Essay 3
CHRISTIAN SERVITUDE
During 60 years of Christian worship I passed through many tests of faith and disappointment. Thankfully my faith survived in spite of this.
My Traditional Christian upbringing may be typical of my age and class. I joined because this was the church of my parents and most of my community.
Much of the worship had little relevance to the busy life outside. However I did have real underlying faith, which I had acquired at home. I believed that this was how God should be worshiped.
I recount some of my disappointments.
THE CHURCH OF HABIT
In the society in which I grew up, the Anglican church had a pre-eminent role. Some believed, and attended services. Others found it a suitable venue for celebrating social occasions, Christenings, weddings, funerals and perhaps celebrating Christmas.
The authority of clergy was accepted. Their teachings were the introduction to Christianity for most young people.
THE CHURCH IN SCHOOL
At boarding school we had to attend two services every Sunday. I understand that attendance is still compulsory at many schools.
The services were repetitive and based on the Book of Common Prayer which, I understand, has been revised several times from the original, written in the seventeenth century.
As far as I can remember the lessons from the Bible at each service were repeated each year according to the church calendar.
Most of the prayers were simply the same read out week after week. They were repeated parrot fashion by the congregation.
I now question the value of these routines. For instance, Creed which we all recited “I believe in God the Father Almighty and in all things visible and invisible”. I am not sure what these visible and invisible things even are, and what relevance they have to our daily lives? I also question whether repeating this and other recitations parrot fashion every week serves any purpose.
The Nicene Creed Is typical of the outdated rituals which are
part of that Christian worship. It was written in the fourth century as the statement of beliefs when Christian communities were unified as the Church of Rome.
Happily I had faith from home to remain a Christian. Most of my colleges did not , the fault lies with poor teaching.
The Lord’s Prayer and the sacrament of Communion are the only two parts of these services directly attributable to Jesus’ teaching. The rest of the service was devised and added by churchmen over time.
The message of these services was that we were unworthy sinners. We used to recite “we have not done those things we ought to have done and we have done those things we ought not to have done and there is no health in us”. This seems to be unnecessary humility. We are human and of course we fail. Our Creator knows that and he promised forgiveness for the past and help for the future.
I now doubt the value of these habitual rituals, but for too long I accepted that this was how to worship God.
I was taught of an omnipotent God who, on the day of reckoning, would judge each soul with a sort of ledger. Sins and good deeds would be weighed and balanced and our souls would be judged. This is a pre-Christian doctrine which should have been superseded by Jesus’ Message.
Conclusion Many Christians acquired their early beliefs in these large authoritarian churches because this was the way to go. Participation was out of habit or compulsion and not choice and conviction.
CONFIRMATION
Confirmation ought to be a serious step in church life. Candidates are instructed in the church’s beliefs and practices. They are then accepted as full members at a special confirmation ceremony.
On my arrival at senior school I found that it was expected that I be confirmed. I did not feel ready and waited a few years. I had a firm faith and I did take it seriously.
The main emphasis seemed to be on Old Testament values of good and evil and that we were sinful and unworthy.
As far as I can remember there was little emphasis on the message of love and forgiveness at that time. Forgiveness was promised to those who repented. Also the Holy Spirit was part of the Trinity but I got no message of intervention in the lives of ordinary individuals who had faith.
Most of the class had little conviction and merely wanted to show that, by being confirmed, they had now grown up and were part of adult society. I took it seriously and was disillusioned.
This was a real test of my faith. At the age of fifteen one accepts authority and I believed that this was how God must be worshipped.
After confirmation I complained to a priest that it seemed to have been a meaningless charade to many of the boys. He assured me that the laying on of hands, dating back to the disciples, would confer a spiritual power on them. He believed this. I do not.
At a time when a boy is facing sex for the first time the only comment in this confirmation course was “you all know what is right and wrong “. The belief seemed to be that sex was evil and sinful. I therefore believed that when I succumbed to the temptation of self abuse I was evil and inadequate. This sapped my self respect for many years.
This was 60 years ago, perhaps religious instruction has improved since then.
Conclusion Confirmation is a vital step in the Anglican church. Young people should be taught the essential beliefs of Christianity. The ceremony confirms their faith, made on their behalf, at their Baptism. I was shocked at superficial and meaningless it al was in this case.
A CALL
Several years later I had a call to become a priest. I went to England with the aim of studying theology. I had introductions to several senior churchmen. I was appalled at their arrogant indifference. In answer to a question about a problem which I thought the church could be more helpful to its members I was told “Ah! but we mustn’t make it too easy for them”.
I returned home disillusioned.
Sadly I continued to attend this church for too many years. Perhaps because I still had faith and I thought that this was how God should be worshipped.
Conclusion Our goal should be to live our lives according to God’s Messages in the Gospels. If contemporary churches do not help their members to achieve these goals they are failing in their duty.
As an ordinary, and hopefully honest, Christian, I should not have been misled for so long that this is how Christ should be worshipped.
CONCLUSION
My most valuable lessons in this worship were that I did learn God’s simple messages to mankind, through all Jesus’ parables in the Gospels.
I also retained the Faith which I acquired at home. I still had an unquestioning sense of right and wrong and morality. This was a sound basis for my life.
Worship in church left me with a negative belief in a harsh authoritarian Trinity, accessible through adulation in church and mainly concerned with transgressions of us humble sinners.
The ritual and repetitive worship had little relevance to my busy daily life when I left church. It contrasted with all my other activities were dynamic and responded rapidly to changes in the needs of participants.
I missed the positive message of gentle loving and forgiving God who cares for every individual. The availability of the Holy Spirit to intervene in our individual daily lives did not come through either.
My disappointment is that, having spent so much if my life in the established church, I missed so much teaching to help me in Christian living. This journey of church worship had too many manmade distractions from Christ’s Messages. I fear that other regular worshippers may be missing out because they believe that this is how to worship Christ.
Friday, 28 March 2008
OUR CHRISTIAN ORIGINS
Essay 2
How we got here. Churches evolved as the centres of worship over nearly two thousand years. They are central in western society. Four roots shaped them.
JUDAISM
The Jewish religion was a milestone in religious development. It worshipped an omnipotent unseen spiritual God concerned with the moral behaviour. He was also the Guardian of their nation.
In contrast, many of the other earlier religions worshiped gods from major physical forces in their experience such as the sun, the moon or some place, considered sacred. Others believed that the spirits of their ancestors retained power over their lives.
Many of the earlier civilisations centred around preserving the souls of their rulers after death. In some cases, especially in central America, the gods were supposed to demand large numbers of human sacrifices.
The Jewish faith therefore was one of the earliest which worshipped an unseen moral God.
Several prophets had the gift of prophecy and forecast the coming of their Messiah centuries before Jesus was born.
Their steadfast religion unified and strengthened the nation and enabled them to survive in a hostile world for over 1000 years.
The followers had such great faith in their powerful God that Abraham was even prepared to sacrifice his own son when he believed that was what the Lord had demanded.
The moral code was the Ten Commandments which defined what behaviour was not acceptable to God and was therefore evil.
It was also a harsh code allowing vengeance in terms of an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.
God was perceived to be a strict and omnipotent power who would call sinners to account on the Day of Judgement. Notably He promised care after death to those who did not sin.
This steadfast faith set the stage for the ministry of Christ.
I understand that a great deal of these scriptures still form the basis of Judaism and Islam. It will be politically incorrect to suggest that, even nuclear, conflict, between members of these unforgiving faiths is a threat to world peace!
Conclusion. The belief in one unseen moral God was unique. It set the stage for Him to reveal His purpose through His Son’s message to mankind.
THE MESSAGES OF JESUS CHRIST
The most momentous event in history was when God sent Jesus to teach His purpose for us. This was the first time that men could see God and hear his words.
Christ brought a completely new message, He gave just two commandments. We must love God and love our neighbours as ourselves.
His teachings were presented as parables which were simple and understandable to his audience.
The parable of the sheep and the goats told that those who had served God had done so unwittingly when they loved and were kind to other people. This surely must be one of God’s most profound Messages. We serve him by loving others rather than by formal worship.
SIN was acknowledged as a human failing. Remember the crowd who wanted to stone an adulteress. He said “let him who is without sin throw the first stone“. He clearly knew everybody sins.
Forgiveness. The Lord’s Prayer asks for forgiveness as we forgive those who trespass against us. Having given his followers the Prayer during the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus emphasised this “for if you forgive men their trespasses against you, your Heavenly Father will also forgive you “. What could be clearer than that?
Forgiveness, is therefore earned through our forgiveness of others.
(A contrary, subsequent view, is that forgiveness is granted to those who love God because of Jesus sacrifice on the Cross. I prefer the specific promise above which puts the onus on us.)
The parable of The Prodigal Son emphasised that God rejoices in forgiving the past sins of anyone who repents and turns to Him in faith.
The Power of GOD in every day life was shown through Jesus’ many miracles of healing and even raising the dead.
Finally there was the Resurrection. Having seen Jesus in human form for several years, he was crucified and reappeared in spiritual form. Now they could worship Him as a God they had seen. He promised to be there when two or three gathered in His name.
