For some context, I identify as a follower of Jesus Christ. The reason why I make such a specific confession statement is because I know a lot of people claim to be Christian, but they have not surrendered their lives to Jesus Christ as Lord.
Lordships requires a daily surrender. We cannot call a higher power Lord and still expect to be in control of our own lives. I believe that there is a major difference between a cultural Christian identity and a decision to enter into a lordship relationship with Jesus Christ.
I don't believe that there are peaceful religions.
This may shock a lot of people, but I do not believe that we can find peace in religion. I really struggle with any religion that claims to be peaceful. Here are a few reasons why I believe this way.
- Religions typically explain what someone is allowed to do or not allowed to do. Instead of making us perfect, religion (or in Judeo-Christian circles, "The Law") shows us how far away we are from God or whatever other deity someone believes.
- Historically speaking, religion has been used to manipulate and control people. I believe that religion serves a great purpose in the lives of many people, but it has also been used by greedy and power-hungry leaders to gain wealth, fame, and control.
- Religions have been and continue to be used to declare war on people of different faiths. Examples include the Crusades, the Inquisition, and modern-day extremism.
- I find it challenging to say that a religion is peaceful when its followers are not. This is not a problem of a particular religion. This is a problem for all humankind. Collectively and individually are historic record does not exemplify peace but rather war, death, rage, oppression, abuse, etc. Both religious and non-religious would be declared guilty if we stood before a judge regarding our "peaceful" nature.
The goal of religion is to point us to God or a higher being, but I have seen over and over that this worthy goal falls short almost all of the time.
I pursue a relationship, not a religion.
I do believe in the one true God. I know that is not a politically correct statement, but it is my personal belief. I believe that God is just and holy. I also believe that He is loving and kind. Instead of trusting in the laws of religion, I desire to pursue a right relationship with Him.
Here is the hard part. For many of us, we have been taught that if we can be good enough (be peaceful enough) then God will accept us. But I have royally screwed up (more than once). I mess up every day. If I am completely honest, in and of myself, I am a complete wreck. How can I be right with God?
So here is where my pursuit of a relationship comes in. Since I am such a mess, then making this relationship right becomes the responsibility of God. It is not something that I can do from my own strength or goodness. God's holiness does not allow Him to be around sin, but His love compelled Him to make a way for sinners to be right with Him (at peace with Him).
As we approach Resurrection Sunday (commonly referred to as Easter), I am reminded of the sacrifice that has allowed me to be right with God. I believe that Jesus was perfect and that God received His death as payment for the sins of people who choose to follow Him. That is how I have been made right (found peace) with God. When I choose to follow God's plan, He declared me to be right with Him, not because of the goodness of what I have done, but because of the goodness of His plane.
I have reached the point where I cannot simply call Jesus a good guy, a good prophet, or a good teacher. He made claims that were far too scandalous. If He is not Lord, then He was either a lunatic or a liar.
Are there any peaceful religions? I have a hard time saying "yes" for the reasons explained above. Has Jesus brought peace into my life? Most definitely yes.
Final Thoughts
Thanks for letting me share my thoughts on this matter. I really believe that the pursuit of religion is not the end goal. The end goal should be having a right relationship with God, which then leads to a right relationship with others.
I want to hear from you. Feel free to answer any or all of the following questions.
- Do you believe that religion is peaceful?
- Are you more concerned about following the rules of religion or being in a right relationship with God?
- If you are not actively religious, did the unpeaceful nature of religion push you away?
@SumatraNate
Image Source: https://pixabay.com/en/abbey-glass-religion-architecture-1160492/