I am not a religious person, and I have many reasons. Although they are personal, I will state the overall rationale of why I am not a church goer. I have read the bible, I was an altar boy when I was a young man and well into my teens, and I actually considered becoming a priest until I learned that they couldn’t marry. I had religion classes every day in parochial school until my junior year in high school. I was very devout. I even attended mass at six in the morning every day before school, and it was my own choice.

By the time I was in my mid-teenage years I had an awakening. Listening to my friends who were not Catholic and what they were being taught by their ministers, I realized all Christian religions had one thing in common; they did not believe in the teachings of Jesus Christ. I realized that my morals and therefore my search for a greater sense of spirituality were enough for me to improve myself. I didn’t find the need to have another man tell me how to live my life. I didn’t need a physical church; all of nature is God’s home, and this is where He is, not in a building or even an edifice.

Jesus did not label men or women; he did not judge them. He told his followers that judgement belonged to God the Father and only to Him. He preached love and forgiveness for all mankind, not fear. Those who proclaim themselves Christians today attempt to dominate the lives of others, shame men and women for actions they decide are against God’s law, and continue the practice of name calling and labeling others who do not share their ‘beliefs.’ Jesus did not interject his teachings into the daily business of the rulers of the area. In Matthew 5:17 he said that He came to fulfill the law. Jesus did not attempt to change those who had authority over Him, he simply attempted to guide all men towards a more spiritual life. The only time he ever displayed anger was towards the money changers in the Temple who were desecrating a holy place. However, He did display contempt for the wealthy while the poor suffered when He said: “It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the Kingdom of Heaven.”

Religious extremism has been the cause of most of the world’s great wars and disasters caused by man. Personal interpretation of the Bible, or slanting a verse or chapter to support their own beliefs is extremist. Jesus’ message was simple: “Love one another as you love yourself,” and “Judge not, lest ye be judged.” Simplicity was Jesus’ way, and no one needs a priest or minister to explain it.

Think about it. Jesus would not act in a similar manner to the Christian religious right; and they are not acting like Him.

Op-Ed

By James Turnage

Photo Courtesy of Waiting For The Word