Good Religion

Posted on 06. Apr, 2010 by Angie Wyatt in Blog

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This is your life.  It’s your story. But, are you really the main character? If you answer “yes,” then you may have fallen into what is known in some circles as, “bad religion” or a “false Gospel.” Bad religion is easily identified, as the main character or focus is always You.

What is good religion?  “Good” or “healthy” religion centers around who God is – His character and His nature. In good religion, God is the focus of every Biblical story, theological tradition and spiritual experience. Like the main character in a novel, God is the main character in our life’s story. The story is always Christ-centered.

As a child, my elementary teacher introduced me to The Chronicles of Narnia. If you have not seen the movie or read the novels, Narnia is a magical Kingdom where children become legendary heroes who learn to conquer evil.  Throughout the story, the children are guided and protected by Aslan the Lion King. Aslan’s presence is always with the children, but they rarely see him.

One day, the teacher asked me, “Who is the main character in The Chronicles of Narnia?” I was stumped! With so many children in the story, who could possibly be the main character? Her explanation excited me even as a child. “It’s Aslan,” she proclaimed!

Aslan is rarely physically present throughout the series. However, his felt presence impacts nearly every scene. In this way, his character development sets the context for the entire story.  At one point in the novel Lucy, one of the heroic children, asks the question, “Is Aslan is safe?” To her amazement, she learns, “He’s not safe, but he is good.”  Naturally, we come to learn Alsan is a metaphor for Christ.

The same is true of God. Because He’s not physically seen, it’s so tempting to approach life with ME at the center. “Good” religion is a journey of learning to remove self as the focus, and keeping God as the main character of your life’s story.

In what areas of your life have you become the main character?  Ask God to show you how He is the main character in your life.  Share your thoughts with us.

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7 Responses to “Good Religion”

  1. Tony Tiger

    13. Jul, 2010

    It’s a shame that Disney had ripped so much off of those metaphors and connections that CSL did between his character with Christ… Now you have Santa Claus working for the belic industry, giving weapons around.

  2. Angie

    13. Jul, 2010

    T- That’s hilarious! Thanks for the laugh.

  3. Rosemarie

    13. Jul, 2010

    Angie, I begin with bad religion. – A person who announce the good message to the own purpose and is doing it for money to live a great and wealthy life and is punishing his “sheeps” for every bagatelle and want money that the sins/evil are forgiven. – Good religion is that the good message is announced with love and compassion to tell the people how they can live a good and helthy life. God/Jesus are the center and we are around him. – Nice, wise story. I never heared of it. – Blessings Rosemarie

  4. Michelle

    13. Jul, 2010

    His story is the only one worth telling… :)

  5. Shari

    13. Jul, 2010

    excellent Angie!!! I miss our long talks in Scotland!!! Well anywhere for that matter! :)

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