THE WATERSHED
These examples and all the other stories in the Gospels were a completely new revelation of a loving and forgiving God and how mankind should serve Him.
Christ, brought a new message which superseded the 10 commandments and the unforgiving beliefs of Judaism.
The negative code of “thou shalt not“ was replaced by the positive emphasis on loving your neighbour.
The doctrine of forgiveness replaced beliefs of revenge of ”an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth”. This is a quantum leap from negative teachings of Judaism.
Conclusion The Son of God’s simple message was brought by a humble man. His disciples were ordinary folk who he had called to follow him. His message was to ordinary people on how to live in faith and love for the rest of mankind. His miracles revealed God’s real power on earth.
THE HOLY SPIRIT
The Divine intervention of the Holy Spirit was promised to the faithful by Christ, before the Crucifiction. It inspired the apostles and many new converts to spread Christ’s message and found Christianity. About 3000, at Pentecost, received inspiration plus the gift of being able to speak the foreign languages that they needed abroad.
Notable also was the direct conversion of Saint Paul.
The achievements of these new inspired Christians was momentous.
Their first difficulty was that they had to convert foreigners.
They must also have depended on their hosts for food, shelter and clothing.
Their converts formed permanent communities of Christians who remained steadfast. By divine inspiration and faith, they withstood many persecutions. Many gave their lives in this mission.
The steadfast faith and strength of the new Christians in Rome was remarkable. For 300 years they were persecuted, and even put to death, in front of crowds in the Coliseum, notably by Nero. Finally their sacrifices were rewarded by the conversion of the Roman Emperor Constantine.
The spread of their new Christian communities was wondrous indeed. From Russia to North Africa and India throughout Europe.
These initial foundations of today’s churches were laid without major institutions, officials, temples, robes or pomp and ceremony. Rather it was by communities united by FAITH and dedication. They were empowered by the Holy Spirit.
The New Testament as the guiding light of Christianity to this day, was one of their most remarkable achievements.
Writing was done on rolls of parchment, which would not have been cheap to ordinary people. Scribes were probably not plentiful. For them to record each of the Gospels would have been slow and laborious. Copies would have been equally difficult. Yet they were produced.
Then came the Acts of the Apostles and the letters that have survived from their ministries. This all illustrates remarkable dedication and strength only consistent with divine inspiration.
Conclusion These were the real heroes. The inspiration of the Apostles by the Holy Spirit must surely be God’s greatest intervention in human affairs. Without their achievements Christianity would not have spread or survived.
CHRISTIANITY IN SOCIETY
Christianity, originally founded and spread by the apostles, eventually became formalised in the fourth century. Officials were appointed and churches were built.
Ties were later allied with political rulers and the new churches became the official religions of several empires. They supported political rulers and achieved power themselves.
Major churches, such as those in Rome, Greece and Russia, evolved in slightly different ways.
They played a vital part in developing their societies.
Since Henry V111, the Anglican church has been the official church of Britain. It is integrated into the society and the Monarch is its head.
The monasteries were isolated centres of learning during the Dark Ages.
The Reformation led to breakaways in Europe from the monolithic Church of Rome. Since then more independent Protestant churches became established.
Conclusion
Christian moral codes were the foundation of our modern democratic systems. It was eventually led to the passing pf power from the privileged rulers to the people and the concepts of justice and equality under the law, enforced by independent judiciaries. The press was able to criticise and expose the misdeeds of anyone in power.
Western society was therefore shaped by churches. Their values are generally accepted as their moral foundation They all profess to be Christian societies and churches have a central role .
Christians owe enormous gratitude to the churches for keeping faith and bringing down Christ’s Teaching for 2000 years.
How we got here. Churches evolved as the centres of worship over nearly two thousand years. They are central in western society. Four roots shaped them.
JUDAISM
The Jewish religion was a milestone in religious development. It worshipped an omnipotent unseen spiritual God concerned with the moral behaviour. He was also the Guardian of their nation.
In contrast, many of the other earlier religions worshiped gods from major physical forces in their experience such as the sun, the moon or some place, considered sacred. Others believed that the spirits of their ancestors retained power over their lives.
Many of the earlier civilisations centred around preserving the souls of their rulers after death. In some cases, especially in central America, the gods were supposed to demand large numbers of human sacrifices.
The Jewish faith therefore was one of the earliest which worshipped an unseen moral God.
Several prophets had the gift of prophecy and forecast the coming of their Messiah centuries before Jesus was born.
Their steadfast religion unified and strengthened the nation and enabled them to survive in a hostile world for over 1000 years.
The followers had such great faith in their powerful God that Abraham was even prepared to sacrifice his own son when he believed that was what the Lord had demanded.
The moral code was the Ten Commandments which defined what behaviour was not acceptable to God and was therefore evil.
It was also a harsh code allowing vengeance in terms of an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.
God was perceived to be a strict and omnipotent power who would call sinners to account on the Day of Judgement. Notably He promised care after death to those who did not sin.
This steadfast faith set the stage for the ministry of Christ.
I understand that a great deal of these scriptures still form the basis of Judaism and Islam. It will be politically incorrect to suggest that, even nuclear, conflict, between members of these unforgiving faiths is a threat to world peace!
Conclusion. The belief in one unseen moral God was unique. It set the stage for Him to reveal His purpose through His Son’s message to mankind.
THE MESSAGES OF JESUS CHRIST
The most momentous event in history was when God sent Jesus to teach His purpose for us. This was the first time that men could see God and hear his words.
Christ brought a completely new message, He gave just two commandments. We must love God and love our neighbours as ourselves.
His teachings were presented as parables which were simple and understandable to his audience.
The parable of the sheep and the goats told that those who had served God had done so unwittingly when they loved and were kind to other people. This surely must be one of God’s most profound Messages. We serve him by loving others rather than by formal worship.
SIN was acknowledged as a human failing. Remember the crowd who wanted to stone an adulteress. He said “let him who is without sin throw the first stone“. He clearly knew everybody sins.
Forgiveness. The Lord’s Prayer asks for forgiveness as we forgive those who trespass against us. Having given his followers the Prayer during the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus emphasised this “for if you forgive men their trespasses against you, your Heavenly Father will also forgive you “. What could be clearer than that?
Forgiveness, is therefore earned through our forgiveness of others.
(A contrary, subsequent view, is that forgiveness is granted to those who love God because of Jesus sacrifice on the Cross. I prefer the specific promise above which puts the onus on us.)
The parable of The Prodigal Son emphasised that God rejoices in forgiving the past sins of anyone who repents and turns to Him in faith.
The Power of GOD in every day life was shown through Jesus’ many miracles of healing and even raising the dead.
Finally there was the Resurrection. Having seen Jesus in human form for several years, he was crucified and reappeared in spiritual form. Now they could worship Him as a God they had seen. He promised to be there when two or three gathered in His name.
THE WATERSHED
These examples and all the other stories in the Gospels were a completely new revelation of a loving and forgiving God and how mankind should serve Him.
Christ, brought a new message which superseded the 10 commandments and the unforgiving beliefs of Judaism.
The negative code of “thou shalt not“ was replaced by the positive emphasis on loving your neighbour.
The doctrine of forgiveness replaced beliefs of revenge of ”an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth”. This is a quantum leap from negative teachings of Judaism.
Conclusion The Son of God’s simple message was brought by a humble man. His disciples were ordinary folk who he had called to follow him. His message was to ordinary people on how to live in faith and love for the rest of mankind. His miracles revealed God’s real power on earth.
THE HOLY SPIRIT
The Divine intervention of the Holy Spirit was promised to the faithful by Christ, before the Crucifiction. It inspired the apostles and many new converts to spread Christ’s message and found Christianity. About 3000, at Pentecost, received inspiration plus the gift of being able to speak the foreign languages that they needed abroad.
Notable also was the direct conversion of Saint Paul.
The achievements of these new inspired Christians was momentous.
Their first difficulty was that they had to convert foreigners.
They must also have depended on their hosts for food, shelter and clothing.
Their converts formed permanent communities of Christians who remained steadfast. By divine inspiration and faith, they withstood many persecutions. Many gave their lives in this mission.
The steadfast faith and strength of the new Christians in Rome was remarkable. For 300 years they were persecuted, and even put to death, in front of crowds in the Coliseum, notably by Nero. Finally their sacrifices were rewarded by the conversion of the Roman Emperor Constantine.
The spread of their new Christian communities was wondrous indeed. From Russia to North Africa and India throughout Europe.
These initial foundations of today’s churches were laid without major institutions, officials, temples, robes or pomp and ceremony. Rather it was by communities united by FAITH and dedication. They were empowered by the Holy Spirit.
The New Testament as the guiding light of Christianity to this day, was one of their most remarkable achievements.
Writing was done on rolls of parchment, which would not have been cheap to ordinary people. Scribes were probably not plentiful. For them to record each of the Gospels would have been slow and laborious. Copies would have been equally difficult. Yet they were produced.
