Churchless Christian

In response to:Passive Christianity

Sun, 18 Oct 2009 09:10:14 +0200

Why has religion indeed the Holy Bible been the cause so much trouble in the world. If I count the trouble caused by Man’s interpretation of Holy Scriptures throughout history; I would need a super computer to record the results.

Holy Books are the bane of human kind, mix their vague and cryptic messages with the manipulative, power hungry and vain "Holy Men" and you have trouble which spans the course of history. These people who interpret Holy Scriptures to their own slants are the worse types of human beings.

After sixty years of listening to the inane prattle of holy men and women, I have grown to hate the word of god and all its trappings. Seriously, I have not in the course of my life ever heard anything of good come from the preaching of the "Word of God."

The fact of the matter is; I only hear separatism and bigotry defined in the interpretation of "God's Word." I hear the condemnation of the physical world; I hear the condemnation of the other religions of the world and its peoples as; ‘godless, pagan and heathen. The followers of Allah say; "I am a Muslim so you are an infidel because you are not." What is the matter with the people of the world, you are not solving problems with religion, you are making the world worse because of your interpretations, and misunderstanding of what the prophets wrote thousands of years ago.

Here on one hand you have the "Pope" telling his people to super populate the world and on the other hand you have a Religious Zealot from the Mullah telling their people that they must fight a Jihad, the average person who knows not, takes these religious personalities to heart.

I must call religion insane, no religion is good for mankind, not a one, they contradict one another, and they cause a riff between peoples. Brainwashing, in its purest form is what religion is, pure and simple; brainwashing.

Throughout history all religions have given to the poor and down trodden, but with a price, you must listen to the tract and recognize that Christ is your saviour and that you must give up your soul to this god to be at peace. Then there are the other religions, which only help only their own people, no matter what the god is it is not altruistic in fact far from it all these religions are power-based organizations with an agenda.

Here is another thing about religion; it promises a life after death, how vain, no one has ever come back from the dead to say hey there is another world on the other side. This is another form of brain washing. Here you have a man who is poor and old; he takes religion and uses it as a crutch to ease the pains of life. This promise of an afterlife is a way of pushing a man or woman aside so they can feel content with the absence of material wealth in this world. " ... the opiate of the masses ... " how accurate and insightful was that statement?

We need a revolution by the little people who are being led around by the nose. They need to shake off the religious power brokers and politicians who know that they are using religion to dictate the lives and histories of the unsuspecting and illiterate. We need to say good-bye to religion and its mythologies. We need to take our destinies in our own hands and say good-bye to God and the ancient and outdated writings, which hold back the progress of the world.

Back during the Renaissance period, religion, especially the Christian Religion, made horrible mistakes and tried to keep the world ignorant, have we forgotten their manipulation and destruction, the setbacks to science, art and philosophy? Have we not developed a logic now, which sees through the same old rhetoric, which is being spoon-fed to the masses? I can understand why some of the world's great revolutions had banned religion from its politics religion is the Great Lie.

Look, I know that this blog article is not going to make me a popular person in the world, but no one seems to want to state the obvious when it comes to this problem, lets face it; religion is not helping to make the world a better place. I cannot keep my mouth shut when it comes to the strife, which is boiling around the world, and at the middle of the strife is religion and its leaders stirring up trouble amongst the peoples.

Now this brings me back to the original problem, religion is trying to influence the fields of battle by controlling the money behind the scenes and by influencing the power brokers as well.

Remove the religious zealots from the equation and the strife will vanish, these fanatics keep the trouble brewing here in America and around the world as well, especially in the Middle East. The peoples of Palestine and Israel, along with all other parties who are fighting must set aside their religious and philosophical differences and talk from their own logic and use their feelings to find their way in the quelling this conflict. Tell all of those insane religious leaders to shut up and let those who think logically do the negotiating for peace.

It is time for religion to be cast from our societies and for the world to be brave and stretch its wings and fly. Do away with the crutch of religion and walk up right, stand tall against all forms of tyranny including the tyranny of one’s soul.

