Is religion something
made by man?
I cannot find that it was made by Jesus.
Discussion: Is religion something made by man?
In verse 22 of Acts, Paul finds himself taken to the
‘Mars hill’ in Athens, in order that the Athenians might hear of his “new
teachings.” He says to them, “I see that in every way you are very,” reverent
to demons. Literally that is what the Greek word means, reverent to demons, or
as most bibles soften the tone and write, “very religious.”
Posted by Karen W
Discussion:
Is religion something made by man?
I agree Emerson. Jesus didn't bring religion, He
brought Truth, and in it the law of love.
“Religion” is merely a manmade word used in cultural
language to express symbolic meaning to describe a belief system and an
associated set of moral values and codes to live by that attempt to relate and
connect humankind to the spiritual divine. While there are numerous types of
religion that different humans have constructed, for me, there is but one
Truth.
See John 1: The Word Became Flesh
"1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word
was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning. 3 Through
him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. 4 In
him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. 5 The light shines in
the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome[a] it……14 The Word became flesh
and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one
and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.”
Religion is manmade and man defined, therefore it
can mean different things to different people, but the Word Truth is from God
and is God. I do not confuse the word “religion” with “worship” or “Truth.”
Therefore, I do not worship (corruptible) religion. I worship and give priority
to the (incorruptible) TRUTH.
Amen (in truth),
CA
Posted by Carol Ann E, MBA
Discussion:
Is religion something made by man?
We should know what is true or pure Religion is...
Pure religion and undefiled before God and the
Father is this, to visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to
keep him unspotted from the world. James 1:27
yet we know that a person is not justified by works
of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, so we also have believed in
Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of
the law, because by works of the law no one will be justified-Galatians 2:16
Is it all about Faith and love?
And he did not do many miracles there because of
their lack of faith.-Matthew 13:58
Could it truly be unbelief? ....
5And he could there do no mighty work, except that
he laid his hands upon a few sick folk, and healed them.
6And he marveled because of their unbelief. And he
went round about the villages, teaching. -Mark 6
Who is whoever?
“Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me
will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do,
because I am going to the Father.-John 14:12
Look up in the Bible how many times Jesus said:
Your faith has healed you
Your faith has saved you
Your faith has made you well
We see this clearly here...
But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the
one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the
wind.-James 1:6
When you praying are you asking him for with the
right motives?
You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly,
to spend it on your passions.-James 4:3
Is it Faith?
I think Paul's statement... which is highly over
looked (just as Jesus' in John) in his letter... sum's true religion for me.
And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all
mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove
mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 1 Corinthians 13:2
Are you in and part of Christ's Law today?
There are only 2 according Jesus...
Jesus himself never gave them any laws, except the
law of love! When the self-righteous, hypocritical, religious leaders
questioned him, "Master, which is the great commandment in the law?” He
replied, "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, & with
all thy soul, & with thy entire mind. This is the first & great
commandment. And the second is like unto it, thou shalt love thy neighbor as
thyself."
He then shocked them by continuing to say, "on
these two commandments hang all the "law & the prophets." they
had hundreds of religious laws but Jesus told them that they now only needed
two: love God & love others!--that's all!
... Against such things there is no law."
Galatians 5:22-23.
I’m not talking of the New Age, John Lennon kind of
love... but the love that can only come from the Father... and the indwelling
of the Holy Spirit.
And you will know them by their fruits.... love,
joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and
self-control.
Why?
For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power
and love and self-control. 2 Timothy 1:7
Posted by Emerson L. F Jr.
Discussion:
Is religion something made by man?
I believe religion is a group of people who believe
in the same interpretation of the Bible. That is why there are so many
religions. They all have some kind of variance in their interpretation.
This is different from the church. Though all
believe they are correct in their religion, the Church are the people who are
"born again" into a relationship with the Holy Spirit, Jesus and God.
I do believe that you can find "born
again" Christians in many church buildings where some form of Christianity
is taught. You can also find those who are NOT "born again" and are
just going through the motions thinking they are paying for hell insurance.
I believe religion is manmade. Unless you are
attending a church building that teaches something other than the Holy Trinity,
I don't think God is too concerned with your religious ceremony. He is much
more interested in your relationship with Him.
