Myths and Manipulations

Every once in a while my head gets clogged up with things and I have to clear them out so I can move on. I believe the things I’m going to tell you are errors.  They are either passed on in ignorance or deliberately used to manipulate people. Let’s look at a few of these myths.

Jesus was a wimp.  He was not!  Most of the pictures show Jesus with deer eyes and soft hands.  I don’t think so.  In His livelihood He was a builder, probably a stone cutter or mason, not a carpenter.  His hands were calloused.  He was physical enough to chase the crooks from the temple with a whip made of cords.  He used violence when He did that and turned over their tables.  He was a man’s man.  He had enough courage to look a man in the eyes and ask him to give up his most important possessions.  He was humble but he was no sissy.  Real men like fishermen could relate to Him.  Real men still can!

Self-defense is prohibited in the New Testament.  Sorry, but it is not.  Loving your neighbor does not mean you have to let him take your life, life that God alone can give.  Revenge is forbidden; so is striking out to protect your pride.  That’s what “turning the other cheek” is about.  You can choose not to defend yourself, which will be between you and Him alone, His will for you, not necessarily for me or anyone else.  If you are just cowardly and want to believe nothing can happen if you don’t think it, be that on your own head.  But don’t call someone else to do what you lack the physical and moral will to do yourself.  Want to read more?  Check this out:  http://davekopel.org/Religion.htm or contact me for a list of resources.

Churches should listen to the un-churched.  Myth!  We have had too many polls where people who don’t know Jesus from Derek Jeter are telling us what they don’t like about the church.  C’mon, let’s think for just a minute.  Believers are supposed to have a relationship with God, and the Holy Spirit is supposed to live within them and guide them.  I believe this is true in spite of the problems the church has.  So, why not ask Him what His church is supposed to be like.  Pastors, really all believers, are supposed to read the Bible, God’s Word, and get direction there.  Maybe the reason the church has some of the troubles I mentioned above is because we have made it a haven for folks with no relationship with God and who give no priority to His Word.

Thanks, I feel better!