Religion question

[jdmalm123]

Originally Posted by BendtheBar

One thing that I noticed as I studied Jesus and his relationship with the Pharisees was the peculiar similarity that the modern Christian Church and it's different denominations (38,000) and doctrines had to the Tower of Babel. Just as they all spoke in different languages, so do most all modern denominations.

Understand, this is in no way a condemnation of the Christian faith. Just something I found rather interesting. Perhaps it is God's handiwork that the denominations do not unite.

In any case, I am fascinated by Jesus. Though I have read and studied the Bible, Jesus is most stunning to me because of his opposition to the Pharisees and religion.

I sometimes wonder if Jesus appeared to the modern Christian community if he wouldn't be crucified once again. Here is Wisconsin, we have so many Lutheran denominations that dislike one another. That sounds like a strong word - dislike - but I believe it to be accurate. They help a Lutheran prayer summit and it broke up before the prayer because of different denominational beliefs.

Again, not a condemnation of Christianity or Christians. Just the reality that many Christians are very pharisaical. (So are atheists for that matter - it's a human condition, not a Christian condition)

Ever read "Mere Christianity" by C.S. Lewis?

[BendtheBar]

Originally Posted by jdmalm123

Ever read "Mere Christianity" by C.S. Lewis?

Sure did. I own it. I have probably owned about a hundred or so Christian books (yes, I read a lot)...from Donald Miller, Dallas Willard and Brennan Manning to a lot of emerging church material, and plenty of straight-lined material like John Piper and John MacArthur.

Believe it or not, my studies were pretty intense at the time. I have a very good friend who is a pastor and we even attended the pre-screening of The passion of the Christ at Elmbrook(?) in Chi town. Mel Gibson was there are spoke to us.

I have to say that at times I miss studying Jesus, but we don't miss the heartache from the church.

[jdmalm123]

Originally Posted by BendtheBar

I have to say that at times I miss studying Jesus, but we don't miss the heartache from the church.

I have to say, my joy comes from still having access to the former without the latter.

[big valsalva]

Originally Posted by BendtheBar

One thing that I noticed as I studied Jesus and his relationship with the Pharisees was the peculiar similarity that the modern Christian Church and it's different denominations (38,000) and doctrines had to the Tower of Babel. Just as they all spoke in different languages, so do most all modern denominations.

Oh my gosh, yes! I never thought of that before.

Originally Posted by BendtheBar

In any case, I am fascinated by Jesus. Though I have read and studied the Bible, Jesus is most stunning to me because of his opposition to the Pharisees and religion.

Opposed to the Pharisees, yes. Opposed to religion, no. He was opposed to how the Pharisees had perverted the true Holiness of God, and had created Laws unto themselves. In so doing, they had stifled the human experience in an effort to preserve God's Holiness. The end result being they completely cut off any opportunity for a common man to have a relationship with God.

Originally Posted by BendtheBar

I sometimes wonder if Jesus appeared to the modern Christian community if he wouldn't be crucified once again. Here is Wisconsin, we have so many Lutheran denominations that dislike one another. That sounds like a strong word - dislike - but I believe it to be accurate. They held a Lutheran prayer summit and it broke up before the prayer because of different denominational beliefs.

The Democrats wouldn't allow it, but He wouldn't be well received. There exists (since at least Constantine) a tremendous power and money grab. The Truth goes contrary to that and doesen't sit well with the establishment.

Originally Posted by BendtheBar

Again, not a condemnation of Christianity or Christians. Just the reality that many Christians are very pharisaical. (So are atheists for that matter - it's a human condition, not a Christian condition)

Amen.