From a "born again" position, He can work
inside you and move you to where He wants you. As long as you think you’re in
control, He will wait till you’re desperate enough to truly cry out to Him. Then
He will step in once invited.
At that time, when you surrender ALL control of your
life over to Him, He will put you where you need to be in order to be
spiritually fed and you can produce good fruit.
In His Love,
Bruce
Posted by Bruce M
Discussion:
Is religion something made by man?
Brother William,
This concept that G-d sees All Things from The End
of Time and His View extends from before The Foundations of The Worlds were
ever laid down before The Beginning of our Time-Space Continuum. This is as
Jewish as it gets and it is not any part of any religion that man has formed in
his mind, or even as The Greek's have postulated at thought.
This concept comes from The Word of G-d and it is
how The Hebrew People have understood about how our G-d Works. This is outside
of the 4 dimensions of our Time-Space Continuum which we all are living in and
are a part of, Physics has given us this mathematical study, but G-d does not
live inside of our space or time. G-d has no Physical Laws that puts this kind
of limitation upon Him, yet He is small enough to Live within our heart.
Religion is from the mind of man, and it is a
creation of how we think in our imagination.
But G-d on the other hand is not part of our mind's
imagination, but He IS THE ONE who formed us with His Hands into The very Image
of G-d, to be of His Workmanship and represent Him here on the Earth, in our
daily living for Him.
Shalom, Lee...
Posted by Lee O
Discussion:
Is religion something made by man?
You really need to read the book The End from the
Beginning to see that Judaism and Christianity are all interlinked in Jesus the
Anointed One, the Christ (Greek), the Messiah (Hebrew). The work of the anti-Christ
has been going on since the Garden of Eden and it has not stopped even today...
but that day is coming.
Posted by William K
Discussion:
Is religion something made by man?
Good points, Robert. It is a matter of 'being the
church', and following Christ, Who is the Head of the Church.
On the First Day of Creation, God Said, "Let
there be Light." The word Moses used for Light translates, Love, Joy and
Life. (Which is opposite of the word he used for the Darkness - Woe, Misery and
Death). John 1: 1-18, John not only tells us that Jesus is the Word of God, is
God, and that He made all things; but also tells us that He was God in Flesh,
and is Grace and Truth. In John 14:6, Jesus says, "I am the way, the Truth
and the Life: no man cometh unto the Father except by me...
Thus worship, (religion), is not only our paying
divine honors to God and expressing our adoration for Creation and Grace; but
growing in maturity through dedication to the scriptures and daily faithful
fellowship with our Savior. However, the scriptures, (as Robert pointed out)
has become more 'self-interpretive' - which is extremely dangerous. Nothing,
including what our parents and schools have taught us, is self-interpretive -
and yet there are many who place their souls upon the scales of eternity based
upon worldly opinions. Yet, before we become too hasty with casting blame away
from the church, we do need to genuinely look at our own life as a Christ-like
example, as well as the church's dedication to Christian education.....
Technology is great; but it is merely a tool. I'm
not saying that people have not been saved by viewing a website; but eye to eye
contact / follow me following Christ / and mature availability to the new babes
in Christ goes beyond a Sunday School lesson, Sunday services, and Thursday
night Bible studies.....
New Christians still daily face an influential
world. Today, a Christian becomes a target and immediately inherits many
enemies. Carol Ann's introduction of C.S. Lewis' 'The Screwtape Letters'
clearly defines Satan and his demonic realm busily trying to warp the minds of
anyone professing Christ as Savior. Worshipping a god who more so fits our
character is tastier than Following a Savior of Life and Truth - for Truth,
although good for the belly, does not always taste good and places more strict
regulations on Life. Yet, Jesus did say that the path of the world is broad;
but His Way is narrow....
Being human, I do sin; but by consistently examining
my Love of God and Christ-like example, daily and frequently going to God in
prayer, setting aside time each day for scriptures, and readily opening my
mouth to the Fruits of the Spirit, (especially humility) -I discover Life's
True Value in Christ, rightly dividing the Word of Truth is less challenging,
loving my neighbor as myself is more intoxicating, and being a Christian
becomes easier and more spiritually rewarding each day. Thus, as my Christ-like
example improves, I not only find more time to instruct others about our
Savior; but oddly, several come to talk to me - and several of them I didn't
know until they introduced themselves....
