christianity, waiting for the resurrection, from alive in Jesus, never to die.
I have sometimes thought that Earth is actually the "top stage of hell." This is the best some people will ever experience, right? In future chapters of the book, we will explore that. Any ideas are welcome at any time.
That would accurately describe life here on earth, but Hell is a distinct place. Jesus gave some hints, saying that if one came from Hell and told us about it, that they would still not believe. And He’ll is not to be confused with “The Lake of Fire, where Satan, all of his demons, the Antichrist and the False Prophet, and everyone who takes the mark of the beast, will burn for eternity. And of course there is also the outer darkness, something entirely different from all these.
I saw you followed us. Thank you! I'd love your comments on our audio chapters as we post them. Hoping to build a nice big community of kids and adults who interact to get to The Truth. (We know who that is)
My opinion is that you hit the core issue at the end of your article. That truth becomes dispensable when it causes us to lose something, suffer somehow, or require sacrificing something we own or hold dear to us. Most Christians don't elevate suffering and sacrifice as a vital part of living like Christ. They prefer a more "Consumer Christianity" where being a Christian gains you comforts in life, be they emotional, psychological, or material. Rarely do you find a Christian who sees the Christian faith as being a life of sacrifice and service to God and his children. To those who do, truth is paramount. To those who worry that the donor class of the congregation will be offended by the truth - well, they will continue to receive donations because they've sanitized the hard, difficult, truths of the Christian journey into a warm and comfortable worship and fellowship space.
There is a book you might find interesting. It is called "Live Not the Lie" by Rod Dreher. It is an insightful look into the late communist era in Eastern Europe and how people chose to ignore the truth in order to live peacefully amongst the communist political environment... and how in doing so they stripped themselves of their faith. Also interesting was the recent movie "Bonhoffer" which depicted the struggle and choices he made against the Nazi government. He is famous for this, among many quotes: "Silence in the face of evil is, itself, evil." He was executed for his anti-Nazi activity. It might be available online for viewing.
Thank you! I am familiar with the book and know of the movie. I have read Bonhoeffer's "Letters and Papers from Prison," as well as "Life Together." His life is an important study of suffering as a result of his commitment to his beliefs.
I am a Christian and it matters to me. I want the truth more than I want Christianity. I have found that Christianity is not true because it is Christianity. It is true because it is true.
A story comes to mind of when someone I had just met, spoke a truth and yes, I was offended, at first reaction. I had the good sense ...later to realize the impact it had on me. We became best friends. Why? Because I knew I could trust her. Her words reflected kindness, even love I would say. Therein lies the difference.
I was raised in the "German Baptist" tradition (MI). "Christians" have a problem with alcohol because they don't know the scriptures. Drunkenness is taught against, but there are dozens and dozens of things Scriptures [and Jesus] taught against much more than drunkenness.
Growing up I thought my parents were 'right' about everything; and I would say they were very Godly people. I think I was in my 40s when the thought hit me: "Hmm, there are almost 7 billion people on the earth– or 2 billion 'Christians' if you want -and my parents, and by extension, I –have the corner on 'the truth'?? Well, my faith journey has been 'German Baptist > then Independent Christian > Brethren > Presbyterian > now we worship in an Anglican Church (KS). There are true believers in each of these traditions. One favorite activity my wife and I have is visiting local micro-breweries whenever we travel. I would say that some very genuine fellowship happens in tap rooms around micro-beers. Blessings to you, Mary Jo.
Great post! I lived in Portland 1988-1997. I used to park in NW Ptld to save money and walk to downtown, passing Henry’s. I enjoyed the beer during that time, too,
Awwww! Thanks for that! The old brewery was turned into a restaurant, but it is now closed. However, a couple steel vats are still up top on the building.
It's said that if we came into God's presence face to face that we would perish. Why? Perhaps because all of our unworthiness, pettiness and sin would suddenly be revealed before Holy God, and we could not endure the ultimate Truth.
Awesome perspective! Truth matters, what ever Jesus said was (is) truth, but shortly after the Apostles, the church lost the plot and truth with it.
It’s a very important point you make about their being a cost to truth, it will hurt, there will be some loss that we need to weigh up and either accept or not.
Unfortunately, the link between Jesus and truth has been almost damaged beyond repair. This is intentional, as God wants to test those who claim to worship Him and their resolve to repent or detach.