In response to:Church & Tithing

Fri, 11 Sep 2009 19:54:26 +0200

In a few biblical areas/times, care for the poor, physically and mentally ill, was shown to be done by the institutional priesthood. The rest of the times were unrecorded so we can assume it was done on the tribal or family level. With the coming of the institutional church and later the state sponsored church, such care transfered to the institutional state/church. When the separation between church and state occured, the state assumed the institutionally structured poor and ill and the church assumed some of those who didn't fit within the cracks of the institutional care. For individuals (or small groups of unrelated people like small churches), to assume the role of care for the poor and ill outside their family/tribe (the greater community), assumes a romantic lopsided idea about care in the abstract focused on isolated individuals. Strangers in recorded biblical times weren't able to abuse the system of its day and individuals referred them to the tribal leaders/priests. Today, there is a government office to help the mentally ill who are minors, adults, seniors, and another office to help the physically and mentally ill, with others to protect them from individual abuse, spousal abuse, senior abuse, etc. To bring such a big scale care system into the relm of the church individual guarantees a spotty, hit and miss system that makes the church member feel better about themselves and the person they are trying to help benefit. Obviously flawed system of thinking.

In response to:THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE HOUSE CHURCH

Wed, 02 Sep 2009 18:30:56 +0200

My opinion is that church today has lost touch with spirituality. People seem to forget about going to church and even about God and the significance of forgetting about God. I prefer the house church and maybe today's churches should just do that and get closer to people in a community.
___________________________
Birmingham Home Insurance

In response to:Virginity pledge no guarantee

Tue, 11 Aug 2009 21:58:08 +0200

Why so bitter Aideen? True Christians want no Govt funding, dont let the psuedo christians run you away from Christ.

In response to:Church & Tithing

Tue, 28 Jul 2009 14:32:30 +0200

Hi, a great way to talk about the money of the church as in the current crisis the logical use of the same can benefit the society in the long run.

Credito Prestito

In response to:In Memory of Callum

Tue, 21 Apr 2009 12:27:16 +0200

Lots of great memories of Callum.
I too lost touch with him over the years. I last saw him 7 years ago when he was up in Hams visiting.
Callum was a real 'brother' in my early christian walk, we shared things that we both struggled with. It was great to have someone to talk about deeper issues with at the time. I'm talking early 90's here. I remember the 'christian' speed metal music he would introduce me to, his first car, a rust bucket falcon that he re-painted in his garage, I remember sleeping on Waihi beach under the stars a couple of times, jam sessions and watching comedy at his flat.
Shocked to here of his death some two years later.

In response to:'FULL TIME SERVICE'

Tue, 21 Apr 2009 12:12:01 +0200

I love my pastor.....He paints houses for a living three or so days a week and pastors the rest.

In response to:STORY

Fri, 03 Apr 2009 16:46:34 +0200

Oh Dear. I seem to have intruded on another's private thoughts. I don't 'do' God myself but there is room for all on this planet of ours; at least until we destroy it or 'God' decides to pull the plug.

In response to:Church & Tithing

Mon, 16 Mar 2009 16:02:52 +0100

I endorse a lifestyle of giving. I don't ever wonder if I've met my 10% criteria anymore - that is just legalistic bondage, to me.

In our home groups, we simply have a basket out each week and the overseer (meaning the head of the household that we meet in) keeps track of it. As a Body, we always share needs of people we individually know and then meet those needs to the best of our capabilities as a Body, financial or otherwise.

I believe we must learn to walk instance by instance with giving hearts with eyes wide open to meet the needs of those around us.

I will never again pay for church campus utilities, staff salaries or building projects. 100% of what I give goes directly to real people with real needs.

In response to:The True Meaning of “Church”

Tue, 03 Mar 2009 05:28:32 +0100

The teaching on tithing always troubled my spirit. Something about the way it is practiced--does not seem right. first of all--tithing does not generally mean money in the bible. Secondly, most churches do not support the poo, widows or orphans on any consistent basis. The funds go more toward the comfort of the building and programatic events. Pastor's anniversaries, Brother's breakfasst, conferences and the like--all these sorts of things. Why is ther no emphasis on going out and being fisher's of men--soul winning for Jesus.
That is just a passing half hearted effort at most churches where I have attended. Is makes me sad. I know it is wrong in my gut. Most people do not study for themselves they simply follow blindly and that is very dangerous. Brothers let us please get this right. Lives are at stake.

