Today’s Word from Pastor Jim…
“Jesus Christ the same yesterday, today and forever.” Hebrews 13:8
Is it time to question Christianity? The answer must be a resounding YES! Why? Because it is always time to question the human institution that bears the name of Jesus. There is often a disconnect between the Christian Church and the teachings of Jesus. The movement of Jesus has a tendency to be overtaken by the bureaucracy of the institution. Religious people tended to be a thorn in the side of Jesus; that has remained constant for 2,000 years. The behavior of those who claim the name of Jesus, but are unaware of the actual teachings of Jesus, has always threatened the credibility of the movement.
Is it time to question Christianity? The answer must be a resounding YES! You may remember that 500 years ago Martin Luther called for reformation. He had no intention of starting a new church. He was not seeking to reinterpret or reform the teachings of Jesus. Luther was calling on the institutional church to change, to return to the teachings of Jesus, to let go of superstition and fear, to be set free by grace. Institutions are not real fond of change. As we have seen repeatedly, those in authority are reluctant to give up or share power.
Is it time to question Christianity? The answer must be a resounding YES! Christians have given Christianity a bad name. The Christian Church has given thoughtful people reason to doubt its motives and its mission. The Church and many of her members were often on the wrong side of history. The church of Jesus did not resemble Jesus when it came to slavery, the crusades, civil rights, women’s rights, gay rights, the rights of native populations, the treatment of those who were divorced or abused, and the inclusion of all at the Lord’s table. Many thinking people look at the larger Christian Church today with skepticism and mistrust, as TV preachers fly in their private planes and religious leaders are seduced by political power.
Is it time to question Christianity? The answer must be a resounding YES! The church is in constant need of reformation; it is important to remember that the one we follow is not found in Chicago or Rome. I just finished an article titled, “Millennials are leaving religion and not coming back.” Millennials are those between the ages of 23 and 38. Do you have millennial children or grandchildren? If so, are they connected to a church or religious community? If you were to scan the pews of Trinity Lutheran Church in pre-pandemic days, you would find very few millennials. The trends tell us that this will continue to be true.
Is it time to question Christianity? The answer is YES! The teachings of Jesus, unchanged for 2,000 years, are still relevant to a broken world and the tired children who labor here. Women and men, the young and old, still yearn to hear words of grace, to find meaning and purpose, to belong to a community that cares. The teachings of Jesus are still relevant, but the institutional church has become irrelevant to many.
Millennials want nothing to do with a movement that excludes, judges, and preaches to them. Millennials want to hear radical truth, not dated superstition. They want to be a part of a movement that can change communities and change the world for good. Not for the good of religious leaders or institutions, but for the good of all, regardless of their orientation or understanding of the divine. The church founded in the name of Jesus is becoming irrelevant to the masses, and we bear some responsibility for that reality. The church of Jesus is becoming irrelevant and that will have ominous consequences for our country and the world. For all of its missteps and abuses, the church has been a major force for good in the world. The church has spawned non-profits, built hospitals and nursing homes, cared for the most vulnerable, and advocated for justice. Religious movements across the spectrum have helped to make our world safer and more civilized.
Is it time to question Christianity? It is always time. Is it time to do away with the church? No. It is time to reform the church and realign ourselves with the teachings of Jesus.
Together we can change Whidbey Island and the world for good in 2021! Will you join me?
Pastor Jim