Then came the Acts of the Apostles and the letters that have survived from their ministries. This all illustrates remarkable dedication and strength only consistent with divine inspiration.
Conclusion These were the real heroes. The inspiration of the Apostles by the Holy Spirit must surely be God’s greatest intervention in human affairs. Without their achievements Christianity would not have spread or survived.
CHRISTIANITY IN SOCIETY
Christianity, originally founded and spread by the apostles, eventually became formalised in the fourth century. Officials were appointed and churches were built.
Ties were later allied with political rulers and the new churches became the official religions of several empires. They supported political rulers and achieved power themselves.
Major churches, such as those in Rome, Greece and Russia, evolved in slightly different ways.
They played a vital part in developing their societies.
Since Henry V111, the Anglican church has been the official church of Britain. It is integrated into the society and the Monarch is its head.
The monasteries were isolated centres of learning during the Dark Ages.
The Reformation led to breakaways in Europe from the monolithic Church of Rome. Since then more independent Protestant churches became established.
Conclusion
Christian moral codes were the foundation of our modern democratic systems. It was eventually led to the passing pf power from the privileged rulers to the people and the concepts of justice and equality under the law, enforced by independent judiciaries. The press was able to criticise and expose the misdeeds of anyone in power.
Western society was therefore shaped by churches. Their values are generally accepted as their moral foundation They all profess to be Christian societies and churches have a central role .
Christians owe enormous gratitude to the churches for keeping faith and bringing down Christ’s Teaching for 2000 years.
CHRISTIAN EMANCIPATION
Essay 4 FEBRUARY 2008
ESCAPE.
Sadly I waited too many years worshiping in routine and ritual services before making changes which eventually led to revelation.
FREE CHURCHES
Reformed Churches were founded when some brave preachers rejected the rigid dogmas and rituals of Rome and offered alternatives.
Their worship is more relevant to daily life. Prayers are sincere and relevant to the real issues affecting the congregation. They are spoken and not preached or read from a service book. Thod was real.
WHY DO I GO TO CHURCH?
I expect that, like myself, many other worshipers live very busy active lives for six days a week. I go to church to recharge spiritually for my dealings with people in the next week.
I go to repent and ask forgiveness for my shortcomings and pray for strength in the future.
To join the congregation in prayer and worship.
To give thanks for many blessings.
To ask for help in meeting challenges or overcoming setbacks, both of which are inevitable in our lives.
To pray for help for those in trouble.
To, hopefully, get some inspiration from the sermon. Often they have obviously been carefully prepared and have literary merit. A sermon should carry a clear message to help the congregation in their lives from Monday to Saturday. They should be to the point.
Many of the Free church services achieve these aims.
Conclusion. This worship in Free Churches was a major breakthrough which was new, relevant and sincere.
CHRISTIAN FULFILLMENT
There are two stages in Christianity.
FIRST an independent physical person accepts the need, to obey the authority and way of life of a non-physical spiritual power, who he cannot see or comprehend. This conversion is a major change of direction from his past life.
Acquiring Faith is achieved in many ways. It may be individually from parents, friends or preachers. These same people are usually still there to help sustain and develop their new found faith.
Charismatic evangelists, such as Billy Graham or Benny Hin have called millions to believe and commit themselves to God.
These missions travel to major gatherings to spread faith. Then they move on.
SECOND Those who declare faith at evangelist missions, may have difficulty sustaining it after they leave. Their new faith requires a new direction and purpose in their lives to serve a God who is new to many of them. They declared their faith among an emotional crowd. Their intentions were sincere. Many then return to all the mundane problems at home.
Accepting the sovereignty of God is only the first step. This must lead to a completely new direction in their living with the rest of humanity. To achieve this they need a thorough knowledge of Christ’s Teaching in the Gospels. They need to find a church where help in their new life is available.
If they do not persist in finding a church that helps them in building and sustaining their new faith, they may lapse back to their old life.
After conversion, Christians need to sustain and develop their new faith. This is achieved from the ministry of preachers and fellowship with other Christians. Living as Christian is not as easy as it appears. New Christians have a great deal to learn how all Christ’s Teaching in the Gospels should guide their everyday living. Testimonies about the real help from the Holy Spirit available to ordinary Christians is a vital new dimension which they need to be made aware of.
A problem is the enormous variety of humans and what suits each individual. Our tastes vary enormously. Music, entertainment and sport are examples. It is vital for Christians to find a ministry that fulfils and sustains their faith. They can choose from many ministries which offer different forms of worship,
As in the parable of the sower, the seed of their new faith must fall on fertile soil if it is grow out and bear fruit.
NEW MINISTRIES
There has been a proliferation of new ministries. Their support comes from conscious choices of ordinary people. They differ from established churches whose support often comes from old traditions or out of habit. They survive and get support by satisfying the needs of their members.
This great variety of current forms of worship is now available on the religious channels on TV to world wide audiences.
Forms of worship, which some find difficult, may reinforce the faith of others. That is excellent.
Those, who shop around will find worship that is real to them and support their faith. It may take time, but it is essential, if their faith is to be sustained.
THE CHOICE OF MINISTRIES
FALSE PROPHETS
Jesus warned that many false prophets would arise in His name and would deceive many. Presumably false preachers are those who, in the name of God, offer aims or rewards which distract attention from the Jesus’ real Messages.
THE TRUE VALUE of the many TV Ministries depends on how they inspire listeners to live according to Christ’s Teaching. Some appear to seek other goals. Instead of loving others, they promise selfish personal rewards, salvation or protection from adversity.
SALVATIONISM Some preachers promise salvation to those who join them in declaring their faith and praising God. These may be negative self serving beliefs which are expected to secure their place in Heaven.
God is not served by adulation and formal ceremonies, but by the actions of forgiving and loving our neighbours. Jesus promised care after death to those who lived by faith in Him.
THE SECOND COMING of Jesus was foretold in Mathew’s Gospel. Also mainly in Revelations, written nearly 100 years later. It is now the cornerstone of some of these sects. They believe that His return is imminent. Their worship aims to secure their place in Heaven when it happens.
This seems to pursue personal salvation, rather than for selfless service to our fellow man, as urged by Jesus.
The destruction of the world sometime is certainly possible, given man’s power over the atom.
It has not happened yet after two thousand years. There is no reason to assume that this is certain or imminent.
What is certain is that we will all die, and we know not when. That is a reason to live each day as if it were our last
It is how we live now that is important to us and to God.
EXCLUSIVITY in some sects allege that theirs is the only way to worship and that others are misguided and excluded.
It is inconceivable that a loving Creator, having sent his Son to die for us, would then allow subsequent manmade rules and practices to exclude those who did not accept them.
EMOTIONISM is a feature of some TV services led by eloquent and emotional preachers. They condemn Satan and praise God. They also get excited, shout and sing loud gospel music. This obviously makes these congregations feel good. The only question is whether it helps them to live as Christians for the rest of the week.
SPEAKIG AND PREACHING are two different ways of conveying a message. Jesus spoke in normal tones and language to give his teachings.
I feel uncomfortable when addresses are preached in emotional stentorian tones. They assume their own authority and talk down to their listeners. Nobody else conveys their message to me like that. Some audiences clearly accept it.
SUPPLICATION is implied in a recitation in some services “we are not worthy to gather up the crumbs under thy table”. Surely this serves no useful purpose. Our Creator knows that we are weak fallible sinners. He sent his Son with the message of repentance and forgiveness for our failings.
PERSONALISING worship is natural for humans. It may make us feel good. Surely emotional proclamations of praise and glorification
serve little purpose? Our Creator is concerned with deeds not words.
DECLARATIONS OF FAITH in God are often called for. Surely anyone who gets up on a Sunday morning and goes to worship a God he has never seen, already has faith. There is no need to proclaim it. What they need is help and forgiveness in serving God.
THEOLOGY. Some ministers are naturally interested in all aspects of the Bible. One claimed to have spent 9 000 hours in this study. Many issues arise from, different interpretations of early Greek and Roman texts, to the origins of original sin. These issues are often the basis of their sermons. They do not fill the spiritual needs of busy pragmatic laymen. What they do need are the Messages from Christ’s teaching in simple parables about how to live, these are simple principles which need no scholarly interpretation.
Conclusion, The variations in worship serve the different needs of diverse people. Their value depends on how listeners love the rest of mankind after their worship. The deceptions which Jesus warned against are those additions which distract attention from His messages on how to live. They may promise material prosperity or protection to the listeners but they are distractions nevertheless.
We worship God when we pray for strength and faith, but we serve Him when follow His two commandments brought by Jesus.
CHRISTIAN LIVING
My journey came to fulfilment when I found ministries which concentrate on Christ’s simple teachings on how we should live every day. This means accepting God’s presence, purpose and help in all your waking life. This is precisely what Jesus taught. It is a long way from worshipping God merely by going to church once a week to reach God through a human preacher. It is free from the manmade additions which distracted my worship for too many years.
The leaders of these ministries share their faith and experience. They don’t preach down, to their listeners. Rather they relate the power of faith in their own and other peoples lives. They often report testimonies from people who had futility in their lives and turned to God. This is real.