Love

Sis Sylvia

In response to:Paul de Jong's Tithing Arguments Fail

Mon, 02 Mar 2009 16:42:36 +0100

To read the TRUTH about the false monetary tithing ripoff, read a few of my tithing articles. Preachers have way too much MONEY to lose by preaching the REAL Biblical tithe (ONLY for the Children of Israel and ONLY on agricultural produce taken from the LAND of Israel!

In response to:'FULL TIME SERVICE'

Wed, 14 Jan 2009 22:32:22 +0100

Absolutely spot on.

In response to:Virginity pledge no guarantee

Tue, 13 Jan 2009 01:51:47 +0100

Actually it's the 'Christian' sources who frequently distort their facts so they can get their point across/get government funding. They tell lies like condoms are only 80% effective.

In response to:Passive Christianity

Tue, 30 Dec 2008 08:49:46 +0100

In the minds of many, the terms 'church' and 'God's house' are synonymous with bricks and mortar, which seems to be all that such have between the ears. I do not wish to be rude, but it is time to wake up! That is dead religion.
'Unless the Lord builds the house they labour in vain who build it'
God is now in the process of re-building His house (the Church)It will consist of the 'called out' ones. He is calling many out of the system now . It is a time (and always was) when people must learn to hear God's voice for themselves. If you do not hear God's voice , how do you know you have been called. God's House will not be identified by denomination, 'movement' or other label and will not be found in cathedrals or other purpose-built edifices largely limited to Sunday activities. In fact it will be mostly 'underground'. Christians will fellowship wherever they choose and whenever, without the need for a paid Minister or organisational hierarchy. The Holy Spirit will determine those things.We already have the pattern in the book of Acts. We also have the warning of Jesus (which has largely been ignored ) to beware of the leaven of the Pharisees (which is hypocracy). God will purge us from that and all which is offensive to Him . Give yourself wholly to His purposes if you haven't already, and stop listening to the lies of men who by their traditions have rendered the Word of God to be without effect.There is much more I could say but you need to hear it from God Himself.

In response to:Virginity pledge no guarantee

Tue, 30 Dec 2008 08:02:38 +0100

You need to be careful where you get your information. This is a non-Christian source which could perhaps be compared with the likes of the Family Planning Association in New Zealand, which for its own reasons distorts the facts terribly and cannot be trusted, in my opinion. I have read several reports in the past from reliable sources in the U.S. which indicate that pledges of abstinance have made a huge difference in teenage sexual behaviour in America.
The promotion of the use of comdoms and other means of contraception has no place among unmarried Christians, of course. Neither should they have to make such vows, but they do need be encouraged to live lives which honour God.The promotion of condom use by teenagers implies acceptance of their sexual behaviour. They need to understand that they do not have to follow the common herd but live by higher ideals. It is working , contrary to what you have heard.

In response to:Church & Tithing

Tue, 16 Dec 2008 01:06:32 +0100

The money issue is such a stumbling block. The early Christians didn't need money to be the church, but today, without cash, many "churches" would fold.

In response to:A true christian candidate

Sun, 14 Dec 2008 04:17:40 +0100

Real Christians don't get involved in politics. Fake Christians do.

In response to:Churchanity

Fri, 28 Nov 2008 11:33:40 +0100

You are so right! I have looked into this myself, and you are totally right. Also, we might want to realize this, too. The word church was enforced primarily to give the Vatican authority. If they could deceive the masses in being observant to the Vatican in King James' time, they could control the government, and brainwash the people into believing that evil rulers and what they do should be upheld no matter what. I also would like to note that all Protestant faiths descend from Roman Catholic church. Even the Baptist church! I was raised in a Baptist church, and my pastor told me this once off the cuff: "Jesus is not God, but He is equal with God." The idea of a TRINITY is not Biblical. Anyone can look up John Chapter 1:14, and see that the Word became flesh, so that He could die for the sins of the world. At the beginning of that same chapter, you can see that "the Word was God" John 1, and if the Word was God and became flesh, then surely Jesus was God in the flesh. The Word made flesh! Now why would a Baptist pastor tell me that this wasn't true, and that Christ was not the Word made flesh? Only that He is equal with God? As if there are three gods? This is heresy according to the Word of God. They try to sneak this crap in on you! Hear O! Israel the Lord God is One!!! "Jesus answered, "The most important is, 'Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God is one Lord" Mark 12:29.

