Leaving Bad Religion
Posted on 06. Apr, 2010 by Angie Wyatt in Blog
Loading ...What’s the difference between a sinner and a “religious” person who’s constantly afraid of sinning? Both have focused on sin. And, both have lost sight of the real goal. Are you focused on Sin?
Spiritual Wellness is a journey that requires focus on the goal. The goal is the Truth. Religion is a preoccupation with sin that taints everything we hear, see and touch. On the journey, we must not become preoccupied with sin. We must keep our eyes on the road, and be aware of the signs that lead us to Truth.
Over the years, I’ve encountered countless examples of religion getting in the way of the Truth. In one instance, a mom berated her daughter for listening to an Isley Brothers record. The mother cried, “Itch your thing, how disgusting!” Of course, the words are “IT’S your thing, do what you want to do.” This mom was distracted by the pretense of sin, losing sight of what really matters in life … her daughter’s love of music. Fortunately, this mother and daughter reconciled and now laugh at the memory.
Religion was the greatest obstacle to Jesus’ ministry. While He healed the sick and fed the hungry, His accusers blamed Him of abolishing the law. Jesus criticized his religious opponents as blind hypocrites and blind guides!
Today, many Christians are blinded from the Truth. A pervasive fear of sinning cripples their spiritual progress, leading them away from the light. Fear not! Light overcomes darkness.
Have you become preoccupied with sin? Do you obsess about being “good enough” for God? Do you worry whether your church will approve of your decisions? Focus on God’s goodness, love and grace. Focus on His nature, and you will follow the signs to your destiny.
How have you stayed focused on Truth, rather than on religion? Share your thoughts.
10 Responses to “Leaving Bad Religion”
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Rosemarie
13. Jul, 2010
To resit sin, live in love with yourself and others and do the good things like Jesus did. I do not worry if the church will approve of my desicisions. I will obey God every day, even it’s not always easy. I do not walk through the day and ask me all the time is it sin what I’m doing or is it good. I pray to the Lord and ask him for forgivness if he sees something I did wrong. – My opinion we must have faith and not religion. For me faith is the truth. Faith in Jesus and the scriptures. – I’m not focused on sin or religion. As I mentioned above, I’m rather focused on faith. – - Blessings, Rosemarie
mom4him
13. Jul, 2010
Awesome truth writen here. Jesus NEVER focused on the sin except one time, with the money changers. Thanks for this posting.
Ken
13. Jul, 2010
Excellent post.
Monastics would call what you are referring to “scrupulosity.” A dictionary says, “The term is derived from the Latin scrupulum, a sharp stone, implying a stabbing pain on the conscience.”
There is a world of a difference between the legitimate conviction of the Holy Spirit and an unhealthy preoccupation with and fear of sin.
Mary Jo Pierce
13. Jul, 2010
Angie, great post! I thought of it several times today when lunching with someone … not wanting to be “distracted by the pretense of sin, losing sight of what really matters in life.” Thanks for the gold nugget!
Jan-Michael
13. Jul, 2010
Your question, Angie
“How have you stayed focused on Truth, rather than religion?”
is for myself, not one I would answer as it requires a choice which is not something I feel a need to do.
I believe most things can be put to positive or negative uses whether it be religion, Christianity, Truth whatever….
I see your Dad taking the messages of Jesus trying to relate them to “Everyday Life” and for me that is positive religion. (By the way, hope the filming has gone well in Denton, Texas)…the people there seem very excited as I read the Denton Register Chronical….back to your main topic… Now the way I see it, religion per se is not the problem. People mis-using religion to fit their beliefs and agenda is the problem encountered time and again in churches and religions.
But, I (we) have to sort out the JESUS centered part from self-serving dogmas or rules made by a particular church, minister or parishioner.
So, that expression, “don’t throw out the baby with the bathwater” comes to my mind. I need Truth and Religion as I find some of each in the other. Hope that is understandable to all readers.
Finally, I am focusing on seeking the Truth in prayer and slowing down my expectations of immediate answers from Him, trying to be as patient as He knows He has had to be patient with me as a slow learner, but I am getting there.
For interest the following definitions were found by copying and pasting into your browser line for definng religion:
http://thesaurus.reference.com/browse/religion
So, my life is finding Truth and one of the roads I try is religion. That road has some bumps but it is still one I will always want in my life.
God is blessing you and yours…
Jan-Michael (Toronto, Canada)
rosemarie
13. Jul, 2010
Jan-Michael, you say you need “Truth and Religion”. Do you make a difference between religion and faith? Not easy to explain. – My opinion. We are born in religion made from men. Faith comes from the heart soul, deep in the body of a person. It’s connected with love and we are believers and faithful because we think it’s the truth. – Blessings Rosemarie
Jan-Michael
13. Jul, 2010
As we celebrate Thanksgiving weekend in Canada we know He is blessing you and yours wherever you reside.
With Love and the following prayer
J-M
We Give Thanks
Our Father in Heaven,
We give thanks for the pleasure
Of gathering together for this occasion.
We give thanks for this food
Prepared by loving hands.
We give thanks for life,
The freedom to enjoy it all
And all other blessings.
As we partake of this food,
We pray for health and strength
To carry on and try to live as You would have us.
This we ask in the name of Jesus.
AMEN
Jan-Michael
13. Jul, 2010
To Rosemarie in answer to your question re Religion, Truth, Faith:
Yes, I perceive Religion and Truth and Faith as complimentary to eachother, in my way of using the terms.
I see many good opportunities in Religion if one is finding the way to His Truth and practicing Faith.
He is blessing you and yours
J-M
Angie
13. Jul, 2010
To Jan-Michael & Rosemarie,
My next post is about healing the wounds of bad religion. Stay tuned for the 3rd blog on religion – Good Religion. I think this will tie things together in our conversation.
J-M – we receive your thanksgiving blessing with joy! Angie
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