The world expects a lot from Christians. Sometimes
their expectations are rather foolish; but the world is more receptive to a
Christian who lives and leads by Christ-like example, than someone who
professes Christ while leaning towards worldly practices. Thus, we as the
actual church, must grow toward maturity in Christ, and as the Body of Christ
we shall be a spiritual influence and grow in strength. Now, notice I did not
say we would grow in numbers. For Christianity is about Christ, not
percentages. We are going to have enemies, we are going to be persecuted, and
we are going to be tempted. Prophecy tells us that we shall dwindle down to an
'elect remnant'; but it is a greater glorification unto God for our links to be
strong v. long. Indeed, many shall come but few shall be chosen - but those few
whom we help grow in Christ, shall inherit the Kingdom of God.
Posted by Richard M
Discussion:
Is religion something made by man?
"Religion" seems to have become defined as
legalism in contemporary Christian circles. Relationship with Jesus is not a
legalistic one but a passionate one. The word "religion" has broader
shades of meaning than this, however, such as in James 1:27.
Posted by Andy N
Discussion:
Is religion something made by man?
You know, I am going to throw another response to
this. I responded recently to this a bit more direct, but I feel this question
merits a broader answer because we are not dealing with a specific thing but a
general matter.
Since the beginning (you can read this in Genesis in
the very early chapters) and down through the millennia to present day, man
(and I am speaking of mankind, not just the male gender) is religious. We have
our beliefs of what is right and what is wrong, formed by varying sources. We
have our beliefs of who is rewarded and who is condemned. We have our beliefs
of what is good, what is gray, and what is bad (never evil, just bad). And I
cannot blame in singular preacher, generation, material item (El Nino,
television, media, democrats/republicans, global warming, Darwin). This has
existed since virtually the foundation of the world.
What all this boils down to is either the acceptance
or the denial of truth. We are really good at rationalizing and arguing what we
perceive is true. “Well my God won’t…” and “God wouldn’t…” are a couple of the
many variations that later becomes a religious belief and eventually left
unchecked becomes a denomination/fellowship. Ezekiel talks about a plumb line
or a measuring rod. We later see this same instance in Revelation. There is a
standard. There is exactness. How many of us know if we were build a house with
boards cut with measurements of “that looks good/close enough”, none of the
doors would close properly, cabinets would fall, and rooms would be off. So
just like a carpenter uses (and I am dating myself because now people use
lasers) a framing square, level, and measuring tape (measuring sticks, whatever
you care to use or call it) to make sure everything is just right, there is a
determiner that clarifies life and helps us understand what is true.
The truth is the Gospel. Although people want to
argue the accuracy of the translations, the Bible is the truth. It is an
instrument to be used to take life and measure against it to see if it is
correct. Often we do the opposite. We live life and try to find scripture to
match up what we believe or wish to do. We will even lie by saying “I prayed
about it” and because God didn’t harshly and immediately judge it, we must be
on the correct path.
I do not know about the church you (and I speaking
to a general audience) attend, but my church (the pastor) tells us to open our
Bibles at the beginning of his sermon to a key text and will identify scripture
for you to look it up yourself during the sermon. That is done so you
understand why he said what he said. If you have questions, you are always
welcome to ask. I am not saying our church is better if yours does not do that.
I am simply saying that the Bible is what we (as Christians) measure with. The
Bible is what we should believe. In that, life, what we believe, and how we
live can be rather simple to understand and go through.
So the question I would like to return in asking,
are you making a religion or are you being shaped by the Bible and; therefore,
being turned into a new creation?
Posted by Robert W
Discussion:
Is religion something made by man?
In the ending of CS Lewis' Screwtape Proposes A
Toast:
The demonic character in Hell says it best as he
finds the "Pharisee" the most "delicious." They all had
"self-righteousness in common". And before raising his glass to toast
the graduates of the Tempter's Training College he says: " ...it will be
an ill day for us if what most humans mean by "religion" ever
vanishes from Earth. It can still send us the truly delicious sins. The fine
flower of unholiest can grow only in the close neighborhood of the Holy.
Nowhere do we tempt so successfully as on the very steps of the alter."
Perhaps religion was meant to mean worship, but in a
fallen world our words are as CS Lewis puts it "corrupted." Words
make up the language from which culture grows and evolves. "Religion"
is indeed one of those words that have become warped in meaning and
interpretation in the mere hands and mouths of humankind.