Several TV programmes teach the real daily issues of Christian living. Among them:
JOYCE MYER’S Programme “Joyful Everyday Living”, to me is pre-eminent. I watch five times a week. She extols the joys of Christian living by praying and bringing God in to every aspect of life. She contrasts this with her previous worship of going to church once a week. She warns of the need to look for God’s help when times are tough.
She is a very smart, articulate and entertaining lady. She had a rough, tough and negative early life but has converted to a real positive living faith in God.
Her organisation has a staff of over 500 and publishes a monthly magazine, pamphlets, books an recorded teaching.( Weekdays at 900pm and 900am on channel 77, Sundays 8.30 am channel 78)
Joel Olsteen talks straight about real life issues. He emphasises not to dwell on past setbacks or insults, but to work with God for a better future.
He used to maintain his late father’s church. After his father’s death, he found himself in the hot seat. He was terrified but had Faith.
He now leads one of the largest churches in the USA. (Sometimes 10 am on channel 54 on Sundays. Also at 6pm on Mondays on 77.)
The Hour of Power by Dr. Robert. A. Schuller senior, he merely calls it Positive Christianity. His sermons concern real everyday living. Services are simple and joyful with a variety of great music and fun. It is a living contrast to the formal worship that I grew up with.
This church was started at a drive in cinema which was free on Sunday mornings. 50 years later it is now centred at a magnificent glass and steel Crystal Cathedral near Los Angeles.
These broadcasts started 35 years ago.
There is always Testimony, often from celebrities, which recall eventual triumph in overcoming challenges or adversity through faith. This is meaningful. (channel 77 at 6 pm. on Saturdays and at noon on Sundays channel 54)
The 700 Club reports numerous verified miracles of healing and the triumphs of those who were in trouble and then turned to God.(weekdays at 12noon on CBN)
Several others also speak sincerely about living every day in terms of God’s will and with His help. These include, Baylis Conway, Chad Everest, Greg Laurie, Ed Young, Rod Luce and others. Their styles vary but anyone seeking a teacher to sustain their faith should find some that suit them.
They are not part of any denomination. All these missions have earned support from fulfilling people’s need for how Jesus’ teaching should be applied in everyday life.
CHRISTIAN LIFE
Living by God’s purpose will have temporal rewards, in addition to his promises of His help and spiritual salvation. Those who live according to His purpose, will benefit in other ways.
STRESS is widely believed to be one cause of ill-health. Remember that prayer “Give us the strength O Lord to change the things we can change, the serenity to endure what we cannot change and the wisdom to know the difference.” That serenity, derived from faith, is the alternative to stress.
Hatred is another cause of stress which has no place in Christian life.
WHAT OTHERS THINK The opinion of others can be a major constraint on behaviour. Christians should not care about the approval of men but instead what is right to God.
Escaping this tyranny has been one of the major breakthroughs in my life. I have tried to replace what is considered socially correct, with what I believe is right. That is real freedom.
Faith can be a vital strength, in even the lowest levels of public office, to do what we believe is right, not what is popular. This is integrity.
A variation is trying to keep up with the Joneses. Too often we acquire possessions more lavish than we need, merely to impress our peers. Christians do not need to do that.
SOCIAL HARMONY. A major factor in human welfare is the ability to live in peace with each other at social or international levels. This is only possible if faith teaches respect and tolerance for those who are different. The parable of the Good Samaritan illustrated that God loves all people.
The future of mankind depends on tolerance and respect for the rest of humanity. Without the belief in God’s love, societies naturally become hostile to outsiders. There are those who hate other groups who are defined as infidels and enemies.
Tribal hatreds between ethnic groups constantly lead to civil wars, especially in Africa.(Iraq) Christianity ought to provide this tolerance.
Sadly hostility exists even between Christian churches. This is contrary to Christ’s teaching.
There will never be peace on earth until mankind learn to love or at least respect one another.
Conclusion Our Creator gave us our lives and sent Jesus to tell us how to live. It is natural to expect that this will lead to a better quality of life, in addition to the spiritual rewards He promised.
REVELATIONS
Three simple Revelations were found in the messages of these ministries.
CHRISTIAN DAILY LIVIMG. These ministries concentrate simply on Christ’s Messages applied to all aspects of daily life. They lead their listeners by speaking of the day to day issues and how faith in God should guide us in all our decisions. This was His purpose for our lives.
He is always with us as a loving caring Father to help us to live His way. Every decision in life should be guided by faith in His Messages.
Adversity and disappointments are part of life. We should not complain and ask “why me ?” Rather we should ask for help and strength for the future. Help usually comes, but not always in the way it was expected.
This reality of His constant presence in the lives of the faithful is a real recipe for Christian Living.
This has replaced the practice of going once a week to some sombre holy place for a reverent preacher to call down the help of a remote Holy Lord.
ALL MEN ARE EQUAL to God. This may sound to be obvious. However our society is stratified according to the abilities and achievements of members. Leaders emerge in all fields, such as business, politics or sport. They are admired and respected for their prowess.
Conversely those who only achieve humble positions may be regarded, and even regard themselves, as inferior.
The revelation is that they are just as important to our Creator as of any human leader.
The message is that God created us all with different talents and that He has a purpose for each of us to fulfil. We need to pray to find this purpose, and for strength to achieve it. With His help, we can each succeed to achieve His plan for us.
As one preacher said, “the janitor is just as important to God as the company chairman.”
This was new to me, but it makes sense.
We all need, and can get, help in living the Christian life, no matter how humble our station. We deal with people all the time, at work, at home and in our communities. This is where we can serve God when we love our neighbours and our enemies.
This has meaning for everyone, no matter how humble their abilities.
THE HOLY SPIRIT has been shown to play a very real part in the lives of anyone who has faith to ask for help. There have been many many testimonies of God’s help to ordinary people, who turn to Him when they have had setbacks or lost their way.
This gives relevance to the injunction “Ask and it will be given to you. Seek and you will find. Knock and it will be opened to you.”
This is a central theme of some of these ministries. It is real.
It contrasts with what was meaningless singing about “three in one and one in three”, which I was brought up with.
The awesome reality is that He is available to each of us here and now. We do not need to go through any human intermediary in a holy temple to get to Him or get help from Him.
To sum up. These ministries rejoice in the blessings and pleasures in our wonderful world
These forms of worship bring the simple messages of how to live a Christian life.
God has a purpose for each one of us, and the Holy Spirit is there to help us all to achieve it. Surely this is what Christ came to teach us ?
It depends only on our own faith in God and is reinforced by God’s enlightened ministries who help us to sustain our own faith.
Conclusion Now I have found ministries who teach the real Will of Jesus for our living. My faith is now much deeper and more real. It is peaceful and simple. God has a purpose for me too and will help me to achieve it. He is my loving and forgiving Boss and friend. I have now found a new peace and fulfilment.
LIVING FAITH AT LAST
This journey has taken most of my life. I have now found dedicated and sincere preachers who actually do pray in ordinary language for strength to follow Jesus’ teachings.
This replaced the concept of a critical authoritarian power waiting to condemn sinners and worshipped by sombre manmade rituals and doctrines in formalised churches.
I Thank God for leading me here.
ESCAPE.
Sadly I waited too many years worshiping in routine and ritual services before making changes which eventually led to revelation.
FREE CHURCHES
Reformed Churches were founded when some brave preachers rejected the rigid dogmas and rituals of Rome and offered alternatives.
Their worship is more relevant to daily life. Prayers are sincere and relevant to the real issues affecting the congregation. They are spoken and not preached or read from a service book. Thod was real.
WHY DO I GO TO CHURCH?
I expect that, like myself, many other worshipers live very busy active lives for six days a week. I go to church to recharge spiritually for my dealings with people in the next week.
I go to repent and ask forgiveness for my shortcomings and pray for strength in the future.
To join the congregation in prayer and worship.
To give thanks for many blessings.
To ask for help in meeting challenges or overcoming setbacks, both of which are inevitable in our lives.
To pray for help for those in trouble.
To, hopefully, get some inspiration from the sermon. Often they have obviously been carefully prepared and have literary merit. A sermon should carry a clear message to help the congregation in their lives from Monday to Saturday. They should be to the point.
Many of the Free church services achieve these aims.
Conclusion. This worship in Free Churches was a major breakthrough which was new, relevant and sincere.
CHRISTIAN FULFILLMENT
There are two stages in Christianity.
FIRST an independent physical person accepts the need, to obey the authority and way of life of a non-physical spiritual power, who he cannot see or comprehend. This conversion is a major change of direction from his past life.
Acquiring Faith is achieved in many ways. It may be individually from parents, friends or preachers. These same people are usually still there to help sustain and develop their new found faith.
Charismatic evangelists, such as Billy Graham or Benny Hin have called millions to believe and commit themselves to God.
These missions travel to major gatherings to spread faith. Then they move on.
SECOND Those who declare faith at evangelist missions, may have difficulty sustaining it after they leave. Their new faith requires a new direction and purpose in their lives to serve a God who is new to many of them. They declared their faith among an emotional crowd. Their intentions were sincere. Many then return to all the mundane problems at home.
