Christians, when are you going to throw religion out of Christianity?

Question

Christianity does not know its essence and is full of fluff, it does not correlate to the teachings of Jesus, it places too much emphasis on laws, rules and rituals. It tries to provide a system of belief, but that is not what Jesus intended. Too many Christians also take the Old Testament too seriously and consider every verse in the Bible to be an absolute truth. Christianity should get straight to the point and that is the gospel of Jesus.

Answer 1

You are partially correct. However, part of the problem with an issue like this is nobody knows what Jesus said. The earliest 'words' of Jesus come much later. Tradition states the Gospels (the canonical ones) were written between 65-120 AD, but we have no manuscripts that date before the 3rd century, meaning there is more than a hundred years between tradition and history. They were also written by the Greek community outside of Palestine, not by the Jewish one that was in fact the actual community Jesus himself taught.

Jesus did reject law and ritual, and in fact 'church' doesn't exist in the Bible. That was interpolated by medieval church writers. However, he was a Jew and he did not seek to find a new religion. He didn't seek to banish Judaism and create Christianity in its stead, he sought to reform Judaism. A new religion was created later, long after the deaths of Jesus and the original followers. It's simply the way history works. Things always evolve over time to be quite different from its original incarnation. The problem isn't necessarily that in and of itself, it's that people are unaware of this fact and instead believe (and fight over) issues that were never brought up during the original era.

Answer 2

It seems you define religion in terms of organized religion. Most social scientists do not agree with that. There are religions that don't have much organizational structure, like Hinduism or even Sunni Islam though they do have rituals though again not as elaborate as Roman Catholicism and the Orthodox churches. But then you have all the right to make your own definition. Just make sure you clearly define it so that anyone who wishes to discuss with you will be aware of it.

But I do agree with some of your points that some Christians do put too much emphasis on those things you mentioned. But again you can never generalize. There are Christian denominations that engage massively in providing relief to victims of disasters and wars and other types of aid to disadvantaged people while also campaigning for peace and justice. Unfortunately, they do need organization to raise and solicit aid and deliver it. There are Christians too that have very little organization and engage mainly in praying and singing praises and little else besides.

I don't understand what you mean by taking the Old Testament too seriously, but I do know that Jesus himself reinterpreted it in his time. For instance, I don't agree about applying the punishments to certain offenses as mentioned, say in Leviticus and Deuteronomy, like stoning to death a disobedient child or an adulterer. But there are portions in the Old Testament, like the prophets, especially those that deal with justice and the condemnation of excessive personal wealth as well as differentiating wealth (extreme class differences), that clearly find resonance in the gospels. I do take the Old Testament very seriously, but in the light of the gospels and the whole Bible.

I also agree that not every verse in the Bible is absolute truth. Indeed, how can you reconcile the pro-slavery texts in the Bible and the Exodus story?

As to the gospel of Jesus as the focal point and basis of Christian belief and practice I say, AMEN.

Answer 3

you're judging again. I share a lot of these views, such as rituals other than communion and baptism being unnecessary and like the laws the Pharisees added to God's Law, not to be practiced, not ordianed by God. those were the only two 'rituals' Jesus said to do

but the thing is, Jesus said that He came to fulfill the Law. you cannot understand Jesus unless you understand what the Law is about, what it says, and why it was said. so yes, the Old Testament is truth, but Christ offers the Truth, the motives and emotions behind the letters, so that we can live Godly lives and be born again/saved. He also made available to us the Holy Spirit.

so no, I don't believe priests should give mass/confessions, I don't believe we need to observe the seventh day, I don't believe that we can interpret the Bible for ourselves (that's the Spirit's job). etc.

Answer 4

I don't think you have a clue as to what you are talking about. The Old Testament serves as a school master that pointed the Hebrews to the ways of God. Jesus himself quoted the Old Testament numerous times, seeing the New Testament had not been written. There are some Christians who take the Old Testament out of context, but you are taking the entire life of Christ out of context he's the one that said "my words are truth..." I promise if you will seek Christ for yourself you will find Truth within the truth.

Answer 5

edit: Note the answer of the guy above me. Perfect Catholic right there--have others read your Bible to you. Nevermind studying to show yourself approved!

Please define the Gospel of Jesus, then maybe I'll agree with you.

I define the Gospel of Jesus as such:

"How a wretched man like myself comes into a personal relationship with an infinitely holy and just God."

The Law was powerless in this regard.

Answer 6

Homer,
There is no Gospel of Jesus. There are four gospel books. Get a Bible and begin studying. You will need it. Have a nice day.
Thanks,
Eds


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Answer 7

AMEN. I have been saying that for years. Religion is man made rules & regulations. Christianity is following Christ's teachings. Period.

Answer 8

The problem is not with what Christ taught, which is in scriptures. The problem is people 'Christians' have not discerned between scriptures and the Holy Bible. (They are not currently identical).

Answer 9

Agreed.

Answer 10

I will stick with the millions of hours and thousands of Theologians work in this regard over your own personal vision thank you!

Peace and God Bless!