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If You Invented a Religion

3/15/2023

4 Comments

 
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What if you could invent a religion?  You’d probably make its central figures heroic and virtuous. All the characteristics we wish we had.  This is true of most ancient religions and mythologies.  They are typically a picture of a peoples' aspirations more than they are of reality.   

I only know of one religion that is scandalously sober in its assessment of its key leaders.  Only the faith named for Jesus, the Christ, has such a scathing view of her adherents.  
Cyclical self-deception.
Cowering fear.
Blatant denial and unbelief.
Foolhardy hubris.

(See the example of one man:  Matt. 14:31; Mark 14:66-72; Luke 5:8; Galatians 2:11-14)

These followers are clearly inferior. They appear to make a mockery of the faith they profess.  Except unlike every other religion, this God seeks them when hopelessly lost.  He receives them when they fail so obviously.  

This is one of the compelling curiosities of Christianity.  My best education in the Christian faith has not come in a classroom or by lecture.  I’ve been schooled most effectively when I reach my finite limits.  When dogged by doubts and frustrated by fear.  When struck by the flawed face in the mirror.  When embarrassed by my own impulsive pride.  

Only in this religion is there anything close to a cross and a God who would choose to go there.  Only here does a God sacrifice for failed followers who prove to be fools.  

Your flaws are cause for you to fall breathless at the foot of the cross and find incomparable strength and love.  I could not invent such a religion, but I believe it.  
4 Comments
Mark Kinnard
3/15/2023 05:59:02 pm

What happens when you start a new religion? Where do you start?
Who would be God?
How would we effectively say “ NEW RELiGION “!

A lot to think about,

Reply
Alan Creek
3/16/2023 04:56:12 am

Thanks Jeff. Very thought provoking. God's grace is sweetest when I realize how steeped in sin I am. My best prayers are when I am at my worst. Grace liberates us to follow Him and put the Devil's accusations behind us. Thanks be to God!

Reply
Delmar Krueger
3/16/2023 05:36:56 pm

People invent their religion daily!

Reply
Jim link
3/17/2023 05:35:49 am

His point isn’t that people don’t invent religion

Reply



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  • Blog
  • About
    • Sixth Generation
    • Jeff Cloeter
    • If you're not a Christian . . .
    • Contact
  • Loved & Sent
    • Get The Book
    • Endorsements
    • The Stories
    • My Children's Book
  • The Daily Pattern