Accepting the sovereignty of God is only the first step. This must lead to a completely new direction in their living with the rest of humanity. To achieve this they need a thorough knowledge of Christ’s Teaching in the Gospels. They need to find a church where help in their new life is available.
If they do not persist in finding a church that helps them in building and sustaining their new faith, they may lapse back to their old life.
After conversion, Christians need to sustain and develop their new faith. This is achieved from the ministry of preachers and fellowship with other Christians. Living as Christian is not as easy as it appears. New Christians have a great deal to learn how all Christ’s Teaching in the Gospels should guide their everyday living. Testimonies about the real help from the Holy Spirit available to ordinary Christians is a vital new dimension which they need to be made aware of.
A problem is the enormous variety of humans and what suits each individual. Our tastes vary enormously. Music, entertainment and sport are examples. It is vital for Christians to find a ministry that fulfils and sustains their faith. They can choose from many ministries which offer different forms of worship,
As in the parable of the sower, the seed of their new faith must fall on fertile soil if it is grow out and bear fruit.
NEW MINISTRIES
There has been a proliferation of new ministries. Their support comes from conscious choices of ordinary people. They differ from established churches whose support often comes from old traditions or out of habit. They survive and get support by satisfying the needs of their members.
This great variety of current forms of worship is now available on the religious channels on TV to world wide audiences.
Forms of worship, which some find difficult, may reinforce the faith of others. That is excellent.
Those, who shop around will find worship that is real to them and support their faith. It may take time, but it is essential, if their faith is to be sustained.
THE CHOICE OF MINISTRIES
FALSE PROPHETS
Jesus warned that many false prophets would arise in His name and would deceive many. Presumably false preachers are those who, in the name of God, offer aims or rewards which distract attention from the Jesus’ real Messages.
THE TRUE VALUE of the many TV Ministries depends on how they inspire listeners to live according to Christ’s Teaching. Some appear to seek other goals. Instead of loving others, they promise selfish personal rewards, salvation or protection from adversity.
SALVATIONISM Some preachers promise salvation to those who join them in declaring their faith and praising God. These may be negative self serving beliefs which are expected to secure their place in Heaven.
God is not served by adulation and formal ceremonies, but by the actions of forgiving and loving our neighbours. Jesus promised care after death to those who lived by faith in Him.
THE SECOND COMING of Jesus was foretold in Mathew’s Gospel. Also mainly in Revelations, written nearly 100 years later. It is now the cornerstone of some of these sects. They believe that His return is imminent. Their worship aims to secure their place in Heaven when it happens.
This seems to pursue personal salvation, rather than for selfless service to our fellow man, as urged by Jesus.
The destruction of the world sometime is certainly possible, given man’s power over the atom.
It has not happened yet after two thousand years. There is no reason to assume that this is certain or imminent.
What is certain is that we will all die, and we know not when. That is a reason to live each day as if it were our last
It is how we live now that is important to us and to God.
EXCLUSIVITY in some sects allege that theirs is the only way to worship and that others are misguided and excluded.
It is inconceivable that a loving Creator, having sent his Son to die for us, would then allow subsequent manmade rules and practices to exclude those who did not accept them.
EMOTIONISM is a feature of some TV services led by eloquent and emotional preachers. They condemn Satan and praise God. They also get excited, shout and sing loud gospel music. This obviously makes these congregations feel good. The only question is whether it helps them to live as Christians for the rest of the week.
SPEAKIG AND PREACHING are two different ways of conveying a message. Jesus spoke in normal tones and language to give his teachings.
I feel uncomfortable when addresses are preached in emotional stentorian tones. They assume their own authority and talk down to their listeners. Nobody else conveys their message to me like that. Some audiences clearly accept it.
SUPPLICATION is implied in a recitation in some services “we are not worthy to gather up the crumbs under thy table”. Surely this serves no useful purpose. Our Creator knows that we are weak fallible sinners. He sent his Son with the message of repentance and forgiveness for our failings.
PERSONALISING worship is natural for humans. It may make us feel good. Surely emotional proclamations of praise and glorification
serve little purpose? Our Creator is concerned with deeds not words.
DECLARATIONS OF FAITH in God are often called for. Surely anyone who gets up on a Sunday morning and goes to worship a God he has never seen, already has faith. There is no need to proclaim it. What they need is help and forgiveness in serving God.
THEOLOGY. Some ministers are naturally interested in all aspects of the Bible. One claimed to have spent 9 000 hours in this study. Many issues arise from, different interpretations of early Greek and Roman texts, to the origins of original sin. These issues are often the basis of their sermons. They do not fill the spiritual needs of busy pragmatic laymen. What they do need are the Messages from Christ’s teaching in simple parables about how to live, these are simple principles which need no scholarly interpretation.
Conclusion, The variations in worship serve the different needs of diverse people. Their value depends on how listeners love the rest of mankind after their worship. The deceptions which Jesus warned against are those additions which distract attention from His messages on how to live. They may promise material prosperity or protection to the listeners but they are distractions nevertheless.
We worship God when we pray for strength and faith, but we serve Him when follow His two commandments brought by Jesus.
CHRISTIAN LIVING
My journey came to fulfilment when I found ministries which concentrate on Christ’s simple teachings on how we should live every day. This means accepting God’s presence, purpose and help in all your waking life. This is precisely what Jesus taught. It is a long way from worshipping God merely by going to church once a week to reach God through a human preacher. It is free from the manmade additions which distracted my worship for too many years.
The leaders of these ministries share their faith and experience. They don’t preach down, to their listeners. Rather they relate the power of faith in their own and other peoples lives. They often report testimonies from people who had futility in their lives and turned to God. This is real.
Several TV programmes teach the real daily issues of Christian living. Among them:
JOYCE MYER’S Programme “Joyful Everyday Living”, to me is pre-eminent. I watch five times a week. She extols the joys of Christian living by praying and bringing God in to every aspect of life. She contrasts this with her previous worship of going to church once a week. She warns of the need to look for God’s help when times are tough.
She is a very smart, articulate and entertaining lady. She had a rough, tough and negative early life but has converted to a real positive living faith in God.
Her organisation has a staff of over 500 and publishes a monthly magazine, pamphlets, books an recorded teaching.( Weekdays at 900pm and 900am on channel 77, Sundays 8.30 am channel 78)
Joel Olsteen talks straight about real life issues. He emphasises not to dwell on past setbacks or insults, but to work with God for a better future.
He used to maintain his late father’s church. After his father’s death, he found himself in the hot seat. He was terrified but had Faith.
He now leads one of the largest churches in the USA. (Sometimes 10 am on channel 54 on Sundays. Also at 6pm on Mondays on 77.)
The Hour of Power by Dr. Robert. A. Schuller senior, he merely calls it Positive Christianity. His sermons concern real everyday living. Services are simple and joyful with a variety of great music and fun. It is a living contrast to the formal worship that I grew up with.
This church was started at a drive in cinema which was free on Sunday mornings. 50 years later it is now centred at a magnificent glass and steel Crystal Cathedral near Los Angeles.
These broadcasts started 35 years ago.
There is always Testimony, often from celebrities, which recall eventual triumph in overcoming challenges or adversity through faith. This is meaningful. (channel 77 at 6 pm. on Saturdays and at noon on Sundays channel 54)
The 700 Club reports numerous verified miracles of healing and the triumphs of those who were in trouble and then turned to God.(weekdays at 12noon on CBN)
Several others also speak sincerely about living every day in terms of God’s will and with His help. These include, Baylis Conway, Chad Everest, Greg Laurie, Ed Young, Rod Luce and others. Their styles vary but anyone seeking a teacher to sustain their faith should find some that suit them.
They are not part of any denomination. All these missions have earned support from fulfilling people’s need for how Jesus’ teaching should be applied in everyday life.
CHRISTIAN LIFE
Living by God’s purpose will have temporal rewards, in addition to his promises of His help and spiritual salvation. Those who live according to His purpose, will benefit in other ways.
STRESS is widely believed to be one cause of ill-health. Remember that prayer “Give us the strength O Lord to change the things we can change, the serenity to endure what we cannot change and the wisdom to know the difference.” That serenity, derived from faith, is the alternative to stress.
Hatred is another cause of stress which has no place in Christian life.
WHAT OTHERS THINK The opinion of others can be a major constraint on behaviour. Christians should not care about the approval of men but instead what is right to God.
Escaping this tyranny has been one of the major breakthroughs in my life. I have tried to replace what is considered socially correct, with what I believe is right. That is real freedom.
Faith can be a vital strength, in even the lowest levels of public office, to do what we believe is right, not what is popular. This is integrity.
A variation is trying to keep up with the Joneses. Too often we acquire possessions more lavish than we need, merely to impress our peers. Christians do not need to do that.
SOCIAL HARMONY. A major factor in human welfare is the ability to live in peace with each other at social or international levels. This is only possible if faith teaches respect and tolerance for those who are different. The parable of the Good Samaritan illustrated that God loves all people.