Anyway, many of these things were changed, but if you buy the Geneva Bible (dated 1599 or before the Pilgrims brought to the New World)--along with the marginal notes that were removed by King James' translation--you soon find that Chapter 13's 666, the Beast and everything in there points directly to the Roman Vatican and the Papacy! It even mentions the two horned miter of the pope himself in the marginal notes. This our great-forefathers knew, but it has been hidden from our churches today, and these churches all descend from the Beast religious system. The only one who tried to separate themselves is the Baptist church, and guess what? Can't get around it. Even the Baptist is ritualistic. Many years ago, I wondered why I felt uncomfortable to enter a church. I felt this darkness loom over me. Paul even tells some Christians in the Bible that they need no one to teach them! Now, why would he say that? Beware the Beast Church System of Modern Times! Give your money to the homeless, the poor, the Salvation Army, but don't give it to a huge church building that makes special priest fat like John Hagee.

In response to:Church & Tithing

Tue, 04 Nov 2008 22:22:02 +0100

I agree that we should be giving as the Spirit leads. I cannot go to church because of ill health, and God has shown me that it is the poor and the needy who need our money and not church buildings!! I give to the Salvation Army because they deal with those who are in need of help. To me, they are reflecting the sound of God, they are showing God's love in a way it was meant to be shown.

In response to:leave the Church of England alone

Sat, 25 Oct 2008 00:28:41 +0200

I don't particularly want to knock the Church of England. I was 'christened' and confirmed in that institution. (When I was truly born again, much later, I was baptised in water and in the Hoy Spirit.)
God is, however, separating His Church from everything which is of man-made tradition. The Apostle Paul commented that one says he belongs to Appollos and another to Paul. 'Is Christ divided?' he asked. No. We all belong to Christ and we must lose our labels. We will, as God continues to outwork His plans.It is a recognised fact that Christians in general are the ones who benefit their communities because of their servant hearts. The state could not afford to do for money what they do for love.

In response to:Nearly Confirmed Anglican

Sat, 25 Oct 2008 00:05:29 +0200

It is important to hold rigidly to what is true; not to 'views', because these can and do change as we see from new perspectives. If my words seem 'rigid' to you, it is because I am zealous for the truth and I do not like to see any-one drift off course. When they write a blog they can also influence others and thereby owe a duty of care as to what they express.If a ship drifts off course it can mean disaster to all its company. Those who read your blog have responsibility to test everything for themselves, but in fareness to you they should not remain silent when they see a need to offer correction. Otherwise their silence may be taken as assent.
As a watchman I cannot be silent.I am not merely offering views.Please, pray about what I have said.

In response to:Nearly Confirmed Anglican

Fri, 24 Oct 2008 21:59:15 +0200

Hi Phil,
Glad to hear you have found a church home down there in the South. I also (like mum) have found that the older I get the more that I believe that theology and dogma are more improtant to man than to God. God is more interested in what is in our hearts and the actions we take than the arguments we make. I have noticed the whole of my 40 years that many christians can spend hours and hours arguing points of the bible and one can always find a verse to support a point of view!!!!
When faced with a dilemma or tricky situation it helps me to ask myself "what would Jesus do?"
As for church!!!! I used to spend many a Sunday morning as a child thinking that Jesus wouldn't be caught dead sitting in the pews of most churches he was out with the prostitutes and tax collectors!!!!!
Enjoy the CoE- some of my best friends are Anglicans!!!!!
love Megan

In response to:leave the Church of England alone

Fri, 24 Oct 2008 10:33:03 +0200

I can't believe how judgemental some people can be. I've just read some of the comments and encourage you to follow where God leads you. Sometimes there are stepping stones to where we need to be and at least you are knocking on doors and not just sitting back and waiting. Takes courage to step out and try something new. I believe we are all worshipping the same God and desire to have the perfect relationship with him. When I first read your blog about Anglican's I was amazed! On thinking about it good on your Mum, liked her thoughts. I know you well enough to know that you are going where God has lead you. Good luck with that, you are in my prayers.
Luv Joanne

In response to:Nearly Confirmed Anglican

Thu, 16 Oct 2008 05:54:42 +0200

Hi Harvey.

