On the Evils of Religion

The title of this post will probably send some some people into apoplectic shock, however, be assured that I have not turned into some raving apostate who declares we would all be better off if we were atheists. No - what got me thinking about this was something I saw when looking at a blog profile. Under religious beliefs, the individual had written "Hate religion. Love Jesus." I have to confess that my first impression was that it seemed far too much like something I would see on a bumper sticker. But, it got me thinking, and asking the question ; What is religion, anyway? and, Why would someone who loves Jesus hate it?

First, what is religion? I remember being taught that religion is what man tries to do for God. In contrast, salvation is what God has done for man. Not a bad definition, but not great either. I would add to it that religion is also something men do in order to control others. But what are the evils of religion?

• it leads people away from Christ and His work for them. My brother likes to say that religion is all about getting people on the "sin-management plan." The emphasis becomes behavior modification, not loving God and worshipping Him.
• It deceives the unbeliever about the true nature of Christianity. Time and time again I have run into people who have been turned off by what they think is the gospel but what in actuality is a false gospel, i.e. religion. They have been told that what they must do is straighten up, fly right, toe the line, or get sent to hell.
• it tends to seek the transformation of the world using worldly methods such as political activism, etc. If you begin with a false gospel which preaches "make sure that you are anti-abortion, anti gay marriage, a conservative Republican, a lover of war, that you don't drink, or smoke, or indulge in anything that feels too good, then you're a good Christian" then it seems logical I suppose to try to pass laws and force (control) people to be anti-abortion, anti-gay marriage, conservative Republicans, lovers of war, non - drinkers, non-smokers, etc. Then they'll be christians too !!! won't they...?

I had some other things to say, but it seems like I can't get Matthew 11:28 out of my head. Jesus says:

Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

Could it be that Jesus was talking not just about total dependence on Him for salvation, but also freedom from the burdens of religion?

The Christian Cannot Set The World Right

Okay, the title of this post has been unabashedly stolen from a tract by J.N.Darby. I've been thinking about this idea of Christians "setting the world right" lately, probably because here in the United States, we are in an election year. I have always been a little fascinated by the obsession that American Christians have with politics. Just listen to Christian radio for a little while and you'll see what I mean. This year I have been somewhat amused at the pouting and foot stomping of several evangelical leaders over the prospect of John McCain being the Republican nominee for president. The one that really stands out is James Dobson. He's basically throwing a temper tantrum over it that could put my autistic nephew to shame. Mr Dobson is basically saying that he wants to take his ball and go home. (Is it just me or has Mr Dobson been slowly approaching the deep end as he gets older?) But I digress. The question is - what do Christians hope to accomplish by being involved in the political process? This is what brings me to JND's tract. First of all Darby reminds us that the World system is sinful and in rebellion against God. The powers that be are ordained of God - and we should therefore respect their authority, but we should not expect righteousness from anyone except the One at God's right hand - Christ. To quote Darby -

My business is to walk as a Christian, and shew the
character of Christ, not to set the world right; when
Christ comes He will do that ... If I could only set myself
and other Christians right that would be the thing.

The real crux of JND's argument is seen in another quote:

If I am to set the world right I must join with the world
and can't have any principles but theirs ... If he joins with
and infidel he owns infidelity can set the world right.

In other words, if a Christian seeks to become involved in the political process, he is taking on a fundamentally worldly endeavour, using worldly principles to advance "christian" values. Scripture is pretty clear, I think, that Jesus' kingdom is not of this world. Oh, Jesus will reign over the physical creation in the future, but that time is not yet. (Although ultimately God is always sovereign, of course).

I am somewhat exasperated with all of the Christians out there who seem bent on forcing everyone to own and obey the ten commandments, for example. What do they think they will accomplish? The law, while good, is powerless to produce godly behavior. (see Romans 7 and 8). I'll hang in there with what God says through Paul "I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for IT IS THE POWER OF GOD UNTO SALVATION to everone who believeth, to the Jew first, and also to the Greek." It is only the gospel that transforms individuals, not "better laws", or electing Republicans to office.

Update - Bible reading

Well, it has been a long time since I've written anything on this blog. I suspect nobody reads or checks on it anymore!
I thought I'd give an update on my Bible reading project. In an earlier post I had mentioned that I had a goal of reading through the Bible in six months. Along with some friends of mine we decided to go with a translation that was a little off the beaten path (for us). So we chose the New Living Translation (NLT). First of all, the actual Bible reading has gone very well. In about another two weeks or so, I will have read through the entire Bible. For me this will actually mark the first time I have actually systematically done this. I do have some random thoughts that emerge from reading through the scriptures : First, I recently read through the four gospels. One of the things that I always enjoy about the gospels is that the Lord Jesus is right there, i.e. the text is directly telling us what He did and said while here on earth. Of course the whole Bible is ultimately about Him, but in the gospels you are faced with the truth of who He is directly. Another thing that leaped out at me as I read through the Bible is the faithfulness of God. Especially all the passages in the OT where He reitirates that He will fulfill all of the promises that He made to Israel. Time and time again I was reminded that God has not cast away His ancient people whom He foreknew. I was also reminded that its all about the goodness of God, not the goodness of human beings. In other words, God will keep His promises to Israel because He is good, not because they are. My reading through the Bible convinced me that Israel still has a place in the plans and purposes of God. What that is exactly is a discussion for another post.
Lastly, some thoughts on using the NLT for my Bible reading. It was eminently readable, which is a positive when you are trying to read through the whole Bible. Overall I was satisfied with the accuracy of the translation insofar as it put across the main teaching of the Bible in what I considered to be an orthodox way. I suppose I am well enough grounded in my faith not to be overly concerned with some inadequately translated passages. But that does bring me to a couple of criticisms; namely, in its attempt to be a contemporary translation, the NLT can be too familiar. It lacks a certain depth or majesty of language that I feel scripture has. (Of course, my thoughts on this point probably arise from the fact that I have read the KJV for most of my life, and that I prefer reading the Bible in what is essentially, Elizabethan English.) Also, some passages with which I have been familiar with for many years seemed to me to be translated inaccurately. I suppose this irritated me when I read them. However, I most certainly am not a "KJV only" proponent. The NLT I believe is fine for reading, probably not so great for more in depth study.
As a final thought - the reading of scripture should not be done as simply an exercise or task to be completed, but to encounter the living God through His inspired word...