I do, indeed, believe that tradition consumes the true meaning of religion. In an earlier post, I talked about a sermon that inspired me which said that the symbolism surrounding Christianity sometimes blotted out the subject. For most people, going to church means they are bound for Heaven. Let’s go ahead and say the old addage now so that everyone can see it, shall we? GOING TO A GARAGE DOESN’T MAKE YOU A CAR ANY MORE THAN GOING TO CHURCH MAKES YOU A CHRISTIAN. It is the faith, the love, and the message of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior that opens the gates of heaven and assures us a mansion of rest. Still, to strengthen our beliefs, we must realize that God has given us tools. The Bible is a tool, as it gives us God’s word and tells us what we need to achieve a life in the love of Jesus Christ. Likewise, Church is a tool. It is a place of worship. Attendence does not insure admission into heaven, nor does any preacher have the power to write you a permission slip. The people at your Church should be like minded about their walk with Jesus Christ; if they aren’t, it’s time to re-evaluate the Church’s role in your life. I have often felt lackluster after Church. I wondered for a long while why I didn’t feel as fulfilled as some other folks that I knew. Thanks to this site and my new understanding of scripture, I learned that your walk with Jesus Christ is just that; You must knock on the door of Heaven and ask Jesus to let you in the threshold. If you look for fulfilment in tradition, you’re looking in the wrong place. Jesus will feed your spiritual need, not monotony and unfulfilling hours of boredom. If your Chruch experience is not sitting right with you, you need to ask yourself whether or not you’re sitting in the right place. Find a better way to get yourself closer to Jesus and to his power; if church isn’t an effective tool, get a better one and get back to work.
Thanks for this discussion, Kathy. Good job on your PRAXIS!
Other thoughts, folks?