I think you are right in regards to me being an attention seeker, I guess in the end all bloggers are. As to your reflections I am sure many people would agree with you, which is why I guess I took the cowards way and waited to say something till we travelled to the end of the country! Perhaps in the end I believe in a God of enough grace to sort these things out even if I do not hold to those types of rigid views.

In response to:Nearly Confirmed Anglican

Thu, 16 Oct 2008 04:49:11 +0200

Phillip,
Your condition of unbelief is connected with your attraction towards the Anglican Church. It is 'dead religion' you are talking about and not faith.You have chosen to believe a lie rather than the truth. The Truth is a person - Jesus Christ. The Bible tells us that 'the sum of Thy Word is truth'.You can't just pick the bits that suit and ignore the rest.
I would not waste time trying to persuade you by scientific argument, since you choose to disbelieve the clear and scientific evidence of the Creation magazine.You also reject the creation account of Moses in Genesis. Jesus validates Moses in Scripture, thereby validating the book of Genesis.It seems that you do not believe Jesus either and therefore cannot seriously claim to be a Christian.There is no basis for your faith.I must conclude that you lack a genuine conversion experience.
There is no such thing as a churchless Christian of course , since the body of true believers is the Church. Jesus plans for His church in these end times to become perfectly one. (See John Ch.17) That spells an end to denominations or 'streams'. Contrary to what your Mum says, theology is important. Judging from what I have seen so far of your blogg I suggest that you are merely an attention seeker.The Holy Spirit tells me that you are like a pea in a pod, which will die unless it gets out of the pod.You must be born again or you will never see the Kingdom of Heaven. I say this with all sincerity.

In response to:Nearly Confirmed Anglican

Thu, 16 Oct 2008 00:50:38 +0200

Hey Philip,

All we can do is take the steps that we believe are right! I'm not certain that there is a right or wrong way of following Him! He knows us intimately and knows where and what is going to help us to get a stronger relationship with Him. Let's stop condemning people for taking the steps that He's asking us to take and let's just remember that if we get it wrong, surely he is big enough to help us to get back on track. Nothing will stop Him. Enjoy the church guys. Love to hear from ya. xxx

In response to:Climb

Tue, 14 Oct 2008 03:50:04 +0200

very pretty!

In response to:Nearly Confirmed Anglican

Tue, 14 Oct 2008 02:02:47 +0200

Phil, perhaps you're aging rapidly! Quite a few of our era from Bible College days are finding a spiritual home in Anglican churches in their superannuatint years.Those that were Anglicans still seem to be Anglicans. One remarked at a recent reunion that as a BC student she got the impression people wondered if she really could be a Christian and an Anglican The fact is that no church is perfect and all have made mistakes on the journey. No size fits all. The older I get the less I feel concerned about dogma and theology and realize God is more concerned about our heart attitudes-both ro Him and to others.

Go for it! Love Mum

In response to:Nearly Confirmed Anglican

Mon, 13 Oct 2008 10:23:06 +0200

Sadley Harvey there is no hope for me! I was introduced to those magazines at university and I believed it all hook, line and sinker. In fact I became a subscriber and had them speak to my church about 6 years ago. However as you can tell I have become personally convinced that what that particular magazine emphasises is wrong (a young earth) so I am afraid that advice will not help alot but thanks for your idea :)

In response to:Nearly Confirmed Anglican

Mon, 13 Oct 2008 08:49:23 +0200

Dear Phillip,
President Carter may be a Southern Baptist but that will not save him. If you have doubts as to the accuracy of the Bible, which bits do you believe? How can you guarantee their accuracy? What is your faith based on? God is the author of the Bible. His word is truth . Men only wrote what they received by the revelation of the Holy Spirit. It does not rest on their individual scientific or other knowledge.
I recommend that you check out CreationOnTheWeb.com for reassurance on the scientific accuracy. You could also subscribe to the Creation Magazine which is issued quarterly by Creation Ministries International for about $35 a year.Their address is Box 39005,Howick, New Zealand. I could almost guarantee that that it will remove all your doubts as you read articles written by scientists which confirm the accuracy of all the issues which are clouding your mind.You would also note the regular testimonies of countless people whose doubts have been erased by the scientific, straightforward explanations you will read. I urge you to follow this up.