With full transparency, I believe in a higher power but I do not believe in religion. I do not require a manmade doctrine for moral guidance. I am fully aware when I am doing something bad and try my best not to repeat it and to stay away from possible temptations. As I have said in previous post religion provides some good. It binds people together and offers a haven to most. But there is a high level of hypocrisy in religion, mostly in America, that is in constant contrast with the writings in the Bible.
Selfishness is a characteristic that I, as a young man, remember was shunned. I was constantly told to share with my siblings and friends and that selflessness was a virtue to be admired. When I went to church, I heard sermons about the greatness of sharing and the world seem more generous. I recall a stunning change more than 25 years ago as evangelist with large megachurches started preaching the gospel of ‘Take care of self first’ as a response for their lavish lifestyles. They would pitch to their flock the idea that having financial achievement is a virtue because god want you to be successful. They used their extravagant possessions as an example of how god has blessed them while fleecing their church members.
Let’s be clear people gravitate to religion for selfish reasons and have done so for generations. Subsequently, the idea that evangelicals are exploiting their flock is nothing new. The major difference now, I believe, is that people do not feel the need to help someone else when they are doing better because they are too busy trying to get more. After all, god wants them to be as financially successful as the leaders of their chosen religion. Thus, the level of selfishness multiplies.
Let me take a few minutes to focus on black churches for a bit as it is the core of our community. The importance of black churches in America dates to slavery as it was the only place black were allowed to congregate, given that a white minister was present. It is safe to say that most black folks around the world are religious and a majority in America would be self-describe as Christians. (The idea that black people, mostly in America, practice Christianity is another conundrum that I will leave for another post.) What has the black church really done for black folks lately? I can arguably say not much. But most of us continue to support this institution as if they are still relevant to our survival.
If these evangelists were true man of god and followed the teaching of Jesus they would shed the lavish possessions and really help the needy. If religious people were truly caring, they would spend more time helping others instead of using religion as a tool to acquire more.
So, religious people, as you find yourself in the church pew this Sunday ask yourself ‘Is the time I spent here helping others or simply helping myself? Am I really following the teaching of Jesus?’
What is your thought?
Copied