The future of mankind depends on tolerance and respect for the rest of humanity. Without the belief in God’s love, societies naturally become hostile to outsiders. There are those who hate other groups who are defined as infidels and enemies.
Tribal hatreds between ethnic groups constantly lead to civil wars, especially in Africa.(Iraq) Christianity ought to provide this tolerance.
Sadly hostility exists even between Christian churches. This is contrary to Christ’s teaching.
There will never be peace on earth until mankind learn to love or at least respect one another.
Conclusion Our Creator gave us our lives and sent Jesus to tell us how to live. It is natural to expect that this will lead to a better quality of life, in addition to the spiritual rewards He promised.
REVELATIONS
Three simple Revelations were found in the messages of these ministries.
CHRISTIAN DAILY LIVIMG. These ministries concentrate simply on Christ’s Messages applied to all aspects of daily life. They lead their listeners by speaking of the day to day issues and how faith in God should guide us in all our decisions. This was His purpose for our lives.
He is always with us as a loving caring Father to help us to live His way. Every decision in life should be guided by faith in His Messages.
Adversity and disappointments are part of life. We should not complain and ask “why me ?” Rather we should ask for help and strength for the future. Help usually comes, but not always in the way it was expected.
This reality of His constant presence in the lives of the faithful is a real recipe for Christian Living.
This has replaced the practice of going once a week to some sombre holy place for a reverent preacher to call down the help of a remote Holy Lord.
ALL MEN ARE EQUAL to God. This may sound to be obvious. However our society is stratified according to the abilities and achievements of members. Leaders emerge in all fields, such as business, politics or sport. They are admired and respected for their prowess.
Conversely those who only achieve humble positions may be regarded, and even regard themselves, as inferior.
The revelation is that they are just as important to our Creator as of any human leader.
The message is that God created us all with different talents and that He has a purpose for each of us to fulfil. We need to pray to find this purpose, and for strength to achieve it. With His help, we can each succeed to achieve His plan for us.
As one preacher said, “the janitor is just as important to God as the company chairman.”
This was new to me, but it makes sense.
We all need, and can get, help in living the Christian life, no matter how humble our station. We deal with people all the time, at work, at home and in our communities. This is where we can serve God when we love our neighbours and our enemies.
This has meaning for everyone, no matter how humble their abilities.
THE HOLY SPIRIT has been shown to play a very real part in the lives of anyone who has faith to ask for help. There have been many many testimonies of God’s help to ordinary people, who turn to Him when they have had setbacks or lost their way.
This gives relevance to the injunction “Ask and it will be given to you. Seek and you will find. Knock and it will be opened to you.”
This is a central theme of some of these ministries. It is real.
It contrasts with what was meaningless singing about “three in one and one in three”, which I was brought up with.
The awesome reality is that He is available to each of us here and now. We do not need to go through any human intermediary in a holy temple to get to Him or get help from Him.
To sum up. These ministries rejoice in the blessings and pleasures in our wonderful world
These forms of worship bring the simple messages of how to live a Christian life.
God has a purpose for each one of us, and the Holy Spirit is there to help us all to achieve it. Surely this is what Christ came to teach us ?
It depends only on our own faith in God and is reinforced by God’s enlightened ministries who help us to sustain our own faith.
Conclusion Now I have found ministries who teach the real Will of Jesus for our living. My faith is now much deeper and more real. It is peaceful and simple. God has a purpose for me too and will help me to achieve it. He is my loving and forgiving Boss and friend. I have now found a new peace and fulfilment.
LIVING FAITH AT LAST
This journey has taken most of my life. I have now found dedicated and sincere preachers who actually do pray in ordinary language for strength to follow Jesus’ teachings.
This replaced the concept of a critical authoritarian power waiting to condemn sinners and worshipped by sombre manmade rituals and doctrines in formalised churches.
I Thank God for leading me here.
INTRODUCTION
REFLECTIONS OF A CHRISTIAN
From the other side of the pulpit.
As a hard drinking, heavy smoking and workaholic 79 year old Christian, it is natural to consider my beliefs and experience.
These are the views of a busy layman who has attended church, at least once a month, for over 60 years.
They are from the other side of the pulpit.
I left school and started farming at the age of 17.
In 1954 I bought my own farm and married Stella. Ten years later I enrolled at university and earned a degree in economics.
In 1970 I was awarded of a medal for research in communal agriculture. I then returned to farming.
I have always been active in civic affairs: chairman of farmers’ association, founder of a buying co-op, 12 years on the national tobacco farmers’ council and the Tobacco Research Board.
These activities required the thorough objective analysis of problems and their causes I have tried to analyse my religious experience in the same way in eleven essays listed below.
As a Christian I am concerned at the serious and steady decline of support for churches. My conclusions are controversial or even provocative, they should be judged by whether the are consistent with the evidence of their origins.
PART ONE: A LONG JOURNEY IN FAITH
Essay 1 WHERE WE ARE
Our wonderful world made by our unseen Creator and His purpose.
Essay 2 HOW WE GOT HERE
Four roots of Christianity and our society.
Essay 3 CHRISTIAN SERVITUDE
50 frustrating years as an Anglican , believing this is how to worship God.
Essay 4 CHRISTIAN EMANCIPATIOM
Revelations of Christian living and fulfilment of my faith in Christ.
PART TWO: THE GREAT DECEPTIONS
Essay 5 MISLEADING PREACHING
Manmade additions in preaching are diversions from Christ’s Teaching.
Essay 6 CHURCHES NEED REFORM
Churches need to discard the deceptions which have been added to Christ’s Teaching.
Essay 7 CLERGY AND LAYMEN
There are fundamental differences between constraints on the lives of clergy and laymen
Essay 8 CHURCH TEACHING
Churches must teach Christ’s Message for living to their young members as a guide for their future lives
Essay 9 THE BIBLE -
The Gospels-God’s Holy Truth through Jesus on how men should serve God.
The Acts if the Apostles reports the power of the Holy Spirit in inspiring the Apostles in their Ministries which founded Christianity. This Power is still there for Christians
The Old Testament reports the pre-Christian scriptures of Judaism.
Christ gave his life to replace these doctrines but they are still revered as holy Truth.
Essay 10 THE TRIUMPHS OF THE PHARISES.
The Pharisees rejected Jesus’ Teaching and prevented most Jews from becoming Christians. Yet their scriptures are revered with Christ’s Teaching in the Bible.
PART THREE
Tragically the majority of western people believe in God but do not worship in church.
Essay 11 REFORMATION NEEDED
Many manmade additions to worship are unacceptable to many modern discerning believers.
Reformation is desperately needed to return to Christ’s simple Teaching to individuals of God’s purpose for their lives.
From the other side of the pulpit.
As a hard drinking, heavy smoking and workaholic 79 year old Christian, it is natural to consider my beliefs and experience.
These are the views of a busy layman who has attended church, at least once a month, for over 60 years.
They are from the other side of the pulpit.
I left school and started farming at the age of 17.
In 1954 I bought my own farm and married Stella. Ten years later I enrolled at university and earned a degree in economics.
In 1970 I was awarded of a medal for research in communal agriculture. I then returned to farming.
I have always been active in civic affairs: chairman of farmers’ association, founder of a buying co-op, 12 years on the national tobacco farmers’ council and the Tobacco Research Board.
These activities required the thorough objective analysis of problems and their causes I have tried to analyse my religious experience in the same way in eleven essays listed below.
As a Christian I am concerned at the serious and steady decline of support for churches. My conclusions are controversial or even provocative, they should be judged by whether the are consistent with the evidence of their origins.
PART ONE: A LONG JOURNEY IN FAITH
Essay 1 WHERE WE ARE
Our wonderful world made by our unseen Creator and His purpose.
Essay 2 HOW WE GOT HERE
Four roots of Christianity and our society.
Essay 3 CHRISTIAN SERVITUDE
50 frustrating years as an Anglican , believing this is how to worship God.
Essay 4 CHRISTIAN EMANCIPATIOM
Revelations of Christian living and fulfilment of my faith in Christ.
PART TWO: THE GREAT DECEPTIONS
Essay 5 MISLEADING PREACHING
Manmade additions in preaching are diversions from Christ’s Teaching.
Essay 6 CHURCHES NEED REFORM
Churches need to discard the deceptions which have been added to Christ’s Teaching.
Essay 7 CLERGY AND LAYMEN
There are fundamental differences between constraints on the lives of clergy and laymen
Essay 8 CHURCH TEACHING
Churches must teach Christ’s Message for living to their young members as a guide for their future lives
Essay 9 THE BIBLE -
The Gospels-God’s Holy Truth through Jesus on how men should serve God.
The Acts if the Apostles reports the power of the Holy Spirit in inspiring the Apostles in their Ministries which founded Christianity. This Power is still there for Christians
The Old Testament reports the pre-Christian scriptures of Judaism.
Christ gave his life to replace these doctrines but they are still revered as holy Truth.
Essay 10 THE TRIUMPHS OF THE PHARISES.
