Q & A for those on the fence about religion. Part 2
Separating True Christianity from the fakers to help you decide if it’s the right move for you.
Q: Isn’t the church oppressive and judgmental? I don’t think I can handle an environment where I constantly feel guilty.
A: First and foremost, just because a church/person claims to be a Christian, doesn’t mean they are. This is why reading on your own is so important.
Romans 2:1 “You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge another, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things.”
One of the main points of religious reform during the Protestant reformation (which made the push for starting a church that was in closer alignment with the Bible as opposed to tradition) was that the constant guilt and labors for salvation (pilgrimages, living as a monk, etc) were in contrast to the life that Jesus wanted us to lead. While a little guilt is good to maintain a healthy conscious, the fear and guilt some churches will leave people with is in stark contrast to what the Bible promises: “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him” Romans 15:13. The question you have to ask yourself when you hear a preacher demanding compliance through the use of fear and guilt is “How much of this is based on a directive from the church/denomination versus what the Bible actually says?". Another reason for you to read it for yourself.
Q: Hasn’t organized religion has resulted in too much divisiveness today and wars in the past?
A: What it truly comes down to is the belief system of a denomination and how well they exhibit love. While it is true that the Bible will always have it's share of controversy because it does not fall in line with the message we receive from the rest of the world, it doesn't mean that everyone who claims to be a follower of Christ actually is. During the protestant reformation Martin Luther makes it known that no one should take up arms to defend the church (D’Aubigne, London ed., b.10, Ch.14). In fact, one of the major issues the reformers had was the use of religion for power and control by the church at that time.
During the reformation the Elector of Saxony points out that the reformation, which was Biblically based, was successful without war. It was won through sacrifice, study, outreach and prayer. The point is to showcase God’s power, which won't happen if you take up arms (Ibid, b.14, Ch.1).
While this may be in stark contrast to the wars fought by Israel in the Old Testament, the arrival of Jesus put an end to the Old Testament necessities for sacrifice and survival, fortified the 10 commandments and began the life that would be an example for Christians today. So yes, organized religion has resulted in war and divisiveness in the past, but it shouldn't have and the reformation provided the example for Churches today to follow the Biblical functions of the church.
Q: What If I’m not good enough yet or I can’t give up these bad habits that I enjoy before joining a church?
A: The assumption that you have to be ready before you find a church or that you have to eliminate your vices to be a ‘good’ person first before making the leap on your religious journey are inaccurate. The entire Protestant reformation during the reign of the Roman Catholic Church was based on the reemergence of the Biblical understanding that no man can ‘work’ his way into heaven. The process works in the opposite direction: show up, learn, read on your own and ask for help and you will notice the changes occurring in your life over time. You’re not expected to do it on your own. I cover this in more detail in the article ‘I'm not good enough yet to be a Christian’.
Even with the reformation, many denominations still hold on to non-biblical traditions, judgmental practices, fear mongering or methods of generating wealth in exchange for blessings. So here’s a list of what to look for in a truly reformed church:
A pastor who is not living lavishly.
a. From the apostles to the Protestant reformers, there is no record of someone who has dedicated their life to God turning a profit from it that they keep to themselves. Jesus even states that there was no prophet greater than John the Baptist: “Truly I tell you, among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he” Matthew 11:1, and yet he lived in the wilderness. Also note how Jesus regards us all as equals by identifying John as the greatest man (even though he was homeless and in the wilderness) but when it comes to heaven we’re all the same.
Community outreach.
a.The church and its members should be in service to and benefit the community around them. “So Jesus called them together and said, ‘You know that the rulers in this world lord it over their people, and officials flaunt their authority over those under them. But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you must be the slave of everyone else. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Mark 10:42-45, notice one again the emphasis on all of us being equal and people who hold authority over you are not true leaders for Christ.
Reaches out to others about God through love just as much as they do Bible study.
a.“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people…” Galatians 6:9-10
Salvation by Grace
a.This was the basis of the Protestant reformation: that another man cannot forgive you of your sins and you cannot ‘work’ or do enough good on your own and simply be saved. It starts with accepting God, he will not force you to do so, and neither should anyone else. “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9
Small groups
a.While it’s great to be a part of a big church, it can be very in-personable. We are social beings and we are supposed to walk through this life together. It only takes meeting with a few people on a regular basis to share your struggles, wins and what you’ve learned to grow. “For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.” Matthew 18:20
References the Bible for its beliefs and practices.
a.This one is simple, if someone is speaking to you and they can’t reference the Bible or God’s word in regard to what they’re claiming, see this as a warning sign. “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness” 2 Timothy 3:16
