First off, let me say I understand why religion developed; the fearful clung together under a set of similar beliefs and the more educated of the bunch created a doctrine for the rest to follow. From this came religous structre, icon worship, temple/church building other forms of religous property management, heirarchies and more. For many for a long time, these things were necessary, due to ignorance and disorganization. I understand this.
Now: today, we live in an age where man this means man and woman, black and white, gay and straight, etc. etc.) can build faith without the trappings of religion. They are not required of God in any faith. No scripture mentions that the faithful should be compelled to purchase candles and medals and statues and whatnot. In churches and temples, more is being said about how to be a member of your church than of person of faith.
Why? Shouldn't the sheapard truly lead the sheep, and stop fleecing them?
2006-09-03 15:51:01 · 24 answers · asked by QuackJak 4 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Faith in God over faith in a church. Works over tithes. Help others. Put that dollar in the poor box instaed of buying another limited-edition icon plate. That's what I'm talking about.
Every religion abusues it's followers. Maybe not all priests and ministers and rabbis and imams, but enough to see the damage to the human spirit. Every day, you can turn on the T.V. and hear the please for the 'faithful' to purchase a vail of dirt form the Holy Land or some such thing. They don't even say where the money's going anymore; just that it will go to help 'the ministry'.
You tell me with a straight face this raises the spirt.
2006-09-03 15:59:50 · update #1
I didn't mention Jesus because people tend to abuse Jesus.
2006-09-03 16:00:54 · update #2
kinggreef777, passing the plate probably doesn't mean asking grandma on a fixed income to buy a 20 - DVD set of Bible Bob's Best Scripture Comedy Jams From the Crystal Temple up and above the already substantial tithe she gives to the church.
2006-09-03 16:20:00 · update #3
some already are
it's an individual journey
some people are lucky enough to be raised by enlightened people, others find enlightenment through endurance of anguish and suffering
religion is a good place to start your search for faith, though it would probably be more beneficial to many to read the scriptures themselves and find their own interpretation, rather than trying to understand someone else's(a preacher for example) interpretation
the written word can be manipulated in many ways.
2006-09-03 15:52:34 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Man has been ready to embrace true faith over religion sense day one.
WOW.
I am going to have to agree with you 100%
Saul/Paul makes this statement in 1Cr 4:1 Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God.
The Greek word for "of the ministers" Is huperetes
Translated it is an under-rower, subordinate rower. Like the guys in the bottom of ships rowing to the beat of a drum. Many ministers like to beat the drum and ignore the commands of Jesus to be a servant. Yes the Shepard should do more then lead the sheep. The Shepard should give his life for his sheep.
II live in Georgia and we have so many churches that you can find a wonderful Bible teaching fellowship. The fleecers don't last long here. I know we are spoiled. A church is awesome when Jesus is running the show. They DO exist. You got to look for them, (LOL) They don't advertise. That's not good stewardship.
GOD bless you.
2006-09-03 16:12:31 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
It appears you have had and/or seen or learned of such churches out there that aren't doing as they should. Maybe get sidetracked over the goings-on in the church, shephards not leading their sheep, rituals going on, ect. Many churches seem to get side-tracked and loose track of what needs to be done. In my opinion it is good for man to go to church, participate in church activities, and buisness areas of the church. However, in the "right" church. I've accepted the fact that there are no "perfect" church. But, there are some that come closer than others. The bottom line is....the church(pastor and congregation) need to fully believe that Jesus is God's Son and came to this earth to die and raise to save the lost. This is the most important fact when you're looking for a church home. If you get all caught up in the "religion" thing then it does get confusing. But, as you study and seek God will lead you.
2006-09-03 16:02:23 · answer #3 · answered by delorisjp 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
QuackJak,
I know what you are saying, I just don't think you have it quite right.
You need to do a study on the word "Church."
Also, it wasn't God's idea to have us all milling about without fellowship, and without a collection. So I don't think that you've figured out as much as you think you have.
1 Corinthians 16:1 Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye.
Sounds like the time when the plate passes by, eh?
2006-09-03 15:59:17 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Man will embrace true faith over religion when the Lord Jesus Christ returns to this earth. It will be at this time when Satan is bound, that there will not be all the confusion of religion. Christ will teach us the true faith, doctrines, and works; as the true shepherd. Religion is a tool that Satan uses to confuse Christ's sheep. He mixes the true doctrines of God with the opinions of man.
The truth is out there, but it is up to you to find where. Perhaps the next time missionaries of any religion knock on your door, you should listen to what they have to say and pray about their teachings to know if it is true for yourself.
2006-09-03 16:08:23 · answer #5 · answered by Mapper 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No, the shepherd is not ready yet to lead the flock and stop fleecing them. This is because people still need and respond to power structures. They still help to build them. Our governments are power structures. How well can we do without them? Look at the places with anarchic conditions. Many smaller power struggles take place, leading to what we call "barbaric" conditions.
Until people can control their animal natures enough to avoid instinctively trying to gain power over other people (using such excuses as ethnicity, age, wealth, gender, etc), the people who believe will need the organized structure of a religion. And these power structures will compete, with both the word and the sword.
2006-09-03 15:59:44 · answer #6 · answered by mjteegarden 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
This does not happen in every church, only traditional churches. The answer to your question is --One has to be spiritual to embrace true faith over religion. True faith is one's belief all the way in the lord, and religion is practicing idol worshipping God's, whereas they make up their own laws to live by.
2006-09-03 15:57:46 · answer #7 · answered by JoJoBa 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
After reading your statment and question at the top and thinking it over and re reading it I can say I agree with the first part. I understand the second part.
But what the hell do you mean the sheapard truly lead the sheep? And you went on to say stop fleecing them?
Nothing matched up at all? So what are you talking about?
2006-09-03 16:00:33 · answer #8 · answered by Don K 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
True faith in WHAT? You're not very clear where you're coming from. People worship the way they want to. Jesus said that the true worshipers will worship the Father in Spirit and in Truth, that manifests in many ways. And if some haven't entered into that freedom, they have help to direct their minds and hearts to Him.
2006-09-03 15:53:54 · answer #9 · answered by novalee 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
True faith in Jesus Christ will lead you to worship him in Spirit and in Truth, not buildings or doctrines of man.
2006-09-03 15:57:07 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