The Pharisees rejected Jesus’ Teaching and prevented most Jews from becoming Christians. Yet their scriptures are revered with Christ’s Teaching in the Bible.
PART THREE
Tragically the majority of western people believe in God but do not worship in church.
Essay 11 REFORMATION NEEDED
Many manmade additions to worship are unacceptable to many modern discerning believers.
Reformation is desperately needed to return to Christ’s simple Teaching to individuals of God’s purpose for their lives.
A JOURNEY TO FAITH
PART ONE
MARCH 08
A JOURNEY TO FAITH
Background. I was very fortunate to be brought up as a Christian by my mother. I have never doubted the existence of God our Creator, nor that our duty is to serve Him. However my faith was tested continually by church practices and the words of preachers. Their prayers and preaching had too little relevance to help in my busy daily life.
I offer opinions on areas which have been real or misleading in my Christian experience. It has been a long journey but eventually I escaped
and have been rewarded with a real and complete Faith.
Essay 1
WHERE ARE WE ?
We live in the physical world, which we can see and understand. Our behaviour in societies are regulated by rules and norms that we are familiar with. Our control over physical world is explained by rapidly expanding scientific knowledge
The spiritual World is where we have faith. We cannot see or measure the spiritual powers which we believe in. I have tried to reconcile that my beliefs are consistent with what I can see.
GOD THE CREATOR
The Christian message that our first duty is to love God is clear, yet as humans, we cannot even comprehend His nature.
In this new scientific age we understand an enormous amount of most aspects of our physical world. None of this contributes anything about the nature of our spiritual God.
We can know what He is not.
He is not, like we are, composed of matter i.e. compounds made up of atoms reacting together by chemistry. Therefore He is not controlled by time or space.
CREATION. We can however see the beautiful world He created for us to live in.
First there is life itself.
Our own bodies and minds are wonderful.
Our lives are full of pleasures, challenges and rewards.
There is beauty in the creatures, plants, landscapes and human relationships.
There are the gifts of art, music and laughter.
There are also the joys of food and the ownership of possessions.
The capacity to love is one of the greatest gifts.
Couples become intoxicated with each other when they fall in love. Love gives them caring and tolerance for their mate when they share their lives in marriage.
Parental love gives care and concern for the well being of offspring.
Alcohol is enjoyed by many, it is a good friend but a bad master.
As Louis Armstrong used to sing “What a wonderful world “
THE EARTH itself has unique characteristics which are essential to life. The moon, by revolving around the earth allows it to rotate so that we have day and night. Other planets, which do not rotate, roast on one side and freeze on the other.
Night also allows most creatures to sleep and refresh themselves mentally and physically from each day’s exertions.
Our atmosphere contains the oxygen for life, it keeps out harmful rays and it allows water to remain on earth in liquid form. These and other essential conditions for life have not yet been seen elsewhere by astronomers. This does not prove that it all evolved by the design of our Creator, but it is consistent with the planned guidance of evolution by an omniscient spiritual power.
What was OUR CREATORS purpose?
He sent Jesus, to tell us how we should serve Him through loving the rest of mankind who He created. His simple messages of principle in Jesus’ parables are a comprehensive guide to His purpose for our lives. He shows His power in the lives of individuals through miracles of healing and help to those who pray for it.
Conclusion God’s nature is beyond the comprehension of human beings. We should be thankful for the many pleasures in His wonderful Creation. His Purpose is that mankind should live in harmony by loving each other unselfishly.
He promised the necessary help and strength to those with faith who pray to Him, to them He promised care after death.
Living by His Messages must be the important goal in our lives.
This is now my Faith.
THE ALTERNATIVE
(Atheists must believe that the whole process of evolution from the first single-cell organisms to man today are the result of happy chance.
Those who reject any Divine power or Purpose for their lives, it is each man for himself. However humanity needs some morality. If it is not from our Creator it will be from men. Without God they look to man-made doctrines such as communism or national socialism. Power becomes vested in human leaders. Might is right and there is no justice. They are alone and death is the end.)
DIVINE INTERVENTION
DISASTERS, which cause suffering, are not prevented by our Creator. Examples are the Tsunami, earthquakes, war and personal suffering from diseases such as cancer.These are the way the world is. God does not prevent them.
He does promise help to hose who suffer. They can pray for and receive help and strength in their ordeals. Numerous miracles over centuries show that He has real power to help individuals.
SPIRITUAL REALMS
Two spiritual realms receive attention in many churches. Neither are part of the physical world so that their true nature cannot be known.
Heaven is believed to be our destination when our bodies cease to live. Jesus promised care after death to those who believe in Him. Since it is not a material place, like our world, it is impossible to comprehend its nature.
It is inconceivable that our loving Creator does not have a plan for who serve Him when they depart the wonderful physical world
SATAN Many Christians believe in the Devil, as an active evil spirit, who is supposed to tempt people to evil. This is inconsistent with our loving Creator.
Yet evil does exist; where from?
Jesus said that evil comes not from without but from within.(Luke 7)
We all have a large variety of social, emotional and physical wants and desires. These lead to the temptations which are contrary to Jesus’ Teaching. We sometimes fail to resist them. This is where evil comes from, It is not the work of an evil spirit. We all have this devil in us.
An extreme example of wanton evil is the paedophiles who vent their lust on helpless children. This is not the result of an active evil devil. Rather an example of people satisfying their selfish wants regardless of the effects on others.
We all have emotions such as anger, aggression, envy and hatred which are involuntary reactions in our dealings with other people. We have to overcome and control these feelings to achieve His purpose.
Conclusion Jesus did promise care after death to the faithful, we cannot conceive the nature of that care. As Jesus said, he came to the world to save sinners. He promised forgiveness to those who repent.
Beliefs in the nature of non-physical concepts of Heaven and Satan can only be speculative. Certainly the capacity for evil is real in mankind.
WHERE WE ARE
We cannot comprehend the nature of our God. We can see his creation. We are blessed to live in a world offering us wonderful rewards and pleasures.
Our Creator, through Jesus, asked only that we enjoy them with restraint and also have love and charity for others.
He promises forgiveness when we fail, help to succeed in future and care after death to the faithful. Living according to His purpose ought to be the primary goal in our lives.
These conclusions are remarkably simple and they provide an adequate basis for my faith and for living a Christian life. However they do not include the doctrines, mythology and folklore which are man made additions to the worship I was brought up with.
The intervention of benevolent powers of the spirits of saints and clergymen are not included. God cares for every human and can be worshipped directly without human intermediaries.
MARCH 08
A JOURNEY TO FAITH
Background. I was very fortunate to be brought up as a Christian by my mother. I have never doubted the existence of God our Creator, nor that our duty is to serve Him. However my faith was tested continually by church practices and the words of preachers. Their prayers and preaching had too little relevance to help in my busy daily life.
I offer opinions on areas which have been real or misleading in my Christian experience. It has been a long journey but eventually I escaped
and have been rewarded with a real and complete Faith.
Essay 1
WHERE ARE WE ?
We live in the physical world, which we can see and understand. Our behaviour in societies are regulated by rules and norms that we are familiar with. Our control over physical world is explained by rapidly expanding scientific knowledge
The spiritual World is where we have faith. We cannot see or measure the spiritual powers which we believe in. I have tried to reconcile that my beliefs are consistent with what I can see.
GOD THE CREATOR
The Christian message that our first duty is to love God is clear, yet as humans, we cannot even comprehend His nature.
In this new scientific age we understand an enormous amount of most aspects of our physical world. None of this contributes anything about the nature of our spiritual God.
We can know what He is not.
He is not, like we are, composed of matter i.e. compounds made up of atoms reacting together by chemistry. Therefore He is not controlled by time or space.
CREATION. We can however see the beautiful world He created for us to live in.
First there is life itself.
Our own bodies and minds are wonderful.
Our lives are full of pleasures, challenges and rewards.
There is beauty in the creatures, plants, landscapes and human relationships.
There are the gifts of art, music and laughter.
There are also the joys of food and the ownership of possessions.
The capacity to love is one of the greatest gifts.
Couples become intoxicated with each other when they fall in love. Love gives them caring and tolerance for their mate when they share their lives in marriage.
Parental love gives care and concern for the well being of offspring.
Alcohol is enjoyed by many, it is a good friend but a bad master.
As Louis Armstrong used to sing “What a wonderful world “
THE EARTH itself has unique characteristics which are essential to life. The moon, by revolving around the earth allows it to rotate so that we have day and night. Other planets, which do not rotate, roast on one side and freeze on the other.
Night also allows most creatures to sleep and refresh themselves mentally and physically from each day’s exertions.
Our atmosphere contains the oxygen for life, it keeps out harmful rays and it allows water to remain on earth in liquid form. These and other essential conditions for life have not yet been seen elsewhere by astronomers. This does not prove that it all evolved by the design of our Creator, but it is consistent with the planned guidance of evolution by an omniscient spiritual power.
What was OUR CREATORS purpose?
