About a million years ago, I met Jimmy. He owned a barbeque place and I frequent such places. He and I quickly became friends and have maintained our friendship over 40 years. Because we are both philosophers, and have pretty well solved most of the world’s problems, if the world would just listen to us.
A few days ago, he and I got onto the subject of religion. Notice that I said, religion. Many of the world’s problems are created by religion. Religion has and always will divide people. Even to the point of destroying each other. Cultures and religions are the real issues, not race or class. People by nature want to dictate to others how to live their lives.
I can’t count the number of times that “religious” people have caused me misery and pain. And, they always act like it is my problem. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t have a problem with people sharing their beliefs, but when they knowingly do wrong under the name of their religion, I have a problem with that.
Jimmy shared he had a man at his work that came on strong to him and Jimmy politely informed him that he does not discuss religion. Then he later explained to the fellow, that he is always happy to talk about Christianity. Christianity in its truest form, is not a religion. But, when someone comes on strong in the name of Christianity, they are just being religious.
Churches, temples and mosques are full of religious people. Jimmy and I agree that we are all sinners. The trick is to try to allow Him to make you better, without you hurting anyone else.
That’s Christianity.
PMO
©2015
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