I think the purpose for which the human mind is created is to grasp truth, to the best of the ability of its “operator.” To willfully fail in this purpose is thus a species of blasphemy. We had better not be indifferent to truth, having been equipped by our Lord to pursue, recognize, and act on truth.
No, truth cuts through the peripheries and can stun us. No fact of your father working in a brewery can make him unworthy. He is himself, and that is sufficient, and also should be sufficient for all of us. You are not made worthy or more worthy by any opinion of another person. You are one thinking soul trying to live your best life. That is all anyone can do. You are to be commended for trying to meet others where they are. Truth is essential in our lives whether we appreciate this fact is sometimes dubious.
Jesus drank wine. In fact he “brewed” some really good wine using only water! It wasn’t that long along that smoking by southern baptists was acceptable or maybe just slightly frowned upon.
I don't know if this Scripture goes with what you said, but it gives me this vibe:
"For John the Baptist has come eating no bread and drinking no wine, and you say, ‘He has a demon.’ The Son of Man has come eating and drinking, and you say, ‘Look at him! A glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’" Luke 7:33-34
Well said, but I think most people in and outside the church have a tendency to prefer a comfortable lie to an uncomfortable truth. Of course it looks different in Christians and is contrary to the character of our Savior.
That's an important distinction: a comfortable lie versus an uncomfortable truth.
As my friend Charlie used to say, “the truth will make you free, but first it will make you miserable.”
That’s a good quote!
An important distinction, maybe 2. The truth is a person, so far the only person ever to obtain everlasting life. The second is that Christianity is as you say a religion, but Jesus did not come into the world to give us a religion. Nope. He came to give us life, and that more abundantly. So while Christians are running around trying to be saved, they never ask “from what?” Eternal death, which we all partake of until we are born again of the Spirit. And to be sure, many religious people will be resurrected to life. But why wait when eternal, everlasting life is waiting.
This is what saddens me most about the church, that this is almost never taught, talked about, or even mentioned. It is the purpose of God sending His Son into the world in His love.
Agree. People think too much about the eternity that starts on the day they have an earthly death, rather than living in His Kingdom now.
That is a point that Roger (my husband) and I have discussed for many years: that Jesus brought His Kingdom with him.
I’ve come to understand that this earthly life is death, because it is separated from God. There are many places in Scripture where this distinction is made. But once we receive the Spirit through Christ we are then in fellowship with God and thus alive. I tend to separate religious Christianity, waiting for the resurrection, from alive in Jesus, never to die.
I have sometimes thought that Earth is actually the "top stage of hell." This is the best some people will ever experience, right? In future chapters of the book, we will explore that. Any ideas are welcome at any time.
That would accurately describe life here on earth, but Hell is a distinct place. Jesus gave some hints, saying that if one came from Hell and told us about it, that they would still not believe. And He’ll is not to be confused with “The Lake of Fire, where Satan, all of his demons, the Antichrist and the False Prophet, and everyone who takes the mark of the beast, will burn for eternity. And of course there is also the outer darkness, something entirely different from all these.
I saw you followed us. Thank you! I'd love your comments on our audio chapters as we post them. Hoping to build a nice big community of kids and adults who interact to get to The Truth. (We know who that is)
Rebel's Hike,
What's your book subject and title?
Great article! Something that needed to be said.
My opinion is that you hit the core issue at the end of your article. That truth becomes dispensable when it causes us to lose something, suffer somehow, or require sacrificing something we own or hold dear to us. Most Christians don't elevate suffering and sacrifice as a vital part of living like Christ. They prefer a more "Consumer Christianity" where being a Christian gains you comforts in life, be they emotional, psychological, or material. Rarely do you find a Christian who sees the Christian faith as being a life of sacrifice and service to God and his children. To those who do, truth is paramount. To those who worry that the donor class of the congregation will be offended by the truth - well, they will continue to receive donations because they've sanitized the hard, difficult, truths of the Christian journey into a warm and comfortable worship and fellowship space.