He sent Jesus, to tell us how we should serve Him through loving the rest of mankind who He created. His simple messages of principle in Jesus’ parables are a comprehensive guide to His purpose for our lives. He shows His power in the lives of individuals through miracles of healing and help to those who pray for it.
Conclusion God’s nature is beyond the comprehension of human beings. We should be thankful for the many pleasures in His wonderful Creation. His Purpose is that mankind should live in harmony by loving each other unselfishly.
He promised the necessary help and strength to those with faith who pray to Him, to them He promised care after death.
Living by His Messages must be the important goal in our lives.
This is now my Faith.
THE ALTERNATIVE
(Atheists must believe that the whole process of evolution from the first single-cell organisms to man today are the result of happy chance.
Those who reject any Divine power or Purpose for their lives, it is each man for himself. However humanity needs some morality. If it is not from our Creator it will be from men. Without God they look to man-made doctrines such as communism or national socialism. Power becomes vested in human leaders. Might is right and there is no justice. They are alone and death is the end.)
DIVINE INTERVENTION
DISASTERS, which cause suffering, are not prevented by our Creator. Examples are the Tsunami, earthquakes, war and personal suffering from diseases such as cancer.These are the way the world is. God does not prevent them.
He does promise help to hose who suffer. They can pray for and receive help and strength in their ordeals. Numerous miracles over centuries show that He has real power to help individuals.
SPIRITUAL REALMS
Two spiritual realms receive attention in many churches. Neither are part of the physical world so that their true nature cannot be known.
Heaven is believed to be our destination when our bodies cease to live. Jesus promised care after death to those who believe in Him. Since it is not a material place, like our world, it is impossible to comprehend its nature.
It is inconceivable that our loving Creator does not have a plan for who serve Him when they depart the wonderful physical world
SATAN Many Christians believe in the Devil, as an active evil spirit, who is supposed to tempt people to evil. This is inconsistent with our loving Creator.
Yet evil does exist; where from?
Jesus said that evil comes not from without but from within.(Luke 7)
We all have a large variety of social, emotional and physical wants and desires. These lead to the temptations which are contrary to Jesus’ Teaching. We sometimes fail to resist them. This is where evil comes from, It is not the work of an evil spirit. We all have this devil in us.
An extreme example of wanton evil is the paedophiles who vent their lust on helpless children. This is not the result of an active evil devil. Rather an example of people satisfying their selfish wants regardless of the effects on others.
We all have emotions such as anger, aggression, envy and hatred which are involuntary reactions in our dealings with other people. We have to overcome and control these feelings to achieve His purpose.
Conclusion Jesus did promise care after death to the faithful, we cannot conceive the nature of that care. As Jesus said, he came to the world to save sinners. He promised forgiveness to those who repent.
Beliefs in the nature of non-physical concepts of Heaven and Satan can only be speculative. Certainly the capacity for evil is real in mankind.
WHERE WE ARE
We cannot comprehend the nature of our God. We can see his creation. We are blessed to live in a world offering us wonderful rewards and pleasures.
Our Creator, through Jesus, asked only that we enjoy them with restraint and also have love and charity for others.
He promises forgiveness when we fail, help to succeed in future and care after death to the faithful. Living according to His purpose ought to be the primary goal in our lives.
These conclusions are remarkably simple and they provide an adequate basis for my faith and for living a Christian life. However they do not include the doctrines, mythology and folklore which are man made additions to the worship I was brought up with.
The intervention of benevolent powers of the spirits of saints and clergymen are not included. God cares for every human and can be worshipped directly without human intermediaries.
Saturday, 28 July 2007
CLERGY AND LAYMEN
Essay 6 August 2007
At grassroots there is a gulf between the work environments of the clergy, as the teachers, and their parishioners.
Churches now need to be flexible and conscious that the needs of their members are changing faster than ever before.
Education leads to more knowledge and critical judgement.
Increasing wealth gives independence and confidence. The technological revolution gives access to unlimited information.
THE LAYMEN live very busy and competitive working lives. They must be dynamic and respond to change. They have no respect for doing things the way their fathers did before them.
As work becomes more complex there is increasing dependence on the advice and information from other specialists.
The churches are the specialists who should provide relevant teaching to equip Christians to live according to God’s will. The more complex their the more people they deal with and therefore the more they need faith to guide them in what is right and wrong.
A common injunction by preachers is to read the Bible. This sounds noble but it is inappropriate. It is like advising that to be able to cure their medical problems we should study medical journals. Most Christians do not have the time or the ability to be untrained amateurs. They need meaningful teaching to guide them in following God in their busy lives.(Essay Ten)
It is the clergy must be the specialists who provide the messages of faith and their services of worship and prayer to help them to live Christian lives.
If they attend church once a week, this only amounts to about 1% of their waking hours, plus any time spent in prayer or participating in church groups.
The other 99% of their time is spent among people in work or recreation.
This is where they need to be equipped to serve Jesus.
THE CLERGY are fulltime in what is clearly God’s work. They run their churches. They are compassionate and try to help those with problems such as sickness, bereavement or personal failure, in their flocks.
Many churches are also active in substantial good works, such as missionary teaching and charitable contributions to those in need.
In Zimbabwe churches gave made great contributions to education and medical services especially in remote areas. These noble activities are often led by the clergy.
However their most important duties must be spreading the gospel and the spiritual ministry to their parishioners. As noted above, the laymen need succinct specialised Christian teaching to guide them in their busy lives.
Clergy, on the other hand, have to present their teaching, as defined by the rigid manmade dictates of their conservative leaders. They are not answerable to their parishioners but to the hierarchy of their church.
This limits their flexibility to serve the spiritual needs of the dynamic laymen. They may therefore fail to meet the needs of their demanding and discerning laymen, in their role as the teachers of Christianity.
Worship Those who attend worship, do so to recharge them for their Christian living. The clergy should be able to provide this. This is like the motorist who owns his vehicle to travel. He has to depend on specialists to service and maintain it, in order that he can travel.
CONCLUSION The laymen are dynamic, flexible and pragmatic. The clergy are constrained by the rigid and conservative church practices and doctrines. If they cannot provide effective Christian Teaching for everyday, they are failing in their purpose as the representatives of Christ. Worse still the laymen are not getting the help they need to live a full Christian life. This in no way reflects on the clergy, they are prisoners in the system of deceptions. Their church organisations should discard their manmade deceptions and return to Christ’s simple teaching.
At grassroots there is a gulf between the work environments of the clergy, as the teachers, and their parishioners.
Churches now need to be flexible and conscious that the needs of their members are changing faster than ever before.
Education leads to more knowledge and critical judgement.
Increasing wealth gives independence and confidence. The technological revolution gives access to unlimited information.
THE LAYMEN live very busy and competitive working lives. They must be dynamic and respond to change. They have no respect for doing things the way their fathers did before them.
As work becomes more complex there is increasing dependence on the advice and information from other specialists.
The churches are the specialists who should provide relevant teaching to equip Christians to live according to God’s will. The more complex their the more people they deal with and therefore the more they need faith to guide them in what is right and wrong.
A common injunction by preachers is to read the Bible. This sounds noble but it is inappropriate. It is like advising that to be able to cure their medical problems we should study medical journals. Most Christians do not have the time or the ability to be untrained amateurs. They need meaningful teaching to guide them in following God in their busy lives.(Essay Ten)
It is the clergy must be the specialists who provide the messages of faith and their services of worship and prayer to help them to live Christian lives.
If they attend church once a week, this only amounts to about 1% of their waking hours, plus any time spent in prayer or participating in church groups.
The other 99% of their time is spent among people in work or recreation.
This is where they need to be equipped to serve Jesus.
THE CLERGY are fulltime in what is clearly God’s work. They run their churches. They are compassionate and try to help those with problems such as sickness, bereavement or personal failure, in their flocks.
Many churches are also active in substantial good works, such as missionary teaching and charitable contributions to those in need.
In Zimbabwe churches gave made great contributions to education and medical services especially in remote areas. These noble activities are often led by the clergy.
However their most important duties must be spreading the gospel and the spiritual ministry to their parishioners. As noted above, the laymen need succinct specialised Christian teaching to guide them in their busy lives.
Clergy, on the other hand, have to present their teaching, as defined by the rigid manmade dictates of their conservative leaders. They are not answerable to their parishioners but to the hierarchy of their church.
This limits their flexibility to serve the spiritual needs of the dynamic laymen. They may therefore fail to meet the needs of their demanding and discerning laymen, in their role as the teachers of Christianity.
Worship Those who attend worship, do so to recharge them for their Christian living. The clergy should be able to provide this. This is like the motorist who owns his vehicle to travel. He has to depend on specialists to service and maintain it, in order that he can travel.
CONCLUSION The laymen are dynamic, flexible and pragmatic. The clergy are constrained by the rigid and conservative church practices and doctrines. If they cannot provide effective Christian Teaching for everyday, they are failing in their purpose as the representatives of Christ. Worse still the laymen are not getting the help they need to live a full Christian life. This in no way reflects on the clergy, they are prisoners in the system of deceptions. Their church organisations should discard their manmade deceptions and return to Christ’s simple teaching.
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