Posted by Carol Ann E, MBA
Discussion:
Is religion something made by man?
Jesus never said to follow religion, or his
followers. Jesus said to follow him
Posted by Blake E
Discussion:
Is religion something made by man?
James declares what pure and undefiled religion is.
Religion as we view with the various denominations all vying who is
"closer" to God is purely man made. People should live for God by
reading His word and living the life the Bible declares we should live, learn
mistakes, grow in the teaching/preaching of His Word, and fellowshipping with a
sincere desire that we all grow closer to God united. That is what God
intended. Read about the early church in Acts. There was no competition. There
was no inner fighting (not until there were issues of gentiles and the circumcision).
Posted by Robert W
Discussion:
Is religion something made by man?
I think of "religion" as man's search for
God. My definition of Christianity is just the opposite: "God's
"search" for man (after all, we were lost.....in more ways than one,
pun intended) Christianity is a relationship not a religion, so, I would say
"yes", religion is man-made, by that definition. This is my personal
opinion, of course.
Posted by Susan D
Discussion:
Is religion something made by man?
John has a good observation. Religion, at least to
me, denotes systems of doctrines, rules, organization, etc. This is definitely
man's creation and not that of God's.
Posted by Barbara P
Discussion:
Is religion something made by man?
Good question, John. In answer to your question, I'm
going to go the long way around the barn and begin with the meaning of the
word, religion...The actual translation of the word religion (as taken from the
OT Hebrew Septuagint, as well as the OT Hebrew translated to NT Greek
Septuagint) is worship, worshipper, pure worship, ceremonial worship, sect,
Judaism, Tabernacle. Even including Strong's Concordance, the word religion
derives from the above root words. Thus, religion is worship, and is something
that is deep within us. I personally believe that during the creation of man,
God's breath into man included the need to worship. God is Sovereign Creator,
Jesus is our Savior, the Holy Spirit is Truth, God's Grace is Sufficient, God
Blesses, etc. - we therefore thank God through worship, because God knows that our
mortal faith, love worship, and Godly works through the talents and gifts He
has endowed unto us, is all we have to give unto HIM, which is rightfully due
unto HIM. Of course, by one man did sin enter into the world, and among other
things sin begat and nurtured confusion? We still have the need to worship; but
not necessarily Sovereign, Creator God. This includes atheist and agnostics.
Say what they will, we humans are incapable of seeing the private / secret
moments of one's heart. God can, and knows what's really happening....
Denominations, on the other hand, are manmade. I
personally enjoy what I call Body of Christ Fellowship. Whosoever believes in
Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, I am pleased to fellowship with. I'm not a
denominational man. In the early beginnings of the Church, each church was independent
- yet would immediately come to the aide of another church - their fellow
brothers and sisters, brides of Christ. Too bad it's not that way today. The
world would be in less turmoil. But we humans do have a tendency to fix what
works.
Have a Blessed day.
Rick
Posted by Richard M
Discussion:
Is religion something made by man?
I believe so, because God and Jesus are both spiritual.
God requires us to worship Him in spirit. There you will find passion and love.
Religion is a set of rules formed by man such as what to wear or when to
worship and so on.
Posted by eLATION MAGAZINE
Discussion:
Is religion something made by man?
Religion is man's attempt to reach, to appease and
to explain God. Jesus is God's attempt to reach and to connect with man. Jesus
is God's choice as an avenue for relationship. Religion is man's attempt to
circumvent God's established route with a pathway of his own creation.
Posted by Cinthia P
Discussion:
Is religion something made by man?
Yes religion is manmade. A read through the gospels
will reveal the confrontation of Jesus and manmade religion. "...Ye who is
without sin cast the first stone." (John 8:1)
Blessings,
John
Posted by John R
Discussion:
Is religion something made by man?
I am not sure I understand the exact question. There
is nothing that is not God's creation. But, we know that religion existed prior
to the arrival of Jesus. He was after all a Rabbi. As a young Jewish boy He
entered the temple and stayed for extended periods: ""Why were you
searching for me?" he asked: “Didn't you know I had to be in my Father's
house?" (Luke 2:49) So I guess I don't quite understand the question?
Posted by Bill S, CPCU
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