Post by Michael ChristAll the organised religions are false. Sorry about that, I really am.
We know that you are sorry.
And everyone knows that your strange religious beliefs do not
correspond with any organized religion. But, some of us WANT to
belong to an organized religion. That way we can have great
discussions about what scripture means when heretics like you try to
give us a BS definition or translation, or interpretation.
There have been hundreds of thousands of religious people before you
that have contemplated the meaning of life long before you were born.
Why do you feel you are smarter than all of them?
Why do you deny that Christ is our savior?
Why do you judge our worship process is inferior to yours?
In Exodus chapter 6 and following,... God organized a religion for
the nation of Israel. The Ten Commandments, the laws regarding the
tabernacle, and the sacrificial system were all instituted by God and
were to be followed by the Israelites. Further study of the New
Testament clarifies that the intent of this religion was to point to
the need for a Savior-Messiah (Galatians 3; Romans 7). However, many
have misunderstood this and have worshipped the rules and rituals
rather than God.
In many cases, the end result of organized religion is a distraction
from the intent of God. However, the Bible does speak of organized
believers who are part of His plan. God calls these groups of
organized believers churches. The descriptions from the book of Acts
and the Epistles indicate that the church is to be organized and
interdependent. The organization leads to protection, productivity,
and outreach (Acts 2:41-47). In the case of the church, it could
better be called an organized relationship.
Religion is mans attempt to have communion with God. The Christian
faith is a relationship with God because of what He has done for us
through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.
I think I would dislike an unorganized religion. Walking into our
Charismatic church, you never knew what might be going on. There might
be an orderly church service, or a two-hour praise and worship
session. There could be crying and praying at the altar, or a quick
service before an even quicker exit.
I would hate to be a Baptist.
Talk about disorganized. You would have to visit a half dozen
churches to find out what they actually believe. Some say they hate
homo's. Some hate papists (Catholics). Some believe in full
immersion. Some don't believe in Baptism until you are in your 20's.
Some hate war veterans. Some can't play cards, dance, etc. Then
there are the snake handlers.
Its common to hear those who are nominally Christian say they hate
organized religion. But its important to understand that Jesus did
not oppose organized religion. He was a practicing Jew, and followed
Judaic customs. He preached in the synagogue and read from the
scriptures.
Jesus founded a religion. This was not an accident, or a
misunderstanding by His followers. He instituted a new covenant
through the breaking of bread with His disciples. So why is organized
religion a good thing? Why cant we worship God however we choose?
Cant I be spiritual, not religious? Maybe.... Maybe not....
In times of controversy over correct doctrine, the Church met in
council to ensure the purity of the Christian faith. At these councils
the Church has clarified the true faith and condemned heresies
contrary to the teachings of Christ. In a world where every street
corner has someone preaching their own version of Christianity, The
Holy Orthodox Church has preserved the faith of the Apostles.
The Apostles took great care to pass down the teachings of Jesus to
their successors, insuring an accurate transmission of His message. In
both written and oral tradition, great care has gone into the
preservation the Gospel.
For over 300 years, the Church worshiped without a Bible as we know it
today. The canon of scripture came through the wisdom of the Church.
The Church fathers preserved the writings agreed to be inspired by the
Holy Spirit. The Holy Bible did not spring into existence on its own.
It was compiled by the Church through the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
I can worship God anywhere. We certainly should pray and seek God at
all times. But there are times when we should worship in a more
orderly fashion. Having a priest guide us through our worship directs
our minds and hearts. Receiving the Holy Eucharist is the result of
preparation and organization. Singing hymns with a well-rehearsed
choir guides our prayers through song. It is through the orderly
practice of the Liturgy that we gain the wisdom and training to truly
worship God in spirit and in truth.
Catholic Mass is the same all over the world. It does not change from
place to place. I have attended Mass in dozens of different
countries. And in hundreds of places - from real churches to tents,
to theaters, to underground garages, tops of aircraft carriers, etc.
Plus, do you recall when Jesus said that whenever two or more gather
in His name, He will be there.....