It is my opinion that the church has built too much of it's doctrine on Paul and not enough on Jesus. Paul gives crisp statements that are easy to turn into formulas. Jesus taught basic principles that challenge us to the core. There is a huge difference.
From Paul, some denominations created "the four spiritual laws." The church used these words to create a formula by which people can be "saved." Some of their spiritual laws include...- all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God
- the wages of sin is death
- while we were still sinners, Christ died for us
The problem in my mind with this approach to Christianity is that it has oversimplified the faith and it has elevated belief over a life of following. It has also made those who follow this type of Christianity into militant, arrogant colonialists instead of people of love.
I wonder what the four spiritual laws according to Jesus might be???- do unto others as you would have them do unto you
- turn the other cheek
- love one another as I have loved you
- love your neighbor as yourself
How might the world be different, how might our lives be different, if we lived by Jesus' laws instead of the words of Paul.
If the church can learn to live by the principles of Jesus, people may actually want to return to be a part of the church.
We can't control the church or the theologians, but we can control ourselves.
Love one another.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
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I am leading a trip to Italy in November of this year with Pastor Sherri Swanson. There is plenty of room and we would love to have you join!!!
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