Is our religion working for or against us?

21.APR.11

Editor: Our society is regarded as a christian one because this is our predominant religion. However, it is evident that our religion is having a declining effect as a stabilizer in our society.{{more}} Persons are no longer attaching the same amount of importance to our religious beliefs. However, our beliefs must be the foundation of our society. It, therefore, means that there must be a compromise between society and its religion.

I once heard a preacher describing the Bible as the uncompromising word of God. It means that the word of God cannot change to accommodate anyone or anything. I do hold a differing view, since a religion cannot exist without believers. All religions are beliefs, and this must be foremost in our minds. Everyone believes that his or her religion is the correct one, but no one is in a position to judge that.

One of the problems that beset christianity is the large number of unbelievable stories placed in the Bible. Whether they are true or not is open to much debate. The issue of the return of Jesus Christ is a serious challenge to us. As time goes by, more and more persons would begin to doubt it, and we must be appreciative of this. It is happening in other societies and would happen here also. We cannot prove whether it is true or not. Therefore, it ought to be de-emphasized. This should never be the pillar of our religion. Christianity is a science and not a belief as we have now turned it into. Christ walked on water and so did Peter (according to the Bible). The greatest reward from our religion should come while we are alive and not after death.

We often hear preachers saying that one must accept Jesus Christ as his or her savior in order to have a relationship with God. This sends a very bad message since many persons, especially the young, have not done this. It is basically saying that it is a waste of time to pray if you have not done so. It means that only christians can have a relationship with God, and this is simply not true. Everyone must be encouraged to pray and meditate, whether he or she is a christian or not. Meditation aids in the development of the inner self and helps to improve the ability to concentrate. This should be a point of emphasis, and not the constant threat of fire and brimstone. We have to modify the doctrine to meet our needs. We are always waiting for someone overseas to do it, then we run with it. I do not know if any denomination originated here. Persons overseas are not more knowledgeable than us. Of course, we would hear complaints about tampering with the word of God, as if this was not being done all along. Many fail to realize that the older Bible contained more than sixty-six books. Who removed some of them? It certainly was not God. Persons are giving us their belief, but your real religion should come from your relationship with God.

The Mystic