There is a book you might find interesting. It is called "Live Not the Lie" by Rod Dreher. It is an insightful look into the late communist era in Eastern Europe and how people chose to ignore the truth in order to live peacefully amongst the communist political environment... and how in doing so they stripped themselves of their faith. Also interesting was the recent movie "Bonhoffer" which depicted the struggle and choices he made against the Nazi government. He is famous for this, among many quotes: "Silence in the face of evil is, itself, evil." He was executed for his anti-Nazi activity. It might be available online for viewing.
Peace & Blessings to you and yours.
✨️🕊🙏🎊✨️
Fr. Paul,
Thank you! I am familiar with the book and know of the movie. I have read Bonhoeffer's "Letters and Papers from Prison," as well as "Life Together." His life is an important study of suffering as a result of his commitment to his beliefs.
I am a Christian and it matters to me. I want the truth more than I want Christianity. I have found that Christianity is not true because it is Christianity. It is true because it is true.
A story comes to mind of when someone I had just met, spoke a truth and yes, I was offended, at first reaction. I had the good sense ...later to realize the impact it had on me. We became best friends. Why? Because I knew I could trust her. Her words reflected kindness, even love I would say. Therein lies the difference.
I was raised in the "German Baptist" tradition (MI). "Christians" have a problem with alcohol because they don't know the scriptures. Drunkenness is taught against, but there are dozens and dozens of things Scriptures [and Jesus] taught against much more than drunkenness.
Growing up I thought my parents were 'right' about everything; and I would say they were very Godly people. I think I was in my 40s when the thought hit me: "Hmm, there are almost 7 billion people on the earth– or 2 billion 'Christians' if you want -and my parents, and by extension, I –have the corner on 'the truth'?? Well, my faith journey has been 'German Baptist > then Independent Christian > Brethren > Presbyterian > now we worship in an Anglican Church (KS). There are true believers in each of these traditions. One favorite activity my wife and I have is visiting local micro-breweries whenever we travel. I would say that some very genuine fellowship happens in tap rooms around micro-beers. Blessings to you, Mary Jo.
I am always excited to find a wonderful perspective! Your words resonate with me!
Great post! I lived in Portland 1988-1997. I used to park in NW Ptld to save money and walk to downtown, passing Henry’s. I enjoyed the beer during that time, too,
Awwww! Thanks for that! The old brewery was turned into a restaurant, but it is now closed. However, a couple steel vats are still up top on the building.
It's said that if we came into God's presence face to face that we would perish. Why? Perhaps because all of our unworthiness, pettiness and sin would suddenly be revealed before Holy God, and we could not endure the ultimate Truth.
Awesome perspective! Truth matters, what ever Jesus said was (is) truth, but shortly after the Apostles, the church lost the plot and truth with it.
It’s a very important point you make about their being a cost to truth, it will hurt, there will be some loss that we need to weigh up and either accept or not.
Unfortunately, the link between Jesus and truth has been almost damaged beyond repair. This is intentional, as God wants to test those who claim to worship Him and their resolve to repent or detach.
I think the purpose for which the human mind is created is to grasp truth, to the best of the ability of its “operator.” To willfully fail in this purpose is thus a species of blasphemy. We had better not be indifferent to truth, having been equipped by our Lord to pursue, recognize, and act on truth.
Artfully written.
No, truth cuts through the peripheries and can stun us. No fact of your father working in a brewery can make him unworthy. He is himself, and that is sufficient, and also should be sufficient for all of us. You are not made worthy or more worthy by any opinion of another person. You are one thinking soul trying to live your best life. That is all anyone can do. You are to be commended for trying to meet others where they are. Truth is essential in our lives whether we appreciate this fact is sometimes dubious.
Thank you for all the comments!
I tend to be wary of global critiques of “the Church” or blanket criticisms of “Christians.”
Yours was neither. You qualified your perspective as personal and anecdotal.
You raise valid issues.
Thx.
Ron,
Thank you for your note. Yeah, I'm only one person and cannot have the experience of the worldwide, and historic, Christian Church.
Jesus drank wine. In fact he “brewed” some really good wine using only water! It wasn’t that long along that smoking by southern baptists was acceptable or maybe just slightly frowned upon.
I don't know if this Scripture goes with what you said, but it gives me this vibe:
"For John the Baptist has come eating no bread and drinking no wine, and you say, ‘He has a demon.’ The Son of Man has come eating and drinking, and you say, ‘Look at him! A glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’" Luke 7:33-34