At Experimental Theology, Richard Beck discusses what it means in modern America to “work on” one’s relations with “God.”
The trouble with contemporary Christianity is that a massive bait and switch is going on. “Christianity” has essentially become a mechanism for allowing millions of people to replace being a decent human being with something else, an endorsed “spiritual” substitute. For example, rather than being a decent human being the following is a list of some commonly acceptable substitutes:
- Going to church
- Worship
- Praying
- Spiritual disciplines (e.g., fasting)
- Bible study
- Voting Republican
- Going on spiritual retreats
- Reading religious books
- Arguing with evolutionists
- Sending your child to a Christian school or providing education at home
- Using religious language
- Avoiding R-rated movies
- Not reading Harry Potter.
According to Luke, Jesus might call these activities “washing the outside of the cup” (Luke 11:37-41).
Here’s a plea to keep Christ in Christmas, but to keep Christianity out. http://i.imgur.com/am3v7.jpg
Erich: “Here’s a plea to keep Christ in Christmas, but to keep Christianity out.” http://i.imgur.com/am3v7.jpg
Now there’s a movement I could really endorse. Thanks for that link;
a message that really deserves to “go viral.”